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May 18th MLB news ... Welcome to Baseball betting game, the site with everything you need to make a profit during the baseball season.

Welcome to baseballbettinggame.com, the site with everything you need to make a profit during the baseball season.

In order to cash in over the long haul, it is imperative that you are up to date with all of the necessary statistics, trends and tips.

Whether you need the latest betting line or information on how a specific pitcher fares away from home, it is important to log on daily to find all of that information and much more.

Latest MLB News

Wednesday MLB Playoffs Betting Doubleheader
2010-10-20

Baseball betting fans have plenty to wager on today as both Championship Series will be in action. The early game features the New York Yankees playing in a ‘must win’ situation as they host the Texas Rangers. In the night game, the Philadelphia Phillies need a win to even the series up 2-2.

Let’s take a look at each game a little more closely and see if we can’t expose some profitable baseball betting angles.

TEXAS RANGERS at NEW YORK YANKEES

ALCS Game 5, Texas leads series 3-1
Wednesday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.com Betting Odds: New York -165, Texas +155, Total: 8

If the Yankees are to continue their season past Wednesday they’ll need a big-time performance from CC Sabathia (21-7, 3.18 ERA) who gets the ball in Game 5. He’ll be opposed by C.J. Wilson (15-8, 3.35 ERA). The two left-handers squared off in Game 1 of the series, a 6-5 New York victory.

Sabathia struggled in the series opener, going four innings and allowing five runs on six hits while walking four and striking out three. The offense bailed him out with a five-run eighth inning as the Yankees erased a 5-0 deficit en route to the win. In his two playoff starts this year, Sabathia’s ERA is a hefty 7.20. Wednesday marks his first home postseason start this year and Sabathia pitched well at Yankee Stadium in 2010, going 11-2 with a 3.00 ERA.

Wilson pitched well enough to win Game 1, allowing three runs on six hits over seven innings. He’s pitched well lately too, going 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA over his last three starts, which includes a 1-0 record and a 2.03 ERA in two playoff starts. He’s also been strong on road this season, going 5-5 with a 2.72 ERA (including postseason). The Rangers have won six of his past eight road starts.

The following MLB betting trend seems to indicate that the Rangers will finish off the Yankees tonight:

Play On - Any team (TEXAS) - when leading in a playoff series. (61-27 over the last 5 seasons.) (69.3%, +37.6 units. Rating = 4*).

MLB: Top MLB Weekend Power Trends 7/9-7/11
2010-07-09

This weekend in Major League Baseball offers up the last set of games before the all-star break, and these series’ are often looked at as key indicators of what we might expect from teams as they come out the break. Over the next few days, teams can either build confidence or momentum that they can savior in the three days off, or be left to think about how they’ll pick up the pieces once the action resumes next Thursday. Some clubs, like the Yankees, Rays, White Sox, and Rockies have already started building for a second half run. Others like the Angels, Red Sox, and Cardinals need to stop the bleeding this weekend. Let’s take a look at the action on tap for the next three days and reveal this weekend’s list of Top StatFox Power Trends to consider as you build your wagering lineup.

In the American League, two of the three division leaders will be battling the bottom feeders in their opposite divisions. The Rangers, who lost the first of a four-game set at home versus the lowly Orioles, will look to sweep the rest of the weekend, figuring to be heavily favored in each game. Baltimore is an atrocious 10-34 on the road this season, while the Rangers have gone 31-16 at home. The Yankees are in Seattle for the weekend, riding a league-best six-game winning streak. They took the first game vs. the Mariners on Thursday, but are just 2-3 in their L5 against Seattle, having mustered only 12 runs. Elsewhere, in another hot vs. not matchup, the Rays, also winners of their last six games and sitting atop the wildcard standings, take on the last place Indians in Tampa.

