The Kansas City Royals have surprised just about everyone this season, getting off to a hot start and holding the AL Central Division lead mid-April. BetOnline.com has the Los Angeles Angels -149 odds favorites against the Kansas City Royals +139 with the over/under set at 8.5 runs at -105 juice.
A few of Kansas City's young stars look like they may be enjoying breakout seasons. Third baseman Alex Gordon, who has drawn comparisons to Royal great George Brett, was hitting over .300 with three homers and seven RBIs in his first 13 games of 2008. Gordon showed signs of improvement after last season's All-Star break and is continuing his progress this year.
His improved efforts have been mirrored by future batting champion Billy Butler, who was hitting an impressive .375 through his first 13 games with a .434 OBP. Butler has hit safely in each of those games, and he hit his first home run of the season against Seattle on Monday. The offensive support bodes well for Wednesday's starter, Gil Meche, who has struggled in three starts this year. Meche was very solid a year ago after the team was criticized for signing him to a massive contract. He's been banged around in his second year as a Royal, giving up 14 runs and 19 hits in 17.2 innings.
The Los Angeles Angels, meanwhile, have been doing some snappy hitting of their own. The team led the American League in batting averaging and runs after Monday's games. Chone Figgins is off to a torrid start, hitting nearly .400 to open the season, while Vladdy Guerrero is up to his usual tricks, leading the team in RBIs.
Jered Weaver gets the call for Los Angeles on the mound. Weaver has been solid if unspectacular this season, going 1-2 in three starts with a 3.79 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. All he has to do is be solid, though, the way the Angels are swinging the bats right now. He's pitched well against K.C. in four career starts, going 2-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Meche has lots of experience against L.A., going 7-2 in 17 career starts with a 5.13 ERA.
Both teams are playing well, but Meche is struggling a bit right now. Check the betting lines, but that's reason enough to give the hard-hitting Los Angeles Angels an edge over the Kansas City Royals. Get your Free MLB Pick in Now!
Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels, Wednesday @ 10:05 p.m. ET
Free MLB Pick: Los Angeles Angels
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