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February 2012 MLB Events
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MLB: Toronto tilted towards totals system
2010-06-10
The Toronto Blue Jays have been kind to bettors this season cashing in at +10 units. However, they have dropped three straight and need a victory tonight versus the Tampa Bay Rays to avoid a sweep. Sportsbook.com currently has the visiting Jays as +128 underdogs.
The Blue Jays have a Major League leading 97 home runs and are tied for second in the American League with 34 quality starts.
Since Tampa Bay (39-20, +8.5) has gone from a one of the worst teams in baseball to one the best, Toronto has had almost no success against the Rays. They are 4-19 the last three years vs. Tampa Bay, after being torpedoed 9-0 and 10-1 in the first two games of this series.
The Jays will attempt to stem the tide, sending Brett Cecil (6-2, 3.43 ERA) to the mound. The second year left-hander has allowed a total of three runs in 23 1/3 innings over his last three starts. Cecil owns a four-game winning streak and has held opponents to a .170 batting average in this stretch. Even as well as Cecil has pitched, Toronto will need some offense and is 1-10 after scoring three runs or less three straight games.
Tampa Bay is 18-6 against left-handed starters this season and will look to get Wade Davis (5-5, 5.03) back on track, as he has a 10.80 ERA in his last three starts.
Sportsbook.com has Toronto as +128 money line underdogs, but more importantly the Blue Jays fit a ‘totals’ system for the final game of the series that is listed at 9 runs.
Play UNDER on all teams like Toronto when the total is 9 to 9.5, after scoring one run or less two straight games, against opponent after scoring 10 runs or more.
Dating back 13 years, this system is a money-making 31-8, 79.5 percent; with the average total score of 7.7 runs per game. Other circumstances also lend themselves to this being a winning play as Toronto is 17-5 UNDER after permitting 10 runs or more and Tampa Bay is 10-2 UNDER at Tropicana Field with a hot bullpen whose ERA is under 3.00 the last 15 games.
With home plate umpire Mike Winters 8-5 UNDER behind the plate, the odds could be your favor for this action this evening.
Don’t let these one-sided trends pass you buy, head over to Sportsbook.com now to wager on this or any other game on the Thursday MLB docket.
MLB: MLB Top Weekend Power Trends 4/9-4/11
2010-04-09
Perhaps not coincidentally, Major League Baseball plays its first full weekend of baseball while the NBA concludes its regular season weekend schedule over the next three days. Obviously it’s too early to know a whole lot about the teams after just a single series, but I’m sure if you ask the managers of every one of the 30 baseball teams, they’d like their clubs to start putting it in gear as soon as possible. With that in mind, it seems strange to think that only one team remains unbeaten, San Francisco, and one winless, Houston, headed into the first weekend. Meanwhile, expected contenders like Boston, Seattle, and the two teams from Los Angeles all looked flat against their first opponents. Let’s take a look at what this first weekend holds in store while also revealing a Top StatFox Power Trend from each series that you’ll want to keep in mind.
The best series in the American League this weekend puts the Yankees in Tampa to face the Rays in a battle of the last two league champions. New York is fresh off another big series versus a division rival in which it took two out of three from the Red Sox in Boston. The Yankees took five out of nine series meetings at “the Trop” last season. The Rays are also 2-1 after their first series, knocking off Baltimore in the first two games of the set while scoring four runs in each contest. Elsewhere in the A.L., expected top contenders will meet in the Central and West divisions as well. In Chicago, the Twins pay a visit, and as you’ll see below, will be trying to combat a recent pattern of struggles on the road versus left-handed starters. The Sox will be throwing John Danks in the series opener on Friday, as well as Mark Buehrle on Sunday, both southpaws. In Texas, the Rangers and Mariners will go head-to-head for three games, with each team trying to rebound from a series loss to open the season.
In the National League, baseball’s only remaining unbeaten team, the Giants, put their streak on the line against what is expected to be one of the league better teams in 2010, the Braves. Atlanta got off to a strong start by taking two of three from the Cubs, including a 16-run outburst on opening day. San Francisco meanwhile, swept the opening series in Houston by doing it both offensively and defensively, outscoring the Astros 18-6 in three games. In Milwaukee, the Brewers and Cardinals will renew their rivalry with three games, two to be televised nationally. Both clubs took two of three in their first season series, with Milwaukee knocking off Colorado and St. Louis turning back Cincinnati. Elsewhere, two-time defending N.L. champ Philadelphia will be in Houston, in a series to be highlighted by a stellar Sunday pitching matchup between Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt.
