MLB Home Run Derby Betting – Ortiz, Young Leading The Heavy Hitters

July 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under: MLB Baseball Betting 

When the Steroids Era of MLB baseball betting came to a close, the game took a step back from home runs and a step forward towards being the game that it once was. That doesn’t mean, however, that excitement surrounding baseball’s Home Run Derby won’t warrant a lot of betting action.

David Ortiz is perhaps one of the few holdouts from the Steroids Era that still has a slim vein of relevancy in the sport. He’s one of the favorites at the derby with +300 odds, and despite his appearance on the infamous “cheat sheets” of substance abusers, he’s still a player that is near and dear to our hearts. How can you not love Big Papi?

The guys expected to give Ortiz fits in Home Run Derby betting include Matt Holliday of the St. Louis Cardinals (+350) and Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers (+250). Cabrera especially has the inside track since he’s tied for second in the MLB with 22 home runs.

Favorites To Win MLB Home Run Derby

Corey Hart +500
David Ortiz +300
Matt Holliday +350
Miguel Cabrera +250

Missing from action are Jose Bautista who leads the entire league with 24 dingers, Josh Hamilton who has 22 home runs, Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols who is the league’s best power hitter.

The Toronto Blue Jays will instead send Vernon Wells who is getting sneaky odds at +650 to win the MLB Home Run Derby. He’s sharing the same odds as Nick Swisher of the New York Yankees. What’s killing Wells’ chances at Angel Stadium Monday night is the fact he’s only hit eight home runs at that venue in 265 career at-bats.

No matter what your flavor is, you can bet on pretty much anything at the derby. Want to bet on who’s going to hit the longest home run in the first phase? Then go here:

MLB Home Run Derby

Yet the leading man to take home the double bat trophy is Cabrera. There’s virtually no real reason to bet against him. Consistency is key at the Home Run Derby, and Milky is as steady at the plate as they come.

Still, one of the most intriguing performances will come from Ortiz who thrives under the spotlight, especially when it’s basically batting practice. The derby has always been a stage for great storylines. Hamilton, Abreu, Ripkin, McGwire and Bonds have all been big hitters that gone down in history for their performances at the plate.

David Ortiz will not only win the derby, he’ll also vindicate himself of the Steroids Era. Cabrera is the most reliable bet, but I’m a sucker for storylines sometimes. There will be no better story line than Big Papi proving that he’s just as dangerous in a home run battle as he ever was.

Furious Home Run Derby Free Pick – David Ortiz +300

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