Spring training contests start this weekend in Arizona and Florida, which means the real MLB games aren’t far away. Let’s prepare for Opening Day with a look back at last year’s true gems in Major League Baseball betting:
Arizona Diamondbacks (95-68, $2,820)
The numbers truly were startling for this scrappy bunch, that took advantage of the overall inconsistency and malaise that plagued the National League West: Fifty-one home wins, 43 victories against the West, 731 runs, and a league-high 58 saves.
But now, comes Act Two. After losing in five games to Milwaukee in the NL Divisional Series, it’s on the Diamondbacks to prove they’re no fluke. A healthy Stephen Drew will help. The marquee shortstop, who is recovering from a dislocated ankle, is back taking infield practice and though there’s no timetable for his return, his presence might be enough of a jolt to keep this team from having an early-season hangover based on their breakout year.
Milwaukee Brewers (96-66, $2,104)
Lost in the Ryan Braun Saga and Prince Fielder’s move to Detroit, is the fact that the Brewers had one heck of a season last year and came within two wins of making the World Series.
The fact that this team, based primarily on prospects and building from the ground up, has to watch stars walk away just shows we’re still in an era of baseball where small-market teams are at a huge disadvantage.
That said, there is still talent there and the National League Central has to be deemed winnable, what with Albert Pujols no longer in St. Louis and the Pirates, Astros and Cubs still in an “up-and-coming” mode.
Keep an eye on outfielder Jay Gibbons as one of those potential “Moneyball” offensive replacements for Fielder. He might not be what Scott Hatteberg or David Justice was to the 2002 A’s, but he does have 127 career homers, drove in 100 runs back in 2004, and he was dirt cheap.
Detroit Tigers (95-67, $1,888)
From the team that lost Fielder to the one that gained him, the Tigers, who also came within two wins of the World Series, are in prime position to make a big run in the American League.
Fielder reported to camp a week early, ready to go, and if Austin Jackson can limit his strikeouts (170 in 2010, 181 in 2011) and set the table for the big man, there are going to be a lot of runs crossing the plate at Comerica Field.
Manager Jim Leyland has some arms, too - none more important than star starter Justin Verlander. The right hander, who just turned 29, waltzed into camp last week and told everyone that the Tigers expect a World Series ring this year. Well, they just may be good enough for that.
Keep in mind, they didn't lose much, they added Fielder, and they’re coming off a season in which they won the American League Central and defeated the Yankees in the ALDS. It's all coming together in Detroit.
Texas Rangers (96-66, $1,275)
It’s no surprise that these five teams landed in the postseason, and that is becoming a standard for this crew deep in the heart of Texas. Making it to the World Series in two consecutive seasons, the Rangers now command respect on the field and at the window.
Bettors who made the most of their value last year should be commended for sticking it out and remaining loyal. It won’t be any easier this year in the AL West, as the Angels are much improved, and the Rangers are missing some experience in the back end of the rotation.
Keep an eye on starter Roy Oswalt, 34, who is still looking for a team. His best years came in Texas, as a member of the Astros, and the longer he’s out there, the greater the chances the Rangers make a move for him. So far, they’ve only talked with Oswalt. But stay tuned.
Philadelphia Phillies (102-60, $1,273)
The team that let Oswalt go will be back in the thick of things in the NL East, will again be heavy favorites every night, and will win likely around 100 games - again. But their value, given their star-laden starting pitching, still won’t be great with lingering problems at the plate.
The Phillies only hit .253 as a team last season, and their 153 home runs placed them 18th in the majors in dingers. Their lack of offensive production cost them the NLDS to St. Louis, and that was with playing three of those five games in a hitter-friendly ballpark in Philadelphia.
Hunter Pence for a full season will help. But Raul Ibanez is now a Yankee, Ryan Howard will start the season on the disabled list as he recovers from an Achilles injury, and can Jim Thome truly be counted on as a reliable alternative? Be careful early on with the Phillies.
Arizona Diamondbacks (95-68, $2,820)
The numbers truly were startling for this scrappy bunch, that took advantage of the overall inconsistency and malaise that plagued the National League West: Fifty-one home wins, 43 victories against the West, 731 runs, and a league-high 58 saves.
But now, comes Act Two. After losing in five games to Milwaukee in the NL Divisional Series, it’s on the Diamondbacks to prove they’re no fluke. A healthy Stephen Drew will help. The marquee shortstop, who is recovering from a dislocated ankle, is back taking infield practice and though there’s no timetable for his return, his presence might be enough of a jolt to keep this team from having an early-season hangover based on their breakout year.
Milwaukee Brewers (96-66, $2,104)
Lost in the Ryan Braun Saga and Prince Fielder’s move to Detroit, is the fact that the Brewers had one heck of a season last year and came within two wins of making the World Series.
The fact that this team, based primarily on prospects and building from the ground up, has to watch stars walk away just shows we’re still in an era of baseball where small-market teams are at a huge disadvantage.
That said, there is still talent there and the National League Central has to be deemed winnable, what with Albert Pujols no longer in St. Louis and the Pirates, Astros and Cubs still in an “up-and-coming” mode.
Keep an eye on outfielder Jay Gibbons as one of those potential “Moneyball” offensive replacements for Fielder. He might not be what Scott Hatteberg or David Justice was to the 2002 A’s, but he does have 127 career homers, drove in 100 runs back in 2004, and he was dirt cheap.
Detroit Tigers (95-67, $1,888)
From the team that lost Fielder to the one that gained him, the Tigers, who also came within two wins of the World Series, are in prime position to make a big run in the American League.
Fielder reported to camp a week early, ready to go, and if Austin Jackson can limit his strikeouts (170 in 2010, 181 in 2011) and set the table for the big man, there are going to be a lot of runs crossing the plate at Comerica Field.
Manager Jim Leyland has some arms, too - none more important than star starter Justin Verlander. The right hander, who just turned 29, waltzed into camp last week and told everyone that the Tigers expect a World Series ring this year. Well, they just may be good enough for that.
Keep in mind, they didn't lose much, they added Fielder, and they’re coming off a season in which they won the American League Central and defeated the Yankees in the ALDS. It's all coming together in Detroit.
Texas Rangers (96-66, $1,275)
It’s no surprise that these five teams landed in the postseason, and that is becoming a standard for this crew deep in the heart of Texas. Making it to the World Series in two consecutive seasons, the Rangers now command respect on the field and at the window.
Bettors who made the most of their value last year should be commended for sticking it out and remaining loyal. It won’t be any easier this year in the AL West, as the Angels are much improved, and the Rangers are missing some experience in the back end of the rotation.
Keep an eye on starter Roy Oswalt, 34, who is still looking for a team. His best years came in Texas, as a member of the Astros, and the longer he’s out there, the greater the chances the Rangers make a move for him. So far, they’ve only talked with Oswalt. But stay tuned.
Philadelphia Phillies (102-60, $1,273)
The team that let Oswalt go will be back in the thick of things in the NL East, will again be heavy favorites every night, and will win likely around 100 games - again. But their value, given their star-laden starting pitching, still won’t be great with lingering problems at the plate.
The Phillies only hit .253 as a team last season, and their 153 home runs placed them 18th in the majors in dingers. Their lack of offensive production cost them the NLDS to St. Louis, and that was with playing three of those five games in a hitter-friendly ballpark in Philadelphia.
Hunter Pence for a full season will help. But Raul Ibanez is now a Yankee, Ryan Howard will start the season on the disabled list as he recovers from an Achilles injury, and can Jim Thome truly be counted on as a reliable alternative? Be careful early on with the Phillies.
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