2011 Preakness betting players still have more than a week until the big race, so why not get in on some MLB action? There are a number of juicy matchups on the weekend slate in the majors, and here are a few tips to get you ready for your picks.

Red Sox Yankees Betting

These American League East rivals are meeting for the second time this season, as the Red Sox took two of three at Fenway Park last month. The Yankees have split their last 10 meetings at home with Boston, with four games going over the posted total, and two games ended in a push. (Matchup to watch: Saturday, 7:10 PM ET, Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. C.C. Sabathia)

Angels Rangers Betting

An American League West clash will go down in Texas this weekend as the Angels head to the Ballpark, where they have split their last 10 meetings. Five games fell under the posted total, along with a pair of pushes, and this will be the Angels’ second trip to Texas as they took two of three there in mid-April. (Matchup to watch: Friday, 8:05 PM ET, Jered Weaver vs. Alexi Ogando)

Phillies Braves Betting

In the National League, the East is the place to be as the Phillies travel to Turner Field, where they are 5-5 in their last 10 games. Seven of the games have gone over the posted total, and this will be the third series of the season between the two after they split the first six games. Don’t expect long odds for this series at your favorite online betting sites. (Matchup to watch:  Friday, 7:35 PM ET, Cole Hamels vs. Derek Lowe).

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While I mentioned at the beginning of last entry that UFC is a good cure for the winter blues, another healthy solution is to – obviously – think summer-y thoughts. Invest in a good lamp. Check out the upcoming spring/summer ’09 fashions. Buy self-tanning lotion. Browse summer sports futures at your sportsbook. Mainline some vitamin D. Do whatever you can to keep the cold, grey winter at bay!

And, of course, when I think summer, I think Major League Baseball.

It’s never too early to look forward at possible MLB rankings. Given last year’s blowout season – everybody loves a Cinderella story in the Rays, right? shame about those Phillies – and the hype already surrounding this year’s upcoming season, it’s no wonder that many sports betting fanatics are waiting with baited breath. So who’s got the best odds to take it all this season? Well, let’s see…

Chicago Cubs. My love for Chicago has already been documented here, but I like these guys, I really do. The “curse” has been holding them back, but all the elements are there for a big win, this year more than ever. They’ve also got great betting value at +700, so it can’t hurt to put some bucks down on the boys from Chitown (White Sox notwithstanding).

Also, if you can put aside the A-Rod scandal for a moment, can you really argue against the New York Yankees having a ball-busting season of greatness? Sure, you CAN argue that their star players are crazily overpaid, but perhaps this year we’ll see exactly why they deserve to get more money than God. Could a championship be in NY’s future? We’ll see.