YTD (DIAMONDBACKS GAMES ONLY): 10-4-2 ATS
For those of you who have followed, whether you tailed or not, some of the reasoning I provide might sound repetitive. For others who are new to the thread, I always provide a lengthy post with my reasoning for the plays. And hence why I started with $1000 on the Dbacks ML and ended with over $100K. NOW, to be very clear, I also played some games in the other series in parlays and did so with plays in other sports (like the NFL play I had posted on MNF). I tailed @Pho-20, @badlands, and @MrBator on occasion. So, before you think that I just kept doubling and that would make no sense b/c I lost some of the games, just know I am also very responsible with my bankroll, always have been (except for one year), and am grateful for other handicappers in the forum.
Let me ask everyone a question....if the Brewers, Dodgers, or Phillies were the team playing the Rangers, do you think they would be favored? Undoubtedly the answer is YES, yet the Diamondbacks BEAT all three of those teams, winning twice on the road in all of those ballparks, and yet are made to be a +155 UNDERDOG. That honestly shocked me but you know what, they LOVE to be in this position and have stated this throughout the playoffs. And so here we are again...
IF you don't know the story, and even moderately are spiritual, you should understand how GM Mike Hazen almost walked away from the team last year to care for his 4 sons after Nicole Hazen, his wife, tragically succumbed to a rare brain cancer. But the entire Diamondbacks front office and owner Ken Kendricks pledged support, manager Torey Lovullo said he would do anything to help out, and everyone came together to keep Haze in the drivers seat. And what did he do.....just see Gabriel Moreno, Lourdes Gurriel Jr via trade, and acquiring Sewald, Ryan Thompson, and Pham at trade deadline. If you have watched any baseball, you can see the fruits of the labor.
This team is destined...in every sport there are teams like this. In the World Cup it was Argentina and Messi last year. Sometimes that's really all we can hang our hats on. But with this team, they are young and uber talented, "create chaos" on the base paths, have great starting pitching, and a shut down bullpen that the Phillies wish they had in their corner. And that's just the beginning.
The Rangers have also been very good on the road, but they open at home and the Diamondbacks are comfortable winning on the road. They have faced heavy hitting lineups -they just beat the Phillies after all- and this Texas team is very similar to Philadelphia. The Rangers bullpen is not great and very hittable. The Diamondbacks won 3 of 4 earlier this year playing in Texas and, as underdogs, are very comfortable in this position. Plus, Max Scherzer is just a name, a very good pitcher but one who is susceptible to giving up runs and losing in the postseason.
Given the odds and the history and the way the teams have played and who they have beaten I feel there is no other way to play this. I am laying the largest play of my career, and it's not a super young career, on the DIAMONDBACKS +155 TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES. I will also draft other threads on game days to play those games too. Having hit a big future on the Dbacks (+350) vs. the Phils, I expect to win this too. My personal prediction is Arizona in 5 and while I won't make that an official play, I'll sprinkle a small amount on that too.
Would love to hear everyones thoughts, keep comments positive no matter what side you're backing and, as always, tail or fade, good luck to all...
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