Fantasy Baseball Odds – Hot and Not for July 8
Fantasy baseball and baseball betting go hand in hand, as it’s usually a good thing to go with the hot bat (or arm) as much as possible while they’re still playing well. Here is a look at who has been tearing up the fantasy leagues over the last seven days.
Fantasy Baseball Odds – Hot or Not, July 8
- Good week for rightfielders, southpaws
- Lee is holding up his end of the bargain in the “Windy City”
- Wainwright on a roll heading into the break
WHO’S HOT
Derek Lee, first baseman, Chicago Cubs
(Last week: 7-for-23, 4 HR, 12 RBI)
Lee is carrying the Cubs’ disappointing offense at 33 years old, and last week was one of the best weeks of the season for him. His big night came in the first game of a series with Milwaukee in which he hit a pair of dingers with 7 RBI.
Shin-Soo Choo, rightfielder, Cleveland Indians
(Last week: 8-for-15, 3 HR, 8 RBI)
Too bad the rest of his team is one of the biggest baseball betting busts of the season. Choo had a similar day to Lee when his team opened a three-game set against Oakland, as he hit a pair of homers and drove in seven runs.
Adam Wainwright, starting pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
(Last week: 17.1 IP, 1-0, 0.52 ERA, 21 K)
You want an innings-eater? Wainwright leads the National League in innings, and he was unlucky to get a no-decision in a 2-1 10-inning win over San Francisco, when he went nine innings, striking out 12 in a fantastic duel with the Giants’ Matt Cain. Then he turned around and shut out the Brewers over 8.1 innings, tossing a seven-hitter in 5-0 shutout with nine strikeouts. Whenever Wainwright is on the mound, you should strongly consider the Cardinals’ sports betting lines.
TOP Waiver Pick (owned by less than 50% of leagues): Colby Rasmus, St. Louis Cardinals
(Last week: 11-for-22, 4 HR, 6 RBI)
The kid was hurt earlier in the season, but he’s starting to show why he was one of the highest-ranked prospects before the campaign began. He currently has a five-game hit streak and has homered in three straight games. It’s a shame for him that the All-Star break is up now. Grab Rasmus while you can.
WHO’S NOT
Kevin Youkilis, first baseman, Boston Red Sox
(Last week: 1-for-21, 0 HR, 0 RBI)
While his team is still a favorite among those who make sports picks, Youkilis is battling a slump that has seen him get just one hit in the past week, a double in a 3-2 loss to Seattle. Youkilis probably just needs to get to the break, reset himself, and he should be fine for the second half. Still, stay far away from him this week.
Victor Martinez, first baseman, Cleveland Indians
(Last week: 0-for-14, 0 HR, 0 RBI)
It’s a good thing Choo had a big week, because Martinez was just awful. He hasn’t even gotten on base in a week, and he’s even sat out a game to try and figure out what’s wrong. All those zeroes across the board aren’t what you want to see from your first baseman.
Joe Saunders, Los Angeles Angels
(Last week: 5.1 IP, 0-0, 8.44 ERA, 2 K)
Saunders was pelted by Baltimore at home, giving up five earned runs on eight hits over 5.1 innings, and he’s now allowed 13 runs in his last nine innings of work. He was probably in line for an All-Star spot, as well.
For more baseball betting analysis and picks, check the Betting Edge at betonline.com daily.
Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball.
