Around the Horn ATS Style
Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:33 AM ET
Parity has been creeping into all sports these days unlike the days of old when it was much easier to build a dynasty. And that makes handicapping tougher on today's bettors.
Why do you think there’s a salary cap?
It’s about bringing parity to sports and giving each team a chance to win a championship. Look at the proof in every sport at every level; Who would have guessed the Kansas Jayhawks would have been playing for a BCS Bowl game last year? Who saw the 0-2 New York Giants going on to win the Super Bowl? How do you explain the Colorado Rockies going to the World Series last year?
The sports world our parents knew from the 70s, 80s and 90s is not the same sports world of today. Money bought championships in those days, parity is about bringing balance to today’s sports.
Why do you think there’s parity? Two words: Sports Betting. Owners knew with the internet and having every thing “on demand” today like NFL Sunday Ticket, to get the younger generation of today – Which I’ve dubbed “Generation What’s In It For Me – would be playing fantasy sports or betting on games to stay interested in the game. Eventually, sports fans are going to realize if they're going to pay anywhere from $250 to $1000 a year on viewing sports for things such as Sunday Ticket, NBA Pass, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Centre Ice and numerous other Pay Per View events like MMA and Boxing, how can I get a return on this investment?
It’s not like spending $10 to watch a movie for one night; we're talking hundreds of dollars for a season, for one sport! Now that we are forced to pay to watch sports, it’s become “investment TV” in a sense.
Sports betting and Fantasy Leagues are the future of sports and it will one day be considered and treated like the Stock market.
Which brings me to my point, how do you handicap parity? With teams being equal today, you have to research past situations and play the percentages. That’s why it’s important to consider past mistakes for current profits. Good luck with your betting.
Today’s Baseball Pick
Detroit – Baltimore Over 10 (-110)
Action on game. Keys to selection: When Detroit plays as a favorite during the last five year, with one Under or more, having won their last game by two runs or less and and owning a SU record of 2-3 in their last five games, the Over is 12-2-0 for the Tigers in this spot. Play the Over.
Baseball Streakers
Who’s Hot: NY Mets 9 SU Wins, Cleveland 4 SU Wins
Who’s Not: Tampa Bay 7 SU Losses, Colorado 4 SU Losses
O/U Streaks: Arizona 4 Over; Philadelphia 3 Over; NY Mets 3 Under; Colorado 3 Under
Today’s Stats and Trends
New York Mets vs. Cincinnati: When the NY Mets play as a road team at night vs. right-handed pitchers, coming off a six-game home stand and a home win as a favorite, the Over is 11-2-1 for the Mets in this role.
San Diego vs. St. Louis: When St. Louis plays as a -100 to -120 home favorite vs. right-handed pitchers after a division game, coming off a win vs. an NL Central opponent and having a one-game win streak, the Cards are 7-33 SU in this spot since ’97.
Pittsburgh vs. Colorado: When Colorado plays as a -120 to -140 home favorite the last five years during the month of July, the Rockies are 12-4 SU in this role.
Detroit vs. Baltimore: When Detroit plays as a road team vs. left-handed pitchers during the 2008 season, the Tigers are 10-3 SU in this role.