February 2012 MLB Events

Calendar of MLB Events for February 2012 brought to you by baseballparlay.com

February 2012 MLB Events News

MLB: Run line underdog parlay looks promising
2010-07-20

If you don’t mind backing a couple of teams buried at the bottom of their respective divisions, there is a promising run line underdog parlay on Monday night’s baseball betting board. According to a 42-8 system from FoxSheets, both the Mariners and Orioles have a good shot at making things interesting at home against teams currently in the playoff hunt. Let’s take a look at the system and how both teams might take advantage. For the latest prices and other key betting info, visit the GAME MATCHUPS page on Sportsbook.com.

Here is the key system under consideration:

• Play On - Home underdogs against a 1.5 run line (BALTIMORE & SEATTLE) - below average AL hitting teams (AVG <=.265) against teams with a good bullpen (ERA <=3.75), in July games. (42-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (84.0%, +31.7 units. Rating=4*). The situation's record this season is: (5-0 +5 units).

As you can see, this powerful angle is already 5-0 in 2010, giving bettors a great opportunity to play either, both, or parlay the two qualifying clubs on Monday night. Here’s a quick preview of both games.

Tampa Bay (55-35) at Baltimore (29-61), 7:05 p.m. EDT

Money Line: Tampa Bay -180

Facing the team with the worst record in the majors might help Tampa Bay bounce back from a losing series against the club with the best. The Rays hope to do so while trying for a fifth straight road win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night.

Tampa Bay (55-36) missed its chance to gain ground on AL East-leading New York by losing two of three to the Yankees over the weekend. Despite being three games behind New York, the Rays have won 11 of 15 overall and hope a visit to Baltimore will help them regain some momentum.

The Rays have won nine of 11 against the Orioles (29-62), including five of six this season. Tampa Bay swept a three-game set at Baltimore from April 12-14.

The Rays hope Wade Davis (6-9, 4.69 ERA) can continue his success against the Orioles while trying to build on his first victory since May 29. Davis, 0-5 with a 6.32 ERA in his previous six starts, allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings of a 5-2 win over Cleveland on July 8.

The right-hander has allowed one run while striking out 13 in 16 innings to win both of his career starts against the Orioles. Davis recorded his only complete game by yielding four hits and striking out 10 in a 3-0 win at Baltimore on Sept. 17.

After being swept at home by Toronto, the Orioles counter with Chris Tillman (1-3, 5.64) as he tries to follow up the best outing of his young career.

In his return from Triple-A Norfolk, Tillman took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and outpitched Cliff Lee in his Rangers debut, allowing one unearned run and two hits in 7 1-3 innings of a 6-1 win at Texas on July 10. The 21-year-old Tillman had an 8.40 ERA in his previous four starts this season.

Chicago (50-40) at Seattle (35-56), 10:10 p.m. EDT

Money Line: Chicago -115

Mired in their worst losing stretch in three months, the AL Central-leading White Sox look to avoid a fourth straight defeat Monday night against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Chicago (50-41) is 26-5 since June 9, and had won nine a row before dropping the final three of a four-game series at Minnesota. The White Sox blew a three-run, ninth-inning lead in a 7-6 loss Sunday. Chicago, which has a 1 1/2-game lead over Minnesota and Detroit, has not lost four straight since April 15-18.

Facing Seattle (39-56) could help the White Sox get back on track. Though the Mariners snapped a four-game skid with a 2-1, 10-inning victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, they are 3-12 in July and dropped three one-run games at Chicago from April 23-25.

Seattle is batting .220 and averaging 2.8 runs this month.

Chicago rookie Daniel Hudson (0-0, 11.25 ERA) makes his second start of the season and first ever against Seattle. The Mariners counter with David Pauley (0-1, 1.00), who will face the White Sox for the first time.

MLB: Phillies and Dodgers NLCS Betting Preview
2009-10-16

The 2009 National League Championship Series is a rematch of the 2008 version, and for this year, it is the Dodgers that are expected to avenge their loss and bring the pennant back to Los Angeles. They are a -120 series favorite at Sportsbook.com. Of course, there are also numerous other team, player, game & series betting options to consider. Read on for a preview of the NLCS then head on over to the LIVE ODDS page to examine all the available wagering opportunities.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were dismissed in five games by the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies last October and believe they have advantages 12 months later in their favor. Though the Dodgers lack a true No.1 ace, manager Joe Torre is confident he can matchup with the Phillies better by mixing and matching to situations and still have added depth to turn to a pitcher that was a starter during the regular season if his chosen starter struggles early.

