I see alot of plays on Texas and the under. My only thinking is to take the dog in the first gameof the year.
Here is something I am gonna give a shot at this year.
TB and Detroit SUCK! I know this, they always suck. So, this year I am gonna take $500 and bet $50 a game against them everytime the line is -195 or lower. Which pretty much excludes me from betting on the Yankees and teams like that but I think that if I keep it below -200 I will make consistant loot. Last year both teams were well below .500 and I can't see them getting much better this year. In Detroit's case I actually forcast a worse year.
Any thoughts on this strategy? I have put a decent amount of thought into it and that is where the under -200 rule came from. But if there are any other pitfalls you guys see please share!
MC
MC,
This looks like a really good plan. I saw the Devil Rays play the Yankees in St Pete on Wed night and they are truly one of the worst looking major league teams I have ever seen. I don't think they could win at the AAA level. Kennedy pitched for them and looked awful. Clemens pitched for NY and looked very sharp.
I've been doing some MLB reseach and Detroit ,Milw, and SD are other teams that look really bad.
Some undervalued teams coming out of the gate that look like pretty good teams to ride are Balt, Tor, and Fla.
I'm planning on going against Houston when Miller or Oswalt don't pitch, and against the Cubs when Kerry Wood pitches ( insiders say that his stuff is shot ). The Mets also look really over rated to me but I will bet them on opening day.
The Yankees looked awful good the other night and I will be careful betting against them.The addition of Tod Zeile and RP Chris Hammond will really help them.I also expect Jeff Weaver to have a big year for them.
Thought this might be of interest :
THE GOOD:
Anaheim Angels – The Angels stunned the World by winning it all last year, and they should maintain a high standard in ’03. Anaheim has a solid pitching staff, including one of MLB’s best bullpens, a solid lineup with a lot of tough outs, and a great game Manager in Mike Scioscia. Only injuries will prevent another solid season.
San Francisco Giants – The Giants had plenty of turnovers this off-season, including losing manager Dusty Baker. Felipe Alou takes over and he may have a better overall lineup coming into this season. Frisco has the best modern day hitter in Barry Bonds. They’re also a great team to bet on at home, possessing a great home field advantage.
Oakland Athletics – The A’s are a perennial on this list mostly because they have the best trio of starting pitchers in baseball. Zito, Hudson, and Mulder will carry this team into the Playoffs once again, so don’t mind laying lots of coin on this top flight club.
Boston Red Sox – The Bosox look to improve upon a disappointing season in which they actually won 93 games. Sox ace Pedro Martinez is reportedly as healthy as ever. New GM Theo Epstein has added some bullpen help, and some role players that may help Boston get to the Promised Land.
Chicago White Sox – The White Sox made one of the biggest off-season moves by acquiring ace Bartolo Colon. Coupled with quality starter Mark Buerhle, the Chisox have a great one-two punch. This to go along with a solid overall lineup headlined by Magglio Ordonez and unheralded Paul Konerko. Chicago has a legitimate shot at winning the AL Central.
Atlanta Braves – The Braves are a team that should never be doubted under Bobby Cox’s watch. Atlanta hasn’t missed the playoffs since about the time the Cosby Show went off the air. After losing long time staff anchor Tom Glavine to the Mets, the Braves bring in quality arms Mike Hampton, Russ Ortiz, and Paul Byrd. They also re-signed ace Greg Maddux. The Braves should make the Playoffs once again.
THE BAD:
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers, who were once owned by befuddled Commissioner Bud Selig, are coming off a 106 loss campaign. To add to their problems, they lost one of their best players in SS Jose Hernandez to free agency without replacing him. This is one bad team.
Detroit Tigers – The Tigers join the Brewers as a team coming off of a 100+ loss season. They brought in new manager Alan Tramell during the off-season, but not much else. While the lineup is filled with mediocre talent, the pitching staff is absolutely dreadful. When a knuckleballer (Steve Sparks) is your Opening Day starter, your team has problems.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays – The D’Rays are going with a stringent youth-movement which is bound to add to new manager Lou Piniella’s gray hairs. While they do possess some talented players for the future, it won’t translate into wins this season. Avoid betting on this team.
Kansas City Royals – Another member of the 100+ loss club, the Royals had one of the worst pitching staffs in the league in ’02. Don’t expect much improvement as they lost their best starter, Paul Byrd, to free agency. They failed to find an adequate replacement and this team will suffer for it.
WAIT AND SEE:
St. Louis Cardinals – The Cardinals have plenty of talent and a Hall of Fame Manager, but they also have some question marks in their pitching staff. Wait and see how their starting staff pans out as the season progresses. With solid pitching, they’ll make the Playoffs once again.
Minnesota Twins – The Twins had everything bounce their way last season and they were hungry with something to prove. Minnesota has loads of talent, but they are young and may get complacent after getting to the ALCS last year. Make sure they come to play this season before wagering on this club.
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers have a solid pitching staff, especially if ace Kevin Brown stays healthy. Manager Jim Tracy keeps his team competitive despite an inability to score runs routinely.
Florida Marlins – The Marlins have three very good young pitchers. However, the team gets virtually no support from either its front office or its fans. Off-season turnover could help or hinder their progress so watch closely.
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phils made a bevy of off-season acquisitions including prizes Jim Thome and ace Kevin Millwood. The pressure is on to win in Philly, one of the harshest cities to play for, which may cause this talented team to stumble a bit. Wait and see.
Houston Astros – The Astros have one of the most intimidating lineups in recent history after adding Jeff Kent to an already powerful mix. The rotation is anchored by two young studs and the bullpen has a tough closer. The Stros have disappointed in the past, so wait and see before betting this team.
Arizona Diamondbacks – The D’backs will go as far as studs Johnson and Schilling will take them. However, the lineup has some holes amidst several aging veterans. Maybe one more Playoff run is legit, but don’t be surprised if they fall back to the pack. Wait and see.