Sports Betting Online & Sports Books Reviews

Heading into the final five weeks of the regular season, the Toronto Blue Jays have been the most profitable team this season against right-handed starting pitchers. In 102 games against right-handers Toronto has posted a record of 57-45 for +14.8 units of profit. The Blue Jays have clubbed an MLB-high 197 home runs this season.

The San Diego Padres (+13.3 units) are next on the list. The NL West leaders are 51-39 in 90 matchups against right-handed starting pitchers. The two other NL division leaders are just behind the Padres in profits against right-handers.

The Atlanta Braves (+13.1 units) have been a dominant squad against right-handers with a 53-33 record. The Braves are just a .500 squad in 44 games against left-handed starting hurlers. The surprising Cincinnati Reds (+12.7 units) are 51-37 against right-handers.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been the least profitable team in baseball this year against right-handers. The Pirates have lost 28 units against right-handers with a 25-64 mark. The Chicago Cubs (36-50, -16.5 units vs. right-handers) are next on the least profitable list against right-handers. Chicago is followed by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona (-13.7 units) is 38-56 against right-handers in 2010.

Marlins are best against lefties

While the Florida Marlins are hovering around the .500 mark this season, the club has been an elite squad in matchups against left-handed starting pitchers in 2010. Florida has banked +15.2 units with a 27-12 mark against lefty starters.

Despite an overall record that is well below .500 this season, the Houston Astros (+14.5 units) have managed to post a 22-14 mark against left-handed starters this year.

The Padres have shown an ability to win against right and left-handers this season. San Diego is 25-14 against lefties for +12.8 units of profit. In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays (+12.5 units) have been the top producer against lefties. The Rays are 30-14 in 44 contests against left-handers in 2010.

In terms of least profitable clubs against southpaws, the Seattle Mariners are at the top of the list. Seattle (-17.6 units) has won just 11 of 39 contests against left-handed starters in 2010. The Cubs troubles haven’t been limited to games against right-handers. Chicago (-13.1 units) is 19-26 against lefties this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers (17-21, -10.8 units vs. left-handers) round out the top three list of least profitable clubs against lefties.

One of the main themes of the 2010 Major League Baseball season has been the improved performance of pitchers. There have been several no-hitters that have been tossed with a few more close calls. Through August 17th, 16 starting pitchers have an earned run average of under three. The lower scoring games have been evident in the over/under results in baseball this season. Of the 30 MLB squads, only 9 clubs have gone over the total in the majority of its games in 2010.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been a clear exception to the trend this season. Arizona (72-45-3 over) has gone over the total in 2010 in more than 61% of its contests. The Diamondbacks have given up an average of 5.5 runs per game to rank as the worst pitching staff in baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers rank second in the over rankings with an over mark of 63-50-7. Like Arizona, Milwaukee has been unable to find some consistent pitching. The Brewers are allowing 5.3 runs per outing to rank as the third-worst staff in the majors. The Boston Red Sox (60-53-7 over) have been the top over squad in the American League. The Red Sox are one of just two teams in the majors with an average of more than five runs scored per game this season. Boston is averaging 5.1 runs per game to rank just behind the New York Yankees (5.2).

Athletics are top under team

The Oakland Athletics (64-46-8 under) have gone below the total more than 58% of the time this year to rank as the top under squad in the majors. The average total score of an Oakland game has been just 7.9 runs.

The Baltimore Orioles are next on the under list at 66-48-6. The Orioles have managed to produce a majority of unders despite allowing over five runs per game.

On average, the Seattle Mariners (64-48-8 under) have played the lowest scoring games in baseball this season. The typical Mariners game has yielded an average of just 7.6 runs. Seattle is last in the majors in runs scored with just 3.3 runs per outing.

The New York Mets are the top under team in the National League at 64-50-5. Its home stadium has played a role in some of the unders. Since it opened last season, Citi Field has been one of the most favorable pitching ballparks in baseball. 

With just under six weeks to go in the 2010 Major League Baseball regular season, the surprising San Diego Padres are easily the most profitable betting squad this year. San Diego has banked +28.2 units this season through August 17th. The club’s 71-47 record is the best in the National League. After averaging just 69 wins per season in the prior two campaigns, the Padres were picked to finish last in the NL West heading into 2010. An outstanding pitching staff has keyed San Diego’s surge. Opponents have been held to just 3.4 runs per outing this year. The Padres have opened up a 5-game lead in the NL West over the San Francisco Giants.

