MLB Notes: Basic Generalizations From Around the League.
Note: I grade teams Gr I – IV (I = Atlanta Braves (solely), IV = Chicago Cubs (solely)) FROM A SEASON/OVERALL STANDPOINT, used as a fram of reference.
******These grades are live like “live” look-ins, I’m not talking about 2 weeks ago or what they can do over the course of a season.
Colorado Rockies: I see this team as Gr II at this moment in time. They looked really good versus the Mets @ home last weekend, but the series in St. Louis kind of got them away from really climbing the ladder in terms of overall game performance. Yes, the pitching has been decent, but I wouldn’t want to be on there side (betting wise) unless they are really contagiously hitting the cover off the ball as a team.
Pittsburgh Pirates: At this point in time the Pirates are solid Gr III ball club. They looked to have licked their wounds after the Cubs series, and now they are seemingly out there gaining confidence by winning throughout the league. One concern is that they allowed the Braves to look like a decent hitting team – and I doubt that they have become one all of a sudden (it’s possible). As always, the bullpen is a concern for me when laying odds on this team … you have to pay a near top contender price for them on most nights, and they don’t have ALL of the tools (hitting, starting pitching, defense, and bullpen pitching), that you would want if laying down north of -150s.
Washington Nationals: I put the Nats on Gr. III, near top-tier level. They are capable of winning every night, they don’t seem to tire…as in they can score 9 runs one night and kind of pick back up where they left off…a sports bettor’s best friend! Notice, I didn’t grade them at IV, so I am not in love with them like they are going to steamroll through the weekend. This weekend they play the Marlins and it is safe to think that Miami will get at least one win in the series. I have been looking for opps to lay money when SP T. Roark takes the mound, but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
Miami Marlins: Gr II, I think they peaked about a week ago. This team is good, a solid underdog. They will most likely get hot again, but right now from what I see they are going to be playing around .500 ball and maybe a little less. That can change today, but I would not be them with confidence over the weekend at all (as it stands now, of course).
Note: I don’t do ½ grades, but they are somewhere in-between a Gr.II and III, in MY reality.
Milwaukee Brewers: Man, these guys had a great team win yesterday versus stellar SP in Hammels. Season wise they are a Gr. II team, but “live” look-in I would like to treat them like a Gr. III team –that can be dangerous if you are going against them … I know it’s the Mets, and the Mets are dominant but you will be paying a lot to be on the Mets’ side and in reality the Brewers have a 50/50 chance of winning this series.
New York Mets: Gr. III, they are playing well. I don’t see them getting phased by what happened during the week versus the Nats. SP Synergaard gave them a dominant outing – hey! they lost a series, shouldn’t be a big deal to them. I just mentioned that the Brewers are coming to town, and even if they Mets play a hard fought series, it will most likely be a product of where the Brewers are rather than the Mets struggling to be dominant.
St. Louis Cardinals: I honestly cannot get a read on the Cards. They are somehwere between a Gr. II and Gr. III team. SP Wainwright seemingly has something going now, and that may give this team a bit of a chippy feeling. They remind me of the Orioles, basically you need at least 2 HR to have a chance to win with them. I wouldn’t bet that prop 1.5HR Over, so why would I want to bet them on a money line. Granted, they did get regular timely hitting in their last game, whether or not they build off of that is yet to be seen. Season wise, they are probably a Gr. III (which is VERY good, playoff caliber). Right now, I reluctantly put them at Gr. III, and would only consider betting against them, which I would be fearful to do even that.
San Francisco Giants: Yes, they had a historic road series. But are you going to take SP J. Peavy tonight, because of that? … Of course not, that is my point – the Giants are winning but they are very beatable night-in and night out. I have them somewher between Gr. II and Gr. III over the weekend versus the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs: I will downgrade this team almost at any point the next week or so. They can be the absolute best in the league on any given night. Think of it like this, almost all of us would have been on Chicago in all of the Brewers games during the week if the Cubs were Even money. Even if they lost 3 in a row, we would have said something like “they are do for win,” and that is because this team is the top dog can take one inning and crush you regardless of what has happened earlier in the game, week, month, etc. They are my measure stick and Gr IV
Arizona Diamondbacks: Gr. II, they can’t get the pitching to coincide with the hitting. They can be very good at both aspects of the game, but right now it is just not there. I think the weekday series versus the Yankees was more about how the Yanks are playing improved ball. I see a little more change in their improved SP, I don’t trust the BP right now…it’s just smart betting to treat these guys like a Gr. II and proceed with caution. There may very well come a time soon (maybe this weekend), when this team comes together a bit more and then it’s time to start thinking about betting on them.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Gr II all the way. Season wise they are most likely going to be a Gr III team, but they are not consistent in any way. A bad team can come their way and take a series right now. They offer no solid opportunities to bet on them at the moment.
