Saturday, March 2, 2013

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: The MLB Forecaster Projections

Heaven. Or as it's also known: the Sports Book at Caesar's Palace.
 
Here's how the MLB Forecaster simulator breaks down for each team. Once again, I'm not saying that this is exactly the number of wins that a team will get, but rather the 50% point for each team in 129,000,000+ permutations of possible outcomes. To take the White Sox, for example, when we run our simulations, 50% of the time they end up with more than 82.1 wins, and 50% of the time they end up with less. If you can find a gambling website that is offering them at 78 wins, then it would make sense to bet the over and get some extra equity on the bet.

OVERALL PROJECTIONS

AL EAST


New York Yankees - 86.7
Tampa Bay Rays - 86.3
Toronto Blue Jays - 85.9 
Boston Red Sox - 84.3
Baltimore Orioles - 78.4

AL CENTRAL

Detroit Tigers - 94.7
Kansas City Royals - 83.3
Chicago White Sox - 82.1
Cleveland Indians - 78.8
Minnesota Twins - 67.3

AL WEST

Los Angeles Angels - 94.8
Texas Rangers - 89.1
Oakland Athletics - 87.9
Seattle Mariners - 77.8
Houston Astros - 57.8

AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFF TEAMS: Yankees/Blue Jays (too close to call), Tigers, Angels, Athletics, Rangers. (What!?!?! Only one AL East team? Talent-wise the AL East has three of the best teams in the league, but they also have to play each other all the time...they don't have Houston to feast on for 19 games, unlike Oakland and Texas).

NL EAST

Washington Nationals - 94.4
Atlanta Braves - 83.9
Philadelphia Phillies - 81.0
New York Mets - 71.3
Miami Marlins - 62.9

NL CENTRAL

Cincinnati Reds - 90.5
St. Louis Cardinals - 82.6
Milwaukee Brewers - 77.5
Pittsburgh Pirates - 75.4
Chicago Cubs - 71.0

NL WEST

Los Angeles Dodgers - 88.2
San Francisco Giants - 84.8
Arizona Diamondbacks - 82.8
Colorado Rockies - 74.4
San Diego Padres - 70.2

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFF TEAMS: Nationals, Reds, Dodgers, Giants, Braves

HOW THEY COMPARE TO VEGAS


STRONGLY RECOMMEND OVERS (3+ win avg. difference)

Kansas City Royals +5.8 (5Dimes); +5.8 (LVH); +4.3 (Atlantis)
Oakland Athletics +3.4 (5Dimes); +4.4 (LVH); +4.9 (Atlantis)
Colorado Rockies +3.9 (5Dimes); +3.9 (LVH); +2.9 (Atlantis)*
Los Angeles Angels +3.3 (5Dimes); +3.3 (LVH); +5.3 (Atlantis)

* The Rockies Over is based on the original line of 70.5. Apparently people agreed with my assessment, as the line has been bet up to 72.5

STRONGLY RECOMMEND UNDERS (3+ win avg. difference)


San Diego Padres -4.3 (5Dimes); -4.8 (LVH); -4.3 (Atlantis)
New York Mets -3.7 (5Dimes); -4.2 (LVH); -2.7 (Atlantis)
San Francisco Giants -3.2 (5Dimes); -3.7 (LVH); -1.2 (Atlantis)
Atlanta Braves -3.6 (5Dimes); -3.6 (LVH); -2.1 (Atlantis)
St. Louis Cardinals -3.9 (5Dimes); -3.9 (LVH); -2.9 (Atlantis)
Milwaukee Brewers -3.5 (5Dimes); -4.0 (LVH); -2.0 (Atlantis)
Los Angeles Dodgers -3.3 (5Dimes); -3.3 (LVH); -1.8 (Atlantis)

MILDLY RECOMMEND OVERS

Washington Nationals +2.4 (5Dimes); +2.9 (LVH); +4.4 (Atlantis)
Detroit Tigers +2.2 (5Dimes); +1.7 (LVH); +4.7 (Atlantis)
Texas Rangers +2.6 (5Dimes); +3.1 (LVH); +2.1 (Atlantis)

