Tampa Bay Devil Rays 2006 Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are the definition of a perennial bottom feeder, averaging just 65 victories a season over the past 7 years. Because of their terrible record, many bettors consistently go against them. I would advise against that practice however, as the Devil Rays were 81-80 at home the past 2 seasons for a positive 15 units. Their pathetic road play overshadows the fact that they’ve managed a winning record at home over the past 2 seasons so bettors continue to go against them even when they are back in Florida. I would suggest picking your spots and backing these Devil Rays at home, but mostly against non-division teams.
Most would think that the Devil Rays would finish at the bottom of every division in baseball. I’m going to have to say that just wouldn’t be the case. Over the past 2 seasons, Tampa Bay is 47-40 at home against ball clubs outside the elite AL East. More than anything they don’t have the pitching staff to contend with the big bats in the Northeast, and with Toronto bringing in extra power in Glaus and Overbay, it figures to push Tampa Bay back even more. The Rays do have the prospects of being an exciting team with the capabilities of putting lots of runs on the board. They will take chances on the base paths because they have to to win games. Bad teams are inconsistent, so it will be important to pick your spots on the 2006 Devil Rays. But don’t get caught up in always going against them or it could cost you. Look for the Rays at home, especially against teams outside their division, to do some damage.
Jimmy Boyd is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Jimmy_Boyd.htm
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