The Red Sox will try to break a second-half trend of road woes that began last season when they visit Toronto. Boston comes off a sweep at the hands of the Rays and has now lost four straight games, losing a game on each occasion in the standings to the front-running Yankees. The Sox are now 5-games out, but they have fared quite well vs. the Jays in 2010, going 5-1, including a sweep in Toronto back in April. Finally, in Detroit, the streaking Tigers, 7-3 in their last 10 games, welcome the Twins to town. Detroit is scoring 5.9 runs per game during the surge and has pounded out double-digit hits in eight of the 10 games. Minnesota meanwhile, is reeling, just 5-11 in its L16 games. However, the Twins boast an impressive 19-10 mark in divisional games this season, including 6-3 vs. the Tigers.

The National League slate for the weekend is highlighted by two key series’ pitting the top two teams from the East and West divisions against one another. In the East, the Mets, currently trailing by 3-games to Atlanta, welcome the Braves to town, looking to repeat a late-April sweep at Citi Field in which the visitors mustered a total of three runs. Atlanta, the league’s best home team, has not played nearly as well on the road, going just 20-25, but does come off a key series victory at Philadelphia. Out West, the Padres will visit the Rockies, with Colorado also looking to slice into a 3-game deficit in the standings. The hosts have won eight of their L10 games, with their bats having awoken. The Rockies have topped the 10-hit mark in seven straight games but will be tested by the league’s top pitching staff. The Padres allow a league-best 3.3 runs per game with opponents batting just .235 on the season.

Get in on all of this weekend’s action before the break, and don’t forget to consult our list of Top StatFox Power Trends before you hit the confirm button on your wagers.

SAN FRANCISCO at WASHINGTON

<li>WASHINGTON is 38-82 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 4.1, OPPONENT 5.5 - (Rating = 1*)

CINCINNATI at PHILADELPHIA

<li>CINCINNATI is 23-12 (+10.4 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse this season. The average score was CINCINNATI 5.1, OPPONENT 3.2 - (Rating = 1*)

ATLANTA at NY METS

<li>NY METS are 10-2 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in home games vs. NL teams allowing 4.3 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was NY METS 4.7, OPPONENT 2.4 - (Rating = 1*)

ST LOUIS at HOUSTON

<li>ST LOUIS is 29-14 UNDER (+13.1 Units) vs. a poor bullpen whose WHIP is 1.550 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ST LOUIS 4.2, OPPONENT 3.9 - (Rating = 1*)

PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE

<li>MILWAUKEE is 18-29 (-19.6 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .245 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MILWAUKEE 5.1, OPPONENT 5.8 - (Rating = 2*)

SAN DIEGO at COLORADO

<li>SAN DIEGO is 20-9 (+15.1 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season this season. The average score was SAN DIEGO 4.7, OPPONENT 3.1 - (Rating = 3*)

FLORIDA at ARIZONA

<li>ARIZONA is 15-34 (-21.1 Units) against the money line vs. a poor bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ARIZONA 4.7, OPPONENT 6.0 - (Rating = 2*)

CHICAGO CUBS at LA DODGERS

<li>CHICAGO CUBS are 16-34 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 3.3, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 2*)

BOSTON at TORONTO

<li>BOSTON is 3-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games vs. good power teams - averaging 1.25 or more HR's/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 3.3, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 1*)

MINNESOTA at DETROIT

<li>MINNESOTA is 7-22 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in road games vs. teams who strand 7.5 or more runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 3.3, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 1*)

CLEVELAND at TAMPA BAY

<li>TAMPA BAY is 18-5 (+10.3 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 4.2 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was TAMPA BAY 5.7, OPPONENT 2.7 - (Rating = 0*)

BALTIMORE at TEXAS

<li>BALTIMORE is 11-37 (-20.6 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was BALTIMORE 3.3, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 2*)

KANSAS CITY at CHI WHITE SOX

<li>KANSAS CITY is 23-12 (+13.9 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .320 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was KANSAS CITY 4.8, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*)

LA ANGELS at OAKLAND

<li>LA ANGELS are 16-6 (+10.0 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 4.2 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was LA ANGELS 5.0, OPPONENT 4.0 - (Rating = 1*)

