It is obvious that both baseball and cricket belong to a family of games that involve the use of bat and balls. However, despite glaring similarities, there are a couple of differences between the two as well. Then there is also the debate of which is more popular, baseball or cricket? Let’s try to get some more insights.
Brief History of Baseball and Cricket
By most accounts of cricket and baseball history, the games may have originated somewhere in Europe and developed by Pilgrim Fathers who eventually brought the game to the Americas. This means that both cricket and baseball may have come from the same game.
When you look at some baseball facts, it is not difficult to discern that it has become a working man’s game enjoyed by a vast majority of people, while cricket has remained a preference of those in the upper society of countries that have been influenced by French or English cultures.
So despite mutating from the same game, baseball’s evolution has transformed it into a less delicate and extremely exciting sport enjoyed not only by a huge portion of the middle to lower class American population, but even those in the upper levels of society as well.
Comparison between Baseball and Cricket
When we look at cricket and baseball similarities, it can go beyond both sports using a ball and a bat. Both in fact are played on a field. But, these seeming similarities can also be the point of difference between the two sports.
The field used by baseball for example relies on a quadrant residing between foul lines. The baseball diamond has a fair territory of at least 100 thousand square feet although many Major League Baseball parks go up to 120 thousand square feet. For cricket, the shape is not really fixed. The size of the test grounds can vary from 175 thousand to 270 thousand square feet.
The issue of cricket vs baseball difficulty can also be pegged at the pitching distance of the sports. For cricket, it is about 22 yards. The pitcher’s mound in baseball is about 60.5 feet away from the rear of the home plate. What is interesting here is that before the pitcher’s mound was used, pitching in baseball was done from a rectangular box resembling that of cricket.
The level of difficulty also extends the manner of hitting. For cricket accumulating large runs and placement of balls is considered as excellent strategies. This is quite different in baseball where power hitting to produce runs or multiple bases is often used as winning strategy.
There is a huge debate on baseball vs cricket popularity considering that baseball is enjoyed mostly in the United States, the Caribbean, and some parts of Asia. Cricket on the other hand commands a following in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Australia, and some parts of Africa. This means that the 500 million worldwide fans of baseball can be easily dwarfed by the 2.5 billion fans of cricket.
However, as far as popularity is concerned, fan following may not be the only metric. Some contend that when it comes to baseball vs cricket, the experience that baseball brings would be a thousand times greater. This is presumably because of the tension and excitement that baseball delivers as the game goes through its innings not only through home runs and base hits, but also in the form of outs and double plays; some fans say something that a leisurely game of cricket cannot provide.
Equipment of Baseball and Cricket Use
There are some glaring differences between the equipment used for both sports. Even if you have the same basic things like gloves, bats, and balls, baseball equipment and cricket equipment may not be completely the same.
Bats – where baseball bats are thin and rounded, the one used for cricket has a thicker, flatter face, and is about four inches shorter.
Gloves–the ones for cricket are designed for hand protection and catching similar to hockey gloves unlike those in baseball. In cricket only the wicket keeper and batsmen wear gloves.
Pads – for baseball only the catcher wears pads as compared to cricket where leg and arm pads are fairly common sight.
You may have the talent and skills to play the game, but, without the proper equipment and gear, you will never improve your level of play.
Head on down to M^Powered Baseball and get high quality gear to play the game in virtually all levels today!
The Secret Hidden Baseball Trick Plays Hacks
Are you a baseball player? Have a dream to be a MLB Player one day? Well, in baseball, learning the proper throwing technique as well as becoming an effective hitter are extremely important. However, there are other things that can make a difference in the game aside from proper technique. If you have been a fan or a player for some time, then you know the value of trick plays. What are some of the baseball trick plays you can try? Let’s find out.
Introduction – Importance technique in playing baseball
It is understandable ball why trick plays are not part of the things being taught in baseball for beginners. This is because to take advantage of baseball trick plays, you will need to develop the proper baseball technique.
To pull off MLB trick plays, you will need to develop good throwing techniques including proper arm strength. This will involve practices in:
Kneeling and flicking;
Kneeling and throwing;
Throwing from the power position; and
Perfecting the follow through.
