From a baseball betting standpoint, there was no more inept division than the National League West last year. In fact, all five teams were losing wagers overall, posting unit losses (if you bet on a team every game it played) from -5.3 to -37.2.
But that doesn’t mean that bettors should avoid the division. On the contrary, there may be many excellent "bet-against" opportunities (as well as a handful of "bet-on" chances) for savvy wagering wonks.
That’s why gamblers are analyzing last year’s wagering numbers, hoping to uncover clues to help them develop a baseball betting strategy for this season in the National League West Division:
BY THE NUMBERS:
LOS ANGELES DODGERS (2008 Finish: 88-82, Won NL West)
Future Book Odds for 2009:
World Series: 10/1, Pennant: 5/1, Division: 7/5
By the Numbers:
Favorite: 60-52, Underdog: 17-28
Home: 48-33, Away: 38-47
Day: 24-25, Night: 64-57
Vs. Left: 32-23, Vs. Right: 56-59
One-Run Games: 19-25
Sportsbook Buster: The Dodgers had a dismal return on investment (ROI) of -11.4 percent in road games last year.
Sports Betting Angle: LA had an ROI of +8.4 percent against teams from the NL Central last season.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (2008 Finish: 82-80)
Future Book Odds for 2009:
World Series: 14/1, Pennant: 7/1, Division: 8/5
By the Numbers:
Favorite: 65-52, Underdog: 17-28
Home: 48-33, Away: 34-47
Day: 26-29, Night: 56-51
Vs. Left: 28-20, Vs. Right: 54-60
One-Run Games: 22-23
Sportsbook Buster: The Diamondbacks had an ROI of -17.9 percent in away games last year.
Sports Betting Angle: Arizona had an ROI of +7.5 percent in games started by left-handers last season.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (2008 Finish: 72-90)
Future Book Odds for 2009:
World Series: 40/1, Pennant: 20/1, Division: 4/1
By the Numbers:
Favorite: 29-22, Underdog: 43-68
Home: 37-44, Away: 35-46
Day: 25-32, Night: 47-58
Vs. Left: 17-31, Vs. Right: 55-59
One-Run Games: 31-21
Sportsbook Buster: The Giants ROI of -23 percent versus left-handed starting pitching last year.
Sports Betting Angle: San Francisco had an ROI of +18.8 percent when offered as an underdog of +200 (bet $100 to win $200) or more last season.
COLORADOROCKIES (2008 Finish: 74-88)
Future Book Odds for 2009:
World Series: 50/1, Pennant: 25/1, Division: 6/1
By the Numbers:
Favorite: 47-45, Underdog: 27-43
Home: 43-38, Away: 31-49
Day: 17-30, Night: 57-58
Vs. Left: 27-21, Vs. Right: 47-67
One-Run Games: 25-20
Sportsbook Buster: The Rockies had an ROI of -15 percent on the road last year.
Sports Betting Angle:Colorado had an ROI of -16.7 percent against left-handed starting pitching last season.
SAN DIEGO PADRES (2008 Finish: 63-99)
Future Book Odds for 2009:
World Series: 100/1, Pennant: 50/1, Division: 15/1
By the Numbers:
Favorite: 30-35, Underdog: 33-64
Home: 35-46, Away: 28-53
Day: 20-25, Night: 43-74
Vs. Left: 20-37, Vs. Right: 43-62
One-Run Games: 16-28
Sportsbook Buster: The Padres had a dreadful ROI of -20.3 percent in all games last year.
Sports Betting Angle: San Diego had an ROI of -54.3 percent as an underdog of +200 or more last season.
ON THE FIELD: After winning their first playoff game since 1988, the Dodgers should be back for more, benefiting from a zip code with some weak neighbors. With slugger Manny Ramirez inked for a couple more seasons, LA again is the team to beat. With Brandon Webb and Dan Haren at the top of the rotation, the young Diamondbacks should be contenders for the division crown. The Giants have some strong arms, not the least of which is National Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, but there’s just not enough punch in the order for anything higher than a third place finish. Even with Matt Holiday shipped off to Oakland, the Rockies figure to score plenty of runs, just not as many as they’re likely to yield because of questions relating to starting and relieving pitching. As if the Padres weren’t bad enough last year, the departure of closer Trevor Hoffman and a failed effort to trade ace Jake Peavy could lead to disharmony and even fewer wins this season.