As we’ll try to do throughout the rest of the baseball season, here is this weekend’s list of Top StatFox Power Trends that you will want to consider as you build your baseball betting lineup for the weekend.
SAN DIEGO at COLORADO
COLORADO is 32-8 (+17.0 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more over the last 2 seasons. The average score was COLORADO 6.6, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 1*)
ATLANTA at SAN FRANCISCO
ATLANTA is 27-16 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ATLANTA 5.3, OPPONENT 3.7 - (Rating = 1*)
CHICAGO CUBS at CINCINNATI
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-29 (-19.6 Units) against the money line as an underdog of +100 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 3.3, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 3*)
WASHINGTON at NY METS
WASHINGTON is 24-57 (-22.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 3 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 4.1, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 1*)
LA DODGERS at FLORIDA
GONZALEZ is 45-29 OVER (+15.2 Units) in April games as the manager of FLORIDA. The average score was FLORIDA 5.1, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 1*)
PHILADELPHIA at HOUSTON
PHILADELPHIA is 10-0 OVER (+10.2 Units) in road games in April games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 7.2, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 3*)
ST LOUIS at MILWAUKEE
ST LOUIS is 36-19 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons. The average score was ST LOUIS 5.2, OPPONENT 3.8 - (Rating = 0*)
PITTSBURGH at ARIZONA
PITTSBURGH is 22-58 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 3.5, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 1*)
CLEVELAND at DETROIT
DETROIT is 68-80 (-29.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. The average score was DETROIT 4.6, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 1*)
TORONTO at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 47-100 (-35.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.4, OPPONENT 5.9 - (Rating = 0*)
NY YANKEES at TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY is 13-1 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a top-level team (Win Pct. > 62%) over the last 3 seasons. The average score was TAMPA BAY 6.6, OPPONENT 3.3 - (Rating = 2*)
SEATTLE at TEXAS
SEATTLE is 38-23 UNDER (+11.7 Units) as an underdog of +100 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SEATTLE 3.7, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 0*)
BOSTON at KANSAS CITY
BOSTON is 28-4 (+22.8 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 5.2 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 7.0, OPPONENT 3.8 - (Rating = 4*)
MINNESOTA at CHI WHITE SOX
MINNESOTA is 20-41 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 4.7, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 1*)
OAKLAND at LA ANGELS
OAKLAND is 52-30 UNDER (+17.3 Units) as a road underdog of +100 to +150 over the last 3 seasons. The average score was OAKLAND 3.8, OPPONENT 4.6 - (Rating = 1*)
MLB: Top MLB Weekend Power Trends 8/7-8/9
2009-08-07
The stretch run continues in Major League Baseball with another full set of action this weekend. As the contenders continue to be separated from the pretenders, there are a number of series’ that loom large for some teams’ postseason prospects. In fact, this might be one of the most impactful weekends we’ve seen in awhile in baseball. Read on as we take a look at all of the key matchups, then reveal our weekly list of Top StatFox Power Trends to consider in your wagering over the next few days.
In the N.L. East Division, Philadelphia is comfortably ahead of both the Marlins and Braves. Unfortunately for those chasing teams, they will be on the road taking on the league’s best two clubs. Florida visits the Phillies, and while on the surface it would seem to be an ideal situation for the Marlins to make up ground in a hurry, don’t forget that the defending champs swept a series in Miami just a few weeks back. In two of those games, the Fish were shut out. Philly’s 25-15 divisional record is a big reason they sport a 7-game lead in the standings. The Braves meanwhile will be in Los Angeles taking on the Dodgers, who continue to boast the N.L.’s best record. Both teams seem to be spinning their wheels at this point in the season though, with identical 5-7 marks in their last 12 games.
In the N.L. Central, the division leading Cubs & Cardinals are both on the road, while chasers Milwaukee and Houston will be going head-to-head. Chicago faces the toughest test, playing in Colorado. However, the Cubbies own an 11-4 edge in the head-to-head series over the last three seasons. The Cardinals meanwhile, are in Pittsburgh for a 3-game set. The Pirates have lost five in a row and 10 of their last 12, but did take two-of-three from St. Louis at home back in May. The Brewers/Astros series will be an interesting one in that both teams remain within 5-games of the top spot in the division. Houston has cooled since its mid-season surge, going just 3-9 in its L12 games. Milwaukee meanwhile, comes off a series win in Los Angeles to get back to .500. This begins a critical stretch of 22 straight games against teams with losing records for the Brew Crew. If they hope to repeat their postseason appearance of 2008, they need to make hay now.
