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Despite a misleading box score, the Angels dominated the Yankees during Wednesday’s day game. The final score was 5-3, but the Yankees got some breaks to earn those runs, and the Angels missed opportunities to add to their lead. The starters on Wednesday were much more predictable than they are on Thursday, with both pitchers making their first starts of 2010. Phil Hughes’ debut is much anticipated in New York, with the club hoping he will be able to stay in the rotation for the entirety of the season. Unfortunately, however, he has not proven to be a reliable starter in his brief stints with the team. His relief work has been great, but the role of a relief pitcher is very different from that of a starter.

The Angels are starting Scott Kazmir. Kazmir built a name for himself in Tampa Bay, though he was originally drafted by the New York Mets. Kazmir has managed to live up to hype all of his life, from being a top prospect, to the (then) Devil Rays ace, and then even a dominant starter on the Angels. In 2009, Kazmir got off to a rough start with the Rays, who then dealt him to Anaheim. Once he got to the Angels, however, he dominated, maintaining an ERA below 2 in six starts. There is no reason Kazmir can’t continue this success in 2010, assuming that he is able to stay healthy. Injury is the only obstacle in Kazmir’s way.

Thursday’s game against the Yankees is the perfect way for Kazmir to kick off his season. Who wants to face the Yankees in their first start after some rehab work in single A? Scott Kazmir does. He has traditionally dominated every Yankees slugger, with the exception of Mark Teixeira. Much to Kazmir’s delight, Teixeira has been struggling, so his only roadblock might end up being a non-factor. Phil Hughes is a wildcard Thursday, and with all history considered, Kazmir has the clear pitching advantage.

The bet in this game is the money line. There is a legitimate chance that the Angels will crush Hughes and will get a strong showing from Kazmir. The Yankees might bounce back after Wednesday’s loss and chalk up a ton of runs, but you have to take your chances and play the odds in this spot. The Angels are at +156 on the money line, so even a 40% win rate will be very profitable. This is a win rate that is easily attainable with Kazmir on the mound for the Angels and Hughes starting for the Yankees.