MILDLY RECOMMEND UNDERS


Houston Astros -1.7 (5Dimes); -2.2 (LVH); -1.7 (Atlantis)
Philadelphia Phillies -3.0 (5Dimes); -1.5 (LVH); -0.5 (Atlantis)
Toronto Blue Jays -3.1 (5Dimes); -1.6 (LVH); -0.6 (Atlantis)

STAYAWAYS

New York Yankees  +0.5 (5Dimes); Even (LVH); +2.0 (Atlantis)
Tampa Bay Rays +0.3 (5Dimes); +0.8 (LVH); +0.3 (Atlantis)
Boston Red Sox +1.3 (5Dimes); +1.8 (LVH); +4.8 (Atlantis)
Baltimore Orioles -0.1 (5Dimes); +0.9 (LVH); +1.9 (Atlantis)
Chicago White Sox +1.1 (5Dimes); +1.6 (LVH); +1.6 (Atlantis)
Cleveland Indians +1.3 (5Dimes); +2.3 (LVH); +1.3 (Atlantis)
Minnesota Twins -0.2 (5Dimes); +0.3 (LVH); +2.8 (Atlantis)
Seattle Mariners +0.3 (5Dimes); -0.7 (LVH); +1.3 (Atlantis)
Miami Marlins -0.6 (5Dimes); -1.1 (LVH); -1.6 (Atlantis)
Cincinnati Reds -0.5 (5Dimes); -1.0 (LVH); +2.0 (Atlantis)
Pittsburgh Pirates -1.6 (5Dimes); -1.6 (LVH); -3.6 (Atlantis)
Chicago Cubs -1.5 (5Dimes); -2.0 (LVH); -1.0 (Atlantis)
Arizona Diamondbacks +0.3 (5Dimes); +0.8 (LVH); +1.3 (Atlantis)

Friday, March 1, 2013

NL WEST - Colorado Rockies

A healthy Troy Tulowitzki will go a long way to helping the Rockies be at least respectable.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Wilin Rosario (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Todd Helton (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Josh Rutledge (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Troy Tulowitzki (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.0 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Chris Nelson (-1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 0.6 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Carlos Gonzalez (1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.0 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Dexter Fowler (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Michael Cuddyer (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.1 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Jorge De La Rosa (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jhoulys Chacin (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Drew Pomeranz (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Juan Nicasio (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jeff Francis (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.3 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Rafael Betancourt (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (3.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.0 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 74.4

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 70.5 (5Dimes); 70.5 (LVH); 71.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: At 3-4 wins above what is being expected, this looks like a pretty decent Over bet to me. (UPDATE: Apparently, the rest of the world thought the way I did...the Rockies' Over has been bet up to 72.5).

NL WEST - Arizona Diamondbacks

1B Paul Goldschmidt continues to develop into one of the best young power-hitting first basemen in the league.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Miguel Montero (1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Paul Goldschmidt (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Aaron Hill (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Cliff Pennington (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Martin Prado (1.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.0 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Jason Kubel (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.3 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Adam Eaton (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.3 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Cody Ross (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Ian Kennedy (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Trevor Cahill (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Brandon McCarthy (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Wade Miley (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Patrick Corbin (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.8 WAR avg. in good season)

CL J.J. Putz (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (2.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.5 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 82.8 (3rd, NL WEST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 82.5 (5Dimes); 82.0 (LVH); 81.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away. Looks like Vegas is getting this one just right.