For hitting trick plays, some basics should be practiced and developed to become effective. These can include:
Minimize movement;
Keep your eye on the baseball;
Observe proper baseball bat grip;
Maintain consistent hand positioning;
Use a lighter bat;
Correct batting stance;
Achieve consistent contact; and
Control your swing and power;
These techniques will help you to become a better all-around baseball player. This includes executing trick plays. Just like NFL trick plays, the success in baseball requires a combination of timing and skills.
Some Baseball Tricks & Technique Explanation
Now that you know what you need to pull-off baseball trick plays, let’s take a look at some baseball tricks and how to do them.
CF Pick-Off
This play takes place with a runner on second and the CF slowly coming to pick him off. The shortstop and second must remain in their positions as the CF gets in place so that the pitcher can make the pitch to second.
The catcher can slyly make the signal for the pitcher to throw. A call-off should also be in place in case the other team sees it coming.
Phantom Catch
This is one of the baseball tricks with ball in hand. It works best when the runner is timing the catch of the OF. The OF will pretend to catch a fly ball above his head and in the last minute turn it into a basket catch. This will help the defense make an out at third.
Trick Windup
The fake windup can work with runners at second, third, or both. The pitcher’s feet should be on rubber and steps back using the wrong foot. As the base runners are faked off, the pitcher can pick them off.
Phantom Wild Pitch
Aggressive runners take advantage of every opening. This false opening can work with a runner on first attempting to steal. The catcher attempts to throw to first but pretends he can’t find the ball. As the runner rounds second base and possibly heads to third, an out can be made with the proper throw.
Double Suicide
Trick plays are not always done by the defense, there are also some baseball offensive trick plays. For this one, runners on second and third have to call a squeeze play. With the runner on second getting a huge lead and heads towards home, the third baseman thinks there is no play at home and throws to first. This allows the runner to go straight to home and score.
Find out more by watching baseball trick play 2018 highlights to see how it impacts the game.
To do the tricks need the best baseball equipment
You have the skills and you know the baseball trick plays, but, if you don’t have the best baseball equipment, you can still fall flat on your face. It is no secret that the best quality baseball equipment can help set you up for success.
It doesn’t matter if you buy from baseball equipment websites or from the store, the important thing is that your baseball bat and baseball gloves can help take your performance to the next level.
This means buy baseball equipment only from those that use premium wood, high quality leather, and rely on the best manufacturing methods.
With more than 50 years of high level competition baseball experience, you can never go wrong with M^Powered Baseball’s commitment to guaranteed excellence. Call us today!
Baseball Fun Facts: Test Your Knowledge with Interesting Questions
How did baseball originate?
Reference to baseball began as early as 1672 according to David Block. The actual origin of the game however has been surrounded by much controversy and debate as it is believed that it evolved from early folk games in Europe.
Even the name is believed to have come from earlier references like round ball, stool ball, goal ball, until it simply became what is now known as baseball.
How many players on a baseball team?
In a Major League team, the allowed number of players in an active roster is 25 with an expanded roster consisting of 40 players. The MLB however started allowing 26 active players to cover day-night doubleheaders, provided that the games have been scheduled with a 48 hours’ notice.
How many quarters in baseball?
There are no quarters in baseball, instead, the game is played over a period of nine innings that are subdivided into halves. The visiting team bats in an attempt to score at the first half of the inning with the home team on the defensive.
Once three outs is reached, the teams switch places with the home team going to bat.
How long does a game of baseball last?
For the MLB, usually a regular game would last for nine innings. However, if the score is tied at that point, extra innings will be played to determine the winner of the match. Unlike other sports, baseball does not play for the clock so the game normally continues until a winner is decided.
In general, games would last for roughly three hours.
How many games in a season of baseball?
With the expansion of the MLB in 1961, it settled for a schedule of 18 games for each of the nine rivals. This means that one season would have 162 games, something that has been preserved to date.
How to number baseball positions?
Each field position is numbered correspondingly:
Pitcher – #1
Catcher – #2
First Baseman – #3
Second Baseman – #4
Third Baseman – #5
Shortstop – #6
Left Fielder – #7
Center Fielder – #8
Right Fielder – #9
So if the third baseman makes a play by fielding the ball and throwing it to first to make an out, the play would be recorded as 5-3.
Which baseball position is the easiest?
Arguably, there are no easy positions in major league play. However, many would agree that the Right Field may be considered as one of the easiest because the ball is less likely to wound up in that area of the field.
