MLB Betting Trends – Twins are no joke

The Minnesota Twins are still offering good baseball betting value for the World Series, as one of the most consistent teams in baseball hasn’t finished lower than third in the AL Central since 2000. The Twins are challenging again in the Central with the 24th-highest payroll in the majors, and their ability to get the most out of their players is why they’re no fluke again in 2009.

MLB Betting Trends: Well-rounded Twins will make it close in AL Central

• Morneau-Mauer axis one of the best in the majors
  
• Strong bullpen makes up for shaky rotation
  
• Twins don’t beat themselves in the field

How many teams have two players that can hit for average, and with power? That’s just what the Twins have in All-Stars Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, who lead the majors in average and bring some power to go with it. Morneau, who won the MVP in 2006 and finished second to Boston’s Dustin Pedroia last year, could be in the running again as he’s on pace for a career year. These two are the main reasons that the Twins are 10th in runs scored, but they’re also getting support from Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer and Joe Crede. With the Morneau-Mauer foundation, the Twins’ sports betting odds are worth a shot as they raise the games of those around them.

Nick Blackburn has been the best Minnesota starter this year, while Kevin Slowey has been the recipient of some good run support among his 10 wins in the first half. Scott Baker has been up and down all season, while Francisco Liriano has been downright awful, and as a result, the Twins are 19th in the majors in ERA. However, the bullpen has been amazing as setup men Matt Guerrier and Jose Mijares are doing a great job for closer Joe Nathan, who made his fourth All-Star game and is tied for second in the AL with 23 saves. The bullpen is often the difference between winning and losing, and a bullpen like the Twins can decide whether they’re one of your sports picks or not.

In the field, the Twins are third in the majors in fielding percentage, and online betting players should not discount the importance of fielding. Small errors can do big damage to a team’s chances, and it’s the easiest thing to do on the field, but some teams just don’t pay enough attention. Mauer and Morneau could be en route to their first Gold Gloves, but the team as a whole aren’t beating themselves, which is one more reason why you should take a flier on them with your sportsbook.

For more analysis on MLB betting trends, bookmark the Betting Edge at betonline.com.

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.