Any online betting fan knows that April means (usually) Easter and (always) the Masters odds. With Tiger Woods playing his first major since the 2008 U.S. Open, Masters betting should be hotter than ever this week. Let’s examine what we can expect from the big sportsbook favorites at Augusta this year.
Tiger Woods
Make no mistake; Tiger is the heavy favorite to win the 2009 Masters odds, and deservedly so. After he closed out the back nine at the WGC-CA Championship a few weeks ago, most golf betting experts picked him to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. They were bang on, as Tiger staged one of his trademark Sunday charges and broke Sean O’Hair’s heart with an 18th-hole putt. Tiger is back to firing on all cylinders, especially with his putter really on fire. He is by far the safest bet to win the Masters odds this weekend. It will be his fifth Green Jacket if he pulls it off, and he’s at least a virtual lock to crack the top 10.
Phil Mickelson
It’s fitting that Tiger’s greatest rival is in the opposite situation entering Masters betting. After a healthy 2008, Lefty is slumping badly, partially because he is recovering from a virus, and even missed the cut at last week’s Shell Houston Open. He’s in a definite funk right now and, while the Masters could be the perfect motivator to jolt him awake, he’s too risky right now—especially for a sportsbook favorite.
Geoff Ogilvy
He may be the best player not named Tiger Woods right now. With a World Match Play title under his belt this season and a 2006 U.S. Open title, Ogilvy is both hot at the right time and capable of handling the sportsbook pressure. Let’s look at his 2009 PGA betting stats quickly, shall we? Two tournament wins before April, first in the FedEx Cup standings, first on the money list…yeah, it’s safe to say he’s a good online betting pick if you’re not feeling Tiger. He’ll also provide much better value than Mr. Woods.
Other favorites to consider
This weekend probably isn’t Sergio Garcia’s time; he hasn’t looked good at all this season and shot a disgusting 81 at the Shell Houston Open on Sunday. Your money would be better spent elsewhere. How about RetiefGoosen? He already has a win and top-three under his belt this season, not to mention two major championships. Don’ t forget about Padraig Harrington either; he hasn’t set the world on fire in 2009 but he showed last year that he plays his best in majors, so you could do a lot worse than picking him at the sportsbook.
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Monday when the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels meet at Angel Stadium. The Athletics will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Dallas Braden in this game. Braden has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season. It'll be Joe Saunders toeing the rubber for the Angels in this contest. Lefthander Saunders is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 131-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game's total is sitting at 8½. Team records: Oakland: 0-0 SU Los Angeles: 0-0 SU Oakland most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing LA Angels are 6-4 After playing Seattle are 6-4 After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Oakland are 6-4 After playing Boston are 7-3 After a loss are 6-4 A few trends to consider: Oakland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Angels's last 15 games at home LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Oakland LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home Next up: LA Angels home to Oakland, Tuesday, April 7
The fans at The Metrodome will be treated to a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins when they take their seats on Monday. The Mariners will give the ball to starter Felix Hernandez in this one. Righthander Hernandez is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA. It'll be ace Francisco Liriano toeing the rubber for the Twins in this contest. Lefthander Liriano is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Twins listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Mariners, while the game's total is sitting at 7½. Team records: Seattle: 0-0 SU Minnesota: 0-0 SU Seattle most recently: When playing on Monday are 3-7 Before playing Minnesota are 8-2 After playing Oakland are 5-5 After a win are 5-5
Minnesota most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Seattle are 4-6 After playing Chi White Sox are 5-5 After a loss are 5-5 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 10 of Seattle's last 12 games when playing Minnesota Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 games when playing Seattle Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle Next up: Minnesota home to Seattle, Tuesday, April 7
The Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Rogers Centre. The Tigers will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace righthander Justin Verlander in this game. Verlander has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season. Verlander's opponent in this one will be Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays ace righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Jays listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Tigers, while the game's total is sitting at 7½. Team records: Detroit: 0-0 SU Toronto: 0-0 SU Detroit most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Toronto are 3-7 After playing Chi White Sox are 4-6 After a loss are 2-8
Toronto most recently: When playing on Monday are 4-6 Before playing Detroit are 5-5 After playing Baltimore are 8-2 After a win are 4-6 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Toronto The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 12 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games Next up: Toronto home to Detroit, Tuesday, April 7
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Monday when the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres meet at PETCO Park. Hiroki Kuroda will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on this day. Righthander Kuroda is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA. Meanwhile, it'll be ace Jake Peavy who starts for the Padres. Righthander Peavy is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Padres listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Dodgers, while the game's total is sitting at 6½. Team records: Los Angeles: 0-0 SU San Diego: 0-0 SU Los Angeles most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing San Diego are 7-3 After playing Philadelphia are 3-7 After a loss are 7-3