What position is the hardest in baseball?
With all things considered, the catcher may be the hardest position in the game not only because of the amount of gear you have to wear, but also the level of concentration and mental preparedness needed to have an eye on the entire field; including constant communication with the pitcher.
How long is baseball season?
One MLB season usually lasts for approximately six months with a total of 2,430 games not including the postseason. Regular season runs from March to October with the postseason beginning early November.
How keep score in baseball?
Aside from knowing the number assigned to the positions, it is also important to be aware of the abbreviations to keep track of scoring in baseball games. The standard method includes:
Strikeout – K
Looking Strikeout – reverse K
Base on Balls or Walk – BB
Single Hit – 1B
Double – 2B
Triple – 3B
Homerun – HR
Flyout – F
Double Play – DP
When the runner scores, shade the entire diamond, but if it is only a single, 1B should be written outside the diamond with the line from home plate to first base darkened.
A struck out batter is represented by the letter K in the middle of the diamond, and if it’s the first out, the number 1 is likewise written and encircled.
If the play is made by the pitcher and thrown to first base, you should see 1-3 across the diamond.
How do baseball playoffs work?
For the MLB, it is the end of the 162 games of the regular season. There will be ten teams composed of five each from the National and American Leagues.
The format is a single game playoff between two wild card teams with two best-of-five series for the Division. This will be between the wild card winner and the winners of each division. The last leg would be the best-of-seven League Championship Series.
Everything boils down to the best-of-seven World Series between the American and National League champions.
Which seats are best at a baseball game?
There are a couple of seats worth considering like:
Couple of rows in the lower level behind the dugout – these keep you close to the action with a clear view of the infield players. You also get the chance to get game used balls since you are so close to the dugout.
Lower level seating away from the protective net – you get an amazing view of the field with great line of sight with a bonus of an overhang protection.
Club seats – undoubtedly one of the best seats in any stadium, you not only get a great view of everything, but it also comes with exclusive benefits.
Outfield seating – you get a clear view of everything with an excellent chance of catching a home run ball.
Upper level center seats – the entire field is in plain sight so you get to see every play from the infield and the outfield. A great thing to consider is that since these are extremely affordable, it gives you the luxury of enjoying the ball game with the entire family or your group of friends.
What is the baseball season in the USA?
For MLB, the 2018 season started on March 29 and will run up to September 30 before the postseason begins on October 2 with the World Series commencing on October 23 until October 31 should it reach Game 7.
What is velocity in baseball?
In baseball, this is a tool that is used for assessing pitches. It reflects the maximum speed of any given pitch from the moment it leaves the pitcher’s hand and crosses home plate.
The general rule is that the faster the velocity of the ball, the harder it will be to make a hit.
How to Care for Your Baseball Equipment
In baseball, there are only a few equipment that come to full use. But, these costs a lot of money and if not cared for properly, can really hamper the game of players. How can you take care of your baseball equipment to keep it fully functional and create some savings in return?
Baseball Gloves
Every player on the field uses a glove so it can be said that it is one of the most important piece of equipment of the game. Unfortunately, if not cared for, the leather, stitching, and other features of the glove can get worn out because of the wear and tear of the game. To care for your gloves:
Remove all traces of dirt on the outside after each game;
Rub down caked in dirt with a leather cleaner and soft rag;
Periodically moisten it with an approved glove conditioning oil;
It must be stored in a clean, cool, and dry area to prevent mold and mildew growth; and
Disinfect occasionally the insides of the glove to get rid of unpleasant smell and protect against molds.
Catcher’s Gear
Among all the positions in baseball, it is the catcher that has the most number of equipment. This means additional problems if care is not extended enough. How do you keep your catcher’s gear ready to use for any game?
Prevent dirt buildup by making sure that it is cleaned immediately after the game;
Hooks and straps are easy and cheap to replace, but if you don’t pay attention to it, the shin guard and chest piece may lose its effectivity. Check the hooks and straps regularly;
Before storing the chest piece in a cool and dry place, make sure that you air it out first to prevent mold growth; and
Periodically inspect the helmet and face mask for signs of cracks and the moment you spot one, replace it immediately for safety’s sake.
