The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook hung its MLB player props on Sunday, and an unexpected bet on the over from a respected bettor quickly prompted the book to adjust its number on predicted home run king Giancarlo Stanton.
Stanton, who hit 27 home runs in 74 games last year before a hand injury ended his season, is the consensus favorite to lead the majors in homers. The Miami slugger is listed at 7/1 at both BetOnline and 5Dimes, with no other player better than 12/1.
At Westgate, Stanton and Chris Davis both opened at 36.5, but Stanton’s over/under is now 37.
“One of the guys we respect bet the over on him, which for the most part you wouldn’t expect over bets from wise guys on stuff like that, so now we’re at 37 on him,” said Ed Salmons, assistant manager of the SuperBook.
If Stanton tops that number it would be a career high. Injuries have hampered the Miami slugger throughout his career, preventing bigger stats. He hit 37 home runs in just 123 games in 2012 and had 37 again in 2014 before getting shelved in September after getting hit in the face with a pitch. In between, he played only 116 games and had 24 homers in 2013.
“He’s always one of the toughest guys to pin down,” Salmons said. “Miami’s moving the fences in some this year, and that can only help. Not that it matters a ton for him, because when he hits his home runs, they’re usually way over the fence. It’s always, can he stay healthy?”
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AROUND THE WEB
- The Golden State Warriors are now favored to break the Bulls record for wins in a season, and with every win, the odds tilt more in their favor.
- A deeper look at the recently passed law in Pennsylvania that calls for the state’s gaming commission to produce a report evaluating the potential of DFS as a gambling product.
LOOK WHO’S TALKING
“In addition to the quarterback thing, it’s a public perception thing, as well, coming into these touristy times with the (NCAA) tournament about to start. A team like the Broncos, people tend to want to bet the over because they just won the Super Bowl, but when you’re making your numbers you’re getting nines and nine-and-a-halfs.”—CG Technology’s Jason Simbal on the difficulty of hanging a season win total on Denver for 2016. The Broncos opened at 9.5.
TWEETS OF NOTE
Next hearing for NY @AGSchneiderman vs. DraftKings/FanDuel is slated for March 9.
— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) February 25, 2016
Conor McGregor up to -415 vs Nate Diaz (+345) in #UFC196 main event. https://t.co/3wo2QEKp9x — Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) February 25, 2016
ODDS & ENDS
- Clayton Kershaw is the runaway favorite to win the NL Cy Young.
- Turns out Dexter Fowler hasn’t signed with the Orioles after all; he’s re-signed with the Cubs.
- The 2016 World Series of Poker schedule has been released.
- Colin Kaepernick reportedly wants out of San Francisco.
- The Nets bought out the remainder of Joe Johnson’s contract, allowing the veteran the chance to pick up with a contender.
- Duke’s Grayson Allen appears to have intentionally tripped an opposing player. Again.