We’re about to enter a very important part of the baseball season, and that’s the All-Star break from July 13-15. That’s only three days, and it’s actually a four-day break for most players with just one game being played on Thursday, July 16 (Mets/Phillies).
What are the keys to betting on the second half?
1)Always pay attention to the playoff races. Right now, after most of Wednesday’s games were played, Tampa Bay (54-36) has been the biggest surprise of the league, followed by the slumping New York Yankees (50-42), who are still waiting for Aaron Judge to return. There are just five teams over .500 in the league, so the wild card is extremely wide open. As bad as Boston has been (42-48), they are just three games behind 46-46 Texas for the final wild card spot.
In the National League, the LA Dodgers (60-33) are predictably in first place in the entire league with the best record in baseball. Milwaukee (58-34) is just 1.5 games behind them. Unlike the American League, six teams over .500 and two are 45-46 (Arizona and San Diego). St. Louis (48-43) is two games behind the final wild card spot.
2)The trade deadline could impact everything. There are still about three weeks left before the August 3 deadline, but by the All-Star break, teams should have made a decision whether they will be buyers or sellers.
3)Target teams with unlucky records. Some teams have strong run differential, but disappointing records. Those teams usually end up rebounding. Detroit +15 (42-50) is a prime example of a team that could have a better second half, assuming they don’t trade Tarik Skubal.
4)Some teams win a lot of one-run games, and they often regress.
5)The weather could have an impact. The summer heat and humidity can dramatically increase scoring in certain ballparks.
6)Manage your bankroll. Be very conservative at this time of the year, especially with football on the horizon. Bet a consistent 1-2% of less of your bankroll per play.
7)Use more specialized betting if your approach didn’t work in the first half. If bullpens are hurting you, go with first 5 innings bets. Or just concentrate on one division where you follow every team closely.
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Upcoming and Current Events at ATS:
- The World Cup runs through July 19. Consists of 32 teams in the Knockout Stage, with most matches played in the United States. It’s the biggest event in the world.
- Baseball Second Half to begin July 13 (discounts are available with football).
- UFC Fight Night
- UFC 329 MCGREGOR VS HOLLOWAY 2 / LAS VEGAS, NVSaturday, July 11th. *Projected +30 units as $250 /u clients expected to win $7,500+
- Duplesis vs. Usman on July 18 from OKC.
- Ankalev vs. Rountree Jr. from Abu Dhabi.
- Hall of Fame Game (Aug 6). Preseason NFL action begins as ATS enters its 34th football season. Early Bird discounts are available now!
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