Category Archives: MLB

Dominant Dodgers unchallenged atop the World Series futures

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been so dominant since before the MLB All-Star break that it is hard to imagine another team making a run as the World Series favorites before the regular season ends. Right now, the Dodgers are listed as +225 chalk as losers of just six games since the second half got underway on July 14.

Los Angeles owns the biggest division lead of any team in baseball at 20.5 games in the National League West, with the Washington Nationals owning a 14-game lead in the NL East. The Nationals (+700) are one of six other teams who could possibly challenge the Dodgers if they can catch lightning in a bottle and find a way to win at the right time. Washington lost to Los Angeles in last year’s NLDS and has never advanced in the playoffs.

But the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs might be the only other NL team capable of knocking out the Dodgers, as they were able to do just that in last year’s NLCS. However, the Cubs (+850) have serious starting pitching issues despite adding Jose Quintana prior to the trade deadline. With ace Jon Lester residing on the disabled list due to a shoulder injury, Chicago has little margin for error the rest of the way.

In the American League, four teams could get a shot at the World Series, including the Houston Astros (+500), Boston Red Sox (+700), Cleveland Indians (+700) and New York Yankees (+1200). The Astros have tailed off considerably after getting off to such a fast start in the first half of the season, going just 16-19 since the All-Star break. Still, Houston owns the best record in the AL and seems likely to earn home-field advantage.

Dodgers, Astros lead way on MLB Pennant odds at break

Two teams with nearly identical records have been the best teams in baseball heading into the second half of the season. So it makes perfect sense to see the Los Angeles Dodgers (61-29) and Houston Astros (60-29) as the betting favorites to win the National and American League pennants, respectively.

Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com

The Dodgers are +240 chalk to win the NL and have been on an absolute tear, going 26-4 over their last 30 games to take a 7.5-game lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks (53-36) in the NL West.

The Colorado Rockies (52-39) had led the NL West division standings early on, but a recent skid caused them to plummet 9.5 games behind Los Angeles and two back of Arizona. The Rockies are +1000 to win the NL with the Diamondbacks sitting as the +600 fourth choice to take the pennant.

MLB commish eyes joining Las Vegas expansion party

The decisions of NHL and NFL to set up shop in Las Vegas is changing the way Major League Baseball (MLB) views the Sin City’s ability to host professional sports teams.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was quoted by the Chicago Tribune saying that they “were looking at relocation, Las Vegas would be on the list.” And with the league’s two franchises, the Oakland A’s and the Tampa Bay Rays, scrambling to find financial backers for their new stadiums, the option of an MLB team relocating to the desert is on the table.

Las Vegas popped its major league sports cherry last year, when the NHL gave the green light to a Nevada city expansion in time for the 2017-18 season. NFL followed suit more than half a year later and approved—after much brouhaha—Oakland Raiders’ move to Las Vegas in 2019.

NHL and NFL’s decision to move into the gambling capital broke a barrier, and it’s one that other professional sports leagues are watching carefully.

Major League Baseball “reexamining” sports bet position

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is “reexamining” its stance toward sports betting, offering further hope that the worm is turning for US legal wagering.

On Wednesday, Manfred made an appearance at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit in New York, where he noted that there was “this buzz out there that there may be an opportunity here for additional legalized sports betting. We are reexamining our stance on gambling. It’s a conversation that’s ongoing with the owners.”

The ‘buzz’ Manfred referenced centers around the US Supreme Court sending out signals last month that it may consider New Jersey’s bid to launch legal sports betting within its borders, a plan that lower courts have struck down as a violation of the federal PASPA sports betting prohibition.

This year has already witnessed politicians in four US states – Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina – file legislation that would authorize betting within their borders if either the Supreme Court sides with New Jersey or federal politicians replace PASPA with a legal framework for nationwide betting.

Major League Baseball “reexamining” sports bet position

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is “reexamining” its stance toward sports betting, offering further hope that the worm is turning for US legal wagering.

On Wednesday, Manfred made an appearance at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit in New York, where he noted that there was “this buzz out there that there may be an opportunity here for additional legalized sports betting. We are reexamining our stance on gambling. It’s a conversation that’s ongoing with the owners.”

The ‘buzz’ Manfred referenced centers around the US Supreme Court sending out signals last month that it may consider New Jersey’s bid to launch legal sports betting within its borders, a plan that lower courts have struck down as a violation of the federal PASPA sports betting prohibition.

This year has already witnessed politicians in four US states – Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina – file legislation that would authorize betting within their borders if either the Supreme Court sides with New Jersey or federal politicians replace PASPA with a legal framework for nationwide betting.

Your Way Too Early MLB 2016 Futures Breakdown

It’s way too early to make MLB 2016 futures predictions, but I’m going to do it anyways. The win totals are coming out soon, even though we can safely project what those might be. What I do know is who’s valued where in the World Series futures market. Would you believe that the Cubs are the favorite to win it all in 2016?

Beyond that, I’m intrigued by all the happenings in the NL West with player movement galore. Are the Jays going to rebound from losing David Price and another key part of their franchise? Does the road to the World Series still go through Kansas City?