NL WEST - San Diego Padres

The Padres need 3B Chase Headley to repeat his career 2012 if they're going to prove doubters like me wrong.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Nick Hundley (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Yonder Alonso (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Logan Forsythe (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Everth Cabrera (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)


3B Chase Headley (1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.5 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Carlos Quentin (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Cameron Maybin (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Will Venable (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.9 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Edinson Volquez (-1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Clayton Richard (-0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Cory Luebke (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Andrew Cashner (-0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 0.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jason Marquis (-1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.5 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Huston Street (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 70.2 (5th, NL WEST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 74.5 (5Dimes); 75.0 (LVH); 74.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: I'm just not seeing it with this Padres team. Bet the Under.

NL WEST - San Francisco Giants

Will the real Wiley Wiggins...sorry, Tim Lincecum...please stand up?
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Buster Posey (2.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.2 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Brandon Belt (1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Marco Scutaro (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Brandon Crawford (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Pablo Sandoval (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.1 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Gregor Blanco (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Angel Pagan (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.7 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Hunter Pence (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Matt Cain (2.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Madison Bumgarner (1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Tim Lincecum (-0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Ryan Vogelsong (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Barry Zito (-0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Sergio Romo (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 84.8 (2nd, NL WEST).

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 88.0 (5Dimes); 88.5 (LVH); 86.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: San Francisco did better than their run expectancy would suggest last year. I'm expecting a slight regression. Bet the Under.

NL WEST - Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have a ton of money to go around, and a good chunk of it is going to SP Zack Greinke.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C A.J. Ellis (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Adrian Gonzalez (2.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.6 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Mark Ellis (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Hanley Ramirez (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Luis Cruz (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Carl Crawford (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Matt Kemp (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.0 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Andre Ethier (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Clayton Kershaw (3.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Zack Greinke (1.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Josh Beckett (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Hyun-Jin Ryu (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Chris Capuano (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Brandon League (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.0 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (3.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.2 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 88.2 (1st, NL WEST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 91.5 (5Dimes); 91.5 (LVH); 90.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: The line appears fairly close, but given that the Dodgers have disappointed in recent seasons, I'm saying the Under is the safest bet with this team.

NL CENTRAL - St. Louis Cardinals

LF Matt Holliday is a model of consistency on a Cardinals team that has a few more question marks than usual.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Yadier Molina (1.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.9 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Allen Craig (1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.8 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Daniel Descalso (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Rafael Furcal (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

3B David Freese (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Matt Holliday (2.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.0 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Jon Jay (1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.7 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Carlos Beltran (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.7 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Adam Wainwright (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jake Westbrook (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Lance Lynn (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jaime Garcia (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Joe Kelly (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Jason Motte (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 82.6 (2nd, NL CENTRAL)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 86.5 (5Dimes); 86.5 (LVH); 85.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: With their pitching concerns, I'm going to say that the Under is the best bet with the Cardinals.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

NL CENTRAL - Chicago Cubs

SS Starlin Castro might be the best at his position in the league, and he's certainly a rare bright spot on the Cubs.
 OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Welington Castro (0.86 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.01 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.14 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Anthony Rizzo (1.11 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.77 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.17 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Darwin Barney (1.04 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.98 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.67 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Starlin Castro (1.91 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.00 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.61 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Ian Stewart (-0.67 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.67 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.56 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Alfonso Soriano (-0.98 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.94 WAR avg. in good season)

CF David DeJesus (0.77 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.48 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.31 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Nate Schierholtz (-0.06 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.53 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.07 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-2.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg in medium season, 1.1 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Matt Garza (0.75 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.72 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jeff Samardzija (0.74 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.03 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.05 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Edwin Jackson (0.12 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.34 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.95 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Scott Baker (-0.07 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.22 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.01 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Scott Feldman (-0.89 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.21 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.15 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Carlos Marmol (0.19 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.65 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.93 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-2.4 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.0 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 71.0 (5th, NL CENTRAL)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 72.5 (5Dimes); 73.0 (LVH); 72.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away. It's the Cubs. Betting on them will only bring bad luck.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