Baseball Bats
This is another piece of equipment that is extensively used during the game is the baseball bat. The problem with bats is that if it is not cared for, it can easily crack, the grip can come lose, or corrosion can form. To care for your baseball bats:
Wipe it down with rubbing alcohol after the game to eliminate bacteria, especially if you are using a wooden bat;
Wet wooden bats can get deformed or warped especially during a rainy game, so dry it off as fast as possible;
Rub wooden bats against each other with hard and even strokes to smoothen and condition it; and
The handle must always be positioned upwards when storing your baseball bats.
Baseballs
What would the game be without baseballs, right? Some of you may think that since these balls are relatively cheap, it isn’t worth the effort to spend time taking care of it. But, if you keep on changing balls, the amount would definitely bulk up.
The great news is that it isn’t that difficult to take care of baseballs. Cleaning simply involves a part of ammonia mixed with four parts of water. The ball should be wiped down completely with a soft rag after. What does this do? Aside from removing dirt and stains, it also sterilizes the ball to remove as much bacteria as possible.
Baseball Cleats
The last piece of equipment that must be given proper care would be the cleats. Being physically in touch with the ground, it is not surprising that mud and dirt will cling to it stubbornly. This means that cleaning can be very challenging. But this is how you can do it:
Knock off the stubborn dirt by banging the cleats together;
Use warm water to soak the cleats for at least five minutes to soften the dirt;
Get the mud and dirt out by using a stiff brush;
Soak a soft rag in dish soap and wipe off any dirt that is still clinging to the cleats; and
Rinse it off with a hose and towel dry.
These are some of the effective tips on how to take care for your baseball equipment. To make sure that you get the best possible equipment available, visit M^Powered Baseball today.
How to Get Quick Hands Drills Skills of Baseball
When it comes to baseball, having quick hands either for fielding or hitting would definitely be an advantage for any player. And as to the question how to develop quick hands for baseball? The answer normally lies not only in improving upper body movement, strength, and coordination, but also in doing hand speed drills that can also deliver stability.
Training Method
In the game of baseball, increasing hand speeds would be equivalent to increasing lower body speed. This means that training methods must include drills that will mimic traditional speed drills while using virtually the same type of equipment.
How to get quicker hands for baseball? There are commonly some basic drills that do not require much equipment to do, but will immensely help you reach the goal of having quicker hands. These drills involve using a 45-pound plate while use are in a push-up position. The drills can be done either once or twice a week as part of the training to improve upper body capabilities.
Using three sets with an interval of six to ten seconds rest in between sets.You will observe that your hand speeds will gradually improve and along with it your fielding and hitting game. What are these drills?
Alternate Plate Taps
In this training drill, you begin in the push-up position with both hands positioned directly under your shoulders and the plate placed about two inches in front of your hands. Proceed by tapping the plate using your hands alternately as fast as you possibly can. This should be done for 30 seconds with a six to ten seconds interval between sets. As your speed progresses, you can decrease the number of seconds for each set including the length of rest intervals.
Lateral Plate Taps
From a push-up position, place the plate approximately two inches away from your hand. You can start with either your left or your right hand. Tap the plate using your hands alternately as many times as you can within 30 seconds. After a six to ten seconds rest, place the plate on the other side and repeat the process. You have completed one set once the plate has been on both sides.
In and Out Taps
For this drill, place the plate between your hands while you assume the push-up position. Tap the plate with both hands simultaneously as you push off the ground. Repeat the process as fast as you can in a span of 30 seconds with a rest of six to ten seconds between sets. As you get better with this drill, reduce the number of seconds for the rest in between sets.
Throwing Drill
The great thing with this drill is that you can do it on your own and even young players will not find it difficult to do. The objective is to achieve not only quick hands, and hopefully quick feet as well. Here is how you do it.
Begin by going into the catching position and proceed by turning and simulating to make the throw.
Turn your back foot sideways as you extend your throwing arm outwards to the target.
Go back to the catching position before you repeat the process.
The intention is to improve how the player follows the ball into the glove, find the ball and the seam quickly, before turning to face the throwing target and quickly return to the position ready for the next throw.
As you begin this throwing drill, remember to start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the entire motion. As with any type of drill, repetition is the key to reach the intended goal, which is to make the player throw faster and with consistency as well as efficiency.
You can also vary this training by throwing the ball into the air and then catching it with both hands. What this helps you achieve is to get into the motion of setting your feet before attempting to make the throw.