NY YANKEES at SEATTLE

<li>NY YANKEES are 27-11 UNDER (+14.3 Units) in road games vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .320 or worse over the last 3 seasons. The average score was NY YANKEES 4.3, OPPONENT 3.9 - (Rating = 1*)

MLB: Twins and Yankees ALDS Betting Preview
2009-10-07

The New York Yankees went on an unparalleled spending spree last season and it ended up helping them have the best record in baseball at 103-59. Everyone knows that is fine and dandy, however how New York plays in October will determine if it was money well spent. They’ll start the playoffs as the league favorite at +160 to win the World Series according to Sportsbook.com. They are also a heavy divisional series favorite over the Twins. See all the exciting game, series, and prop options available on the LIVE ODDS page.

The Yankees haven’t played in the World Series since 2001 and haven’t won the Fall Classic since taking home the big trophy in years 1998-2000. Mr. Yankee Derek Jeter understands better than anybody why this team could be different.

“We have much better pitching, and this lineup allows everyone to be more aggressive because we have good hitters 1-9.”

New York’s dominance pops up in a couple of different ways. In games decided by two or more runs, they were 62-43. At the new Yankee Stadium they built a 57-24 record and if Minnesota or anyone dares to start a left-hander against them, good luck, with the Bronx Bombers 36-18.

The Minnesota will make the unlikely journey to New York riding high. The Twins won what might be the best baseball game anyone will see the rest of the season Tuesday night, taking down Detroit 6-5 in 12 sensational innings.

The Twins are the hottest team remaining, winning 17 of last 22, including the all important last five in a row. Minnesota will have their work cut out for them since they lost all seven games to the Yankees this season and they have one victory in last 11 tries playing in the Bronx.

The Yankees are easily the biggest favorite to win the four divisional series at -400 and are the odds on favorite at Sportsbook.com to be champions yet again at +160 odds. Let’s see what the Yankees do.

Offensive – American League
Runs scored Minnesota 4th New York 1st
Home Runs Minnesota 9th New York 1st
Slugging Pct. Minnesota 7th New York 1st
Walks Minnesota 4th New York 1st
On base Pct. Minnesota 5th New York 1st

Pitching & Defense
ERA Minnesota 11th New York 4th
Strikeouts Minnesota 10th New York 1st
Walks Minnesota 1st New York 11th
On base Pct. Minnesota 7th New York 4th
Putouts Minnesota 6th New York 3rd
Errors Minnesota T-1st New York 5th

Cincinnati with backs to wall, up against Super System
2009-07-22

The Cincinnati Reds are fading faster than a budget surplus at any city across the United States. The Reds have lost 17 of last 27 games to tumble into fifth place in the National League Central. In fact, now with a 44-49 record (-2.3 units), Pittsburgh can actually see an opportunity of climbing out of the cellar. Just how valueless has Cincinnati become, only San Diego and Washington have a worse runs scored-runs allowed deficit (-61) in the senior circuit. Bettors have another chance to fade the Reds at Sportsbook.com this evening, when they take on the Dodgers once again.

The Reds problems are scattered like tornado going thru a neighborhood. Offensively, Cincinnati has a “full house” of defective numbers. The Reds rank 14th in the National League in runs scored, batting average and on-base percentage. Those numbers are coupled with ranking 13th in total bases and slugging percentage. No wonder Cincy has lost six of last eight against teams with winning record.
The pitching numbers though better, are not exactly inspiring. Cincinnati ranks 9th in ERA at 4.27. They concede too many walks, ranked 11th and don’t earn many easy outs, positioned 12th in strikeouts. The Reds are tied for 12th in quality starts with 45 on the season. Fortunately they have been able to win when leading late with 82.1 percent save percentage.

Bronson Arroyo (10-8, 5.07, 1.454) is having another Six Flags seasons, going up and down. At the present time he’s in the zone, not allowing a run in last two starts over 16 innings and has posted 2.14 ERA in his last three trips to the mound. “I’m a roller coaster out there,” Arroyo told the Reds’ official Web site. “Right now, I’m going good. I’ll take every zero on the board I can get. The more you go out there like that, you feel confident. … You just try to ride the wave.” (Dude, were with you man)

Cincinnati is trying to not to be swept by the Dodgers (60-34, +19.6), who are 32-15 at home and 42-23 against right-hand starters.