In the American League, most eyes will be fixed on New York, where the Yankees and Boston will be continuing a key 4-game set. Entering play on Thursday, New York held a slim 1-1/2 game lead in the East Divison, but boosted that by a game by whipping the Red Sox, 13-6. The win was important for the Yankees not only in the divisional picture, but also because of the fact that it snapped an 8-game losing streak to the Sox this season. New York boasts a 36-17 record at home in 2009, while Boston slipped to 27-28 on the road with Thursday’s loss.
The other two divisions in the Junior Circuit boast big series’ as well. In Detroit, it could be last gasp time for the Twins, as they head into the Motor City chasing 4-1/2 games in the standings. Minnesota has played some of its best ball in divisional games this year though, going 21-14 overall and 6-2 against the Central-leading Tigers. In the West, the Rangers face the same exact scenario as the Twins in terms of standings and home/road dichotomy. They are also chasing 4-1/2 games and headed to the home of the club they are chasing, the Angels. Like Minnesota, Texas also owns a huge edge in divisional record, as the Rangers are 22-12 vs. West foes, while the Angels are just 14-17. They’ll need that pattern to continue if they hope to pick up valuable ground. In the head-to-head series, Texas owns a 7-2 mark this season.
It should be an exciting weekend in Major League Baseball, one filled with fabulous wagering opportunities. Be sure to visit the Game Matchups page daily for the latest key game info, and also don’t neglect the following Top StatFox Power Trends as you build your daily wagering cards.
FLORIDA at PHILADELPHIA
FLORIDA is 11-6 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was FLORIDA 4.9, OPPONENT 3.7 - (Rating = 1*)
ST LOUIS at PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH is 9-34 (-20.9 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams allowing 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 3.7, OPPONENT 5.8 - (Rating = 1*)
ARIZONA at WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON is 24-54 (-28.0 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 4.1, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 1*)
MILWAUKEE at HOUSTON
MILWAUKEE is 21-31 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. The average score was MILWAUKEE 4.6, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 1*)
CHICAGO CUBS at COLORADO
COLORADO is 81-52 (+23.5 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was COLORADO 5.3, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 1*)
NY METS at SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO is 11-28 (-17.5 Units) against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SAN DIEGO 3.8, OPPONENT 5.6 - (Rating = 1*)
ATLANTA at LA DODGERS
ATLANTA is 21-36 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in road games vs. an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ATLANTA 4.4, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)
CINCINNATI at SAN FRANCISCO
CINCINNATI is 3-15 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season. The average score was CINCINNATI 3.4, OPPONENT 5.5 - (Rating = 1*)
BOSTON at NY YANKEES
BOSTON is 18-30 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 4.4, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 2*)
BALTIMORE at TORONTO
BALTIMORE is 34-72 (-32.6 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.3, OPPONENT 5.7 - (Rating = 1*)
MINNESOTA at DETROIT
MINNESOTA is 62-40 (+16.5 Units) against the money line vs. an average bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 to 4.50 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 5.0, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*)
CLEVELAND at CHI WHITE SOX
CHI WHITE SOX are 76-50 (+22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHI WHITE SOX 5.3, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 1*)
OAKLAND at KANSAS CITY
KANSAS CITY is 15-4 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was KANSAS CITY 5.3, OPPONENT 3.6 - (Rating = 0*)
TEXAS at LA ANGELS
LA ANGELS are 27-13 (+13.9 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better this season. The average score was LA ANGELS 5.7, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 2*)
TAMPA BAY at SEATTLE
TAMPA BAY is 18-6 UNDER (+11.0 Units) in road games vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was TAMPA BAY 3.8, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)
MLB: Useful Baseball Betting Info
2009-06-16
Sometimes in sports betting, particularly in baseball, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind and possibly overlook some obvious and powerful numbers. For instance, with Interleague play in full swing again this week, did you know that the Minnesota Twins are 19-5 in their last 24 games versus the National League? That would have been nice to know before their weekend series at the Cubs, right? Well, over the next three days, they are hosting Pittsburgh. Here’s some more key facts for you to chew on before you hit the confirm button on your wagers over the next few days.