Most of the time, when we talk about quicker hands for baseball, players often focus on lower body speed drills. These hand speed drills clearly offer benefits that lower body speed drills do not deliver.
If you want to further improve your baseball game, do these drills consistently and make sure that you have the proper equipment. Visit M^Powered Baseball today to make the most out of your game.
Composite or Aluminum Bats for Cold Weather?
It does not matter if you are a professional baseball player or not, using a baseball bat in cold weather can have consequences specifically on your performance on the field. It is not really about a cold weather bat, but rather having a cold ball. Essentially, baseballs are made from leather and string, which become dense as the weather gets colder. The denser the ball becomes, the less bounce it has and may damage even performance bats on impact. Let’s look at some baseball bat recommendations.
Aluminum or Composite Bats
As far as using a baseball bat in cold weather is concerned, industry experts would favor the use of an aluminum baseball bat. Cold weather means temperatures that are sub 55 to 60 degrees. Using a baseball bat made from aluminum can result in a dent due to the dense nature of the ball. This may sound bad, but not as bad as using a composite baseball bat, which can result in cracking and eventual failure of the equipment.
How it affects your performance?
Knowing this about a baseball bat, how will it affect your performance on the field? The lighter design of aluminum baseball bats have complemented the baseball skills of many players as it allowed them to achieve faster swing speeds. The adoption of thinner barrels resulted in a trampoline effect that allowed the ball to travel longer distances.
With the overall improvement of baseball sports in mind, the use of composite baseball bats have allowed many players to improve on their hitting. This is partially attributed to the material being lighter than aluminum and the design of the bats, which has a flexible handle combined with a larger barrel creating a bigger sweet spot. This is why it is not improbable for properly broken-in composite baseball bats to outperform its aluminum counterparts.
Too Cold
So how cold is too cold for a baseball bat? As far as a USA Bat is concerned, having a 60 degree temperature cutoff can be considered quite conservative; taking into account the performance and durability issues.
It is not unheard of though, to use composite bats in temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees. This is of course if you are not dealing with excessive speeds for pitches and matching swings. But if you have a baseball coming at you at speeds in excess of 90 from the mound, then it would be reasonable to maintain a 60 degree temperature cutoff. Different manufacturers would have varying opinions on this based on the data they have on hand.
For example, a high-grade, thin-walled aluminum baseball bat would rarely be recommended when hitting in a sub 60 degree temperature. The reasoning is that in this temperature, the chances of denting the bat in greatly increased. This is more acceptable though than having a cracked composite baseball bat.
Cold Weather Bat Damage
Do you have an idea what a cold weather baseball bat damage looks like? If you have a composite baseball bat, the damage would be in the form of cracks that will eventually lead to breaking. The cracks usually be seen at the point of impact of the bat rather than the length or the seam, which are slightly rarer manifestations of damage.
For aluminum bat problems, the cold weather damage can be seen as dents resulting from hitting the ball too hard and exceeding the rating of the bat. It is rare, even for the best baseball bat made from aluminum, to break; normally it bends.
Recommendations
Normally when looking at cold weather bat recommendations, we would see that an aluminum or wood baseball bat would be suggested when the temperature is less than 60 degrees or above 50 degrees. Anything lower than 50 degrees would require a baseball bat that has a cheaper aluminum or wooden barrel.
More Sources
Composite baseball bats are never recommended for use when playing in temperatures that fall below 60 degrees. This is because the performance problems and possibility of cracking increases. If you more information on the type of baseball bat you need for cold weather or on keeping bats cool in the winter for example, head on to M^Powered Baseball to get accurate answers to your questions today!
Baseball Fashion: Hitting it Out of the Fashion Park Jock Style
The fashion world and celebrities have always gone hand in hand. But when we think of baseball it’s another story. The NBA and NFL have been sporting stylish fashions for some time now. In the soccer arena, players like David Beckham are famous for their sheik style and high fashion connection. Major League Baseball, on the other hand, is a different story. Short pants and stirrup socks don’t exactly lay a foundation for high fashion. Honestly, it’s pretty hard to look cool in a baseball uniform. In spite of these challenges, baseball fashion style is having a comeback.
