With the NFL season now officially over, it’s time for bettors to start thinking about … Major League Baseball?
You probably thought I was going to say “March Madness.” But, Opening Day betting odds for MLB are available at the Westgate SuperBook. They hit the board last week as an added attraction for the Super Bowl tourist crowd. Visitors could bet their favorite baseball team in February to win the season opener, then return for Final Four weekend to cash the ticket.
- The Mets play the first National League game of 2020, hosting the Nationals on March 26 at 1:10 p.m. The Westgate made the Mets -120, with a low total of 6¹/₂ (the Nats return +110 on a short dime line). Bettors wishing to back the Mets must lay $120 to win $100, or anything in that ratio. Those wanting the Nats would risk $100 to win $110, or anything in that ratio.
- The Yankees visit Baltimore later that same day at 3:05 p.m., and are laying a whopping -450 against what’s expected to be another virtual minor league Orioles entry. Baltimore returns +375 for thrill seekers. Nine is the Over/Under.
Important to note that all matchups represent “action” bets regardless of who pitches. It’s impossible to know for certain who Opening Day starting pitchers will be this far in advance. Even the most logical choices could suffer late-spring injury tweaks that keep them out of the lineup.
The rest of the slate:
NL: Cubs (+115) at Brewers (-125), Rockies (+135) at Padres (-145), Giants (+285) at Dodgers (-330), Cards (-110) at Reds (even), Phillies (-155) at Marlins (+145),
Braves (-120) at Diamondbacks (+110).
AL: Tigers (+245) at Indians (-280), Royals (+165) at White Sox (-180), Red Sox (-140) at Blue Jays (+130), Twins
(-105) at A’s (-105), Rangers (-140) at Mariners (+130), Angels (+150) at Astros (-160).
Interleague: Pirates (+180) at Rays
(-200).
Are there any smart bets this far in advance? Sharps will typically tell you that it’s crazy to place a bet without knowing who the starting pitchers are going to be! This is particularly true for recreational bettors who want to lay odds with an ace they expect to be on the mound. Injury news will only hurt.
Value bets could only be defended in the following circumstances:
- You’re convinced that an underpriced team is going to be better than market expectations because of personnel changes, or a return to full health after an injury-plagued season. You want to bet this team before the market catches up.
- You’re convinced an overpriced team is going to be worse than expectations because of personnel changes or offseason distractions that could put a gray cloud over its outlook. You want to fade this team out of the gate.
- It doesn’t matter who your starting pitcher is going to be … or it doesn’t matter who the opposing starting pitcher is going to be … because the options are fairly similar.
Sometimes “betting smart” means knowing when to avoid tourist traps.
Get more betting information like this by signing up for VSiN’s free daily newsletter at VSiN.com/newsletter.
