MLB: Top MLB Weekend Power Trends – 9/18-9/20

If there are going to be any changes in the Major League Baseball playoff picture from where it stands now, this weekend will be the turning point. There are six key series’ on tap that figure to be influential. For all of the chasing clubs, this could be

2009-09-18

If there are going to be any changes in the Major League Baseball playoff picture from where it stands now, this weekend will be the turning point. There are six key series’ on tap that figure to be influential. For all of the chasing clubs, this could be their last ditch effort to make a run at the postseason. Four matchups pit division leaders against their second-place followers, while the Dodgers, Rockies, and Giants will continue to try and clear up the N.L. West & wildcard races. Let’s take a look at those matchups plus reveal some of the Top StatFox Betting Trends you’ll want to consider in your baseball weekend wagering.

The most intriguing series would seem to be occurring in the Metrodome, where a Twins sweep over the visiting Tigers would get them within one game of the American League Central lead. Minnesota is a -150 series favorite to take two out of three, but don’t be fooled, Manager Ron Gardenhire’s team needs and wants all three games. His club comes into the series on a 4-game winning streak and boasting a 5-1 record against the Tigers in 2009 at home. Detroit is trying to withstand the Twins rally and stop its own fade as well, as they have lost seven of 10 as of Friday.

The Angels head to Texas looking to snap a skid that has seen them lose nine of 12 to the Rangers this year, including five of six in Arlington. A three-game sweep by the Rangers would pull Texas to within 3 1/2 games of the Angels in the AL West standings. It’s pretty much come down to division title or bust now for Texas, as they’ve faded out of the wildcard hunt by losing their last four games. Los Angeles has been one of the league’s better road teams in ’09, going 43-32 for +14 units of betting profit. Oddsmakers have tabbed the Halos as a -135 series favorite.

The Phillies will have their hands full in Atlanta, where the Braves have won seven in a row. Philadelphia hasn’t lost a lot on its lead though during that span, putting up victories in its last five games. The Braves are 7 1/2 games behind the Phillies and only 4 1/2 behind Colorado in the Wild Card standings. Atlanta’s bats have been red-hot in the current streak, scoring 6.4 RPG while batting .333 and boasting an on-base percentage of .397. They are also on a 16-8 run when hosting Philadelphia over the L3 seasons.

Elsewhere, the Cubs are facing a nine-game deficit in the Central and a seven-game mountain to climb for the Wild Card, but three wins in St. Louis would help. They’ll also be looking for assistance from the Diamondbacks, who are hosting Colorado this weekend. Also keeping an eye on that series will be the Dodgers and Giants, who play one another in L.A., and San Francisco could be finished if they don't take at least two of three on the road this weekend. They're 3 1/2 games behind Colorado for the Wild Card and 8 1/2 behind the Dodgers in the division. That certainly won’t be easy, with the Dodgers owning records of 46-29 at home and 42-22 vs. divisional opponents in ’09.

Now here’s a look at some of those Top StatFox Betting Trends for you to utilize over the next few days.

SAN DIEGO at PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH is 12-37 (-24.6 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse this season. The average score was PITTSBURGH 3.0, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 3*)

FLORIDA at CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI is 19-36 (-15.8 Units) against the money line after batting .240 or worse over a 15 game span this season. The average score was CINCINNATI 3.7, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 1*)

WASHINGTON at NY METS
WASHINGTON is 10-34 (-22.0 Units) against the money line with a struggling bullpen whose WHIP is over 1.750 the last 15 games this season. The average score was WASHINGTON 4.3, OPPONENT 6.0 - (Rating = 3*)

PHILADELPHIA at ATLANTA
ATLANTA is 4-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs/game in the second half of the last 2 seasons. The average score was ATLANTA 3.1, OPPONENT 6.1 - (Rating = 1*)

HOUSTON at MILWAUKEE
MILWAUKEE is 22-31 (-14.8 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game this season. The average score was MILWAUKEE 4.9, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 1*)

CHICAGO CUBS at ST LOUIS
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-22 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) this season. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 3.4, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 2*)

COLORADO at ARIZONA
ARIZONA is 10-22 (-11.9 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage of .340 or better this season. The average score was ARIZONA 3.8, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 1*)

SAN FRANCISCO at LA DODGERS
LA DODGERS are 22-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 or better this season. The average score was LA DODGERS 5.7, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 1*)

BOSTON at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 12-41 (-20.6 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the last 2 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.3, OPPONENT 6.8 - (Rating = 1*)

TORONTO at TAMPA BAY
TORONTO is 20-40 (-23.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. The average score was TORONTO 4.2, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 2*)

LA ANGELS at TEXAS
TEXAS is 10-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) in the second half of this season. The average score was TEXAS 5.4, OPPONENT 3.1 - (Rating = 1*)

DETROIT at MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 23-4 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games vs. a decent bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 to 1.450 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 6.1, OPPONENT 3.5 - (Rating = 3*)

KANSAS CITY at CHI WHITE SOX
GUILLEN is 53-16 (+21.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 as the manager of CHI WHITE SOX. The average score was CHI WHITE SOX 6.2, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*)

CLEVELAND at OAKLAND
WEDGE is 74-46 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in road games vs. AL teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season as the manager of CLEVELAND. The average score was CLEVELAND 5.6, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 2*)

NY YANKEES at SEATTLE
NY YANKEES are 46-23 (+13.9 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game this season. The average score was NY YANKEES 5.9, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)

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