Baseball Fashion: Trend in 2018
Let’s take a look at some of the baseball jock style influencing fashion trends. Is it wise to adopt some of these styles for your “summer look”? You’ll have to decide.
Varsity Jackets and Windbreakers:
There are many rainforest tree frogs that don vibrant colors to announce their presence in the jungle. This is a common technique in the natural world. It is also a fundamental design element in the shiny nylon windbreakers and varsity cut jackets baseball players wear. Now, more and more people are being seen in similar jackets. Decorated in bright colors and logos, these styles proclaim the presence of baseball fashion.
Mirrored Blade Sunglasses:
Long days out in the sun is a fundamental part of the job for baseball players. To catch a fly-ball you have to look up into the sky. Practical sunglasses with complete coverage and visibility are a necessity. Thus, the wrap-around design of blade sunglasses. But do they have to be mirrored? It seems like ridiculous looking eye-wear is a prerequisite to becoming an MLB player. Now, more and more celebrities are starting to be seen imitating this baseball fashion style. Mirrored blade sunglasses are back on the streets and ready to play ball.
High-Calf Athletic Socks:
Short pants and stirrup socks have been a key part of the baseball uniform since its inception. In the 1920s young men wore knickerbockers, short dress pants with high socks. Believe it or not, this concept is showing up in modern-day baseball fashion trends. Young men are wearing shorter and shorter pants with brightly colored high-calf athletic socks.
Embroidered Cotton Mock-necks
The mock-neck or short rimmed turtleneck, have been worn under baseball jerseys for years by pitchers on the mound. Many hardcore baseball fans have also been sporting this style in homage to their favorite teams. More recently brands have been embroidering their names on the collar instead of the teams’ logo. The traditional t-shirt will always be in style but mock-necks have their place.
Jersey
Baseball jerseys are the barometer for how much baseball is influencing fashion. Often worn with a long sleeve t-shirt underneath, jersey style cuts are becoming more and more common. Seen in both classic and contemporary styles, Major League Baseball jerseys are leaving a mark on our fashion sense.
The T-Shirt
While t-shirts have been a foundation piece in baseball fashion for a long time, we see baseball’s influence here as well. The contrasting colored sleeves and vertical stripes are originally inspired by baseball uniforms.
The mix of fashion and streetwear has gained momentum due to internet blogs and social media sites. For example, in Europe baseball is not a very popular sport. But there are many fashion trends that influence street style heavily based on baseball.
The nice thing about the baseball fashion trend is that it looks classy. The writing is written in gothic fonts and French collars create a classic style. Other sports-related fashion trends sponsored logos and advertisements.
Fantasy Baseball: Choosing Pitchers in 2018
Playing Fantasy Baseball is an art, and at times a way to make some money. Depending on the league you play with the winnings can add up, so can the losses. Major League Baseball has long been a loved sport, even for the bystander. The vicarious thrills afforded those who indulge in this fantasy keep them hooked.
The past couple of seasons have been quite the adrenaline rush. With home runs racking up the points the offensive performance of most all of the teams have been outstanding. The thing Fantasy Baseball players want to keep a sharp eye on is the pitching line up. Perhaps you’ve been playing Fantasy Baseball for years and have your own methods for choosing players. This year it would be wise to make some adjustments to your strategy.
Trends to Be Aware of This Season:
One common method is to pick an all star pitcher. One who plays in the game a lot scoring you points. However, recently pitchers are being kept on the disabled list for longer periods of time. There is a new regulation that can keep a pitcher on the bench for up to 10 days. This 10 day disabled list effects the game time of these players. Word has it that the Dodgers used this ordinance last year as part of their pitching order strategy, enabling a six-pitcher starting rotation. More and more teams are favoring this method to protect their investments in key players.
Another consideration is the increasing strikeouts. This has been on the rise since 2014 and they are reaching higher number of strikeouts in less innings. Starters are pitching less innings as well. When you compare the 2015 season with the 2017 season, you can see that 27 out of 53 starting pitchers threw over 200 innings. In 2017 only 15 threw over 200 out of 34.
What Should You Do?
In the light of these changes, this season you should adjust your roster layout. When drafting pitchers, make an effort to secure at least two top rated pitchers. This will add some stability to your team. Look for a pitcher that plays around 150 innings or more. They should have at least one strikeout per inning. You can see the list below for some recommendations. Second, try to acquire pitchers that tend to throw high groundball rates. When the batter can’t make hard contact, the ball tends to move along the ground. The 2017 average for groundball, or no “hard-hit contact”, was 44 percent. You’ll want to draft players that will exceed that average. Some good ones to look at are: Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn and Zach Davies.