San Diego Padres: Gr II …with a lean toward the Atlanta "Bravesish" type play. Look at what SP J. Shields had to say after last night’s game, ‘We have to play better, all around.’ Okay, and as a better I am going to wait for that day. Their weekend series with the Dodgers is interesting in that they may steal the series from them, and if you are really sharp (which I will most likely not be), you can get a nice winner in their somewhere.
Atlanta Braves: Gr. I by a benchmark/frame of reference…but in reality they are playing improved baseball. Now if that Foltynewicz pitched well last night, I think the Braves would have a chance to be a legit Gr II club – something to build off of – two really good starts with some hitting, BUT that did not happen and there is not reason to believe that the Braves are going to start winning series in the upcoming future. They represent only bad betting opportunities.
Cincinnati Reds: Gr II, man these guys would have been terrific to be on they didn’t get deflated versus the Indians. They can hit, they can’t pitch (not even a little). You really have to believe that they will score at least 5 runs to even consider them…and who wants to do that. There will be spots in the season where the Reds will be an awesome bet, we were right there but it fell apart.
Philadelphia Philies: Gr III, with plenty of opportunities to put down a reasonable amount and grab a win. I like it when good teams get ignored. The pitching has been decent, enough not to have to worry about 6+ runs, as if they were the Toronto Blue Jays this week. The hitting is there…bottom line is that these guys play close games and usually do very well in them. I have them in between a Gr II and Gr III, which is very good for team.
Tampa Bay Rays: Gr II, they have been playing very good. I don’t know what happened in Toronto – I know it looks crazy that I don’t have them as Gr. III, I guess I am not a believer. Maybe it’s because they go into Detroit, so I am proceeding with caution. Strictly speaking my gut tells me that this team is a very dangerous Gr II over the weekend who will fight like a dog in all games, and we will see what happens.
Detroit Tigers: No grade, I am blind to what they are doing. They have lots of potential and it can unleashed from one day to another. This is a “STAY AWAY” ball club at the moment, especially tonight with this SP from the Rays going…this kid has come out of nowhere.
Cleveland Indians: Gr II, with a lean on Gr III. They beat up the Reds, my gut tellls me they just had the Reds’ number and nothing more. I wouldn’t feel comfortable betting against them though. They have an opportunity to show their stuff as real Gr III (overall speaking, not “live” grading), if they be highly competitive in all 3 games at Fenway Park this weekend.
Boston Red Sox: Gr III, with a lean on Gr II! Yes, it sound like I am an idiot, but they seem to have cooled off and it best to view them under the scrutiny of being a Gr II, than seeing them as Gr III and get burned thinking that they are going to turn out some stellar performances all weekend. They just made Kansas City look good this week, ugh…how to do put that behind you so easily. Now, they did have rest day and that is something to consider (a little). Look at this way, if the Boston were -130 tonight would you like them at all? Most likely no.
Texas Rangers: tough to get any kind of a read on them. Gr II with a lean on Gr III, right now. Proceed with extreme caution. You don’t want to be betting the opposite team when they play, and I am seldom liking their chances beyond 50/50 to win any given game. Now, tonight they do have Colby Lewis who has slipped under the radar a little. Think of this, even their ace SP Hamels got roughed up, that’s not a team this playing top caliber baseball as it stand today.
Houston Astros: Gr II. They looked like they would peak and play some really solid baseball, and they did on a couple of nights. It’s best to view them under the microscope of being a very dangerous Gr II knowing that this ball club has a 50/50 of playing a really poor game for no obvious reason at all.
