How To Predict 2017 MLB Midseason Comebacks

For all the MLB betting buff that are looking for value amongst teams that have gotten off to sluggish starts this season but look like they have the capability of bouncing back as we approach the quarter mark of the 2017 season, then there are a few key betting tips that you need to know.

A Closer Look At How To Predict 2017 MLB Midseason Comebacks

 

Analyze

The first thing you need to do is analyze why a team has gotten off to a slow start in the first place. You can identify these teams by looking at the regular season standings or by another method like perusing the weekly power rankings.  Once you have identified the most important reason or two on why a team is underachieving, then you can take the next step. First however, let’s take a look at a team that fits the slow start category.

Cleveland Indians (20-19)

The Indians haven’t gotten off to the start they’d hoped for after reaching the World Series last season and it’s mostly because they rank 21st in scoring (4.31 rpg), 20th in team batting average (.241) and 20th in home runs (42). Free agent acquisition Edwin Encarnacion (.203, 6 HR, 14 RBI) is struggling mightily after being picked up in the offseason to provide the Tribe with some offensive punch. Another reason the Indians are struggling is that staff ace right-hander Corey Kluber has been pretty awful in going 3-2 with a high 5.06 ERA in six starts before going on the 10-day disabled list with a lower-back strain.

Identify

After identifying why the team is struggling you then need to look at how they could get out of their doldrums and back on track. In the case of the Indians for example, you’ve got to know they’ll be a bit better (at least every fifth day) just because of the return of the dominant Kluber who went 18-9 last season for the second time in his career. You should also expect Edwin Encarnacion to improve at some point, just because he’s not a .203 hitter. Encarnacion generally bats somewhere right around .260 to .270 and drives in just over 100 runs.

Check Please!

Another thing you need to do is check the schedule. In the case of Cleveland for example, I wouldn’t go around expecting them to rip off a bunch of consecutive victories if they have a few upcoming series against quality teams like the Yankees (this season), Boston or Houston. Conversely, the Tribe will stand a much better chance of getting back on track if they have some upcoming dates against mediocre or similarly struggling teams like Oakland or Kansas City.

Managerial Maven

Last but certainly not least, you need to know if the struggling team that you’re thinking may come out of their funk has a managerial maven like the Chicago Cubs’ Joe Maddon or simply a warm body filling the role. A good manager tends to make the right moves far more often when his team is struggling than one that is more prone to hit the panic button at the first sign of trouble. So there you have it, some key tips on how to predict an MLB midseason comeback for a struggling team early on. Now, happy hunting!