How MLB Lefties can Affect Winning Odds

With the first round of MLB interleague series starting off good, the baseball season is moving along quite well. For sports enthusiasts and bettors out there, here are some trends and updates that can help them make the right decision, especially when betting on teams playing against LHP or left-handed pitchers. The following is a list of some of the teams that do well and not so well against LHPs. Teams that don’t do well against LHPs: Chicago Cubs (4-8) The Cubs continue on to stir some mystery, along with Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee undergoing some serious struggle on the plate, and Carlos Zambrano getting a demotion to the bullpen. The Chicago Cubs are known to have a weakness against lefties or LHPs, especially after they lost a couple of games to Pittsburgh LHPs. Ramirez (.175) and Lee (.179) are not contributing to the Chicago Lineup, although both Alfonso Soriano (.368) and Marlon Byrd (.467) have done their best to play well against left-handed players. The Chicago Cubs have lost a total of four games against lefties, so this is definitely something that bettors should consider before placing any bets as the MLB season continues. In the next game, the Chicago Cubs will play against Philadelphia’s Jamie Moyer, followed by a game against Ranger’s lefty Derek Holland. Los Angeles Dodgers (4-7) The Dodgers are one of the most exciting teams to watch out for this season. However, playing against the lefties might pose some problems. This is because even though the Dodgers were able to win seven straight games, most of these were against RHPs or right-handed pitchers. Plus, Los Angeles was able to make 31 homeruns against RHPs, but only three long balls against lefties or southpaws. Betting on the Dodgers winning against lefties might therefore be a high-risk choice. Teams that play well against LHPs: Minnesota Twins (8-3) As for teams that do well against lefties, the list includes the Minnesota Twins (8-3). Even though the Twins have been slowed down by the Yankees, the team has done very well against LHPs, having the odds of 4-1 as a favorite, and the odds of 4-2 as an underdog. Two of Minnesota’s hitters who play well against lefties are Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. San Diego Padres (7-2) The San Diego Padres had an impressive start and is leading the NL West. The Padres are known for its strong play against lefties, with the odds of 4-2 as an underdog. The most fascinating reason behind the success of the team against lefties is that as a team, the Padres are hitting .226, along with Adrian Gonzalez’s .235 average and Chase Headley’s .186 average. During the upcoming games, the Padres will get their share of LHPs as they play against the Giants.