The Florida Marlins swept Toronto on the road over the weekend and are 4-2 in interleague play in 2009. The Marlins are the top OVER team in baseball at 35-27-3 (56.5 percent) and have a number of atypical numbers that should get every sports bettor thinking. The Fish lead Major League baseball in striking out the most and their pitchers strike out the most batters, adding to natural air conditioning at Landshark Stadium when Florida is home or playing away games.
Florida’s home stadium is considered an almost neutral ballpark for hitters and pitchers, yet Marlins relievers have 5.78 ERA at home and 1.98 ERA on the road. The Florida bullpen has blown eight of 14 save attempts in the home white uniforms yet have converted eight of nine in traveling grays.
With so much talk in recent years about the importance of a quality bullpen, what gets lost is what solid starting staff can do for a team. The San Francisco Giants had the oldest team in baseball and knew they had to become younger and restock the farm system after years of trying to surround Barry Bonds with veteran players trying to win division titles. The strength of the team had become its young starting pitching, with the likes of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain.
The everyday lineup would become a work in progress; nevertheless, playing in a pitcher’s park, pitching and defense would have to carry the Giants for now. San Fran is the fourth best bet in baseball at +7.1 units and 34-28 on the year. They have accomplished this despite being 28th in runs scored and on-base percentage and dead last in home runs (34).
The laid-back Lincecum (6-1, 2.66 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) has pitched about as expected and Cain, after dropping some weight, has really come into his own (9-1, 2.39, 1.26). Veterans Randy Johnson and Barry Zito have had rocky outings, but have given the team a chance to win as often as not. Only Jonathan Sanchez has been a real disappointment at 2-6. Manager Bruce Bochy has also had the luxury of trotting out the same group of five pitchers all season, a real rarity.
The San Francisco bullpen has pitched very well of late with 1.29 ERA in last seven games, moving up to eight overall. With the starters taking the pressure off the relievers, Bochy is able to go into late innings with set-up men and closer in place, making everyone more productive, explaining why the Giants have won 14 of last 19, despite not much run support.
Maybe Peter Coors of Coors Brewing is right, there is something in the water in the Rocky Mountains. The Colorado Rockies have again put together one of those out of nowhere streaks, with 11 consecutive wins and are within a game of .500 at 31-32 (+0.9). What was the cause and effect for such a drastic turnaround? The players were forced to look in the mirror after Clint Hurdle was jettisoned as manager.
"A lot of us realized that it wasn't him that wasn't out there executing," pitcher Aaron Cook said. The staff ace realized he was among those who was not performing, as one of the most extreme groundball pitchers in baseball was having too many baseball get air under them and getting hit hard. In his last three starts, Cook (5-3, 4.26, 1.39) has given six total runs in 21 innings and surrendered three walks over that period.
Collectively, the Rockies pitchers have not surrendered more than four runs in a single game during this scalding streak and the batters have started ripping the cover off the ball scoring 6.6 runs per game. Colorado has picked up a stunning +13.8 units during this stretch, giving streak-riders plenty to smile about.
Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh are next to visit this team on a Rocky Mountain high, the Rocks are worth watching for what direction they will go once they finally suffer a loss.
Earlier, mentioned the maturation of Matt Cain and another pitcher that has found a groove (a deep one at that) is Detroit’s Justin Verlander. Last year’s disastrous season (11-17, 4.84) had some wondering what direction the talented hard-throwing right-hander was headed. His first four starts brought back those same questions, yielding 21 earned runs in 22 innings. However, the words of new pitching coach Rick Knapp started to sink in and on April 27 at home against the Yankees, Verlander pitched seven shutout innings, with nine K’s and no walks. Knapp slowed down Verlander’s delivery and suddenly pitches that were up in the zone, were back down, with far greater control. The confidence returned and the speed variation on the breaking pitches was being spotted again.
The 26-year has won his last seven decisions and the Tigers are 8-2 when #35 takes the ball since his fourth start of the year. Verlander has been so dominant in last nine starts; he has 1.10 ERA and leads the American League in hitters swing and missing with 182. (Thanks, Inside Edge) Detroit is 7-1 (+5.4 units) when Verlander starts and he is the only starting pitcher to break triple digits on the radar gun twice in 2009.