In last year’s NLCS, Los Angeles started five right-hand pitchers. Expect to see lefties Clayton Kershaw and Randy Wolf in the first four games as starting pitchers to hopefully combat Philly sluggers Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Torre is still contemplating who the other starters will be, but rest assured he will put Los Angeles in the best position to win the series based on his history.

On offense, a year’s experience should be invaluable to L.A. Last year they were loose in sweeping the Cubs, but everyone but Manny Ramirez puckered up once the next round came about. Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are the two most likely keys for the Dodgers offense; however the bottom of the order can also play an important role and Torre likes the experience from players like Casey Blake to deliver.

This is the Dodgers eighth NLCS and first back-to-back in 31 years. Ironically, exactly half of their appearances in this round of the postseason have been against Philadelphia.

The Phillies are looking to make a historical statement with visions of becoming the first NL team to win back-to-back World Series since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds. Philadelphia in fact is the first National League team to make consecutive appearances in the NLCS since Atlanta in 1995-96. It’s hard to fathom the Phillies will shutdown like St. Louis did against the Dodgers in the first round, since they led the league in home runs, scoring and most extra bases hits. The quartet of Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, Howard and Utley were the first group of Phillies to hit 30 or more home runs in a season.

Look for Cole Hamels to be the Game 1 starter. Though the lefty has not been nearly as effective as last season, he’s rested and loves pitching at Dodger Stadium. In three starts in L.A., Hamels has pitched 23 innings, allowing three runs on 15 hits, striking out 17 and walking just five batters. In his career he is 4-0 with a 1.64 ERA facing Los Angeles hitters.

Expect manager Charley Manuel to save Cliff Lee for Game 3 at home, which gives him ample rest and also makes him available for Game 7 on normal rest if needed. Manuel will piece together the rest of rotation and expect Chan Ho Park to be added to the bullpen.

Based on the body of work, the Dodgers have distinct edge in the bullpen. Jonathan Broxton and George Sherrill have been lights out for opposing teams for six weeks. Though Brad Lidge picked up two saves in the NLDS, it was out of necessity, not desire. The skipper Manuel had used up all other options in both situations and played the percentages in utilizing Lidge and escaped both times. Has last season’s most dominant closer regained enough confidence to be called upon again? Only Manuel knows with fingers crossed inside his pockets.

Offensive – National League
Runs scored Dodgers 4th Philadelphia 1st
Home Runs Dodgers 11th Philadelphia 1st
Slugging Ptc. Dodgers 7th Philadelphia 1st
Walks Dodgers 4th Philadelphia 7th
On base Ptc. Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 8th

Pitching & Defense
ERA Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 5th
Bullpen ERA Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 9th
Strikeouts Dodgers 2nd Philadelphia 9th
Walks Dodgers 8th Philadelphia 2nd
On base Ptc. Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 7th
Putouts Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 4th
Errors Dodgers 4th Philadelphia 2nd

Key Numbers- The Dodgers won the season series 4-3 and are 9-5 at home against the Phillies and 4-8 in the City of Brotherly Love the last three years. Los Angeles is among the best teams in baseball at home with 52-31 record and is 71-47 against RH starters. Torre’s club was only average in games decided by three or less runs with 59-51 record. Though playing in a weak division, the Dodgers are 20-6 vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs a game on the season. The Phillies were tied with the Angels for the best road record during the regular season at 48-33 and picked up two more wins in Colorado. Conventional wisdom has the Phillies being stymied against left-hand pitching; however a deep and versatile lineup is 29-16 against port-siders. The Phils have been much better in closer contests with a 56-41 record with games decided by three or less runs.

Sportsbook.com Series Odds: Dodgers -120, Phillies Even

MLB: Thursday Baseball is about Trendy Facts
2009-07-31

With a dozen encounters on the Major League Baseball docket, the schedule has several afternoon affairs, which doesn’t leave much time to snoop around and dig up quality facts. Instead we all have to cut to the chase, make decisions, then keep our fingers crossed we made the right ones. Take a gander at today’s most important games on Thursday. Get the latest key info and betting numbers on the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages.

