Biggest overachievers & underachievers in MLB betting in 2012

By JEFF HANEY

Even the most casual follower of baseball is aware that the Philadelphia Phillies are the most disappointing team of 2012 in the National League.

As often happens, a look at the betting lines linked to the team confirms the conventional wisdom.

The Phillies opened as the favorite or one of the co-favorites to win the 2012 World Series at odds of about 7-2 in Las Vegas — a bit higher or lower depending on where you shopped. They opened as a monster favorite of -275 (risk $2.75 to net $1) to win the NL East at all Caesars Entertainment sportsbooks.

Instead of fulfilling those high expectations, the Phillies have suffered their most disappointing season since 1979, when they finished fourth in the division after adding Pete Rose to a team that had won three consecutive NL East pennants.

Any odds on the Phillies winning the World Series in 2012 are on the board as a mere formality. For instance, Station Casinos sportsbooks had them listed at 999-1 this past week.

Philly’s Cliff Lee, who had an over/under of 15.5 wins attached to him at the LVH sportsbook before the season, has only two wins in 21 starts.

The NL’s second-biggest disappointment is probably the Miami Marlins. They opened at 18-1 to win the World Series at Station books but are fighting the Phils for last place in the NL East. The LVH sportsbook had Miami at 2,000-1 to win the World Series this past week.

A handful of teams could claim to be the league’s most overachieving team. The Pittsburgh Pirates are the clear front runner in that category after opening anywhere from 100-1 to 200-1 to win the World Series in Las Vegas and remain playoff contenders. They’re 8-1 shots to win the World Series at all Station Casinos properties.

Biggest underachievers in the Covers money standings: (based on risking $100 per game on each team)
28th. Philadelphia - 56-65, -$2176
25th. Miami - 55-67, -$1791
24th. Boston - 59-63, -$1784

Biggest overachievers in the money standings:
2nd. Baltimore - 66-55, $2223
3rd. Pittsburgh - 67-54, $1941
4th. Oakland - 65-55, $1926

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Posted by T99
9 months ago

There seems to be a 'spark' missing somewhere in S.F. for the last while--- whether or not things are related to the M.C. affair or just the pitching staff--- something is not right. The Dodgers are running like a well oiled, smooth machine. Anyway, these are two elite teams, so I'll be watching this series pretty close !

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Posted by T99
9 months ago

"There seems to be a 'spark' missing somewhere in S.F. for the last while--- whether or not things are related to the M.C. affair or just the pitching staff--- something is not right. The Dodgers are running like a well oiled, smooth machine. Anyw..."

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