Kansas City Royals: Gr II, don’t get fooled by the Boston series. Like everybody else I expect them to turn the corner, but on any given night they have no more than a 50/50 chance of winning no matter how they played the night before. Now, I have seen a couple tempting opportunities when SP I. Kennedy takes the mound, but I like hitting to back up my pitching…unless it’s Chis Sale or Jake Arrieta, and I mean ONLY those two guys.
Chicago White Sox: Gr III, still very solid. Yes, they haven’t been winning like they were, but on any given night they have a better chance to win than lose. It sounds simple, because I believe it is that simple. Now, I would like to see the BP pick it up a little, and I would like to see some more devastating hits in their games – I guess you can argue they have the lean toward Gr II, but it is best to see them as Gr at all times, so you don’t get caught off guard if you happen to be making a play on their opponent.
Toronto Blue Jays: Gr II, until Tulowitzki takes over this team will be really bad sometimes and really good sometimes. The pitching staff just left us with a lot of question marks during the week. I am most likely staying away on both ends of the betting spectrum for the time being.
Minnesota Twins: Gr II – and they can be dangerous. I know your saying “when”? but they fought back into games, they scored runs. All it takes is walking into 1 quality start when you bet against them and you lose 4-3 or something. My advice (to me) is to stay away, it’s that simple.
New York Yankees: Gr II with a strong lean on Gr III. The odds are always skewed with these guys, because of the casual sports bettor wanting to play their favorite team. They went under some sharp citicism by ownership this weekend, and they may respond positively to that. They have the pieces, they should be a Gr III (overall/season wise), and they look like they can turn the corner.
Oakland A’s: Gr II, proceed with caution Gr II, meaning they are going to start winning some games. After the shellacking they took at Fenway 10+ days ago, they sort of regrouped some how. I am keeping a close eye on them, looking to make my move with the A’s in the right spot, hopefully soon.
Los Angeles Angels: Gr III, it’s time to think of them as a high caliber team, because they stuff they couldn’t do before they are now doing. The right guys are getting the big hits. The starting pitching is creeping up to mediocre. It’s safer to see them as playoff caliber team these next few days, just so you don’t get caught trying to steal one in Anaheim.
Note: I grade teams Gr I – IV (I = Atlanta Braves (solely), IV = Chicago Cubs (solely)) FROM A SEASON/OVERALL STANDPOINT, used as a fram of reference.
******These grades are live like “live” look-ins, I’m not talking about 2 weeks ago or what they can do over the course of a season.
Colorado Rockies: I see this team as Gr II at this moment in time. They looked really good versus the Mets @ home last weekend, but the series in St. Louis kind of got them away from really climbing the ladder in terms of overall game performance. Yes, the pitching has been decent, but I wouldn’t want to be on there side (betting wise) unless they are really contagiously hitting the cover off the ball as a team.
Pittsburgh Pirates: At this point in time the Pirates are solid Gr III ball club. They looked to have licked their wounds after the Cubs series, and now they are seemingly out there gaining confidence by winning throughout the league. One concern is that they allowed the Braves to look like a decent hitting team – and I doubt that they have become one all of a sudden (it’s possible). As always, the bullpen is a concern for me when laying odds on this team … you have to pay a near top contender price for them on most nights, and they don’t have ALL of the tools (hitting, starting pitching, defense, and bullpen pitching), that you would want if laying down north of -150s.
Washington Nationals: I put the Nats on Gr. III, near top-tier level. They are capable of winning every night, they don’t seem to tire…as in they can score 9 runs one night and kind of pick back up where they left off…a sports bettor’s best friend! Notice, I didn’t grade them at IV, so I am not in love with them like they are going to steamroll through the weekend. This weekend they play the Marlins and it is safe to think that Miami will get at least one win in the series. I have been looking for opps to lay money when SP T. Roark takes the mound, but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
Miami Marlins: Gr II, I think they peaked about a week ago. This team is good, a solid underdog. They will most likely get hot again, but right now from what I see they are going to be playing around .500 ball and maybe a little less. That can change today, but I would not be them with confidence over the weekend at all (as it stands now, of course).
Note: I don’t do ½ grades, but they are somewhere in-between a Gr.II and III, in MY reality.