Double Dip at Citi Field

Because Colorado (54-46, +6.8 units) and the New York Mets (48-51, -3.7 units) were rained out last evening, “It’s let’s play two” at Citi Field. The opening game has Johan Santana (11-8, 3-12 ERA) against Jason Hammel (5-5, 4.28), which will be followed by Jonathon Neise (1-0, 4.08) matching pitches with the Rockies Jose De La Rosa (8-7, 4.78). The Mets are in position to make it six straight wins by the end of the day, if they can continue to score runs. The Mets have totaled 29 runs in last four contests, while the normally potent Colorado offense has scored 25 runs in losing four of last six. The Mets are favored in the opener behind Santana, but underdogs in the nightcap. New York has won 20 of 22 against the Rocks at whatever has been home.

Red Sox wasting opportunities

The All-Star break is thought to be a time players can be rejuvenated and prepare for the second half of the season. Unfortunately, Boston (58-42, +1) baseball backers and bettors are waiting impatiently for the Red Sox to return. Since the break, Boston is 4-8, has fallen out of first place in the AL East with a mixture of either poor hitting or poor pitching, depending on the game. Boston will attempt to salvage a series tie with Oakland (43-57, -6.9) this afternoon and are humongous -340 money line favorites at Sportsbook.com, with total Ov9. Among the reasons for Red Sox to be such huge chalk is Jon Lester is 16-1 in home games in the second half of the season over the last three seasons. (Red Sox Record) If you as the sports bettor are looking for the longest of long shots, consider the A’s have averaged 6.9 runs per game in last 10 and are respectable 11-9 as +150 or higher road underdogs.

Cubs try to stay close

The Chicago Cubs (53-46, -2.1) are in hot pursuit of St. Louis for first place it the NL Central and could stay on the Cardinals wing and create distance from third place Houston with a win. After a dismal first half of hitting, the Cubs bats have come alive in the second half, leading the charge for Chicago to win 10 of 13. In those 13 contests, they scored five runs or more 10 times, with Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez leading the way. The Cubs are -190 home favorites facing Houston retread Russ Ortiz (3-5, 4.75). The Astros (51-50, +1.9) are trying to squeeze whatever they can out of number of elderly starters like Ortiz and they will face a Cubs squad that is 10-0 at Wrigley Field after scoring eight runs or more this season.

Dodgers in the dumps

Los Angeles (62-39, +16) had not lost three games in a row all season and now they have dropped four straight after 3-2 marathon loss. Among the reasons the Dodgers hadn’t lost this many games consecutively, they hadn’t played in St. Louis (56-48, +1) this season. With last night’s 15-inning defeat, the Dodgers are 0-3 in the series and 2-11 at the newer Busch Stadium. Hiroki Kuroda (3-5, 4.57), will try and change the Dodgers luck, however they are only 26-45 after scoring two runs or less three straight games. Cardinals’ pitchers have allowed three runs in the series and Kyle Lohse (4-6, 4.35 ERA) will try to keep L.A. in check, though he’s 1-6 with a 5.44 ERA in his last nine starts. The Redbirds are -110 favorites to complete the four game sweep.

MLB: Special Edition Pennant Chase Top Power Trends
2008-09-26

The final weekend of regular season baseball is upon us, and barring any rainouts or one-game playoff contests on Monday, 22 of the league’s 30 teams will wrap the 2008 campaign on Sunday. However, the other eight will move on to bigger and better things, with the postseason slated to open on Wednesday, October 1st. Before we can set the playoff matchups however, there are a few races left to be decided this weekend, including the N.L. East, the N.L. Wildcard, and the A.L. Central. Here’s a look at the series’ involving those contending teams plus a special edition Top Baseball Weekend Power Trends focusing on the action that will decide which teams move on.

With rain threatening the status of the key series’ in Philadelphia and New York, mother nature could play a huge role in which of the three National League teams battling for the two remaining playoff spots make it. The Phillies host the lowly Nationals this weekend and go into the set with a 1-game lead over New York for the N.L. East Division lead. Their lead on Milwaukee is also 1-game, so Philadelphia at least has something to fall back on should they not wind up as divisional champs. The Mets are also at home, welcoming Florida to town. The Brewers meanwhile, host N.L. Central champ Chicago, who has already clinched the best record in the National League.

The Phillies come into the weekend series having lost their last two games. However, the Nats are just 1-6 in their last seven, so there’s no need for panic in Philly. In this head-to-head series this season, the Phillies hold a 9-6 edge but the games in Philadelphia have been split 3-3. Ironically, Charlie Manuel’s team clinched its 2007 divisional title on the last weekend against Washington as well. Besides the motivation of spoiling things for a divisional rival, the Nationals hope to avoid their first 100-loss season since 1976. They come into this series with 99-losses, so only a sweep will avoid that dubious feat.

