Justin Morneau and Delmon Young have been absolutely sensational this entire season. Morneau is having an MVP-type campaign while Young continues to prove why he is touted as being one of the top young outfielders in the game. While he hasn't been hitting for much power, Joe Mauer has been steady throughout the entire season with his .310 batting average. Beyond that, Mauer is still the best defensive catcher in the game, and that is definitely worth what the Twins are currently paying him. Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, and Nick Blackburn have all had disappointing seasons up to this particular point. Blackburn has really been struggling as of late, as his season ERA now stands at 6.66. If the fans of the Twins are going to win their bets, they will need a terrific outing from one of the Twins' starters. Just too much is being put on the starter's shoulders, and the Rays are the free bet pick because of that very reason.

Matt Garza, Wade Davis, and especially James Shields have all underachieved so far in the 2010 season. Bettors who place their wager on the Rays have to be disappointed with the efforts that they are getting out of these three. Even with Garza's no-hitter, his season ERA is still above 4.00 while Davis and Shields also have ERAs in the high 4.00s. David Price and Jeff Niemann have been carrying the load for Tampa Bay and will continue to do so in the series against the Twins. As the league leaders in stolen bases, the Rays create runs for themselves by getting on base and being aggressive. This leads to increased run production and the fantastic record that Tampa Bay currently sports. Expect that trend to continue with Tampa Bay getting the free wager win at home.

It's very difficult to know what to expect out of two pitching staffs that have struggled so mightily up to this point in the season. Still, there is a sense in the Rays that you just don't see right now in the Twins. Tampa Bay knows that they have to keep winning to keep pace with the New York Yankees in the American League East. When you are placing your bets for this game, remember that the Rays need this game more than the Twins in terms of Playoff positioning. This should be all the motivation that Tampa Bay needs to get the free bet victory at Tropicana Field.