Let’s address some of the big ticket questions as we prepare for opening day in just under two months.

*all odds courtesy of Oddshark

Your Way Too Early MLB 2016 Futures Breakdown

It’s way too early to make MLB 2016 futures predictions, but I’m going to do it anyways. The win totals are coming out soon, even though we can safely project what those might be. What I do know is who’s valued where in the World Series futures market. Would you believe that the Cubs are the favorite to win it all in 2016?

Beyond that, I’m intrigued by all the happenings in the NL West with player movement galore. Are the Jays going to rebound from losing David Price and another key part of their franchise? Does the road to the World Series still go through Kansas City?

Let’s address some of the big ticket questions as we prepare for opening day in just under two months.

*all odds courtesy of Oddshark

Citigroup halts DFS payments in New York; MLB rethinking DraftKings relationship

Daily fantasy sports operators DraftKings and FanDuel have been dealt another blow after CitiGroup Inc. announced it would no longer process DFS payments in New York State.

On Friday, Bloomberg Business reported that Citigroup would cease processing DFS transactions in New York pending the outcome of the state Attorney General’s legal action against DFS operators. Spokesperson Jennifer Bombardier said the ban would remain in effect until the courts reached a “final decision.”

New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman launched legal action against DraftKings and FanDuel last November, one week after issuing cease and desist orders to the two operations, based on his opiinion that DFS was illegal gambling under state law. The operators won a permanent stay of Schneiderman’s injunction last month, but a definitive conclusion of this issue is a long ways away.

Citigroup is the world’s biggest credit-card lender, and its loss would be a major blow to DFS operators already reeling from last week’s news that payment processor Vantiv Inc, would cease handling DFS transactions effective Feb. 29. The two main DFS sites are believed to have around 600k customers in New York who generated roughly $200m in entry fees in 2015.

Citigroup halts DFS payments in New York; MLB rethinking DraftKings relationship

Daily fantasy sports operators DraftKings and FanDuel have been dealt another blow after CitiGroup Inc. announced it would no longer process DFS payments in New York State.

On Friday, Bloomberg Business reported that Citigroup would cease processing DFS transactions in New York pending the outcome of the state Attorney General’s legal action against DFS operators. Spokesperson Jennifer Bombardier said the ban would remain in effect until the courts reached a “final decision.”

New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman launched legal action against DraftKings and FanDuel last November, one week after issuing cease and desist orders to the two operations, based on his opiinion that DFS was illegal gambling under state law. The operators won a permanent stay of Schneiderman’s injunction last month, but a definitive conclusion of this issue is a long ways away.

Citigroup is the world’s biggest credit-card lender, and its loss would be a major blow to DFS operators already reeling from last week’s news that payment processor Vantiv Inc, would cease handling DFS transactions effective Feb. 29. The two main DFS sites are believed to have around 600k customers in New York who generated roughly $200m in entry fees in 2015.

Major League Baseball headed to London despite presence of big bad bookies

Major League Baseball says it’s okay with playing games in London, despite the fact that bookmakers will be legally taking wagers within spitting distance of home plate.

In an interview with the Associated Press, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred (pictured) said the league hopes to play a regular season game in London during the 2017 season. In doing so, baseball would join the NFL, NBA and NHL, which have all scheduled regular season games in Europe in recent years.

Manfred was cagey on details, but London’s Olympic Stadium has been suggested as a likely venue to host whichever MLB teams are selected to cross the pond for the league’s first European foray.

The NFL and the other leagues that have staged UK matches have been criticized for maintaining a double standard regarding sports betting. All four leagues have actively fought New Jersey’s efforts to bring legal sports betting to the Garden State based on their claims that sports betting threatens the integrity of their sporting product.

Major League Baseball headed to London despite presence of big bad bookies

Major League Baseball says it’s okay with playing games in London, despite the fact that bookmakers will be legally taking wagers within spitting distance of home plate.

In an interview with the Associated Press, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred (pictured) said the league hopes to play a regular season game in London during the 2017 season. In doing so, baseball would join the NFL, NBA and NHL, which have all scheduled regular season games in Europe in recent years.

Manfred was cagey on details, but London’s Olympic Stadium has been suggested as a likely venue to host whichever MLB teams are selected to cross the pond for the league’s first European foray.

The NFL and the other leagues that have staged UK matches have been criticized for maintaining a double standard regarding sports betting. All four leagues have actively fought New Jersey’s efforts to bring legal sports betting to the Garden State based on their claims that sports betting threatens the integrity of their sporting product.

Pete Rose heads to Reds Hall of Fame

For what it’s worth, Pete Rose is getting a hall of fame induction… in the Cincinnati Reds’ team hall.

Bypassing its usual voting process, Reds announced that it will induct Rose into its Hall of Fame this summer.

During the press conference, Reds’ chief executive Bob Castellini said Tuesday that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred approved the plans to honor Rose. The June 24-26 events will retire Rose’s No. 14 and feature a 40-year reunion of the 1976 world champion Reds.