2010-06-10
The Toronto Blue Jays have been kind to bettors this season cashing in at +10 units. However, they have dropped three straight and need a victory tonight versus the Tampa Bay Rays to avoid a sweep. Sportsbook.com currently has the visiting Jays as +128 underdogs.
The Blue Jays have a Major League leading 97 home runs and are tied for second in the American League with 34 quality starts.
Since Tampa Bay (39-20, +8.5) has gone from a one of the worst teams in baseball to one the best, Toronto has had almost no success against the Rays. They are 4-19 the last three years vs. Tampa Bay, after being torpedoed 9-0 and 10-1 in the first two games of this series.
The Jays will attempt to stem the tide, sending Brett Cecil (6-2, 3.43 ERA) to the mound. The second year left-hander has allowed a total of three runs in 23 1/3 innings over his last three starts. Cecil owns a four-game winning streak and has held opponents to a .170 batting average in this stretch. Even as well as Cecil has pitched, Toronto will need some offense and is 1-10 after scoring three runs or less three straight games.
Tampa Bay is 18-6 against left-handed starters this season and will look to get Wade Davis (5-5, 5.03) back on track, as he has a 10.80 ERA in his last three starts.
Sportsbook.com has Toronto as +128 money line underdogs, but more importantly the Blue Jays fit a ‘totals’ system for the final game of the series that is listed at 9 runs.
Play UNDER on all teams like Toronto when the total is 9 to 9.5, after scoring one run or less two straight games, against opponent after scoring 10 runs or more.
Dating back 13 years, this system is a money-making 31-8, 79.5 percent; with the average total score of 7.7 runs per game. Other circumstances also lend themselves to this being a winning play as Toronto is 17-5 UNDER after permitting 10 runs or more and Tampa Bay is 10-2 UNDER at Tropicana Field with a hot bullpen whose ERA is under 3.00 the last 15 games.
With home plate umpire Mike Winters 8-5 UNDER behind the plate, the odds could be your favor for this action this evening.
Don’t let these one-sided trends pass you buy, head over to Sportsbook.com now to wager on this or any other game on the Thursday MLB docket.
MLB: MLB Top Weekend Power Trends 4/9-4/11
2010-04-09
Perhaps not coincidentally, Major League Baseball plays its first full weekend of baseball while the NBA concludes its regular season weekend schedule over the next three days. Obviously it’s too early to know a whole lot about the teams after just a single series, but I’m sure if you ask the managers of every one of the 30 baseball teams, they’d like their clubs to start putting it in gear as soon as possible. With that in mind, it seems strange to think that only one team remains unbeaten, San Francisco, and one winless, Houston, headed into the first weekend. Meanwhile, expected contenders like Boston, Seattle, and the two teams from Los Angeles all looked flat against their first opponents. Let’s take a look at what this first weekend holds in store while also revealing a Top StatFox Power Trend from each series that you’ll want to keep in mind.
The best series in the American League this weekend puts the Yankees in Tampa to face the Rays in a battle of the last two league champions. New York is fresh off another big series versus a division rival in which it took two out of three from the Red Sox in Boston. The Yankees took five out of nine series meetings at “the Trop” last season. The Rays are also 2-1 after their first series, knocking off Baltimore in the first two games of the set while scoring four runs in each contest. Elsewhere in the A.L., expected top contenders will meet in the Central and West divisions as well. In Chicago, the Twins pay a visit, and as you’ll see below, will be trying to combat a recent pattern of struggles on the road versus left-handed starters. The Sox will be throwing John Danks in the series opener on Friday, as well as Mark Buehrle on Sunday, both southpaws. In Texas, the Rangers and Mariners will go head-to-head for three games, with each team trying to rebound from a series loss to open the season.
In the National League, baseball’s only remaining unbeaten team, the Giants, put their streak on the line against what is expected to be one of the league better teams in 2010, the Braves. Atlanta got off to a strong start by taking two of three from the Cubs, including a 16-run outburst on opening day. San Francisco meanwhile, swept the opening series in Houston by doing it both offensively and defensively, outscoring the Astros 18-6 in three games. In Milwaukee, the Brewers and Cardinals will renew their rivalry with three games, two to be televised nationally. Both clubs took two of three in their first season series, with Milwaukee knocking off Colorado and St. Louis turning back Cincinnati. Elsewhere, two-time defending N.L. champ Philadelphia will be in Houston, in a series to be highlighted by a stellar Sunday pitching matchup between Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt.