Chad Billingsley (9-5, 3.76, 1.283) has been the Los Angeles ace, but not of late. Billingsley has been hit hard in his last two starts, allowing 11 runs in 6 2/3 innings. He’ll hope to find an early rhythm and save a bullpen that has done phenomenal work with 3.21 ERA and 1.238 WHIP.
This all leads to Sportsbook.com making L.A. a -200 money line favorite with a total Ov8 and the Reds being in unfit area.

Play Against road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more, who are NL team with a low on-base percentage of .350 or less, against a team with a solid bullpen (WHIP of 1.350 or less ), with a scalding starting pitcher sporting ERA less than 2.50 over his last three starts.

Over the last five seasons, this system is sizzling 54-11, 83.1 percent. The Reds are 8-21 as +150 to +200 underdogs and unimaginable 50-100 after a game where they stranded three or less runners on base. The Dodgers have won 52 of last 75 games at Dodger Stadium and are 8-1 in Billingsley’s last nine starts against teams with losing record.

If the money line makes one feel a bit uncomfortable backing the Dodgers, the average score differential of this superb system is 2.1 runs, adding the run line as potential wager. One more aspect to consider, the Reds have lost eight in a row at the home of the Dodgers.

Hot Sox bats could cool against hot Halos hurler
2009-05-29

The Chicago White Sox have found their hitting shoes in Anaheim, totaling 35 hits the last two days against Los Angeles, beating the Angels twice. Though the White Sox are showing strong signs of coming out of slump, this has not been the case recently. Be sure to check the latest info for this contest by visiting the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages.

The team from the south side of Chicago prior to leaving for the West Coast, went thru a period where they went 12 consecutive games without registering double digit base hits (longest streak in baseball this season) and 16 of 17 overall. Take away the 17 runs Chicago scored on Monday night and they had totaled a drought-like 3.3 runs per game in 19 of last 20 games.

Chicago will try to become the first team since Kansas City on June 24-27, 2007, to sweep Los Angeles at the Big A in a three-game series. Their task won’t be easy, going up against Jered Weaver (3-2, 2.52 ERA, 1.071 WHIP), who is winless in last three starts.

That is not entirely Weaver’s fault, since he has 2.25 ERA in last three outings and has allowed just 10 runs in last 35 innings of work. In home games, the right-hander has been almost impossible to score on, with 3-0 record and miniscule 1.23 ERA in five starts.

The Angels are -200 money line favorites according to Sportsbook.com, with the total Un9. The Halos are sensational 24-6 after two or more consecutive losses over the last two seasons, playing the White Sox, who are up against a super system.

Play Against road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more, who are batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher, with a WHIP of 1.000 or less over his last five starts.

Since 2004, this is a money-making baseball system with 72-13 record, at 84.7 percent. In recent seasons, this system has performed even better, with 31 wins in 35 tries. Despite winning the first two games of the series, the Pale Hose are 18-33 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after winning three of their last four games and the Angels are 30-10 revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite.

Chicago has been unable to solve Weaver’s assortment of pitches, as he is 3-0 with microscopic 0.34 ERA in four starts, all Angels’ wins. Consider this system for money line or run line action.

MLB: Top Baseball Power Trends; 9/19-9/21
2008-09-19

With the Major League Baseball playoffs just under two weeks from starting, the contenders will continue to sort out the pennant races this weekend. Most teams have less than 10 games left to state their cases for a postseason berth. The tightest races right now are in the American League East & Central Divisions, as well as the National League East & Wildcard standings. Most of the teams battling for those spots will be taking on non-contending opponents looking to play the role of spoiler over the next three days. Here is a quick look at the action along with our weekly feature highlighting some of the top StatFox Power Trends for each series.