Another surprise squad in the NL is next in the profit rankings is the Cincinnati Reds (68-51), as they have produced +14.6 units of profit. The team hasn’t produced a winning season since 2000. The Reds hold a 2-game advantage over the favored St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central. The other division leader in the NL is tied for third in the profit standings. The Atlanta Braves (+11.0 units) have a 2.5-game edge over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The squad has posted an MLB-best 43-16 mark at home. In the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays have been the top profit producer at +11.0 units.

Cubs are least profitable team

The Chicago Cubs have clearly been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this season. The big market club has been the least profitable wagering team in 2010 at -30.6 units. Only the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks have posted worse records in the NL than Chicago’s 50-70 mark.

In the American League, the Seattle Mariners (-26.4 units) have stumbled badly this year after winning 85 contests in 2009. Seattle’s 47-73 record is tied with Arizona for the third-worst mark in the majors. The Mariners weak offense has been limited to just 3.3 runs per game to rank last in baseball in runs scored. While Seattle’s lack of hitting has been a problem, the Diamondbacks (-22.7 units) have been doomed by a woeful pitching staff. Arizona has allowed the most runs in the majors at 5.5 runs per outing. The Pirates (-20.3 units) have the worst record in baseball at 40-79. The club is set to endure its 17th straight losing season. Pittsburgh has managed to win just 13 of its 61 road games this year.     

With just 55 days left in the 2010 regular season, the defending World Series champion New York Yankees are the favorite to repeat. The Yankees are a +245 choice to win another title. Through August 9th, New York has posted an MLB-best 69-42 record. The club has a 1.5-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East while holding a 6-game cushion over Boston to secure a Wild Card spot. Of the team’s 51 remaining games, New York will play 27 contests away from home. Only seven of New York’s games on the road will be against teams that currently have losing records. The Yankees will travel to Texas (twice), Toronto (twice), Chicago, Tampa Bay and Boston during the final eight weeks of the season.

Rangers head next group of contenders

The Texas Rangers (+450) are hoping to upstage the Yankees in 2010. While the other five division races in the majors are extremely tight, Texas (64-47) has a comfortable 8-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the AL West. Like New York, Texas will play 27 of its final 51 games on the road. The Rangers will play 14 matchups away from home against squads that currently have a winning record.

At +550, the Atlanta Braves are the top contender from the National League. In the final season for manager Bobby Cox, Atlanta is trying to reach the postseason for the first time since 2005. At 64-48, the Braves hold a narrow 1.5-game lead over two-time defending NL champ Philadelphia in its division. Atlanta will get to play 27 of its final 50 games at home. The club’s 39-15 mark at home is the best in baseball this season. The Braves and Phillies will face each other six times in the final two weeks of the regular season. The two squads will conclude the year with a three-game series in Atlanta.

The St. Louis Cardinals (+650) are the next choice from the NL. However, the Cards (62-49) wouldn’t be in the playoffs if the season ended today. St. Louis is one-game behind the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central while trailing the San Francisco Giants by a game in the NL Wild Card race. The Cardinals will play 26 of its remaining 51 contests on the road. However, only six of those games are against teams that currently have winning records. St. Louis has two games at Cincinnati and a four-game series in Atlanta next month. 

With just two months to go in the 2010 regular season, there is a tight battle emerging in the chase for the 2010 American League Rookie of the Year award. Texas Rangers closer Neftali Feliz is a slight -125 choice to capture this year’s award. Through August 2nd, the 22-year-old is tied for second in the league in saves with 29. Feliz has blown only 2 of his 31 save opportunities in 2010. He has helped the Rangers gain a commanding eight-game lead in the AL West. In the last decade, three closers won the AL Rookie of the Year award. Last year, Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey won the honor.

A couple of Detroit Tigers hitters are also in the running. Left fielder Brennan Boesch is just behind Feliz at +100. He has a .290 batting average for Detroit with 12 homers and 51 runs batted in. However, Boesch has struggled lately after a hot start. In the months of May and June, he had a .340 batting average. Since July, Boesch has posted a .200 average. Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson (+250) has also helped Detroit in his debut season. He has posted a .306 batting average and scored 61 runs for the Tigers.

Giants rookie emerging in NL

In a strong field of National League newcomers, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey is a -125 favorite to win the NL Rookie of the Year award. In 55 games, Posey has a .350 average with 8 homers and 34 runs batted in. His hot bat has helped the Giants gain the lead in the NL Wild Card chase.

Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg is the next choice at +200. However, Strasburg’s current stint on the disabled list could hurt his chances. Baseball’s most hyped rookie has posted a 5-2 record with a 2.32 earned run average in nine starts for the Nats. St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia (+250) is also a contender from the mound. He has helped to keep the Cards in playoff contention by recording a 9-4 record with a dazzling 2.33 E.R.A. Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward (+500) has gained plenty of notice in his debut year after being voted into the All-Star Game. He has clubbed 11 homers with 50 runs batted in for a Braves squad that leads the NL East.