San Diego most recently: When playing on Monday are 4-6 Before playing LA Dodgers are 5-5 After playing Pittsburgh are 8-2 After a loss are 5-5 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing San Diego LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing San Diego LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Diego's last 8 games at home The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Diego's last 17 games San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games Next up: San Diego home to LA Dodgers, Tuesday, April 7
The Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros will meet on the field at Minute Maid Park on Monday in a battle of division rivals. The Cubs will give the ball to ace starter Carlos Zambrano in this one. Righthander Zambrano is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA. Starting this game for the Astros will be ace Roy Oswalt. The righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 105-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game's total is sitting at 7½. Team records: Chicago: 0-0 SU Houston: 0-0 SU Chicago most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Houston are 4-6 After playing LA Dodgers are 5-5 After a loss are 5-5
Houston most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Chi Cubs are 8-2 After playing Atlanta are 6-4 After a win are 6-4 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi Cubs's last 11 games when playing on the road against Houston The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Houston The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 11 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs Next up: Houston home to Chi Cubs, Tuesday, April 7
If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Monday when the Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins meet at Dolphin Stadium. Lefthander John Lannan will take the mound for the Nationals to start this game. Lannan is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA. Starting this game for the Marlins will be ace Ricky Nolasco. The righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Marlins listed as 170-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Team records: Washington: 0-0 SU Florida: 0-0 SU Washington most recently: When playing on Monday are 2-8 Before playing Florida are 3-7 After playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After a loss are 2-8
Florida most recently: When playing on Monday are 4-6 Before playing Washington are 7-3 After playing NY Mets are 6-4 After a win are 8-2 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 11 games on the road Washington is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Florida Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Washington Florida is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Washington Florida is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home Florida is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games Next up: Florida home to Washington, Tuesday, April 7
If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Monday when the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles meet at Camden Yards. The Yankees will give the ball to ace starter CC Sabathia in this one. Lefthander Sabathia is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA. Starting this game for the Orioles will be ace Jeremy Guthrie. The righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Yankees listed as 210-moneyline favorites versus the Orioles, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Team records: New York: 0-0 SU Baltimore: 0-0 SU New York most recently: When playing on Monday are 8-2 Before playing Baltimore are 5-5 After playing Boston are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4
Baltimore most recently: When playing on Monday are 3-7 Before playing NY Yankees are 5-5 After playing Toronto are 2-8 After a loss are 1-9 A few trends to consider: NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore NY Yankees are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 8 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Yankees Baltimore is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home Baltimore is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games Next up: Baltimore home to NY Yankees, Wednesday, April 8
The Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Chase Field. Ace Aaron Cook will be the starting pitcher for the Rockies on this day. Righthander Cook is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA. Cook's opponent in this one will be Brandon Webb. The Diamondbacks ace righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 175-moneyline favorites versus the Rockies, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Team records: Colorado: 0-0 SU Arizona: 0-0 SU Colorado most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Arizona are 4-6 After playing Arizona are 3-7 After a loss are 3-7
Arizona most recently: When playing on Monday are 7-3 Before playing Colorado are 7-3 After playing Colorado are 9-1 After a win are 7-3 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 9 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games Colorado is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arizona's last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado Next up: Arizona home to Colorado, Tuesday, April 7
The fans at Rangers Ballpark will be treated to a game between the Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers when they take their seats on Monday. The Indians will give the ball to ace starter Cliff Lee in this one. Lefthander Lee is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA. Meanwhile, it'll be Kevin Millwood who starts for the Rangers. Righthander Millwood is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Indians listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Rangers, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Team records: Cleveland: 0-0 SU Texas: 0-0 SU Cleveland most recently: When playing on Monday are 4-6 Before playing Texas are 6-4 After playing Chi White Sox are 4-6 After a loss are 6-4
Texas most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Cleveland are 4-6 After playing LA Angels are 3-7 After a loss are 5-5 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing Texas The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing on the road against Texas Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Cleveland The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Texas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home Next up: Texas home to Cleveland, Wednesday, April 8
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