NL CENTRAL - Milwaukee Brewers

Will LF Ryan Braun continue to be one of baseball's most valuable, or nabbed for PED use? It's a head-scratcher.
 OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Jonathan Lucroy (0.78 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.92 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Corey Hart (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.03 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Rickie Weeks (-0.34 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.45 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.97 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Jean Segura (-0.35 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.43 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.63 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Aramis Ramirez (0.12 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.43 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.62 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Ryan Braun (3.47 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.23 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.03 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Carlos Gomez (0.67 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.89 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.02 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Norichika Aoki (1.19 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.43 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.58 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Yovani Gallardo (1.47 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.19 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Marco Estrada (-0.24 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.62 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.82 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Michael Fiers (0.45 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.84 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.14 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Chris Narveson (-0.52 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.21 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.32 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Wilt Peralta (-0.19 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.06 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.87 WAR avg. in good season)

CL John Axford (-0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.82 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)



MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 77.5 (3rd, NL CENTRAL)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 81.0 (5Dimes); 81.5 (LVH); 79.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: 80-81 seems a little high for the Brewers. Even with the weak National League, I'm advocating the Under.

NL CENTRAL - Pittsburgh Pirates

CF Andrew McCutchen is an MVP-candidate...except for the part where he plays for the Pirates.

OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Russell Martin (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Garrett Jones (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Neil Walker (1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Clint Barmes (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Pedro Alvarez (-1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.3 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Starling Marte (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Andrew McCutchen (3.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.0 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Travis Snider (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP A.J. Burnett (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Wandy Rodriguez (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP James McDonald (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jeff Karstens (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Francisco Liriano (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.3 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Jason Grilli (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 75.4 (4th, NL CENTRAL)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 77.0 (5Dimes); 77.0 (LVH); 79.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: The Pirates are headed in the right direction, but this feels like a stay away to me, or failing that, an Under bet.

NL CENTRAL - Cincinnati Reds

If the Reds get 145+ games out of 1B Joey Votto, he'll be an MVP candidate and they'll be in the playoffs.
 OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Ryan Hanigan (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Joey Votto (3.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.0 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Brandon Phillips (1.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Zack Cozart (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.0 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Todd Frazier (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Ryan Ludwick (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Shin-Soo Choo (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.8 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Jay Bruce (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-2.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Johnny Cueto (1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Mat Latos (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Aroldis Chapman (1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Bronson Arroyo (-0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Homer Bailey (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Jonathan Broxton (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (2.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.6 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 90.5 (1st, NL CENTRAL)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 91.0 (5Dimes); 91.5 (LVH); 88.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away. 

NL EAST - New York Mets

Unless he's traded to a contender, 3B David Wright won't have much to smile about this season.

OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C John Buck (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Ike Davis (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.7 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Daniel Murphy (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Ruben Tejada (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

3B David Wright (1.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.9 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Lucas Duda (-1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.2 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.2 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Mike Baxter (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.8 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.2 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Johan Santana (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jonathan Niese (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Matt Harvey (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Shaun Marcum (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Dillon Gee (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Frank Francisco (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.2 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 71.3 (4th, NL EAST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 75.0 (5Dimes); 75.5 (LVH); 74.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: This team feels exceedingly mediocre. I will be surprised if they can even reach the modest 75 win goal. Bet the Under.

NL EAST - Atlanta Braves

The Braves' outfield of Heyward and the two Upton brothers should be one of the best in baseball.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Brian McCann (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Freddie Freeman (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Dan Uggla (1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Andrelton Simmons (1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.4 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Chris Johnson (-0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.2 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Justin Upton (1.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.0 WAR avg. in good season)

CF B.J. Upton (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Jason Heyward (2.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.8 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-3.8 WAR avg. in poor season, -2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, -0.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Tim Hudson (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Kris Medlen (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Paul Maholm (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Mike Minor (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Julio Teheran (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.5 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Craig Kimbrel (1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (2.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.2 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 83.9 (2nd, NL EAST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 87.5 (5Dimes); 87.5 (LVH); 86.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Everyone seems to be heading toward the Over on this, I'm advocating the Under. The losses of Chipper, Prado and others has been overshadowed by the addition of the Uptons. Maybe I'm underestimating this team, but I won't question the system.

