The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim shelled out $331.5 million in payroll over the summer on free agent contracts to Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. That is over $280 million more than the Oakland Athletics’ payroll for the entire 2012 season. Ironically, it was Oaklandthat outslugged the Angels in a 9-8 win in front of 21,150 screaming fans on Wednesday night, taking two of three from their AL West rivals in the series. The attendance number for that game is just about average for what the Athletics have drawn during a remarkable run this online betting season, and with $2 ticket night at the ballpark what fan could resist making the trip. After setting a franchise record with 19 wins in July,Oakland is right there competing for an AL Wild Card spot. Even still there are many that refuse to believe in them as a legitimate contender, but with the line set at 5/1 for the Athletics to make the postseason the value for a team that simply can’t stop winning.
The reason for the bookies not giving Oakland any respect is obvious, but just because nobody will give them props doesn’t mean they can’t get it done. After all, how hard is it to forget the Tampa Bay Rays rallying back from the brink on the final day of the regular season to pass to the Boston Red Sox for the AL Wild Card? It’s hard to expect a team that ranks 30th the majors in batting average and 24th in runs scored to excel down the stretch, but the pitching staff is fifth in the MLB in ERA and this team finds ways to get it done. There is no Pujols caliber talent inOakland, no Jared Weaver-type arm, but this is a team that believes in itself and will do whatever it takes to win.
One important factor in the Athletics’ success that cannot be overlooked is the teams that they have beaten since the All-Star break. Oaklandis 9-3 in games against the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and the Angels, all teams it is competing with for a postseason spot. The Athletics have excelled in one of the tougher portions of their sportsbook schedule this month, and with nine games coming up against the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, and Minnesota Twins following a weekend set inChicago, what reason is there to think this club can’t match the success it had in July?
While the numbers might not add up, the Athletics showed in their series against Los Angelesthat they could match up with the best and come out on top. The Angels sent Weaver, CJ Wilson, and Zack Greinke to the mound opposite Jarrod Parker, Bartolo Colon, and recent call-up Dan Straily, yet still found a way to take two of three. The fact that the numbers don’t necessarily support the success Oaklandhas had actually works in favor of the 5Dimes player that understands the value that is there. The Athletics aren’t a lock to make the postseason by any means, but considering the way that they are playing there is definite value there at 5/1 odds. For all of the updated MLB odds, make sure to check out the best sports betting sites.
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