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Baseball Notes - 4 April 2006

by Jason Vernon
2006-04-03

Make Money at The Yard
The Baltimore Oriole's 9-6 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the season opener opened my eyes to a wagering opportunity. The O's won namely due to a power surge of four homers hit by four different right-handed batters in their lineup: Miguel Tejada, Luis Matos, Melvin Mora and Jeff Conine. While many fans think that Camden Yards is a great hitters park the fact is the park has been a little below average as far as runs scored over the past seven or so years. The offensive part of the game that Camden Yards accentuates is home runs. Right-handed batters in Camden Yards hit 20% more home runs than in the league average park. Left-handed batters hit 10% more home runs. This may come as a surprise for many since the perception is that the short right field porch would greatly enhance lefty's homer production at The Yard.

If you'll notice the Orioles are stocked with right-handed batters this year (and in recent years past). Just go around the diamond and you'll find a bevy of right-handed hitters: Ramon Hernandez, Javy Lopez, Keith Millar, Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora, Jeff Conine and Luis Matos. These guys are going to take advantage of Camden Yards this year against left-handed pitchers (like Scott Kazmir today). Watch for Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee in mid-April and the Mariner's Jamie Moyer and Jarrod Washburn at the end of April to all throw against the heavily right-handed hitting Oriole lineup. If the O's come in at an underdog for any of these games jump on them! The Orioles even as a moderate favorite over the Mariners would be a no-brainer.

Nomar Out
Stick a fork in Nomar Garciaparra. The man is simply the most injury prone player since the first half of Paul Molitor's career. Don't you think the Dodger's wish they had Choi? James Loney, the 21 year old, will probably be called up from the minors to form a platoon with the capable Olmedo Saenz.

277!?!
Tom Glavine notched a win for the New York Met's opener on Monday and with it captured career victory number 277. Where did that come from? I thought he was in the 250-ish range but this guy has a real shot at 300. What will keep Glavine in the game for at least a couple more years is pitching in the pitcher's paradise that is Shea Stadium.