NL EAST - Washington Nationals

There won't be an innings cap on SP Stephen Strasburg this season. (Oh, and there shouldn't have been last season!)
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Kurt Suzuki (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Adam LaRoche (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Danny Espinosa (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Ian Desmond (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Ryan Zimmerman (1.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.0 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Bryce Harper (3.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.3 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Denard Span (1.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.3 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Jayson Werth (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Stephen Strasburg (1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Gio Gonzalez (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jordan Zimmermann (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Dan Haren (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Ross Detwiler (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Rafael Soriano (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.3 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (2.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.9 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 94.4 (1st, NL EAST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 92.0 (5Dimes); 91.5 (LVH); 90.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: This is probably a stay away or an Over. I would bet the Over, except that it's tough to win over 92 games in any given year.

NL EAST - Miami Marlins

RF Giancarlo Stanton is the best young power hitter in baseball. He was also once happy, until his team got traded away.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Rob Brantly (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Logan Morrison (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Donovan Solano (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Adeiny Hechavarria (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Placido Polanco (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Juan Pierre (-0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Justin Ruggiano (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Giancarlo Stanton (2.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.9 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-8.5 WAR avg. in poor season, -5.5 WAR avg. in medium season, -2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Ricky Nolasco (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Henderson Alvarez (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Nathan Eovaldi (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jacob Turner (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Brad Hand (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Steve Cishek (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.5 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 62.9

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 63.5 (5Dimes); 64.0 (LVH); 64.5 (Atlantis)

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away.

NL EAST - Philadelphia Phillies

If the Phillies are going to contend, they need SP Roy Halladay to shake off a poor 2012 and get back to form.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Carlos Ruiz (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.45 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.71 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Ryan Howard (-0.93 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.74 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Chase Utley (1.87 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.37 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Jimmy Rollins (0.95 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.98 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Michael Young (-1.64 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.58 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Domonic Brown (-1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.06 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.75 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Ben Revere (0.19 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.34 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.49 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Delmon Young (-1.13 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.04 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.34 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.8 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Roy Halladay (1.76 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.89 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.77 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Cliff Lee (2.15 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.04 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.68 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Cole Hamels (2.22 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.97 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Kyle Kendrick (-0.18 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.14 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.03 WAR avg. in good season)

SP John Lannan (0.08 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.83 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.33 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Jonathan Papelbon (0.62 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.44 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.56 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 81.0 (3rd, NL EAST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 84.0 (5Dimes); 82.5 (LVH); 81.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: In general, seems like a stay away.

AL WEST - Seattle Mariners

SP Felix Hernandez is a perennial Cy Young candidate on a perennial also-ran.
 
OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Jesus Montero (-0.33 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.71 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.11 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Justin Smoak (-0.75 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.08 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.35 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Dustin Ackley (1.94 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.58 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.01 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Brendan Ryan (1.45 WAR avg in poor season, 3.03 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.58 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Kyle Seager (1.14 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.45 WAR avg in medium season, 3.58 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Raul Ibanez (-1.22 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.18 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.73 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Franklin Gutierrez (0.43 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.22 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.45 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Michael Morse (0.41 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.28 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.71 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Kendrys Morales (0.58 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.92 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.32 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.8 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Felix Hernandez (2.18 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.01 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Hisashi Iwakuma (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.12 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.66 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Joe Saunders (0.0 WAR avg in poor season, 1.14 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.54 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Erasmo Ramirez (-0.04 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.14 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.64 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Blake Beavan (-0.02 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.98 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.87 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Tom Wilhelmsen (0.48 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.97 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 77.8 (4th, AL WEST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 77.5 (5Dimes); 78.5 (LVH); 76.5 (Atlantis)

RECOMMENDATION: The Vegas lines appear to be right in line with mine. Stay away.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

AL WEST - Oakland Athletics

The A's are hoping for another productive year from Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes.


OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C John Jaso (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Brandon Moss (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Jed Lowrie (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Hiroyuki Nakajima (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Josh Donaldson (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Yoenis Cespedes (1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Coco Crisp (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Josh Reddick (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.7 WAR avg. in good season)
 
DH Seth Smith (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (3.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.2 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Brett Anderson (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jarrod Parker (1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Tommy Milone (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP A.J. Griffin (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Dan Straily (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Grant Balfour (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (2.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.4 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 87.9 (3rd, AL WEST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 84.5 (5Dimes); 83.5 (LVH); 83.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Ladies and gentlemen, one of your best bets. Don't expect a massive regression...this is a solid team. Bet the Over.

AL WEST - Houston Astros

2B Jose Altuve is one of the few bright spots on a dismal Astros' roster.


OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Jason Castro (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Carlos Pena (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Jose Altuve (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Tyler Greene (-0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 0.9 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Matt Dominguez (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

LF J.D. Martinez (-0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.5 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Justin Maxwell (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Fernando Martinez (-1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.5 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Chris Carter (-0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-4.6 WAR avg. in poor season, -2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 0.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Lucas Harrell (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Bud Norris (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jordan Lyles (-1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Philip Humber (-1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Erik Bedard (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Jose Veras (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.0 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-2.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 57.8 (5th, AL WEST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 59.5 (5Dimes); 60.0 (LVH); 59.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away, or lean toward the Under. The annoying problem with betting the under with this team is that a fluky four-game win streak puts you in trouble.

AL WEST - Texas Rangers

With Josh Hamilton departed, the Rangers will need increased production from RF Nelson Cruz.


OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C A.J. Pierzynski (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Mitch Moreland (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Ian Kinsler (1.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Elvis Andrus (1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.8 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Adrian Beltre (2.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.9 WAR avg. in good season)

LF David Murphy (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Leonys Martin (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.1 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Nelson Cruz (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Lance Berkman (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.9 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.7 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Yu Darvish (1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Derek Holland (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Matt Harrison (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Alexi Ogando (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Colby Lewis (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Joe Nathan (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (2.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.2 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 89.1 (2nd, AL WEST)

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 86.5 (5Dimes); 86.0 (LVH); 87.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Seems like a mild Over.

AL WEST - Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout could very well be the most valuable player in baseball (he certainly was last year).

OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Chris Iannetta (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Albert Pujols (2.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.1 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Howie Kendrick (1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Erick Aybar (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Albert Callaspo (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Mike Trout (4.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 7.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 11.1 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Peter Bourjos (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.1 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Josh Hamilton (1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.6 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Mark Trumbo (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Jered Weaver (2.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.3 WAR avg in medium season, 5.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP C.J. Wilson (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Tommy Hanson (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Joe Blanton (-0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jason Vargas (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Ryan Madson (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.0 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 94.8 (1st, AL WEST)

PROBABILITIES: In our simulations, here is the frequency with which the Angels finished within a given range:

75-79 wins - 0.1%
80-84 wins - 1.6%
85-89 wins - 12.0%
90-94 wins - 32.5%
95-99 wins - 35.5%
100-104 wins - 15.8%
105-109 wins - 2.6%

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 91.5 (5Dimes); 91.5 (LVH); 89.5 (Atlantis)

RECOMMENDATION: As with the Nationals, I'd advocate the Over, but with caution...it is tough to win 92+ games, but I think this Angels team can do it.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

AL CENTRAL - Minnesota Twins

Despite turning 30 this season, C Joe Mauer is still easily the most valuable player on a depleted Twins' team.


OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Joe Mauer (2.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.9 WAR avg in medium season, 5.9 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Justin Morneau (-0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Jamey Carroll (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Pedro Florimon Jr. (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Trevor Plouffe (-0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Josh Willingham (1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.0 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Darin Mastroianni (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)


RF Chris Parmelee (-0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Ryan Doumit (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-2.5 WAR avg. in poor season, -1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Scott Diamond (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)
 
SP Vance Worley (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Kevin Correia (-1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Mike Pelfrey (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Liam Hendriks (-1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Glen Perkins (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (-1.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 67.3 (5th, AL CENTRAL)

PROBABILITIES: In our simulations, here is the frequency with which the Twins finished in a given range:

50-54 wins - 0.5%
55-59 wins - 6.1%
60-64 wins - 24.4%
65-69 wins - 38.1%
70-74 wins - 24.4%
75-79 wins - 6.1%
Over 80 wins - 0.4%
 
VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 67.5 (5Dimes); 67.0 (LVH); 64.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away.

AL CENTRAL - Cleveland Indians

RF Nick Swisher headlined a productive off-season for the Indians.


OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Carlos Santana (1.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Nick Swisher (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Jason Kipnis (1.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.9 WAR avg. in medium season)

SS Asdrubal Cabrera (1.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.9 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Lonnie Chisenhall (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Michael Brantley (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.7 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Michael Bourn (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.5 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Drew Stubbs (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.9 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Mark Reynolds (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-2.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Ubaldo Jimenez (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Justin Masterson (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Brett Myers (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Zach McAllister (-0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Carlos Carrasco (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.8 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Chris Perez (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.7 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.9 WAR avg. in good season)

MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER: 78.8 (4th, AL CENTRAL)

PROBABILITIES: In our simulations, here is the frequency with which the Indians finished within a given range:

Under 65 wins - 0.2%
65-69 wins - 2.6%
70-74 wins - 15.8%
75-79 wins - 35.5%
80-84 wins - 32.5%
85-89 wins - 12.0%
90-94 wins - 1.6%


VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 77.5 (5Dimes); 76.5 (LVH); 77.5 (Atlantis)

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

AL CENTRAL - Chicago White Sox

The White Sox' hopes hinge on which Alex Rios shows up in 2013.
 OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Tyler Flowers (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Paul Konerko (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Gordon Beckham (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Alexei Ramirez (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.3 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Jeff Keppinger (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Dayan Viciedo (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.8 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Alejandro De Aza (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.7 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Alex Rios (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.5 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Adam Dunn (-1.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Jake Peavy (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Chris Sale (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP John Danks (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Gavin Floyd (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jose Quintana (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Addison Reed (-0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (3.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.4 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 82.1 (2nd, AL CENTRAL)

PROBABILITIES: In our simulations, here is the frequency with which the White Sox finished in a given range:

65-69 wins - 0.6%
70-74 wins - 6.1%
75-79 wins - 24.4%
80-84 wins - 38.1%
85-89 wins - 24.4%
90-94 wins - 6.1%
95-99 wins - 0.3%

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 81.0 (5Dimes); 80.5 (LVH); 80.5 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: Stay away.

AL CENTRAL - Detroit Tigers

3B Miguel Cabrera is the reigning AL MVP and the first Triple Crown winner since 1967.


OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Alex Avila (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Prince Fielder (1.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.1 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Omar Infante (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Jhonny Peralta (0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.8 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Miguel Cabrera (2.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.9 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Andy Dirks (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Austin Jackson (2.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 4.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 5.8 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Torii Hunter (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.6 WAR avg. in good season) 

DH Victor Martinez (0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-3.5 WAR avg. in poor season, -0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.5 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Justin Verlander (2.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Max Scherzer (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Doug Fister (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Anibal Sanchez (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Drew Smyly (0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Bruce Rondon (0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (3.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.5 WAR avg. in good season)

MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER: 94.7 (1st, AL CENTRAL)

PROBABILITIES: In our simulations, here is the frequency with which the Tigers finished within a given range:

75-79 wins - <0.1%
80-84 wins - 1.6%
85-89 wins - 12.0%
90-94 wins - 32.5%
95-99 wins - 35.5%
100-104 wins - 15.8%
105-109 wins - 2.6%
Over 110 wins - 0.1%

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 92.5 (5Dimes); 93.0 (LVH); 90.0 (Atlantis)

RECOMMENDATION: It's tough to win 90+ games, but if you're betting in any direction with the Tigers, bet the Over. In general though, I'd say stay away.