Betting baseball is much different than football. There is no spread due to the difference in scores (usually by 1 or 2 runs). It’s also more difficult because of the number of games throughout the season and the number of players moving from team to team. As a result, sports books use money lines to wager on baseball as is found in other sporting events.

Money Lines

The money line establishes the amount of money placed and the amount won when betting on the favorite or underdog. The highest negative line indicates the favorite while the lowest negative and all positive lines designate the underdog. A $100 wager is the basis for the money line.

An Example of the Money Line

If the Yankees are playing the Red Sox, with the Yankees being the favorite, the money line may be cataloged as Yankees -150, Red Sox +120. This means if you bet on the Yankees, you’re placing a $150 wager to win $100. If betting on the Red Sox, you’re placing a $100 wager to win $120.

How do Casinos Collect their Money?

Casino’s and sports books have set up a vigorish (vig) which is a commission made on each bet. It is the difference between the wager and the amount won. Casinos make their money when the favorite loses. For instance, if the Yankees lose the casino would collect $30. Since the house is collecting $150 for the losing bet and only paying out $120 to the winners, they profit $30 on every bet placed.

The Key to Baseball Betting

The most important aspect to betting on baseball games is the pitching. The money line is affiliated with the starting pitchers of that particular game. Money lines are adjusted when scheduled starting pitchers do not start the game. Based on this method, there are a few types of betting:

• Action
• Based on two pitchers
• Based on one pitcher

Action betting is when the wager is placed no matter which players are starting for either team. If the pitchers change, the bet stays. A two pitcher bet occurs when you base your bet on both starting pitchers. If one drops, the bet is canceled and your wager is returned. Finally with one pitcher betting, the basis of the bet is on a single starting pitcher. If he does not start the game, the bet is voided and wager returned.

Being successful at baseball sports betting is difficult to master. Since there are fewer individuals that bet on the numerous ballgames daily than on other sports, it can be a profitable niche if mastered.

A couple of recent American League Cy Young Award winners are in a tight battle for this year’s honor. C.C. Sabathia of the New York Yankees and Cliff Lee of the Texas Rangers are the co-favorites to win the 2010 AL Cy Young Award at odds of +150.

In 2007, Sabathia won the award for the Cleveland Indians. In the following season, Lee was the AL’s top hurler for the Tribe. This year, Sabathia is the ace for a Yankees team that has the best record in the majors through July 27th. He is tied for the American League lead in victories with 13. The left-hander is 7th in the league with 124 strikeouts while ranking 11th in earned run average (3.15). Lee began the year with the Seattle Mariners before being dealt to the Rangers. His 2.40 E.R.A. is the best in the American League. In an era when most starters are usually out of the game after six or seven innings, Lee has posted a league-high six complete games in 2010. In 139 innings pitched, he has walked only seven batters this season.

Several other left-handers are also in the mix. David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays and Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox are at odds of +500. Like Sabathia, Price has posted 13 wins this year. He is fifth in the AL with a 2.90 E.R.A. Lester has posted an 11-5 mark to keep his club in playoff contention. He is third in the league with 143 strikeouts while ranking sixth in E.R.A. (2.92)

Young right-handers are co-favorites in NL

In the National League, Josh Johnson of the Florida Marlins and Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals are +100 co-favorites to win Cy Young Award. Johnson’s 1.72 E.R.A. is the best in the majors. He also leads the NL in strikeouts with 146. Wainwright is in the running for a pitching Triple Crown. He ranks in the top 3 in the league in wins (14), strikeouts (142) and E.R.A. (2.23).

Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies is the next choice at +500. While he still leads the majors with 15 victories, Jimenez has struggled recently after a blazing start. He had a 0.79 E.R.A in the first two months of the year but has posted a 5.67 E.R.A. since June. 2005 NL Cy Young winner Cris Carpenter is next at +600. The St. Louis Cardinals hurler has an 11-3 record with an E.R.A. of just over three.

With the second half of the Major League Baseball season set to get underway on Thursday, the Detroit Tigers will attempt to continue its dominance at home in a bid to win the AL Central division title. At the All-Star break, Detroit has been the most profitable home squad for MLB bettors at +16.8 units. The Tigers are just a half game behind the Chicago White Sox in the division race due in part to a 32-13 record at Comerica Park.

The Atlanta Braves (30-10 home record) are the next most profitable team at +15.7 units. With its strong play at Turner Field, Atlanta has a four-game lead in the NL East at the break. The team that trails the Braves in the NL East is next on the list.

