Sign stealing has been going on since there were signs. True, the Houston Astros took it to a whole new level, but the virtue signaling and moralizing became over the top this past offseason. More to the point the Houston Astros are seen by many as damaged goods with the firing of their manager and general manager for the sign stealing scandal. But some sharps are smirking. That is because the Astros remain the deepest and most talented team in the American League West Division, if not the entire AL itself. Houston has surpassed the 100-win total in each of the past three seasons. Which makes this year’s over under win total of 94.5 look quite doable.
We’ll have MLB Odds at Bookmaker.eu available for every game of the 2020 MLB season.
2020 Houston Astros Win Total Odds at Bookmaker.eu: 94.5, over -110, under -120
Certainly, the Astros will feel the loss of 20-game winner Gerrit Cole, who departed for the riches of the New York Yankees. But Cole was hardly the sole reason for Houston’s success. The Astros will still have strong pitching and a loaded lineup. The departure of the so-called “corrupt” regime should also clear the air. Perhaps the one legitimate concern Houston faces is what looks to be an improved and more challenging American League West.
Manager Dusty Baker
Perhaps there is no more perfect new manager than veteran Dusty Baker, who was called on to calm the storm as the new Astros manager. Baker has won three Manager of the Year Awards and will bring the seasoning and perspective to help usher Houston past what was a tumultuous offseason. Baker has produced nine playoff teams in his managerial career.
On the Hill
The Astros ranked second in Major League Baseball for staff earned run average and first for quality starts along with third for bullpen. Cole’s departure does not take away from what remains a strong pitching staff.
Right hand veteran Justin Verlander continues to drink from the Fountain of Youth. Verlander was 21-6 with a 2.58 earned run average as he struck out 300 batters in 223 innings of work. It was a career performance for the 37-year old eight-time All-Star that earned him the second Cy Young Award of his career.
Just as impressive was right hand starter Zack Greinke, who was 18-5 with a 2.93 earned run average and WHIP of 0.98. Greinke is a six-time All-Star, including the past three seasons.
Closer Roberto Osuna saved 38 games last year in 44 opportunities with a 4-3 record and 2.63 earned run average. He posted an 0.88 WHIP with 73 strikeouts in 65 innings.
At the Plate
Third baseman Alex Bregman is an AL All-Star the past two seasons and is coming off yet another stellar campaign in 2019. Bregman produced 122 runs, 37 doubles, 41 home runs, 112 runs batted in, 119 walks, a .296 average, .592 slugging percentage, and 1.015 OPS.
Centerfielder George Springer is an AL All-Star the past three seasons and was 2017 World Series Most Valuable Player. For 2019 Springer had 96 runs, 20 doubles, 39 home runs, 96 runs batted in, a .292 average, .591 slugging percentage and .974 OPS.
Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez powered to AL Rookie of the Year honors for 2019 with 27 home runs, a .313 average, .655 slugging percentage and 1.067 OPS.
2020 Houston Astros Win Total MLB Betting Odds Pick
Houston offers contrarian bettors perhaps the best pick on the entire Major League Baseball futures board. The Astros remain a highly talented team that knows what it takes to make the post season. As does manager Dusty Baker, who just may have stumbled into his first World Series championship!
Houston Astros MLB Betting Odds Prediction: Houston Astros over 94.5 wins
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