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2009 MLB Regular Season Futures Wagering – Home Run Player Props
The second of two ‘Big-Bopper Six Packs’ will continue to give BetUS MLB MLB Futures Odds that the creative oddsmakers have come up with for the 2009 season.
With the clock ticking toward Opening Day, let’s get started with this look at some of the best long ball hitters in the game today and their probable regular season home run totals.
Mark Teixeira
Over 32½ HRs -115
Under 32½ HRs -115
Analysis: Teixeira isn’t a classic home run hitter, he’s just one of the best all-around hitters in the game today. Teixeira has hit 33, 30, 33, 43 and 38 over the last five seasons but I say he falls one or two dingers short of 33 as he adjusts to his first season under the bright lights and intense glare that comes along with playing in New York.
MLB Free Pick: Under 32½ home runs
Ryan Braun
Over 33½ HRs -115
Under 33½ HRs -115
Analysis: The free-swinging Braun has mashed 37 and 34 home runs over the last two seasons respectively and is only going to get better with time as he improves his selection at the plate. Braun clearly has the power to reach 34 home runs in 2009 and should end up closer to 40 if you ask me.
MLB Free Pick: Over 33½ home runs
Lance Berkman
Over 28½ HRs -115
Under 28½ HRs -115
Analysis: I’m a bit surprised Berkman’s numbers are so low, particularly for a guy that has been nearly automatic in reaching 30 home runs. After banging out 29, 34, 45, 24 and 30 over each of the past five seasons, I say Berkman gets back to 30-plus in 2009.
MLB Free Pick: Over 28½ home runs
Alfonso Soriano
Over 32½ HRs -115
Under 32½ HRs -115
Analysis: Everyone knows Soriano is one of the most athletically gifted players on the face of the planet. Now, if only he could stay healthy. Soriano’s season totals of 29, 33, 46, 36 and 28 tell me he’s clearly got the power, but his high strikeout total every year makes me cringe. I think Soriano falls just short of topping his O/U season total here.
MLB Free Pick: Under 32½ home runs
Evan Longoria
Over 32½ HRs -115
Under 32½ HRs -115
Analysis: Longoria mashed 27 home runs last season in just 122 games and should be able to reach 33 home runs at some point of his young career. However, until he hits at least 33 long balls one time, I’ve got to go with the Under here.
MLB Free Pick: Under 32½ home runs
Miguel Cabrera
Over 33½ HRs -115
Under 33½ HRs -115
Analysis: Simply put, Cabrera is going to end up in the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest hitters of any era. After bashing 37, 34, 26, 33 and 33 more over the span of his last five seasons, I say Cabrera reaches 34 dingers in 2009 to go Over his set O/U total here. His 37 home runs last season came in his first season with the Tigers and he should be even more comfortable this season.
MLB Free Pick: Over 33½ home runs
