Top $$$ Pitchers in the American League

MLB BETTING – Top AL $$$ Pitchers through 4/19

The 2009 baseball season is now two weeks into the season, and the following starting AL pitchers have been $$$ thus far for MLB bettors at BetOnline Sportsbook.

1) Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox (3-0, +$352) The ace of the White Sox staff has had three magnificent starts so far this season, including a fantastic outing against the Rays at Tropicana Field on Saturday night. His numbers are on par with his career averages (3.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, .235 batting average against), so expect to see a lot of good things from the lefty all season long.

2) Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners (3-0, +$332) King Felix’s hot start has spurred the Mariners to the top of the AL West standings two weeks into the sports betting season. Last year, Hernandez only went 9-11 in spite of some excellent core numbers (3.45 ERA, 1.39 WHIP), but things at least appear to be different so far in ’09. A 4.26 ERA is probably a bit higher than Seattle bettors would like, but they have to be happy with a K/9 of 9.47.

3) Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals (3-0, +$313) It may just be two weeks into the season, but boy it’s impressive seeing the Royals atop the standings in the AL Central. The righty has always had fantastic stuff, but he’s simply been lights out in his L/4 starts. Greinke has chucked a whopping 34 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to last year, and was dominant in his seven-hit shutout of the Rangers on Saturday night. It’s unheard of to go into Arlington and pull off a feat like that!

4) AJ Burnett, New York Yankees (3-0, +$310) Burnett was a tad wild in his start against the Tribe on Sunday (seven walks), but he did enough to keep his team in the game and avoid losing three out of four against a team that should be far inferior to that of the boys in pinstripes. The Steinbrenner’s have gotten a lot more out of the former Toronto righty so far than they have out of CC Sabathia, but MLB betting fans need to be aware that the bullpen isn’t good enough to keep Burnett in the win column consistently.

5) Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays (3-0, +$300) The time is going to come when Halladay loses, and especially if it’s at home, his earnings numbers are going to come back to earth. But for now, it’s hard to complain about a guy who is 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. In his L/2 starts, he’s been especially effective, as he’s only conceded two runs in 14.0 innings of work, and has fanned 15 in the process.

6) Scott Richmond, Toronto Blue Jays (2-0, +$282) The name Scott Richmond may not even be a household name in his own household, but MLB bettors need  to learn this rookie’s name. His numbers through two starts aren’t anything special (3.48 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a K/9 of 6.10), but he’s keeping the Jays in games and giving them a chance to win. It becomes a heck of a lot easier when the team scores 25 runs combined in his two starts, though.

7) Jarrod Washburn, Seattle Mariners (2-0, +$248) Washburn hasn’t exactly lit it up in his career, but he’s off to a great start in 2009. He’s only conceded one walk in two starts. Pair that with a .180 opposing batting average and you’ve got all of the makings of a 2-0 pitcher. The lefty was one of the worst money pitchers in baseball (-$1123) a year ago, but this season already looks to be a different story?