Milwaukee Brewers: Man, these guys had a great team win yesterday versus stellar SP in Hammels. Season wise they are a Gr. II team, but “live” look-in I would like to treat them like a Gr. III team –that can be dangerous if you are going against them … I know it’s the Mets, and the Mets are dominant but you will be paying a lot to be on the Mets’ side and in reality the Brewers have a 50/50 chance of winning this series.
New York Mets: Gr. III, they are playing well. I don’t see them getting phased by what happened during the week versus the Nats. SP Synergaard gave them a dominant outing – hey! they lost a series, shouldn’t be a big deal to them. I just mentioned that the Brewers are coming to town, and even if they Mets play a hard fought series, it will most likely be a product of where the Brewers are rather than the Mets struggling to be dominant.
St. Louis Cardinals: I honestly cannot get a read on the Cards. They are somehwere between a Gr. II and Gr. III team. SP Wainwright seemingly has something going now, and that may give this team a bit of a chippy feeling. They remind me of the Orioles, basically you need at least 2 HR to have a chance to win with them. I wouldn’t bet that prop 1.5HR Over, so why would I want to bet them on a money line. Granted, they did get regular timely hitting in their last game, whether or not they build off of that is yet to be seen. Season wise, they are probably a Gr. III (which is VERY good, playoff caliber). Right now, I reluctantly put them at Gr. III, and would only consider betting against them, which I would be fearful to do even that.
San Francisco Giants: Yes, they had a historic road series. But are you going to take SP J. Peavy tonight, because of that? … Of course not, that is my point – the Giants are winning but they are very beatable night-in and night out. I have them somewher between Gr. II and Gr. III over the weekend versus the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs: I will downgrade this team almost at any point the next week or so. They can be the absolute best in the league on any given night. Think of it like this, almost all of us would have been on Chicago in all of the Brewers games during the week if the Cubs were Even money. Even if they lost 3 in a row, we would have said something like “they are do for win,” and that is because this team is the top dog can take one inning and crush you regardless of what has happened earlier in the game, week, month, etc. They are my measure stick and Gr IV
Arizona Diamondbacks: Gr. II, they can’t get the pitching to coincide with the hitting. They can be very good at both aspects of the game, but right now it is just not there. I think the weekday series versus the Yankees was more about how the Yanks are playing improved ball. I see a little more change in their improved SP, I don’t trust the BP right now…it’s just smart betting to treat these guys like a Gr. II and proceed with caution. There may very well come a time soon (maybe this weekend), when this team comes together a bit more and then it’s time to start thinking about betting on them.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Gr II all the way. Season wise they are most likely going to be a Gr III team, but they are not consistent in any way. A bad team can come their way and take a series right now. They offer no solid opportunities to bet on them at the moment.
San Diego Padres: Gr II …with a lean toward the Atlanta "Bravesish" type play. Look at what SP J. Shields had to say after last night’s game, ‘We have to play better, all around.’ Okay, and as a better I am going to wait for that day. Their weekend series with the Dodgers is interesting in that they may steal the series from them, and if you are really sharp (which I will most likely not be), you can get a nice winner in their somewhere.
Atlanta Braves: Gr. I by a benchmark/frame of reference…but in reality they are playing improved baseball. Now if that Foltynewicz pitched well last night, I think the Braves would have a chance to be a legit Gr II club – something to build off of – two really good starts with some hitting, BUT that did not happen and there is not reason to believe that the Braves are going to start winning series in the upcoming future. They represent only bad betting opportunities.
Cincinnati Reds: Gr II, man these guys would have been terrific to be on they didn’t get deflated versus the Indians. They can hit, they can’t pitch (not even a little). You really have to believe that they will score at least 5 runs to even consider them…and who wants to do that. There will be spots in the season where the Reds will be an awesome bet, we were right there but it fell apart.
Philadelphia Philies: Gr III, with plenty of opportunities to put down a reasonable amount and grab a win. I like it when good teams get ignored. The pitching has been decent, enough not to have to worry about 6+ runs, as if they were the Toronto Blue Jays this week. The hitting is there…bottom line is that these guys play close games and usually do very well in them. I have them in between a Gr II and Gr III, which is very good for team.
