This is the sport I really follow, though my damn job interferes with actually keeping up with it as much as I'd like. I also like that there are so many games to choose from, especially from a betting perspective. Here at the RX last year, in my first year posting, my record ended at 404-354, + 63.2 units. Hopefully this year will turn out as well. Fade or follow as you please. I don't get my feelings hurt if you disagree, call me a no-nothing or add some information. In fact, I especially encourage added info from mlb followers, at the park or on TV. Local news often does not get reported in the national press. I follow the Seattle Mariners closely, and know the team well.
Baseball is a stat heavy sport. And those stats really play a large part in what teams I like to play, for or against. But there is a certain amount of gut feeling , team emotion, intangibles, opinion, and such that helps me make a play. For example, last year, the Marlins had a disappointing year, and were often a good play against, due to having an idiot manager(Ozzie), and a sleaze-ball owner(Loria). Their bad karma, lack of fans, and injuries led to them underperforming for much of the season.
April tends to be a little like extended Spring Training. Teams that will be good can start out slow, and vice versa. I think underdogs tend to be a better play in April and May, and there is likely going to be a couple of hot teams. Think Texas last year. Also, baseball players and managers tend to be more patient and less likely to overreact to losses. They know that it's a long season, and definitely a long slog.
First play: Astros +145. one unit. Opening game of the season and probably the Astros only chance to be in first place. They'll have a good crowd on hand. Norris is their ace, and has looked very good in Spring training. He might give them 6-7 good innings. Matt Harrison has not looked good in the spring, unlike last year. He has struck out only 5 in 12 spring IPs, and got hit pretty hard in his last outing. Both bullpens are a mess, but Harrison might need his more. Texas will miss last year's very hot Josh Hamilton early bat. He was incredible the first 2 months. Astros might lose 100 games, but got a feeling this game means more to them than Texas. The Astros can only shine for a game or a week or a few weeks before reality comes crashing down on them.
Good luck to all this year. And I really appreciate anything you might know that will help us all win.
Baseball is a stat heavy sport. And those stats really play a large part in what teams I like to play, for or against. But there is a certain amount of gut feeling , team emotion, intangibles, opinion, and such that helps me make a play. For example, last year, the Marlins had a disappointing year, and were often a good play against, due to having an idiot manager(Ozzie), and a sleaze-ball owner(Loria). Their bad karma, lack of fans, and injuries led to them underperforming for much of the season.
April tends to be a little like extended Spring Training. Teams that will be good can start out slow, and vice versa. I think underdogs tend to be a better play in April and May, and there is likely going to be a couple of hot teams. Think Texas last year. Also, baseball players and managers tend to be more patient and less likely to overreact to losses. They know that it's a long season, and definitely a long slog.
First play: Astros +145. one unit. Opening game of the season and probably the Astros only chance to be in first place. They'll have a good crowd on hand. Norris is their ace, and has looked very good in Spring training. He might give them 6-7 good innings. Matt Harrison has not looked good in the spring, unlike last year. He has struck out only 5 in 12 spring IPs, and got hit pretty hard in his last outing. Both bullpens are a mess, but Harrison might need his more. Texas will miss last year's very hot Josh Hamilton early bat. He was incredible the first 2 months. Astros might lose 100 games, but got a feeling this game means more to them than Texas. The Astros can only shine for a game or a week or a few weeks before reality comes crashing down on them.
Good luck to all this year. And I really appreciate anything you might know that will help us all win.