Baseball betting: A's, Blue Jays among early surprises in MLB

After the first nine days of the 2010 Major League Baseball season, a couple of American League squads that were expected to finish in last place are off to a quick start. Despite a roster of no-names, the small-market Oakland Athletics have jumped out to a 6-2 start for +4.8 units of profit. In its first eight contests, the A's have allowed only 3.1 runs per outing. In the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays were expected to struggle in 2010 after parting ways with longtime ace hurler Roy Halladay. Through seven games, the club has posted a 5-2 mark for +4.9 units. Outfielder Vernon Wells is tied for the MLB lead in homers with five to pace the Toronto offense. In the National League, San Francisco (+5.2 units) and Philadelphia (+4.5 units) have both started 6-1. The Phillies offense leads the majors with over seven runs per game in the early going. Astros are struggling The Houston Astros could be in for a long, hot summer based on its early efforts. Houston (-7.3 units) is 0-7 in its first seven contests. With veteran slugger Lance Berkman on the disabled list, the Houston offense has been limited to less than two runs per game in the early going. With series at St. Louis and Chicago this week, the Astros will be hard pressed to get any victories on the board in the next few days. In the American League, the Angels, Orioles and Mariners have all gotten off to slow starts. Baltimore (-5.7 units) was hoping to make some modest improvement in the loaded AL East but the club has dropped six of its first seven decisions. While the Orioles weren't expected to contend for a postseason spot, the same can't be said of the Angels and Mariners in the AL West. Despite opening at home in its first seven games, Los Angeles (-4.7 units) has started 2-5. The pitching staff that is usually one of the AL's best has struggled in the first week of the season by allowing over six runs per game. In Seattle (-4.3 units), offense has been the problem for the 2-6 Mariners. The club is averaging less than three runs per game. Early over/under trends In terms of totals results, the Marlins and Pirates have been the top over teams with records of 6-1. In contrast, the Orioles have been the top under squad at 6-1.