But I love it whenever a team from these categories emerge high later in the season and then goes up in the playoffs and brag it all in their faces (plus they are consider underdogs so your MLB betting winnings is really huge if you bet on them). Having said that,
I calculated the statistics and performances of each team in the first month of MLB 2012 and come up with the list of the “middle teams” blanton’s full set.
From #10 which is the lowest to the #1 (almost there in the top list). These teams may not be doing as good as they should do to ensure a spot in the playoffs, but they are not doing bad either. So it’s up to you if you want to risk your MLB betting on these teams. My suggestion is to give them a chance, especially if you saw them fixing the problems of their teams.
Atlanta Braves – Resting at 6-5 in the NL East, the Atlanta Braves offense has been average. As a team, they’re hitting .229 and have seen Jason Heyward lead the team in average (.361) while others struggle. Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman have been atrocious so far, while Brian McCann and Chipper Jones are beginning to heat up. They’ve scored 51 runs but have accumulated just 134 total bases, which ranks No. 24 in MLB.
Seattle Mariners – The 6-6 Seattle Mariners have a decent run total (48), but lack power in their lineup. They’ve hit just eight home runs through 12 games, with only Justin Smoak accounting for more than one homer. The Mariners are still waiting for Jesus Montero to hit his stride and for the speed at the top of the lineup to start paying dividends.
Tampa Bay Rays – The Tampa Bay Rays offense put up some gargantuan numbers against both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox so far this season. But they still rest in the lower third of the league in terms of runs scored with 41 in 11 games. The 5-6 Rays have seen Carlos Pena return with a torrid start, clubbing three homers and posting a .390 average and 11 RBI. Evan Longoria has been solid as well, but Tampa has seen Desmond Jennings, Matt Joyce and Ben Zobrist all struggle to get going in 2012.
Houston Astros – The Houston Astros offense is playing a lot better than I could ever imagine. J.D. Martinez has led the charge for the 4-7 Astros, batting .317 and leading the team with three home runs and 10 RBI. As a club, Houston ranks in the middle of the pack with a .248 batting average and is averaging exactly four runs per game through 11. If Carlos Lee gets the power numbers going (.244, 1 HR), it should open up more opportunities for Martinez and the rest of the Houston lineup to succeed.
Washington Nationals – Sporting an NL East-leading 9-3 record, the Washington Nationals have been impressive offensively. Jayson Werth, Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond are all hitting above .300 and have combined for 22 of the team’s 42 RBI. They boast a team batting average of .253 and have produced 46 runs in 12 games. They lack in the home run department with just six dingers and find themselves in MLB’s top five in terms of strikeouts. Once Ryan Zimmerman comes to life, the Nationals will really be dangerous in the NL East.
Kansas City Royals – Thus far, 22-year-old Eric Hosmer has yet to live up to the hype surrounding him heading into the 2012 season with the Kansas City Royals. Although they’re 3-8, the Royals have fared well offensively, posting a .255 average and scoring 42 runs in 11 games. Billy Butler has been huge for Kansas City, leading the team in BA, HR, RBI, OBP and hits. The Royals offense has amassed 156 total bases (No. 8) and will only get better once Hosmer hits his stride.
Milwaukee Brewers – It’s safe to say that the Milwaukee Brewers miss Prince Fielder in the lineup. So far, Aramis Ramirez (.103 AVG, 5 RBI) hasn’t provided protection for Ryan Braun, but Braun has still managed to produce a .316 average. Corey Hart has stepped up in the early going, hitting .313 with four home runs and eight RBI. As a team, the 5-6 Brewers have produced 48 runs in 11 games while batting .233 and jacking 15 home runs.