Diamondbacks odds – Dunn trade could be followed by more deals
Posted on 8/13/2008 4:15:46 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
Baseball Futures
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What does the Adam Dunn deal mean for Arizona?
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Does new Red Sox Paul Byrd have anything left?
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Will Gary Sheffield be on the move?
Arizona's acquisition of Adam Dunn from the Cincinnati Reds certainly has the online betting community wondering how Diamondbacks odds will be affected. But the Dunn deal wasn't the only trade action this week and another could happen before the deadline passes. Let's review:
Adam Dunn to Arizona. The Diamondbacks needed a bat badly. Opinions are mixed on the big slugger. There's no arguing the power he brings to the table—he has 32 homers this season—but his batting average is hovering around .230 this season.
Still, his on-base percentage this season is around his career average of .380, which most teams would love to have. What Dunn lacks in hits he more than makes up for in walks. If he's on base, what's the difference in how he got there?
Dunn adds some much-needed juice to the lineup. Re-examine the baseball futures, because Diamondbacks odds to make the postseason just got a whole lot better.
Paul Byrd to Boston. Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz were struggling for the Red Sox, so they tried to bolster the rotation. It's highly debatable whether or not they did that. At 37 years old, most of the online betting community must feel Byrd's best days are behind him.
He'd posted a 7-10 record with a 4.53 ERA this season with Cleveland. The Indians have played poorly this season and perhaps that rubbed off on Bryd; a new environment with a favorite like Boston might be just what he needed. But Byrd hasn't had a sub-4.00 ERA since 2005 with the Angels.
It's hard to believe things will turn around now.
Gary Sheffield on the move? Sheffield - one of Major League Baseball's biggest jerks - recently complained about his playing time in Detroit. He's been placed on waivers but it's a safe bet no team will scoop him up considering his age, salary and the season he's had.
Still, would Sheffield be worth a look for an on-the-bubble squad and improve their baseball futures? He's hitting about .223 this season with just 12 homers in 77 games, but he's drilled five homers in his last 14 games.
He could be acquired very cheaply and a team worth risking his salary for one more season could pick up a very dangerous hitter looking to prove the Tigers wrong. If the bizarre happens and he does move, don't expect him to make a potential impact on Diamondbacks odds like Dunn.
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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.