As we’ll try to do throughout the rest of the baseball season, here is this weekend’s list of Top StatFox Power Trends that you will want to consider as you build your baseball betting lineup for the weekend.
SAN DIEGO at COLORADO
COLORADO is 32-8 (+17.0 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more over the last 2 seasons. The average score was COLORADO 6.6, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 1*)
ATLANTA at SAN FRANCISCO
ATLANTA is 27-16 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ATLANTA 5.3, OPPONENT 3.7 - (Rating = 1*)
CHICAGO CUBS at CINCINNATI
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-29 (-19.6 Units) against the money line as an underdog of +100 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 3.3, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 3*)
WASHINGTON at NY METS
WASHINGTON is 24-57 (-22.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 3 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 4.1, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 1*)
LA DODGERS at FLORIDA
GONZALEZ is 45-29 OVER (+15.2 Units) in April games as the manager of FLORIDA. The average score was FLORIDA 5.1, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 1*)
PHILADELPHIA at HOUSTON
PHILADELPHIA is 10-0 OVER (+10.2 Units) in road games in April games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 7.2, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 3*)
ST LOUIS at MILWAUKEE
ST LOUIS is 36-19 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons. The average score was ST LOUIS 5.2, OPPONENT 3.8 - (Rating = 0*)
PITTSBURGH at ARIZONA
PITTSBURGH is 22-58 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 3.5, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 1*)
CLEVELAND at DETROIT
DETROIT is 68-80 (-29.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. The average score was DETROIT 4.6, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 1*)
TORONTO at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 47-100 (-35.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.4, OPPONENT 5.9 - (Rating = 0*)
NY YANKEES at TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY is 13-1 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a top-level team (Win Pct. > 62%) over the last 3 seasons. The average score was TAMPA BAY 6.6, OPPONENT 3.3 - (Rating = 2*)
SEATTLE at TEXAS
SEATTLE is 38-23 UNDER (+11.7 Units) as an underdog of +100 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SEATTLE 3.7, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 0*)
BOSTON at KANSAS CITY
BOSTON is 28-4 (+22.8 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 5.2 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 7.0, OPPONENT 3.8 - (Rating = 4*)
MINNESOTA at CHI WHITE SOX
MINNESOTA is 20-41 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 4.7, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 1*)
OAKLAND at LA ANGELS
OAKLAND is 52-30 UNDER (+17.3 Units) as a road underdog of +100 to +150 over the last 3 seasons. The average score was OAKLAND 3.8, OPPONENT 4.6 - (Rating = 1*)
MLB: Top MLB Weekend Power Trends 8/7-8/9
2009-08-07
The stretch run continues in Major League Baseball with another full set of action this weekend. As the contenders continue to be separated from the pretenders, there are a number of series’ that loom large for some teams’ postseason prospects. In fact, this might be one of the most impactful weekends we’ve seen in awhile in baseball. Read on as we take a look at all of the key matchups, then reveal our weekly list of Top StatFox Power Trends to consider in your wagering over the next few days.
In the N.L. East Division, Philadelphia is comfortably ahead of both the Marlins and Braves. Unfortunately for those chasing teams, they will be on the road taking on the league’s best two clubs. Florida visits the Phillies, and while on the surface it would seem to be an ideal situation for the Marlins to make up ground in a hurry, don’t forget that the defending champs swept a series in Miami just a few weeks back. In two of those games, the Fish were shut out. Philly’s 25-15 divisional record is a big reason they sport a 7-game lead in the standings. The Braves meanwhile will be in Los Angeles taking on the Dodgers, who continue to boast the N.L.’s best record. Both teams seem to be spinning their wheels at this point in the season though, with identical 5-7 marks in their last 12 games.
In the N.L. Central, the division leading Cubs & Cardinals are both on the road, while chasers Milwaukee and Houston will be going head-to-head. Chicago faces the toughest test, playing in Colorado. However, the Cubbies own an 11-4 edge in the head-to-head series over the last three seasons. The Cardinals meanwhile, are in Pittsburgh for a 3-game set. The Pirates have lost five in a row and 10 of their last 12, but did take two-of-three from St. Louis at home back in May. The Brewers/Astros series will be an interesting one in that both teams remain within 5-games of the top spot in the division. Houston has cooled since its mid-season surge, going just 3-9 in its L12 games. Milwaukee meanwhile, comes off a series win in Los Angeles to get back to .500. This begins a critical stretch of 22 straight games against teams with losing records for the Brew Crew. If they hope to repeat their postseason appearance of 2008, they need to make hay now.
