Every MLB season there are a number of opportunities to make some serious profits wagering on teams based on the performance of a red-hot starting pitcher, such as the case this season in riding the wave of the Mets’ RA Dickey or the Orioles’ Jason Hammel.On the flip side, there are opportunities to bet against an All-Star hurler, although it is a far more risky proposition. A prime example of one so far this season has been consistently fading the San Francisco Giants when its ace Tim Lincecum has been called to the mound.
Many would argue that Matt Cain is now the true ace of the Giant’s starting rotation, especially in light of his recent perfect game and the team’s 11-4 record when he is on the mound. But Lincecum is still thought of as an elite starter in this league after posting win totals in the double digits in each of his last four seasons in the majors.
The Giants are just 3-12 in Timmy’s 12 starts and 39-21 in all other games. That means if you wagered $100 against San Francisco in all of Lincesum’s 15 starts this season, you would be up a healthy $666. Think about that – you’d be up almost seven units if you faded a two-time Cy Young winner, who’s only 28 years old.
Who would have guessed at the start of the season that the Freak would be among the bottom three in
Covers' money pitcher list after 12 starts?
Lincecum takes the mound tonight against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants are -134 home favorites and the total is set at 7.