MLB Betting – Phillies, Red Sox Favored To Meet In The Fall Classic

MLB betting players are settling down to make their World Series picks for the upcoming season, and here is a look at how the odds are forecasting the 2011 season.

Philadelphia (+250) and Boston (+325) are favored to face off in the World Series, and the Phillies were always going to be close to the top as they go into the season with one of the most discussed starting rotations in baseball history. The Red Sox were active in the offseason as they brought in some big-name players (Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez), but of course, they have to deal with the New York Yankees (+600) in the American League East. The defending World Series champions from San Francisco (+1300) should be listed along with the top three and with their starting pitching, the Giants are always a threat.

Milwaukee (+1500) and Texas (+1800) are at the top of the remaining teams that have a chance to win it all, and the Brewers improved their rotation with some free-agent signings (Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum). But the teams to watch out for are Tampa Bay (+2700) and St. Louis (+2700), as the Rays are hoping that two veteran free-agent pickups (Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez) still have something left in the tank, and they also have some kids who may be able to produce in 2011. In St. Louis, the Cardinals dropped in the eyes of sportsbook as their ace (Adam Wainwright) was lost for the season (and probably more), but they still have one of the top 10 pitchers (Chris Carpenter) in the National League, and of course, the best player in baseball (Albert Pujols). Don’t count out either of these teams in your online sportsbook.

Online March Madness Betting – Navigating The First Round

Online March Madness betting is usually at its most frantic during the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and especially during the first round where anything can happen. Here are a few tips to check out before you make your first-round picks.

There are always upsets to watch out for, but it’s almost to the point where a No.12 seed beating a No.5 seed is a given. The No.12 seed has won over 33% of their first-round meetings, and it’s pretty much a certainty that it will happen at least once, so check out the bracket to find which one will take down a No.5.

However, don’t bet against the best. The No.1 seed hasn’t lost in 104 meetings with the No.16 seed, and only five times has the No.16 has come within five points of a major upset, and the last time that happened was 1996. Usually, the No.16 will come out with lots of energy due to adrenaline, but as the game progresses, the No.1 seed will start to flex their muscles.

If you want a real test of your betting skills, take the 8-9 matchup. The No.8 seed is 48-56 against the No.9 seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and the teams are usually so close that it is a toss-up. This is where your research and watching the games come into play, and if you are committed to doing some work, you could make a sports betting profit off this matchup.