i doubt i spend 2 hours or more, but i'm on and off the computer all day and always clicking back to double check something or take a second glance at something.
For baseball i can generally have an idea who i'm taking by just knowing the starters and how each team has been playing as of late and the overall BP's of the teams. i got games singled out in my head and just look up anything that i think i might have missed.
I spend approximately 15 mins a day capping. I do watch the games but I don't count that as capping.
I'm up 157 units in MLB so far this season and I don't think I'd be doing any better or worse if I spent more time capping.
I refuse to spend more than 15-20 mins a day capping. I guess it's one's choice if they want to analyze stats, etc for much longer but I just don't see the point.
NFL is an exception where I spend a more time capping but not a lot more.
give us a rundown of how those 15 minutes are spent ..
I read the preview of the game. I look at the pitching matuchups and how they have done recently and against the team they are facing. I look at the line ups. Then I look up the team notes on and maybe a couple local papers to see if there's any comments made about players saying they want to come out and really win this game, (especially in the NBA, motivation is a key factor cause those guys don't bring it day to day) etc or if there's any last minute injuries. I take a quick look at the weather but not always. I look at what kind of streak the team is on. Little things like that. I'm by no means an expert but this is the system I stick to. I'm a strong believer in not overanalyzing games.
For example today I looked at the Blue jays game. Read some notes about Halladay and he says he's fine. Looked at Nieman's stats and noticed that he doesn't go too deep in games. Tampa's bullpen is good but I don't expect Halladay to be on a pitch count so I went with Blue Jays. Tampa's won 5 straight and if their streak is going to be snapped, why not against a good hitting ball club at home with their ace back.
To summarize everything. I basically cram. Again, I'm not an expert, tout, etc. It's just my way of doing it. Although I don't agree with hours of looking into games, it's all a matter of choice. Maybe some people enjoy capping and looking at stats, etc. Sort of like a hobby. For me, the fun is watching the games, especially when you win.
That's about it.
I think you need to do your "homework" before the season. A couple of reasons. 1st the beginning of all seasons are when lines are the most likely to be exploited, if you are top of your game that is when you should do the best. After the first few weeks lines are just too tight. Get up, then be conservative. 2nd this is when you should get to know the teams. Once you have a feeling for the team and see how they perform you don't need to spend too much time as the season progresses. just brush up on any injury info, any new changes, and other updates.
I agree with you. Also, watching each game, which is what I do, is sort or like capping because as you said, you get the feel for the players and pitchers etc.
I mean, you can look at stats on papers all you want about a pitcher or batter, but when you actually watched them play, you get a better feel of them and their capabilties and habits.
there are a few teams this is huge with. ex Dodgers vs lefties, LAA vs lefties, colorado vs righties, la @ home, boston @home etc. could mean the difference in a play/no play .. just my .02