The Reds Hall of Fame had the same rule that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has had since 1991, which barred any players on baseball’s permanently ineligible list from induction, but the board of directors voted unanimously to change the bylaws and elect Rose.

Pete Rose heads to Reds Hall of Fame

For what it’s worth, Pete Rose is getting a hall of fame induction… in the Cincinnati Reds’ team hall.

Bypassing its usual voting process, Reds announced that it will induct Rose into its Hall of Fame this summer.

During the press conference, Reds’ chief executive Bob Castellini said Tuesday that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred approved the plans to honor Rose. The June 24-26 events will retire Rose’s No. 14 and feature a 40-year reunion of the 1976 world champion Reds.

The Reds Hall of Fame had the same rule that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has had since 1991, which barred any players on baseball’s permanently ineligible list from induction, but the board of directors voted unanimously to change the bylaws and elect Rose.

Texas Rangers’ Yu Darvish in hot water following brother’s gambling arrest

Sho Darvish’s baseball betting arrest has become a family affair.

On Tuesday, several news outlets reported that Darvish’s older brother, Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish is now being investigated by Major League Baseball for his potential involvement in Sho’s alleged gambling ring.

According to The Japan Times, there are no charges—yet—for Yu Darvish at this point, but the MLB is conducting a probe “to find out if there is any link between the ace and the reason for his younger brother’s arrest.”

In an email to the Japanese news outlet, MLB VP for communications Michael Teevan said: “We are aware of this situation and are looking into it, per our standard protocols.”

Texas Rangers’ Yu Darvish in hot water following brother’s gambling arrest

Sho Darvish’s baseball betting arrest has become a family affair.

On Tuesday, several news outlets reported that Darvish’s older brother, Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish is now being investigated by Major League Baseball for his potential involvement in Sho’s alleged gambling ring.

According to The Japan Times, there are no charges—yet—for Yu Darvish at this point, but the MLB is conducting a probe “to find out if there is any link between the ace and the reason for his younger brother’s arrest.”

In an email to the Japanese news outlet, MLB VP for communications Michael Teevan said: “We are aware of this situation and are looking into it, per our standard protocols.”

South Korea fines new Cardinals pitcher for gambling

The newly-signed St. Louis Cardinals reliever Seung Hwan Oh gets another fine for his gambling escapade in Macau and this time from his country South Korea.

A Seoul court has fined Oh KRW 10 million ($8,300) for breaking South Korean laws by gambling at a Macau casino, according to spokesman Joon Young Maeng at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday.

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Lim Chang-yong, Oh’s ex-teammate with South Korean club Samsung Lions, was also fined the same amount.

Oh and Lim were recently ordered by the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) to pay a fine of KRW 7 million ($5,800) after prosecutors decided their actions constituted a summary offense. Both were also hit with half-season bans if they decide to return to the KBO League.

South Korea fines new Cardinals pitcher for gambling

The newly-signed St. Louis Cardinals reliever Seung Hwan Oh gets another fine for his gambling escapade in Macau and this time from his country South Korea.

A Seoul court has fined Oh KRW 10 million ($8,300) for breaking South Korean laws by gambling at a Macau casino, according to spokesman Joon Young Maeng at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday.

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Lim Chang-yong, Oh’s ex-teammate with South Korean club Samsung Lions, was also fined the same amount.

Oh and Lim were recently ordered by the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) to pay a fine of KRW 7 million ($5,800) after prosecutors decided their actions constituted a summary offense. Both were also hit with half-season bans if they decide to return to the KBO League.

Korean pitcher dodges jail time; off to U.S. for MLB talks

South Korean pitcher Oh Seung-Hwan’s dream of becoming big in the American baseball world is almost within his reach.

Oh, a relief pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers, was dragged into an illegal gambling hullabaloo for allegedly wagering millions of won in Macau in November 2014.

Earlier this month, Oh was called to the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office for questioning. During the five-hour interrogation he admitted to borrowing chips worth “some hundreds of millions of won,” but said the number of times he gambled and the amount he wagered were “insignificant.”

Last week, the prosecution asked a local court for a summary order against Oh and Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club Samsung Lions veteran pitcher Lim Chang-yong and a fine of seven million won (US$5,970) each, Yonhap reported.

MLB commish Rob Manfred upholds Pete Rose lifetime ban

Not today, Pete.

Okay, that may not be what Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred told Pete Rose when he called him up on Monday to tell him that he is upholding his ban, but that’s just how I imagined it.

Three months before the decision, Manfred met with Rose at the MLB headquarters on Park Avenue in Manhattan to discuss the ban, which was enforced 26 years ago. Rose described the meeting as “cordial” and he claimed to have answered Manfred’s questions “truthfully”.

According to Manfred’s report, at the meeting, Rose admitted that he extensively bet on Cincinnati Reds games in 1987, although his memory was a bit cloudy on his involvement in betting on baseball when he was still an active player in 1985 and 1986. Another significant confession from Rose, which he tried to deny at the first part of their meeting, was when he admitted that he still bet recreationally and legally (in Las Vegas) on horses and sports, including baseball.