MLB Rankings June 16
Posted on 6/17/2008 10:26:01 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
When making baseball picks, sports bettors need every possible resource available to them. One such resource the Bettor's Edge MLB Power Rankings. Our weekly rankings will keep you updated as to who's hot in baseball right now.
All statistics as of Sunday, June 16:
1. Chicago Cubs – The Cubs (+450 World Series odds) are simply playing out of their minds right now. Losing outfielder Alfonso Soriano to a wrist injury last week hurt, but it didn't seem to slow the team this weekend after Chicago took two of three in Toronto. The Cubbies have won 16 of their last 20 games.
2. Boston Red Sox – The Red Sox (+300 World Series odds) have won four of five, getting it done with offense (scoring 30 runs in those last four wins). Boston is trying to expand its lead in the AL East, where the surprising, underdog Tampa Bay Rays have had an impressive season. Returning to Fenway this weekend will help; the Sox are 28-7 at home this season.
3. Tampa Bay Rays – Few expected the Rays (+1000 World Series odds) to enjoy such a successful season. They've struggled a bit in June (winning just six of 13) but with their wealth of talent thanks to years of high draft picks, they're a good bet to continue plugging away. Three games this week against baseball's best team won't help, though.
4. LA Angels – The Angels (+700 World Series odds) entered the month blistering hot, rolling off six straight wins to open June. They've cooled off since, losing four of their last seven, and face a tough few days with the talented Mets and Phillies on the schedule. At least they get a break with the lowly Nationals after that.
5. Philadelphia Phillies – Philadelphia (+1000 World Series odds) risks falling out of the top-five after a tough few games against Florida and St. Louis, when the team lost four of six. Save for a 20-run explosion against the Cardinals, the bats have been quiet. They might not be a safe team to wager on this week because of a ridiculous schedule: Boston, the Angels and Oakland are on tap next.
Teams to watch:
New York Yankees – Suddenly, the Bronx Bombers (+1000 World Series odds) seemed to have figured things out. New York has won four straight games and nine of its last 12. A week of sub-.500 opponents (San Diego, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh) could keep the winning streak alive.
Detroit Tigers – The team everyone was betting on to romp its way through the American League is finally looking like a contender. After struggling mightily out of the gate the Tigers (+1500 World Series odds) have won six in a row and eight of their last 10. Finally, the pitching looks half-decent.
Don't miss next week's MLB Power Rankings, where sports bettors can gain an edge in their future baseball picks.
T.J. Kendrick is the biggest baseball nut and a
brilliant MLB handicapper. His love of the game borders on obsession, and he
takes every chance he gets to make excellent predictions, frequently
contributing to industry handicapping sites as well as BetOnline.com. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
