MLB Betting Update – Spring Training News

The Major League Baseball betting season is looming as we approach Opening Day on April 1.  As the Spring Training leagues round out preseason play, let’s take a look at the standing to see if we can glean any essential baseball betting tips before the season takes off.

Cactus League:

In the Cactus League, the reigning World Series champions, the San Francisco Giants, lead the way with an overall record of 14-4. The Giants are working this preseason to improve their offense.  Despite winning the National League last season, the team finished last in the league with runners in scoring position.  Pitcher Tim Linecum, making four starts in the exhibition season, has only allowed two earned runs so far.

Surprisingly for MLB betting fans, the Seattle Mariners has played well this preseason.  With left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard back in action and pitching without pain, the Mariners are hoping this can last.  Bedard has allowed only one run in over five innings of pitching so far. The team also is preparing star pitcher Felix Hernandez, who will make the Opening Day start against the Oakland A’s.

Rounding up the current third spot in the Cactus League standings are the Colorado Rockies. Third baseman Ian Stewart is still hurt due to knee sprain he suffered in the Rockies’ first Cactus League game.  The team may start the season with Jordan Pacheco, who has never played above the Class AA level.  However, Pacheco has been making great contact with the ball during the preseason, boasting excellent walk-strikeout totals.

Grapefruit League:

Topping the standings in the Grapefruit League are the Atlanta Braves, with an 11-5 record. The Braves have been focusing on increasing their depth in pitching, scheduling extra “B” games to give them more plays.  Chipper Jones has spent most of the preseason hitting in the designated hitter spot, but now looks ready to take the field again.

The Detroit Tigers have started off strong this preseason, winning thirteen games so far. The team has assigned an off-the-field mentor to trail Miguel Cabrera to help him avoid getting into more trouble, as the team needs to rely on its star first-baseman. Second baseman Carlos Guillen will likely start the season on the disabled list, as he as yet to appear in an exhibition game. Detroit will open the season with no third catcher, but manager Jim Leyland seems unconcerned.

Rounding out the Grapefruit League standings are the strong Philadelphia Phillies.  Second baseman Chase Utley is still out of action and is not expected to make his start in the Grapefruit League anytime soon. However, the Phillies have been managing without him.  On the pitching front, Roy Halladay outplayed CC Sabathia when the Phillies defeated New York 7-0, throwing six shut-out innings. Also, Cliff Lee also threw for four shut-out innings against Tampa Bay, so the starting rotation for Philly is already looking fierce.