The Mets also square off against the same team they did to close out the ’07 season, the Marlins. Florida has the same intentions as a year ago too, ruining the season for New York. The Marlins themselves fell out of contention for the wildcard this week by losign four straight games. However, over the course of their last eight outings, Florida has outhit its opponents 99-64, so they are playing well and capable of coming up big. In this head-to-head series this year, the Mets have taken nine of 16 games.

Milwaukee hosts its biggest rival in its biggest series in 26 years. The Brewers have struggled against the Cubs of late losing six of the last seven head-to-head meetings, including a 4-game sweep at Miller Park at the end of July. The Cubs, who helped the Brewers’ cause this week by beating New York in two of four games now look to turn the tables and damage their divisional mate’s playoff hopes.

In the American League Central Division, the White Sox will hope to pick up the pieces from the 3-game sweep in Minnesota when they host Cleveland this weekend. The Sox go into the 3-game set trailing the Twins by ½ game. However, barring any letdown, Minnesota has an easier matchup on paper, hosting Kansas City. The Indians, who have lost three straight since winning a season high seven games in a row, are looking to finish their season strong. At 79-80, a two-out-of-three series will give Cleveland a .500 finish. However, Chicago has swept Cleveland in two separate series’ at U.S. Cellular Field this year. The Royals, who aren’t accustomed to playing in pennant race influencing games, could prove a dangerous foes themselves, as they are red-hot of late, having won 11 of their last 13 games. Keep an eye on the fact that 18 of the last 23 contests between K.C. and Minnesota at the Metrodome have gone UNDER the total.

Now, here’s a look at each of the key series’ from a StatFox Power Trend perspective.

WASHINGTON at PHILADELPHIA
Top Rated ML Trends
* WASHINGTON is 2-18 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in road games vs. an NL team with a batting average of .255 or worse in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was WASHINGTON 2.8, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 2*)
* WASHINGTON is 3-18 (-14.8 Units) against the money line with a tired bullpen - throwing 13+ innings over the last 3 games this season.
The average score was WASHINGTON 4.1, OPPONENT 6.5 - (Rating = 3*)
Top Rated Total Trends
* PHILADELPHIA is 24-8 UNDER (+14.9 Units) after batting .225 or worse over a 5 game span this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 4.1, OPPONENT 3.8 - (Rating = 3*)
* MANUEL is 82-65 OVER (+13.5 Units) vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse as the manager of PHILADELPHIA.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 5.3, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 1*)

FLORIDA at NY METS
Top Rated ML Trends
* FLORIDA is 14-8 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was FLORIDA 4.7, OPPONENT 4.7 - (Rating = 2*)
* NY METS are 18-24 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NY METS 4.5, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 1*)
Top Rated Total Trends
* NY METS are 23-11 OVER (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was NY METS 5.5, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 2*)
* FLORIDA is 39-22 OVER (+16.7 Units) as a road underdog of +100 or higher this season.
The average score was FLORIDA 5.1, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 2*)

CHICAGO CUBS at MILWAUKEE
Top Rated ML Trends
* MILWAUKEE is 1-13 (-13.8 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 3.3, OPPONENT 6.4 - (Rating = 4*)
* MILWAUKEE is 22-5 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games with a hot bullpen whose ERA is under 2.00 the last 5 games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 5.7, OPPONENT 3.1 - (Rating = 1*)
Top Rated Total Trends
* MILWAUKEE is 14-3 OVER (+10.9 Units) vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs/game in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 4.4, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 3*)
* CHICAGO CUBS are 23-14 OVER (+8.7 Units) in road games in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 5.8, OPPONENT 3.9 - (Rating = 1*)

CLEVELAND at CHI WHITE SOX
Top Rated ML Trends
* CHI WHITE SOX is 6-0 (+6.3 Units) against CLEVELAND at home this season
The average score in these games was CHI WHITE SOX 5, CLEVELAND 3
* CLEVELAND is 4-19 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) this season.
The average score was CLEVELAND 4.0, OPPONENT 6.0 - (Rating = 2*)
Top Rated Total Trends
* CHI WHITE SOX are 21-6 OVER (+15.0 Units) as a favorite of -150 or more this season.
The average score was CHI WHITE SOX 7.5, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 3*)
* WEDGE is 29-13 OVER (+15.3 Units) in road games after scoring 4 runs or less 4 straight games as the manager of CLEVELAND.
The average score was CLEVELAND 4.9, OPPONENT 5.7 - (Rating = 2*)