The New York Mets (30-16 home record) have banked +11.4 units at Citi Field in 2010. New York’s pitching staff has allowed the fewest runs at home of any team in the majors at an even three runs per outing.

The Colorado Rockies are fourth on the list at +8.0 units. Colorado has posted a 31-16 mark at Coors Field this season. The Boston Red Sox (29-17 home record) round out the top five at +5.6 units. Over the last decade, Boston has been one of the most consistent home teams in all of baseball.

Cubs are least profitable at home

The Chicago Cubs have ranked as one of baseball’s biggest disappointments in the first half of the season. The club’s inability to play sound baseball at Wrigley Field has been a part of the problem. The Cubs are the least profitable home team in the majors at -13.4 units. While Chicago (20-23 home record) is just slightly under .500 at home, the squad has been a favorite more often than not at Wrigley in 2010.

Another team in the NL Central has also struggled at home this season. The Milwaukee Brewers have dropped -11.6 units at Miller Park this year with a 20-26 record. Only the Arizona Diamondbacks pitching staff has allowed more runs in its home ballpark this season than the 5.7 runs per game allowed by Milwaukee’s hurlers.

In a surprise, the Tampa Bay Rays (26-20 home record) have been the least profitable team in the AL at -9.3 units. While Tampa Bay has put together the best road mark in baseball this season, the club has lost a number of games at home as a large favorite in 2010.

For the first time since 1996, the National League was able to come out on top in an All-Star Game. The National League posted a 3-1 win over the favored American League last Tuesday at the 2010 Midsummer Classic in Anaheim. Along with league pride, the victory will enable the NL to have the homefield advantage in a World Series for the first time since 2001. This could be critical for a decisive seventh game.

In the last eight World Series that have gone the distance, the home team has emerged from game seven as the champion. The 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates were the last road squad to win a seventh game in a World Series.

Braves a solid favorite to win NL pennant

The Atlanta Braves could be the team that ultimately benefits from its league’s success in the All-Star Game. With the biggest divisional lead in all of baseball, the Braves are a +240 favorite to claim its first pennant since 1999. Through July 18th, Atlanta has a five-game lead in the NL East. The St. Louis Cardinals are the next choice at +495. St. Louis is just a half game in front of the surprising Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.

The Reds (+540) are just behind the Cardinals in the NL pool. Cincinnati’s last pennant was back in 1990. Like the Reds, the San Diego Padres (+650) have become a surprise contender in the 2010 MLB campaign. The club has the league’s best record at 54-37. The two-time defending NL champion Philadelphia Phillies are still in the hunt at odds of +725.

Yankees lead the pack in AL

The New York Yankees lead the way in the AL pennant chase at odds of +130. The defending World Series champions have the best record in baseball at 58-33. New York holds a 3-game edge over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East.  The Texas Rangers (+275) are hoping to break through to win its first pennant in the history of the franchise. Texas holds a 4.5-game advantage over the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West.

In 49 prior seasons, the Rangers franchise has won just a single game in the postseason and has never reached a league championship series. The Rays are the next option at +470. Tampa Bay may have to focus on a wild card bid to reach the playoffs in the AL.

For Tuesday night’s All-Star game in Anaheim, the American League is expected to make it a lucky 13 against the National League. As the home team in the game, the AL is a -120 favorite over the NL. The American League is 12-0-1 in the game since 1997. In each of the last four years, the AL has been able to prevail by just a single run.

The National League bats have struggled in the contest over the last decade. Since 1999, the NL has been held to three runs or less on six different occasions. On Tuesday, young Tampa Bay Rays left-hander David Price will get the start for the AL. He will be opposed by Colorado Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez. The over/under for the game is 8.5. A pair of first basemen are the co-favorites to win the MVP in the contest.

Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers and Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals are both at odds of +650. Each player is in the running for the Triple Crown in his respective league. Cabrera leads the AL in batting average and runs batted in while ranking second in homers. In the NL, Pujols is third in home runs, fourth in runs batted in and tenth in batting average.

Cabrera expected to capture Home Run derby crown

In Monday night’s Home Run derby, Cabrera is a +250 favorite. He is tied for second in the majors in home runs with 22. Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday are the next options at +300. After a slow start, Ortiz is tied for eighth in the American League in homers with 18. Holliday has clubbed 16 bombs in 2010. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Corey Hart and New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher are the next contenders at +500. Hart is tied for third in the NL in homers with 21 while Swisher has slugged 15 home runs this year. Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells (+650) is capable of winning the contest. He is tied for sixth in the American League in homers with 19. Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez (+800) is the lone middle infielder in the derby. He has recorded 13 long balls at the All-Star break. Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Young (+1200) rounds out the field. He has 15 home runs for the season.