MLB Betting – Five Teams On The Way Down In the Second Half
Online betting players have seen a few surprises in the first half of the Major League Baseball season, especially in the National League. Here’s a look at who we think will come up short in the second half as the going gets rough.
Cincinnati
The Reds have been the surprise story of 2010 so far, as they’re currently first in the National League Central with a two-game lead over St. Louis, and they’re doing because their young talent is stepping up to the plate. Joey Votto has had a monster first half of the season, but he was snubbed for the All-Star game, and given his past problems with depression, it could be worth watching him. Mike Leake has to prove he can keep it up after becoming the first pitcher in over 20 years to come from the draft to the majors, and the Reds are 12th in ERA. More than that, the Reds are just a young team, and they’ll probably fold down the stretch.
Detroit
The Tigers are holding off Minnesota and Chicago in the American League Central, but they’re 10th in the league in ERA, and that’s not going to cut it at all. Outside of Justin Verlander, the starting pitching has been a roll of the dice. The offense is fine, led by the powerful Miguel Cabrera, but can Brennan Boesch keep it up in his rookie season? We don’t think so, not enough to get the Tigers to the playoffs.
Atlanta
MLB betting players would love for the Braves to send manager Bobby Cox (and probably Chipper Jones as well) into retirement with another division title, but we don’t see it happening. First of all, we think Philadelphia will improve and eventually come away with the National League East title once again. Second, we don’t think Troy Glaus can continue his current pace, and he leads the team in RBIs. Rookie Jason Heyward has cooled off since his hot start due to injury, so we’ll have to see how he comes back after the break.
San Diego
San Diego has the best pitching staff in the majors heading into the All-Star break, and they’ve long been known for their pitching, but we wouldn’t bet on the Padres to hold on in the National League. First of all, how long will they hold onto Adrian Gonzalez, who is carrying the offense by himself? When he’s gone, the pitching won’t be able to do it on its own. Also, can the Padres’ stellar bullpen continue to keep San Diego in it in close games? They’ve done a brilliant job so far, but they’ll be hard-pressed to keep it up.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are right there in the American League Central, but there are a few reasons why they won’t make it to the finish line. First, manager Ozzie Guillen hasn’t blown up yet this year, and you know it’s coming. Don’t be surprised if this is his final year in the Windy City. Paul Konerko has been slugging it out, but the White Sox could be out to move him, and we don’t even think he can keep up this pace if he stays. The starting pitching is suspect, and the bullpen is inconsistent outside of closer Bobby Jenks. We’d love to take a sports betting gamble on the White Sox, but it’s not happening this year.
