Baseball Betting Tips For The 2009 Baseball Season Articles | Gambling

By: Richard Bleuze

Since the 2009 baseball season is about to start, I thought that I would provide you with an update of the baseball tips that I use when placing my bests.  Betting on baseball is not as popular with the general public as betting on football or basketball.  However, many professional sports bettors consider it to be one of the best ways to make money since it is one of the easiest sports to handicap.  In addition, there are also many games every day of the season to choose from when making a wager which means that sports bettors can be more selective in choosing their games.  The Nevada sports books are usually just happy to break even for the baseball season.  Below are a few winning tips I like to follow when I bet on baseball.

1. Avoid the Early Season
I do not bet on any games prior to June for several reasons.
a) Early in the season the weather can be bad at certain parks.
b) Some managers are still experimenting with their line ups.
c) Many good pitchers get off to a slow start at the beginning of the season.
d) Players are still getting to know the other team players.

Spend the first few weeks studying the teams rather than betting them.  The baseball season is long and there will be plenty of opportunities for betting the games.

2. Bet the Underdogs
Most professional sports bettors will tell you that the secret to winning is to bet the underdog.  I suggest that you read the article on my underdog system.   You will find that when you bet the money line on the underdog you are risking less to win more.  The best baseball teams lose at least sixty games a year and the worst teams win close to that same number.  Thus, consider that the more favorites you bet, the higher the percentage of wins you'll need to break even.  The money line in baseball is always set by the starting pitcher of the teams involved.  Look beyond the pitching to the teams other strengths to make your decision.

3. Consider Streaks
After a favorite pitcher win three games in a row you should lay off betting them at all costs.  In addition to ending your winning streak, the odds stack up heavily against you that the pitcher will lose the game.  The same can generally be said about teams that are involved in a three-game loosing streak. You should also only bet a team that has won their last game.  The mental attitude of a team that is coming off a win is better than after a loss.

4. Pitchers
Bet on a team whose pitcher did well in his last game.  If a pitcher got clobbered in his last outing he may not be mentally ready to pitch again.  You should also consider the team’s relief pitcher. If a relief pitcher for a team has been overworked in his last two games you might want to avoid that placing a bet on the team.

I also suggest that you consider the pitcher from the other team.  When two top pitchers go head to head it could come down to a single mistake to decide the game.  Thus, I would rather bet on a top pitcher going against a lesser one than bet on two great pitchers dueling it out.  In others, do not place a bet!

5. Compare the Teams
You need to look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team.  How do the starting players match up against each other?  Some teams are more offensive with great hitters, while other teams are stronger in the field playing defense.

6. Consider the Park
Some teams play better in some parks than others. Some players just can’t seem to hit well in certain parks.  Some parks have their own quirks such as the short left field at Fenway in Boston.

7. Shop for the Best Line
Shop around for the best money lines.  5Dimes, for example, offers 10 cent lines (also called a dime-line).  Dime lines are great for the player because the house edge is smaller and you win more when you bet the underdog.

8. Avoid Rivalries
Some teams have a natural rivalry with each other such as the Yankees and Red Sox or Giants and the Dodgers.  When these rivals play they are usually up for the game and play their best.  I recommend that you avoid these teams when they play each other because you never know what might happen!
 
9. Injuries to the Starting Line Up
Never back a team unless it can put its top players on the filed.

10. Discipline
They key to winning at any form of gambling comes down to discipline.  In sports betting the biggest mistake that most players make is betting too many games.  Do not chase your losses.  This will usually lead to disaster.  You should have a game plan and stick to it.  Bet on a team only when you determine it has the best chance of winning.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!