Be careful not to pick players that don’t meet these standards. It would be better for you to fill your roster with middle rated relievers that deliver these results and then rotate them in at the right time. This will also benefit you in ratio categories such as the ERA and the WHIP. Here are some good middle rated relief pitchers to take a look at: Jerry Blevins, Matt Albers, Carl Edwards Jr. and Chad Green.
The days of choosing superstar players just because they’re your hero is over. To be successful at Fantasy Baseball you need a methodical strategy that will achieve results. Meditate of the ideas presented in this article and customize your own method. Let’s “play ball”!
THE 10 BEST RATED STARTING PITCHERS
Dodgers – Clayton Kershaw
Nationals – Max Scherzer
Red Sox – Chris Sale
Indians – Corey Kluber
Mets – Noah Syndergaard
Nationals – Stephen Strasburg
Giants – Madison Bumgarner
Indians – Carlos Carrasco
Yankees – Luis Severino
Astros – Justin Verlander
M^Powered Baseball supports Youth Baseball
Tips and Strategies for MLB Betting
Regardless whether you are a frequent bettor or not, you definitely would always want to come out on the winning end, right? If you are looking for a betting edge for MLB baseball betting, then you need more than a sportsbook. There are other important factors that you must consider to increase your percentage of winning. Here are some tips you can try.
The Season
Obviously a baseball player will not get worn out by playing a single game unless of course you are the starting pitcher and you finish the game. This is why when it comes to MLB baseball betting trends, looking at the time of the season becomes a huge factor.
Definitely, come middle or deep in the season, the fatigue factor will begin to set in. Considering that there are 162 games on a schedule, it is easy to understand how every game can take its toll on the human body no matter how fit the player is. This factor becomes more important as it reaches the postseason right after the All-Star break in mid-July. How do you take advantage of this?
Try to look at the matchups like a team on an extended road trip that is playing against a home team for an extended period. It would be reasonable to assume that the team on an extended road game would be more exhausted compared to one playing at home for an extended run. This of course does not take into account individual matchups that will happen during the game itself.
Pitching Rotation
Why is this important in setting betting trends? Well, in MLB, the starting pitcher does not normally finish the game. So aside from comparing the starting pitchers from each team, you also need to take a look at those sitting in the bullpen. Having a bad finisher in the bullpen can put the entire game in danger.
Key statistics that you can keep an eye on when deciding on how to bet would be the ERA and WHIP. Why are these important? The ERA will give you a pretty good idea of the average number of runs that the starting pitcher gives up over the nine innings. On the other hand, WHIP indicates the number of walks and hits given up by the pitcher on the average for an inning. A low ERA with a high WHIP usually translates to having base runners that do not score. Having a high WHIP when facing a team with a strong offense can result in multiple runs.
As far as the bullpen goes, it is definitely a good sign if it is well-rested. This means a better percentage of saving the game and increasing your chances of winning a bet.
Home-Away Games
Why is it better to bet on the home team when you are betting under? Because there is a very high chance that come the ninth inning, the home team is leading and does not have to come to bat. This is a huge advantage that every betting man should be able to recognize.
By taking the home-away game strategy, you also need to realize that by picking the right underdog team, you increase the amount of money that you can possibly win. An upset after all is not unheard of in MLB. But how do you pull a successful bet on a possible upset win?
An away team is almost always considered as an underdog. However, remember that the starting pitcher represents the single most influential person of the game. So focus your attention on the pitcher of the team listed as an underdog and see how he matches with the starting pitcher of the other team. Keep in mind that it is also possible for a home team to be listed as an underdog so be very on the lookout for these potential opportunities.
There is definitely an advantage playing at home, but this does not guarantee a win. Despite having batters familiar with the home stadium, the away team can always have stronger pitchers in the rotation that can negate the advantages of the home team.
Are you serious in understanding MLB baseball betting trends to increase your chances of winning? Well then, make sure that you have more than one sportsbook to rely on aside from considering these tips and strategies.
For all your baseball needs, make sure to check out MPowered Baseball today.
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