In the American League East Division, the Rays hold a 1-1/2 game lead over Boston. The Red Sox face a tough series north of the border in Toronto. The Jays have been a thorn in Boston’s division title hopes this season, taking eight of 15 head-to-head games between the teams. They are also 4-2 at home against the defending champions. While that series is going on, Tampa Bay will be continuing a 4-game set at home versus Minnesota. The Twins rallied for a come from behind win on Thursday to climb back within 1-1/2 games of Chicago in the Central Division. Neither team is playing all that well of late, but still the Rays’ magic number to reach the postseason for the first time is at three. Incidentally, the White Sox travel to Kansas City for their weekend series and will be meeting one of the hottest teams in baseball. The Royals have won their last seven games.

In the National League East Division, the Phillies and Mets are separated by just a half game. Philadelphia currently leads the division, but the consolation for the eventual loser could be a wildcard berth, as the Mets lead Milwaukee by 1-1/2 games in that race heading into Friday’s action. Philadelphia has the most difficult weekend matchup, at least on paper, having to travel to Florida to take on the Marlins, who haven’t quite given up their playoff hopes yet. Including their recent 3-game sweep of Houston, Florida has won eight straight games. New York is also on the road this weekend, at Atlanta.

The Brewers have managed to turn a 5-1/2 game wildcard lead on Labor Day into a 1-1/2 game deficit by going just 2-9 in their last 11 games. This is the second straight year that Milwaukee has collapsed in September, and the loss on Thursday at Chicago was absolutely devastating, with the Cubs rallying from a 6-2 deficit in the 9th inning to win. The Brew Crew will try to salvage the season this weekend at red-hot Cincinnati, who has won seven of its last ten games. The Reds lead the season series 8-7, but Milwaukee is 4-2 in the Queen City.

For those of you into history, don’t forget that New York will be hosting its last series ever at Yankee Stadium this weekend, taking on the Orioles. Having been eliminated from postseason consideration, the Bronx Bombers will usher out the “House that Ruth Built” with a special Sunday night contest brought live on ESPN.

Now, here’s a look at a top trend from each series this weekend:

ST LOUIS at CHICAGO CUBS
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-46 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 54%) over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 4.2, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 1*)

HOUSTON at PITTSBURGH
HOUSTON is 23-8 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) this season.
The average score was HOUSTON 5.8, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 2*)

PHILADELPHIA at FLORIDA
FLORIDA is 20-12 (+15.6 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams allowing 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was FLORIDA 4.4, OPPONENT 4.6 - (Rating = 2*)

MILWAUKEE at CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI is 60-39 OVER (+18.9 Units) vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CINCINNATI 5.0, OPPONENT 5.5 - (Rating = 1*)

SAN DIEGO at WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON is 19-48 (-26.9 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse this season.
The average score was WASHINGTON 3.5, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 3*)

NY METS at ATLANTA
ATLANTA is 0-9 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was ATLANTA 3.0, OPPONENT 7.3 - (Rating = 2*)

ARIZONA at COLORADO
COLORADO is 18-37 (-19.5 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better this season.
The average score was COLORADO 4.1, OPPONENT 5.5 - (Rating = 2*)

SAN FRANCISCO at LA DODGERS
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-56 (-13.9 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better this season.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 4.1, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 0*)

BALTIMORE at NY YANKEES
BALTIMORE is 17-38 (-16.9 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was BALTIMORE 5.2, OPPONENT 6.6 - (Rating = 1*)

BOSTON at TORONTO
BOSTON is 11-19 (-14.3 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.2 or less runs/game in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was BOSTON 4.1, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 2*)

DETROIT at CLEVELAND
DETROIT is 14-26 (-17.6 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was DETROIT 5.2, OPPONENT 6.0 - (Rating = 2*)

MINNESOTA at TAMPA BAY
MINNESOTA is 10-29 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in road games vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MINNESOTA 4.4, OPPONENT 5.7 - (Rating = 2*)

