Midseason Betting Review
By Covers.com
Best bet
Los Angeles Dodgers (+19.28 units)
The reason the Dodgers have been so profitable this season for bettors is easy. A suspension to Manny Ramirez, coupled with the Giants and Rockies emerging as the top contenders for the NL Wild Card has put them in competitive games nearly every night and allowed them to keep the money line within reason. This is good news for bettors, since they have been winning these close games, and helping sharps stay ahead. Los Angeles is very balanced. The Dodgers are second in the majors in ERA (3.56) and team batting average (.276).
Worst bet
Washington Nationals (-30.05 units)
You’d have to be crazy to make a play on the Nationals. Washington has the fewest home wins (16) and road wins (9) of any team in the majors this season. The team is batting a respectable .260, but pitching has been the problem. Opposing batters are hitting an MLB-best .282 off of Washington pitching, as hurlers in the district have walked a league-high 350 batters. The bullpen is even worse, as the Nats have just 14 saves against a staggering 17 blown saves.
Best Over
Cleveland Indians (46-39-2)
When you combine a talented lineup with a talentless pitching staff, you have lots of high-scoring losses. Welcome to the 2009 Indians. Cleveland has the worst ERA in the majors (5.36) and the second-highest opponent batting average (.281). At the plate, the Indians have been dangerous, scoring 455 runs – fourth-most in the league – by belting 163 doubles and mashing 99 home runs.
Best Under
Detroit Tigers (33-50-2)
Even with starter Dontrelle Willis going crazy, the Tigers have managed to post the fourth-lowest ERA in the league (4.11). The team’s rotation has been supported by the fantastic play of Edwin Jackson, Justin Verlander and Ricky Porcello. On offense, the team hasn’t been flashy but efficient. The Tigers average 4.7 runs per game, just enough to help keep them in first place in the AL Central by going 13-11 in one-run games.