In the American League, most eyes will be fixed on New York, where the Yankees and Boston will be continuing a key 4-game set. Entering play on Thursday, New York held a slim 1-1/2 game lead in the East Divison, but boosted that by a game by whipping the Red Sox, 13-6. The win was important for the Yankees not only in the divisional picture, but also because of the fact that it snapped an 8-game losing streak to the Sox this season. New York boasts a 36-17 record at home in 2009, while Boston slipped to 27-28 on the road with Thursday’s loss.
The other two divisions in the Junior Circuit boast big series’ as well. In Detroit, it could be last gasp time for the Twins, as they head into the Motor City chasing 4-1/2 games in the standings. Minnesota has played some of its best ball in divisional games this year though, going 21-14 overall and 6-2 against the Central-leading Tigers. In the West, the Rangers face the same exact scenario as the Twins in terms of standings and home/road dichotomy. They are also chasing 4-1/2 games and headed to the home of the club they are chasing, the Angels. Like Minnesota, Texas also owns a huge edge in divisional record, as the Rangers are 22-12 vs. West foes, while the Angels are just 14-17. They’ll need that pattern to continue if they hope to pick up valuable ground. In the head-to-head series, Texas owns a 7-2 mark this season.
It should be an exciting weekend in Major League Baseball, one filled with fabulous wagering opportunities. Be sure to visit the Game Matchups page daily for the latest key game info, and also don’t neglect the following Top StatFox Power Trends as you build your daily wagering cards.
FLORIDA at PHILADELPHIA
FLORIDA is 11-6 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was FLORIDA 4.9, OPPONENT 3.7 - (Rating = 1*)
ST LOUIS at PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH is 9-34 (-20.9 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams allowing 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 3.7, OPPONENT 5.8 - (Rating = 1*)
ARIZONA at WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON is 24-54 (-28.0 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 4.1, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 1*)
MILWAUKEE at HOUSTON
MILWAUKEE is 21-31 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. The average score was MILWAUKEE 4.6, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 1*)
CHICAGO CUBS at COLORADO
COLORADO is 81-52 (+23.5 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was COLORADO 5.3, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 1*)
NY METS at SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO is 11-28 (-17.5 Units) against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SAN DIEGO 3.8, OPPONENT 5.6 - (Rating = 1*)
ATLANTA at LA DODGERS
ATLANTA is 21-36 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in road games vs. an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ATLANTA 4.4, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)
CINCINNATI at SAN FRANCISCO
CINCINNATI is 3-15 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season. The average score was CINCINNATI 3.4, OPPONENT 5.5 - (Rating = 1*)
BOSTON at NY YANKEES
BOSTON is 18-30 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 4.4, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 2*)
BALTIMORE at TORONTO
BALTIMORE is 34-72 (-32.6 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.3, OPPONENT 5.7 - (Rating = 1*)
MINNESOTA at DETROIT
MINNESOTA is 62-40 (+16.5 Units) against the money line vs. an average bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 to 4.50 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 5.0, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*)
CLEVELAND at CHI WHITE SOX
CHI WHITE SOX are 76-50 (+22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHI WHITE SOX 5.3, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 1*)
OAKLAND at KANSAS CITY
KANSAS CITY is 15-4 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was KANSAS CITY 5.3, OPPONENT 3.6 - (Rating = 0*)
TEXAS at LA ANGELS
LA ANGELS are 27-13 (+13.9 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better this season. The average score was LA ANGELS 5.7, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 2*)
TAMPA BAY at SEATTLE
TAMPA BAY is 18-6 UNDER (+11.0 Units) in road games vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was TAMPA BAY 3.8, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)
MLB: Useful Baseball Betting Info
2009-06-16
Sometimes in sports betting, particularly in baseball, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind and possibly overlook some obvious and powerful numbers. For instance, with Interleague play in full swing again this week, did you know that the Minnesota Twins are 19-5 in their last 24 games versus the National League? That would have been nice to know before their weekend series at the Cubs, right? Well, over the next three days, they are hosting Pittsburgh. Here’s some more key facts for you to chew on before you hit the confirm button on your wagers over the next few days.
