While none of these matchups is quite as exciting as Braveheart AND Gladiator being released on blu-ray today, and with football betting season so far away, we’ll take a look at a couple of the better games anyway for the sports gamblers and break ‘em down.

White Sox at Minnesota: I’m just about ready to say forget about the Sox – Peavy or Peavyless. They’ve shown so many times how they’re the worst team in baseball with runners in scoring position (about .220), and just have a complete lack of killer instinct against any team, nevermind the top teams in the AL. But if they tank this series at Minnesota (winning only 1 or 0 games), then it’s definitely over, and you can watch the Twins and Tigers to see who’ll squeak out of the AL Central in 2009. The one steady spot for the Sox in the rotation has been John Danks, even though the Sox have only won 6 of the last 10 he’s started, his ERA has been down and he’s been getting guys out. It hasn’t been Danks’ fault the team has slid so far. The Twins offer Nick Blackburn, who’s not your best K option with only 68 this season. That means guys put the ball in play, and he has a 4.3 ERA and 8-9 record to show for it. It seems like nobody can run away with the AL Central yet, but even with Danks, the Twins just destroy the Sox at home, and with the way the Sox are playing, you can safely bet this series won’t be any different. Twins -140, Sox +125. Bet the Twins.

Boston at Tampa: Sticking with an all AL preview this week, this East matchup has huge wild card implications. That’s right, Red Sox fans and football odds fans, there’s no guarantee yet your team is making the playoffs. While the Rangers continue to light it up in the West, the Rays are quietly only 4 back themselves, so this series could be another make or break for a team’s postseason chances. Kazmir used to be someone to throw your money behind, but his near-6 ERA and unimpressive record, not to mention disappointing 1.54 WHIP do not instill much confidence in the gambling community. Tim Wakefield, on the other hand, is doing that whole “fine wine” thing, posting an 11-3 mark so far and a 4.1 ERA. Both teams have been hitting well and playing above .500 ball, so this should be a nice series, but even as the home team, it’s tough to bet Tampa behind Kazmir right now, especially against the Sox. Pick ‘em at -110 each. I’d take Boston.