LA ANGELS at TEXAS
TEXAS is 49-31 OVER (+17.6 Units) vs. AL teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season this season.
The average score was TEXAS 6.0, OPPONENT 5.9 - (Rating = 2*)

CHI WHITE SOX at KANSAS CITY
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-15 (+16.2 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .320 or worse this season.
The average score was CHI WHITE SOX 5.7, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 2*)

SEATTLE at OAKLAND
OAKLAND is 11-25 (-13.2 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with a batting average of .265 or worse in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was OAKLAND 3.4, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*)

Baseball Betting Statistic from Different View
2008-07-21

The term “slugging percentage” has been around baseball for long time. For those that either don’t remember or just don’t know, how a slugging percentage is derived is taking the total bases of a hitter and divided by the number of at bats, discounting walks. What this statistic is designed to do is gauge the performance of a hitter based on all-around ability to hit for power, just not home runs. In 2001, Barry Bonds broke Babe Ruth’s record in this category with a .863 slugging percentage, besting Ruth’s mark of .847, set in 1920. What happens when you turn it around and look at these same numbers from pitching perspective?

When you turn this category the other way and look at from starting pitcher point of view, a whole different way of looking at baseball comes about. Here we seek pitchers who can limit a teams hitting prowess across the board. There is no question, if a bettor is just looking at units won; there is a better list to find than this one. If a person is more comfortable in wagering on the deliveries of Vincente Padilla of Texas or Livan Hernandez of Minnesota, good luck and hope they keep providing you wins, no matter how many hits they allow per start. Here we’re looking at quality, pitchers who avoid trouble and are also at the mercy of run support.

For the season, .411 slugging percentage is the average for all 30 teams. Oakland’s Justin Duchscherer (10-6, 1.87 ERA) has been among the baseball’s best all season at .288 SP, limiting teams chances of scoring runs. Duchscherer may only be up +2.4 units on the season, however in the seven losses the A’s have suffered in his starts, they managed a total of nine runs. The Oakland right-hander has done his part, he just needs more support.

Many of the starters are top line pitchers, who also bring money to bettors wagering accounts. The Reds Edinson Volquez (12-2, 2.49) is among the leaders at +7.2 units, thanks to .310 slugging percentage against him. The Cleveland Indians are having forgettable season, however Cliff Lee is manufacturing one for the Indians record books at 13-2, with 2.29 ERA, after complete game win against Seattle on Sunday. With teams having only .320 SP, the left-hander has gained +8 units. The Cubs Ryan Dempster is having career renaissance as a starter and is 11-4, and lowered ERA to 3.05 with eight shutout innings against Houston in series finale, and is at .322 SP, while gathering +8.5 units. Though Tim Lincecum (11-3, 2.79) took a rare loss to Milwaukee, he’s given up a solid .333 SP, while earning +5.9 units of profit for backers.

If there is a downside to this statistic, outside elements can interfere. Arizona’s All-Stars Brandon Webb (13-4, 3.11) and Dan Haren (9-5, 2.58) , both are in the top 12 of lowest slugging percentage allowed and both pitched absolute gems in the last 10 days and in each case the bullpen either deprived pitcher of a win and the team victory or nearly did so.

Other times, it pays to know recent form, take the Tigers Justin Verlander. His 8-9 record is hardly impressive and his 3.95 earned run average will not turn many heads. On the season he and Detroit have cost bettors plenty, losing -7.3 units. By the time May ended, Verlander was 2-8, the Tigers were 2-10 in his starts, as he was walking too many batters and giving up nearly a home run per outing. Even as the losses were mounting, signs of a turnaround were coming, as free passes were diminishing, along with long balls allowed. Now Verlander has won 5-0 in row and he and Detroit have picked up +6 units in last half dozen trips to the mound. Opposing hitters are down to .339 slugging percentage against the 25-year old right-hander.

Keep an eye on pitchers that keep the ball in the park and surrender lower hit totals, as these types of pitchers will give you and the team you are wagering on a chance to win with greater regularity over the 162-game schedule.