MLB Over/Under Picks
Some thoughts looking at these numbers. I’ve noted before that seeing heavy juice on a line can affect your decision making. You try to come up with reasons on why to believe something. Case in point last year with the Orioles. Their line was somewhere between -170 and -180 on the under. They were a trendy pick to lose a bunch of games, but they played beyond expectations. Would I have felt so confident in them if they weren’t sitting at -173 or whatever on the under? I doubt it. Anyway let’s have a look.
Padres Under 66.5 – Not breaking new ground here. Several have noted that, on paper, they have the worst rotation in baseball. I am a fan of both Austin Hedges and Will Myers, but this lineup will consistently be littered with mediocrity. And if the lineup is bad the rotation is horrific. No starter is projected to have a sub 4.00 era in the pitchiest of pitcher’s parks. Jered Weavers fastball was so slow the other day MLB pitch tracker listed it as a changeup. (True)
Tigers Under 82.5 – Some of the Detroit blurbs are either hilarious or massively depressing according to viewpoint. “None of their options are attractive,” “got roughed up again,” “need to turn it around.” Reports note that in regards to position battles, one player fails while his teammate competitor “hasn’t exactly been great himself.” Anibal Sanchez has apparently worked on his mechanics and is looking like he may rebound which is a point against us.
Phillies Over 72.5 – Lot of young talent on Philadelphia. Plus you know you are generally not backing the trendy money when you are gambling on Philadelphia succeeding in anything.
Indians Over 93.5 – Well we have already gambled on Philadelphia doing well, let’s toss Cleveland in. Last year as I routinely kicked myself for taking that damn Baltimore Under the theme that kept coming back for me was how good their bullpen was. I am slightly nervous that Andrew Miller may be wearing down a bit. Even if that is the case this unit should be strong enough to carry this team. Hopefully a fully healthy year for Brantley.
Brewers Over 68.5 – The lineup by itself is certainly legitimate enough to clear this number. The issue will be how many games the pitching gives back. Craig Counsell seems like he’s due for some success.
Cubs Under 96.5 – To win this many games there has to be a minimum number of question marks. You could make the argument that the entire OF is one giant one. Jason Heyward is an enigma, Jon Jay is a far cry from Dexter Fowler, and when he isnt tearing ligaments Kyle Schwarber has played all of 40 games in LF. Wade Davis may be fine but is coming off injury. Hammel gone, Lackey ancient. Too many questions for me.
Royals Under 75.5 – As has been reported on quite a bit, the Royals have quite a few key players heading to free agency next year. Hosmer, Moustakas, Cain, Escobar…this is betting on the Royals selling at the trade deadline even if they’re in a spot that isn’t horrible.
Mets Over 87.5 – No reasoning necessary.
Angels Under 79.5 – My only offseason note for the Angels was to observe they had signed Ryan LaMarre to a major league contract, specifically 50k over the minimum. That’s all I got.
Yankees Under 82.5 – Sure.