Tampa Bay Rays: Gr II, they have been playing very good. I don’t know what happened in Toronto – I know it looks crazy that I don’t have them as Gr. III, I guess I am not a believer. Maybe it’s because they go into Detroit, so I am proceeding with caution. Strictly speaking my gut tells me that this team is a very dangerous Gr II over the weekend who will fight like a dog in all games, and we will see what happens.
Detroit Tigers: No grade, I am blind to what they are doing. They have lots of potential and it can unleashed from one day to another. This is a “STAY AWAY” ball club at the moment, especially tonight with this SP from the Rays going…this kid has come out of nowhere.
Cleveland Indians: Gr II, with a lean on Gr III. They beat up the Reds, my gut tellls me they just had the Reds’ number and nothing more. I wouldn’t feel comfortable betting against them though. They have an opportunity to show their stuff as real Gr III (overall speaking, not “live” grading), if they be highly competitive in all 3 games at Fenway Park this weekend.
Boston Red Sox: Gr III, with a lean on Gr II! Yes, it sound like I am an idiot, but they seem to have cooled off and it best to view them under the scrutiny of being a Gr II, than seeing them as Gr III and get burned thinking that they are going to turn out some stellar performances all weekend. They just made Kansas City look good this week, ugh…how to do put that behind you so easily. Now, they did have rest day and that is something to consider (a little). Look at this way, if the Boston were -130 tonight would you like them at all? Most likely no.
Texas Rangers: tough to get any kind of a read on them. Gr II with a lean on Gr III, right now. Proceed with extreme caution. You don’t want to be betting the opposite team when they play, and I am seldom liking their chances beyond 50/50 to win any given game. Now, tonight they do have Colby Lewis who has slipped under the radar a little. Think of this, even their ace SP Hamels got roughed up, that’s not a team this playing top caliber baseball as it stand today.
Houston Astros: Gr II. They looked like they would peak and play some really solid baseball, and they did on a couple of nights. It’s best to view them under the microscope of being a very dangerous Gr II knowing that this ball club has a 50/50 of playing a really poor game for no obvious reason at all.
Kansas City Royals: Gr II, don’t get fooled by the Boston series. Like everybody else I expect them to turn the corner, but on any given night they have no more than a 50/50 chance of winning no matter how they played the night before. Now, I have seen a couple tempting opportunities when SP I. Kennedy takes the mound, but I like hitting to back up my pitching…unless it’s Chis Sale or Jake Arrieta, and I mean ONLY those two guys.
Chicago White Sox: Gr III, still very solid. Yes, they haven’t been winning like they were, but on any given night they have a better chance to win than lose. It sounds simple, because I believe it is that simple. Now, I would like to see the BP pick it up a little, and I would like to see some more devastating hits in their games – I guess you can argue they have the lean toward Gr II, but it is best to see them as Gr at all times, so you don’t get caught off guard if you happen to be making a play on their opponent.
Toronto Blue Jays: Gr II, until Tulowitzki takes over this team will be really bad sometimes and really good sometimes. The pitching staff just left us with a lot of question marks during the week. I am most likely staying away on both ends of the betting spectrum for the time being.
Minnesota Twins: Gr II – and they can be dangerous. I know your saying “when”? but they fought back into games, they scored runs. All it takes is walking into 1 quality start when you bet against them and you lose 4-3 or something. My advice (to me) is to stay away, it’s that simple.
New York Yankees: Gr II with a strong lean on Gr III. The odds are always skewed with these guys, because of the casual sports bettor wanting to play their favorite team. They went under some sharp citicism by ownership this weekend, and they may respond positively to that. They have the pieces, they should be a Gr III (overall/season wise), and they look like they can turn the corner.
Oakland A’s: Gr II, proceed with caution Gr II, meaning they are going to start winning some games. After the shellacking they took at Fenway 10+ days ago, they sort of regrouped some how. I am keeping a close eye on them, looking to make my move with the A’s in the right spot, hopefully soon.
Los Angeles Angels: Gr III, it’s time to think of them as a high caliber team, because they stuff they couldn’t do before they are now doing. The right guys are getting the big hits. The starting pitching is creeping up to mediocre. It’s safer to see them as playoff caliber team these next few days, just so you don’t get caught trying to steal one in Anaheim.
