Major League Baseball Betting: White hot!

MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 11 August 2010 / Leave a Comment

Bobby Jenks has been in fine form for the White Sox

"By the end of August, Chicago could be at the top of the division with a two or three game lead."

Their manager may have a penchant for tweeting but the Chicago White Sox are doing their talking on the field this season, says Nick Shiambouros.

The Chicago White Sox are sitting just one game behind Minnesota in the AL Central. With less than fifty games left to play in the regular season they are bang in contention for a play-off spot.

The White Sox have only won the World Series three times since they were founded in 1901.Their last championship was in 2005 when they swept the Houston Astros 4-0 ending an 88 year drought.

Today the fans are packing U.S. Cellular field to watch this talented team make a final push for the play-offs.

In my AL preview before the start of the season, I mentioned Chicago had a solid pitching rotation and they have performed admirably. The team has an ERA of just 3.84. This record is better than the Yankees who spend the wealth of a small country on pitching every year.

Every pitcher in the rotation is playing well which is a great indication of a team that is in contention. John Danks, Mark Buerlhe and Freddy Garcia have all won at least 10 games this year. Closer Bobby Jenks is having a good year and has 23 saves to his name.

The offense has scored 512 runs, and as a team is hitting .262. First baseman Paul Konerko is having a great year and is averaging .302.

This team fights very hard at the plate and finds a way to get on base. They do not swing wildly at poor pitches and draw plenty of walks.

Manager Ozzie Guillen is a former shortstop who played 12 seasons for Chicago and has the respect of the entire team. He's one of the most outspoken managers in baseball and even set up a Twitter account earlier this year.
　
The AL Central looks like a two horse race between Chicago and Minnesota. Detroit is toiling in third place and are nine games behind Chicago. The White Sox have a couple of easy three game series later on this month against Kansas City and Baltimore.

The Kansas City Royals are bottom of the AL Central and have nothing left to play for. They are one of the poorest teams in baseball and the White Sox could easily sweep the series. Baltimore have the worst record in baseball, winning just 39 all year. Chicago should win four or possibly five games against this modest opposition.
　
The Minnesota Twins have a much tougher schedule this month. They have to play the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers who are both in contention for a play-off spot.

By the end of August, Chicago could be at the top of the division with a two or three game lead.
　
At the beginning of the season I said the Sox could be in line for a good year. I thought the [40.0] on offer to win the World Series was more than generous. They are now trading at [26.0] which is still fair.
　
I expect the White Sox to win the AL Central this year. They are a well coached team that never gives up. It just could be their year.

Recommended bets:

Back Chicago against Kansas City with advertised handicap on the 20th 21st 22nd August
Back Chicago against Baltimore with advertised handicap on the 24th 25th 26th August
Back Chicago to win the World Series at 26.0