Originally Posted by Jensen

Plus 172?.....Naw-w-w...The general betting public is clearly overvaluing the Astros' starting pitcher Oswalt. That's not to say Oswalt doesn't have better stats than Chicago's starting pitcher Garland, mind you, because he does.....But +172?...Garland is no schlump, and he's pitching against weaker bats than Oswalt.The Whitesox have been needing 1.5 hits to score a run whereas the Astros have been needing 2.1 hits to score a run. The Whitesox have been getting 9.5 hits per 9 innings at bat, the Astros have been getting 8.8 hits per 9 innings at bat.....And there are bullpens to consider here, too. Going against Oswalt, we need at least +140, but we'd need at least +110 to take the Astros. Even though we think Houston figures to win this game more often than not, we have to like the value being offered by Chicago at +172.