The Florida Marlins swept Toronto on the road over the weekend and are 4-2 in interleague play in 2009. The Marlins are the top OVER team in baseball at 35-27-3 (56.5 percent) and have a number of atypical numbers that should get every sports bettor thinking. The Fish lead Major League baseball in striking out the most and their pitchers strike out the most batters, adding to natural air conditioning at Landshark Stadium when Florida is home or playing away games.
Florida’s home stadium is considered an almost neutral ballpark for hitters and pitchers, yet Marlins relievers have 5.78 ERA at home and 1.98 ERA on the road. The Florida bullpen has blown eight of 14 save attempts in the home white uniforms yet have converted eight of nine in traveling grays.
With so much talk in recent years about the importance of a quality bullpen, what gets lost is what solid starting staff can do for a team. The San Francisco Giants had the oldest team in baseball and knew they had to become younger and restock the farm system after years of trying to surround Barry Bonds with veteran players trying to win division titles. The strength of the team had become its young starting pitching, with the likes of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain.
The everyday lineup would become a work in progress; nevertheless, playing in a pitcher’s park, pitching and defense would have to carry the Giants for now. San Fran is the fourth best bet in baseball at +7.1 units and 34-28 on the year. They have accomplished this despite being 28th in runs scored and on-base percentage and dead last in home runs (34).
The laid-back Lincecum (6-1, 2.66 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) has pitched about as expected and Cain, after dropping some weight, has really come into his own (9-1, 2.39, 1.26). Veterans Randy Johnson and Barry Zito have had rocky outings, but have given the team a chance to win as often as not. Only Jonathan Sanchez has been a real disappointment at 2-6. Manager Bruce Bochy has also had the luxury of trotting out the same group of five pitchers all season, a real rarity.
The San Francisco bullpen has pitched very well of late with 1.29 ERA in last seven games, moving up to eight overall. With the starters taking the pressure off the relievers, Bochy is able to go into late innings with set-up men and closer in place, making everyone more productive, explaining why the Giants have won 14 of last 19, despite not much run support.
Maybe Peter Coors of Coors Brewing is right, there is something in the water in the Rocky Mountains. The Colorado Rockies have again put together one of those out of nowhere streaks, with 11 consecutive wins and are within a game of .500 at 31-32 (+0.9). What was the cause and effect for such a drastic turnaround? The players were forced to look in the mirror after Clint Hurdle was jettisoned as manager.
"A lot of us realized that it wasn't him that wasn't out there executing," pitcher Aaron Cook said. The staff ace realized he was among those who was not performing, as one of the most extreme groundball pitchers in baseball was having too many baseball get air under them and getting hit hard. In his last three starts, Cook (5-3, 4.26, 1.39) has given six total runs in 21 innings and surrendered three walks over that period.
Collectively, the Rockies pitchers have not surrendered more than four runs in a single game during this scalding streak and the batters have started ripping the cover off the ball scoring 6.6 runs per game. Colorado has picked up a stunning +13.8 units during this stretch, giving streak-riders plenty to smile about.
Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh are next to visit this team on a Rocky Mountain high, the Rocks are worth watching for what direction they will go once they finally suffer a loss.
Earlier, mentioned the maturation of Matt Cain and another pitcher that has found a groove (a deep one at that) is Detroit’s Justin Verlander. Last year’s disastrous season (11-17, 4.84) had some wondering what direction the talented hard-throwing right-hander was headed. His first four starts brought back those same questions, yielding 21 earned runs in 22 innings. However, the words of new pitching coach Rick Knapp started to sink in and on April 27 at home against the Yankees, Verlander pitched seven shutout innings, with nine K’s and no walks. Knapp slowed down Verlander’s delivery and suddenly pitches that were up in the zone, were back down, with far greater control. The confidence returned and the speed variation on the breaking pitches was being spotted again.
The 26-year has won his last seven decisions and the Tigers are 8-2 when #35 takes the ball since his fourth start of the year. Verlander has been so dominant in last nine starts; he has 1.10 ERA and leads the American League in hitters swing and missing with 182. (Thanks, Inside Edge) Detroit is 7-1 (+5.4 units) when Verlander starts and he is the only starting pitcher to break triple digits on the radar gun twice in 2009.