The NL Central typically has the feel of an "up for grabs" division except in reality it's been a two-horse race - at best - since the shortened 2020 season. Milwaukee stands as the cream of the crop the last couple years, though the Cubs have positioned themselves well into…
Milwaukee persevered in a division of hot runs devoid of staying power. Of course, perennial NL Central favorite St. Louis bottoming out did not hurt whatsoever. The 20-8 start from Pittsburgh flamed out, Cincinnati's early summer heater ran out of fuel, and the Cubbies' post-ASB run petered out in September.…
The second half of the 2023 MLB season is here after what seemed like the longest All-Star Break in a while. I missed the game and I missed handicapping it even though the break lined up well with a hectic workweek. The lackluster first half of featured handicaps represented about…
I guess playing the bullpen volatility game was the move after all. Lack of execution squandered a shot at sneaking away with the D-backs first 5 innings team total. That was extra frustrating since Darvish was expectedly ripe for the picking. In a Groundhog Day scenario I would bet the…
After a quick break on Sunday, the MLB Morning Breakdown for 4-3-2023 returns with a quick solo shot to get the week started. Unfortunately, the last couple featured handicaps were duds to say the least. So I owe our readers some good ones this week. Let's dive right into a…
The second half of the 2022 MLB season featured a pair of noteworthy NL Central battles. Most importantly was the tug of war for last place between my Cincinnati Reds and their dance partner Pittsburgh Pirates (that's sarcasm, folks). In a fitting conclusion they both held down the cellar with…
When the Tigers failed to plate the tying run in the 5th yesterday afternoon, I thought of what could have been for my first 5 inning dog bet. Then the Twins piled on 4 more runs in the bottom half of the inning and that thought turned to "damn I…
Saturday's trio of one-run results left me with a -1.25-unit giveback day - a finish that was much better than I expected after a fast and furious start to the 2022 season. Tampa gave us a run for the +120 money with bases loaded in the 9th though my manufactured…
The Gausman-Severino main event in the Bronx proved to be quite the pitching duel amongst two high-powered offenses last night. The Jays first 5 inning position also proved to be an L for us, but at least one of the half-unit variety. Lineup uncertainty led to my limited exposure early…
Milwaukee's success, paired with divisional foes who struggled to keep pace down the stretch, resulted in the NL Central's third different champion in as many years. St. Louis's sluggish start made it that much more difficult for the Cardinals to chase down the Brewers, though they certainly made a valiant…
There is plenty to read into Toronto's failure to nail down yesterday's first 5 inning play - including a reversal of perspective on Sunday's betting card. And as a result of a busy schedule today and one of my biggest MLB cards of the season, I have a condensed format…
I had to put a rush on the MLB Morning Breakdown for 6-15-2021 due to some scheduling issues. So to avoid missing a second straight day, I've compromised detail for speed to get this out before heading out the door. After a good weekend on the diamond, here we go…
The MLB Morning Breakdown for 6-6-2021 goes back-to-back as we return to the home of last night's solo shot, Oracle Park. I put my full faith and confidence in Kevin Gausman along with the red-hot Giants offense to pull out a decisive first 5 inning win against the Cubbies -…
I've been missing in action since Wednesday's handicap with one intentional morning away and another that was unexpected. That's life. But the MLB Morning Breakdown for 6-5-2021 is ready to roll with a Saturday solo shot - one that hopefully pans out like Wednesday's Arizona team total over positions. I…
It's a story that only made sense in the year 2020. While the Cardinals were stuck at home due to COVID-related issues, the Chicago Cubs grew an early lead in the NL Central. They slogged their way to the division title as St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Milwaukee finished no better…
Last year's NL Central crown race was one of the tightest in the league. My eyes, as a holder of a late-season plus-money divisional futures ticket on the Cardinals, were glued to Milwaukee's September charge. The Brew Crew made things way too interesting for my taste, even without 2018 NL…
Chop 'em up again! Saturday's 2-2 split was par for the course this week, which moves to 7-7 for a profit of +1.16 units. Spoiler alert: I've got 2 tickets for Sunday's MLB action and I would not be surprised at all if I get another split. But we're playing…
Every handicapper and bettor has a particular approach and style. Whether it is the use of a system, access to great information, or a solid handicapping approach, consistent winners find a way to get it done. A guy like me makes 1-4 plays a day during the MLB season (typically…
Luis Castillo's wizardry was damn near thwarted by the 3rd base bag in the 1st inning last night. Fortunately, the unfortunate circumstances at the beginning of the game were returned as a favor via wild pitch in the bottom of the 5th. Cincy held on after a considerable rain delay…
Opening 7-Day Recap: Wednesday afternoon run line plays went 0-2 for a loss of 2.00 units. Season results are 9-11 for +0.92 units. A one-week gain just shy of +1 unit is OK considering projections are being adjusted and wagers are conservative. The big drag on profits was the loose…