MLB Betting News at LinesMaker.com

Payback in Spring Training Opener

There’s nothing like waking up from your winter hibernation to take pitch in the middle of your back.  That’s what happened to the Milwaukee Brewers’ first baseman Prince Fielder when they met the San Francisco Giants on Thursday. Fielder appeared to be the target of retaliation from an incident last year. He was hit in the back by the first pitch from San Francisco’s Barry Zito in first inning of the Gaints 5-3 victory over the Brewers. Why the retaliation? On September 6th Fielder had acted like a bowling ball and his teammates had fallen like pins in celebration of a walk–off... 

Phillies Halladay Has Impressive Debut

The Grapefruit League opener saw an impressive debut from Philadelphia’s new pitcher Roy Halladay when they beat the New York Yankees 3-2 on Thursday. Halladay, who spent his first 12 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, had been putting himself through a rigorous training schedule that paid off. He threw 24 pitches, 21 of which were strikes, and a pair of hitless innings while striking out three and he only allowed one base runner but only because of an error. Halladay struck out batter, Jorge Posada and then got Robinson Cano out on a fly ball to end the inning. Halladay also struck out Nick... 

Dodgers to Lose Manny Ramirez?

LA Dodger’s star Manny Ramirez has announced that this will be his last season with the team. It seems that he is certain his contract will not be renewed for next season. “I know I’m not going to be here next year,” Ramirez said Monday. He went on to say that he didn’t know why but he just knew that he wouldn’t be with LA. It has to be said Ramirez is renowned for saying curious or contradictory things so whether there’s any weight in his statement has yet to be seen. The former World Series MVP is 37 years old and hasn’t ruled out retirement at the end of the season. He also stated... 

Rivera Not Over the Hill at 40

Mariano Rivera has started spring training with the Yankees. It’s his 17th season, he’s 40 years old and was the 18th oldest pitcher playing in the major league last year. Rivera is entering the 2010 season looking healthy and, after throwing the final pitch of 2009 for the Yankees, he’s ready for action. This year is his final year of a three-year $45 million contract but he says he’s not concerned about his contract status. Being the best closer in history, posting 44 saves, 5 of those in playoffs, and a 1.76 ERA last season why should he be concerned? The Yankees are already 11-4 favorites... 

Phillies and Ruiz to Sign Deal

Catcher Carlos Ruiz is all set to become more financially secure this week when he signs a new contract with the Phillies. It has been reported that the deal is a three-year pact worth $8.85 million and includes a club option for a fourth year worth $5 million or a $500,000 buyout. The 31-year-old Panamanian Ruiz hit.255 with 43 RBIs and a career-high nine runs last in 2009. His postseason average is .303 after starting every Phillies playoff game the last two years and they have reached the World Series twice, winning in 2008. The three-year deal will buy out each of Ruiz’s arbitration years... 

Huff Signs with Giants

The Giants are hoping to add a punch to the middle of their batting order by signing up free-agent first baseman and left-handed hitter Aubrey Huff. It’s reported that the Giants agreed to pay Huff $3 million for 2010. Giants general manager Brian Sabean wanted a left-handed hitter to balance a lineup which is mainly right-handers including DeRosa, Rowand, Sanchez and Renteria. He will be a great asset to the Giants despite coming off a season where he has hit a career-low .241 with 15 homers and 85 RBIs in 150 games for Baltimore and Detroit.  Usually he is a .282 career hitter with 203 home... 

Early 2010 Wold Series Odds Released

As the 2009 World Series closes with this year’s baseball title going to the New York Yankees, online sportsbook Linesmaker.com has already announced betting odds for the 2010 World Series. The Yankees, who defeated last year’s World Series title holders the Philadelphia Phillies, are odds on favorites to win the 2010 Worlds Series at +300 odds followed at +700 by their American League East rivals the Boston Red Sox. The 2008 World Series champs, Philadelphia, are showing at +1000 odds to win their second Worlds Series in three years. The Los Angeles Angels, St. Louis Cardinals and the Los... 

Matsui Leads Yankees to World Series Victory

The New York Yankees closed out their first season in the shiny new Yankee Stadium in spectacular fashion last night with a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Remarkably, Hideki Matsui had 6 RBIs in the World Series clinching game. The Yankees became 2009 World Series Champions in large part due to the spectacular numbers put up by Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui. Matsui’s was rewarded for performance as the MVP. Dubbed in the media as “Statsui”, Matsui is the first Japanese born ball player to win the MVP trophy for the Most Valuable Player in the World Series. LinesMaker... 

A-Rod Comes Up Big

The Yankees are on the verge of first World Series victory since 2000. A-Rod returns to the Yankees true to his past form. He left prior to the 2009 season to represent the Dominican Republic only to be pulled due to a hip problem that required surgery. Now he’s back, fighting fit and possibly in contention for the 2009 World Series MVP with a World Series win from the Yankees. His return in May 2009 was triumphant as he belted a three-run homer on the first pitch off his bat. His presence had been greatly missed by the Yankees, they manage to scrape a 13 -15 record in his absence but now he...