KANSAS CITY at MINNESOTA
Top Rated ML Trends
* MINNESOTA is 37-17 (+19.2 Units) against the money line vs. an average bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 to 4.50 this season.
The average score was MINNESOTA 5.6, OPPONENT 3.8 - (Rating = 3*)
* KANSAS CITY is 14-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line vs. poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was KANSAS CITY 4.4, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 2*)
Top Rated Total Trends
* KANSAS CITY is 33-16 UNDER (+15.1 Units) vs. an average bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 to 4.50 this season.
The average score was KANSAS CITY 3.8, OPPONENT 4.7 - (Rating = 2*)
* 18 of 23 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+12.2 Units)
The average score in these games was MINNESOTA 4, KANSAS CITY 3

Wagering on Hot MLB Team Trends
2008-07-24

Baseball is a game of streaks, being played out over a schedule of 162 games, and bettors are often at the mercy of these fads. There are currently several teams streaking in various directions. Be sure to take stock of these patterns before unloading your next wager on Thursdays board.

A major league team can have runs of eight games playing over the total, facing the fifth starter from the opposing team, and be shut down offensively like a garage door. Other times, little moments occur that set off wild sparks. The Los Angeles Dodgers held the lead for a total of two innings of the 29 they played against Arizona over the past weekend and it was enough to take two of three against the D-Backs. The euphoria carried over in scoring 19 runs the next game at Colorado, followed by; you guessed it, one run in game two of the series. Here is a look at current streaks from various MLB clubs.

The Detroit Tigers were supposed to have the most prolific lineup in all of major league baseball this season. Maybe it was the pressure of expectations, or having to keep scoring runs with pitchers allowing runs faster than the price of a barrel of gas was going up in the spring. Whatever the reason, the Tigers were lamer than Madonna’s latest CD. With the advent of increasingly warmer weather and a return to health of all key components in the batting order, Detroit is starting to mash. Since July 8, these smashing Tigers are averaging seven runs per game, sending fear into opposing starters. Over this run, oddsmakers have been attempting to adjust on the run, with Tigers roaring, playing 8-5 OVER the number. In reviewing their games, the biggest reason they have any contests fall below total is Jim Leyland’s bunch receives decent starting pitching every so often.

The Milwaukee Brewers are another squad that has been hot with lumber. Manager Ned Yost has been waiting all season for consistency with offense and has moved up to tied for sixth in the National League in runs scored with latest surge. With Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia at the top of the rotation, Milwaukee has closed on the Cubs and is 8-4 OVER in last 12 outings.

The Atlanta Braves must feel like they are living in a torn tepee on the road, with 17-33 record, losing -18.2 units. The biggest culprit for this lack of success has been a spotty offense in the traveling grays. Atlanta hitters average a mere 3.8 runs per game on the road. While this isn’t breathtaking news based on the season, the Braves are 8-4 UNDER in last 12 road games, keeping season long play intact. Here’s an eye-popper, the Bravos are 0-13 in 2008 in one run games on the road and are on streak of 0-19 in this circumstance dating back to August 10, last season. In fact, they are 1-23 in last 24 road ballgames decided by a single run. That’s a worse payout than a slot machine on Vegas Strip.

The New York Yankees have been written off more times than a John McCain opt-ed piece sent to major newspapers. With the passing of the All-Star game and a hint of August pennant chase in the air, the Yankees are right back in the hunt, thanks to 11-game winning streak at home. The Bronx Bombers are hitting the horsehide with greater regularity; however it has been the pitching staff which has carried this club. In the 11 wins, Yanks pitchers have given a sick 18 runs, fueling this tear. Little surprise New York is 7-3-1 UNDER in these encounters.

The lowest scoring team in the American League is the Seattle Mariners at 3.9 runs per game and they are persistent in the mode they have set. Seattle scores 3.8 RPG at Safeco Field, 3.8 versus RH starters and 3.6 in day games. Where the Mariners just go overboard is on the road, were average catapults to 4.1 RPG. Since July 5, even the M’s are out-doing themselves. Seattle is a sorry mess at 3-11 and has scored a not so grand total of 24 runs in the losses. Not hard to comprehend, they would be 11-2-1 UNDER in this stretch.