October is upon us and that means one thing — it’s time for the playoffs.
It’s hard to believe we’ve seen 162 games (in a few cases 163) played. This has been the most exciting regular season in years. We began with 30 teams, 20 of which went home with a case of car wax. Two more teams will join them after Tuesday and Wednesday.
But, whatever has happened over the last six months, goes out to window. The postseason is a whole different animal. Colorado faced Chicago in Tuesday’s NL Wild Card and Oakland faces New York in Wednesday’s AL Wild Card. Game 1 of the Atlanta-Los Angeles series starts Thursday and Game 1 of the Cleveland-Houston series begins Friday.
From Wednesday forward, there are no set starters, as or print. For me to speculate on any specific games is moot. I will have individual game opinions next column as pitchers will be set.
I have been quite vocal about Futures bets. As a daily sports bettor, for me to wager on any Futures, there must be value. The Red Sox are clearly playing a cut above the rest of the postseason teams. But, at 3/1, I can bet more on an individual game or two and get paid now. I feel the same way about the Astros and Dodgers at 7/2 and 9/2. However, seeing the Brewers at 7/1 and the Indians at 8/1 has made me raise an eyebrow. There is enormous value on both, coming off hot regular-season finishes. They are certainly worth an investment.
Speaking of MLB Futures, before the season began, I gave my seven Best Bets on over/under season win totals. I took losses with over 85 with the Diamondbacks, over 94.5 with the Indians, and over 92 with the Nationals. I did win with over 81 on the Rockies, under 81 on the Mets, under 84 on the Giants, and under 82.5 with the Blue Jays. I finished a respectable 4-3.
And if you’re keeping score, I went 2-0 last week here in GamingToday with my best bets. That sweep gave me my 15th perfect column in the 26 that I have released baseball games here.
Be sure to check in with me next week as I will have more best bet individual game winners for you.
Last week: 2-0
Season: 32-14-1