BennyGee

I can guarantee they aren't setting lines without having some idea of a lineup. No chance they just toss darts and post numbers, otherwise you would see big line movements when lineups are released.

I'll chime in here with my thoughts... and to start, I'll make it clear that I do not bet on Spring Training. That being said, I have nothing against the guys who are taking shots at it.

I have a tough time believing people saying they "kill" spring training or that they have so much info on it that they feel they have an advantage over the sportsbook. I've kept quiet for many years when friends tell me that it's as simple as identifying who is playing and who is not... do you not think the books know this info too?

As someone who's played very high level baseball I can speak from experience and tell you that guys at Spring Training really could care less about the score. Pitchers are working on new pitches, hitters are working on hitting the ball certain directions, etc. Spring Training comes down to guessing at a lot of variables that could effect the game and long term success with it is very difficult (hence why the best handicappers I know don't play on it or play on it for .25/.50 units/game)

By all means, if you are want to gamble why not bet on it? Gambling makes the games more interesting and this is no exception. But stop with the comments on how soft these lines are and how you pick up 25 units during this time or whatever. I'll catch you all opening day (though I will be watching a ton of ST. Until then I'm hoping to discuss baseball with whoever wants to.

Thanks sir.

On paper they might look light a SLIGHT favorite but they also have a tough time getting up for the tournament. The WBC to USA does not mean what it means to other countries like The Dominican, Venezuela, or Japan.

My thoughts (though I haven't laid any money on it quite yet... ( won't make any decisions until rosters are 100% finalized) are that Venezuela has the most value. Even without Felix, 12/1 is a joke which is what I last saw them at... seeing 10/1 but haven't shopped it. If the guys who have committed to playing at this time, go forward and play, it's tough to not take them.

I LOVE The USA Outfield and I think Dickey will excel as lots of the guys he faces will have limited/if any at bats against him. Vogelsong is the #2 guy and for those who don't know me, I'll simply tell you that I am a BIG Vogelsong backer. I would have to look at my reports to see just how much money this guy made me last year, but it's a lot.

No real big names on Japan but they are good, as they always are in every international competition. Have to look deeper into The Japan leagues and see just who all of them are as I don't have extensive knowledge or reports on them.

Agree with DR being close in the odds department with USA because on paper they are quite comparable though there is no way their projected starting pitchers will compare to The USA. Infield however, could be better.

Short memo on my Canadians is that they're going to be OK again this year but we're far from a serious contender and may never be.

Mexico is my sleeper.. hope they get undervalued in a big way against the big name teams because they are capable of an upset. Not saying they're incredible but I see a few spots already looking at the calendar that could be a play if the price is right.

Believe he weighed in at 225. Seems like every article has a new player "in the best shape of their life." That being said, weight loss can effect you for the worst e.g.) Tim Lincecum 

Lines from Atlantis in Reno. LVH is going to open on Sunday.

Hello all,

Sizemore had knee surgery last September and is currently a free agent. Rumors have it that he won't sign until recovered (mid season) but who knows. Certainly has a lot of potential if healthy.

My first thoughts is that Braves total seems awfully low. Won't be surprised if it opens quite a bit higher at other books. Full year of Medlen plus the Upton brothers should only benefit them. Not to mention they expect Beachy to return at some point. Is Philly a contender? Yes but they have quite a few question marks. Is Washington a contender? Yes but they seem like they will be overvalued and really have only shown us 1 good season. Atlanta will display a lineup that 2-6 should hit 20+ HR each and a rotation that will be very strong. Like over 86 here for sure.

Twins total seems quite low but they are by far the worst team in that division after KC and Cleveland made huge improvements this year. Considering they only won 64 games last year in a season that saw Detroit struggle until late I think it's a no play for me. KC/Cleveland both have potential to win some ball games.

Cleveland should surprise a lot of people this year but it's certainly hard to justify betting the over there with a rotation that is a total landmine. No doubt they made a lot of moves to improve and Francona is a great manager but when your rotation features Masteron and Jimenez as your best guys I struggle to take the over. Are they a sleeper team for me this year? Absolutely they are because if Bauer develops, Masterson/Jimenez return to form, we could see a wilcard contender.

Ultimately I like that I see someone not pounding over 95 on Toronto or Los Angeles, I'm glad there is still a few realists around. Really like that Atlanta play at first look and would have to dig deeper into the other two to better talk about it.

I don't understand the Bourn/Soriano comparison for a few reasons (some of which have been mentioned.)

- Soriano has power (32HR last year) Bourn does not (9HR last year)
- Soriano is a defensive liability, Bourn is the best CF in the game
- Soriano stole 6 bases last year and 2 the year before, Bourn stole 42 last year and 61 the year before
- Soriano can't play CF for multiple reasons, Bourn is a natural at the position
- Bourn draws close to double the amount of BB
- Bourn hit 10 triples last year, Soriano hit 7 in the last 5 years

I like both guys but Soriano is well documented on being one of the worst defensive players out there. Have you seen some of his routes?

Bourn to the Indians is great for Cleveland and I was saying before they signed him that they have a good team. Just no way he should be compared to Soriano.

Speaking from personal experience only here so go easy.

I don't see them.

Will they win the division? No, absolutely not.

Are they a much improved team that is likely to get undervalued in a lot of spots? Yes.

I really like this Cleveland team and see them improving a lot over the next few years. That being said, I just don't see how Detroit doesn't win this division.

Great for The Mariners, they sure do look as if they want to compete sooner then later. It will be interesting because this contract should serve a pretty good benchmark for Kershaw and Verlander who both hit free agency soon and have voiced that they would like to remain where they are. Just my opinion but Verlander is likely going to get more then both of these guys and I don't think 200 million is far fetched.

D-Backs have bullpen issues but I agree they're getting looked over again. Kennedy, Cahill, Mccarthy, Miley are a very above average starting 4. I project Skaggs makes the team out of camp plus they also should get Hudson back at some point next season

How can we even debate them having a good farm system? It's one of the deepest out there and not only that, but they are going to continuously having good draft position for the next few years to further the depth. You can bet on Houston being a contender again

Don't quite get why people are ragging on Houston for making this trade. The team is years away from anything but last in the division and they need to rebuild. Lowrie is a fine player but he's certainly not someone that your going to build around.

I'll throw Cleveland out there. Above average lineup and with a rebound from Masterson/Jimenez we could see them hover around .500. Swisher/Reynolds signings have upside and Cabrera/Kipnis certainly can hold their own with many SS/2B. Carlos Santana is an underrated catcher who could hit 25+ HR.