Monday, February 18, 2013

AL CENTRAL - Kansas City Royals

LF Alex Gordon is one of the most well-rounded outfielders in baseball.


OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Salvador Perez (2.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 3.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season) - 

1B Eric Hosmer (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.1 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Chris Getz (-0.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 0.8 WAR avg. in good season)

SS Alcides Escobar (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Mike Moustakas (1.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.1 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Alex Gordon (1.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 6.5 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Lorenzo Cain (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.7 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Jeff Francoeur (-1.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.5 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Billy Butler (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.2 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-1.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.9 WAR avg. in good season) 

PITCHERS:

SP James Shields (0.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Jeremy Guthrie (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Ervin Santana (-0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Wade Davis (-0.4 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Bruce Chen (-0.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.8 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.2 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Greg Holland (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.3 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (3.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 5.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 7.2 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER LINE: 83.5 (2nd, AL CENTRAL)

PROBABILITIES: In our simulations, here is the frequency with which the Royals finished within a given range:

65-69 wins - 0.3%
70-74 wins - 4.1%
75-79 wins - 20.0%
80-84 wins - 37.5%
85-89 wins - 28.7%
90-94 wins - 8.7%
95-99 wins - 1.0%

VEGAS OVER/UNDER LINE: 77.5 (5Dimes); 77.5 (LVH); 79.0 (Atlantis) 

RECOMMENDATION: I'm going with a strong Over recommendation. This Royals team can clear 80 wins playing the Indians and Twins 38 times.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

AL EAST - Baltimore Orioles

CF Adam Jones is the Orioles' best and most consistent all-around player.

OVERVIEW:

POSITION PLAYERS:

C Matt Wieters (1.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.8 WAR avg. in good season)

1B Chris Davis (-0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

2B Brian Roberts (-0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SS JJ Hardy (0.8 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.3 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.0 WAR avg. in good season)

3B Manny Machado (0.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.4 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.2 WAR avg. in good season)

LF Nate McLouth (-1.0 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.0 WAR avg. in good season)

CF Adam Jones (1.6 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.5 WAR avg. in good season)

RF Nick Markakis (1.1 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.0 WAR avg. in medium season, 4.4 WAR avg. in good season)

DH Wilson Betemit (-0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.4 WAR avg. in good season)

BENCH (-2.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.5 WAR avg. in good season)

PITCHERS:

SP Jason Hammel (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.7 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.4 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Wei-Yin Chen (0.5 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.9 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.3 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Miguel Gonzalez (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 2.1 WAR avg. in medium season, 3.9 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Chris Tillman (0.2 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.5 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.7 WAR avg. in good season)

SP Zach Britton (-0.3 WAR avg. in poor season, 0.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 1.3 WAR avg. in good season)

CL Jim Johnson (0.7 WAR avg. in poor season, 1.6 WAR avg. in medium season, 2.6 WAR avg. in good season)

BULLPEN (3.9 WAR avg. in poor season, 6.2 WAR avg. in medium season, 8.7 WAR avg. in good season)


MLB FORECASTER SCHEDULE-ADJUSTED OVER/UNDER: 78.4 (5th, AL EAST)

PROBABILITIES: In our simulations, here is the frequency with which the Orioles finished within a given range:

60-64 wins - 0.3%
65-69 wins - 4.1%
70-74 wins - 20.0%
75-79 wins - 37.5%
80-84 wins - 28.7%
85-89 wins - 8.7%
90-94 wins - 1.0%


VEGAS OVER/UNDER: 78.5 (5Dimes); 77.5 (LVH); 76.5 (Atlantis)

RECOMMENDATION: Stay Away