Here is the other half of the teams and the Colorado Springs betting odds. This is based on Sunday evening's standings.
Zonk: Strengths are that Stephen's team does a little bit of everything. Offense is approximately 5th ranked and the lowest numbers are in runs where he comes in 7th. Not a bad offensive club at all and Aramis Ramirez has gotten hot.
Weakness: There is not really a true weakness when I look at this club, but it is one that shows stats of a middle of the road team. Can beat anyone one week and lose to anyone then next.
Betting Odds: 50/50 Right now Zonk is 6.5 games back with still a lot of baseball left. If I remember right he and Randy went down to the wire last year. Not saying that will happen again, but it could, just could possibly happen again.
Ageless One: Strengths are hitting for power both in HR's and RBI's. Good pop in all positions except LF.
Weakness: The rest of the offensive statistics show Ageless to be down near the bottom. Pitching is just below average according to the stats.
Betting Odds: 25/75 This team has been in a freefall after a torrid start. Right now 10 games back and there were signs of the offense coming to life with a big week, but pitching wasn't there. Never bet against Mike's team, but the boys better reverse the falling in the standings and fast.
Champions: Strengths are real easy here (Pitching, Pitching, and more Pitching!) ERA is the lowest rank at 5th and that is barely. Offensive strengths are Konerko, Castro, and Beltran. A-Rod is hurt for 4-6 weeks, so leaving him out for now.
Weakness: Let me just say simply "The Offense." Scraping bottom in most categories, but will give him the benefit of the doubt in batting average, where tied with two other teams at 6th.
Betting Odds: 25/75 At 12 games back, the offense has got to get it going and with A-Rod on the DL that is going to be a tough order. With a similar team as last year, what is different? Why is Champs lower in the standings? It may be that pitching is the name of the game nowadays and there isn't all that much difference anymore. Yes, Champs is better in most categories on defense, but look at the overall numbers for pitchers these days and ERA is down considerably for a lot of pitchers. To have a good offense in the new era of the pitcher seems to make a team stand out in fantasy. Just a thought.
Utica Tried and Tested: Strengths are hits and batting average. The resurgence of Berkman has been a godsend. Hunter Pence has also paid big dividends. In pitching it is losses, BB's, and a strong ERA. Pitching is stronger than years' past for sure.
Weakness: Keeping players off the DL. Uticans has had some bad luck for sure with injuries in Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and now Jose Reyes. Also, needs help at 2nd and 3rd base.
Betting Odds: 20/80 at 12.5 games back. I know Utica is fighting and clawing, and I do like the pitching staff, but there may be too many holes to fill on offense. Needs Jose Reyes to come back and play like an MVP candidate to have much of a chance.
Sultan of Swat: Strength is definitely by far the offense in all categories except SB's. Ain't the Sultan of Swat for nothing. Chad has done an admirable job building a powerful batting attack!
Weakness: Based on the standings and Chad's potent offense, then this one is easy without looking. Has to be the pitching. Let's see. Yes, the numbers do show the pitching is having major issues. The best ranking is a 10th place standing for K's and BB's. Now to be fair Chad has traded for pitching, but Josh Johnson fell to the DL. Still don't think an ace like Johnson would make a major difference in the long run when numbers are where they are.
Betting Odds: 10/90 at 16.5 games back. Just play offense and I give Chad a decent shot, but unfortunately we can't do that.
I Fear That I Suck: Strengths are a team built on putting the ball in play and running around the bases really fast. Upper half in hits, runs, batting average, and SB's, so the diamond is more like a track for this squad.
Weaknesses: Power and pitching need some help. Just like Chad's team, the offense is really pretty decent, but the pitching ranks in the lower half in all categories. To give Timmy credit, he is trying to shore up the pitching staff, which needs help.
Betting Odds: 10/90 at 18.5 games back. If it was the beginning of the season, I like Timmy's chances as the team has really been coming on of late. What looked to be disastrous is starting to look more respectable. The problem is so much ground to make up with so many teams to leap over.
If anyone has various thoughts please share as this is a semi-stats and opinion column.
BASEMAN
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