From the Home Run Derby to the actual game itself, sportsbooks give handicappers plenty of options for adding spice to the midsummer classic
Prince Fielder (+500) has Home Run Derby experience and a title to go along with it
Early reports are that Justin Verlander and Matt Cain will be the starting pitchers Tuesday when All-Star game gets underway and current odds favor the American League (-124) with a total of 8.5 Over (-115).
Online betting shops also offer the first five inning odds at American League (-125) and 4.5 Over (-105) and with names like RA Dickey, Steven Strasburg and Felix Hernandez warming up in the pen, the “Under” deserves serious consideration but don’t overlook the power in these starting lineups.
LONG BRAWL POWER
Robinson Cano, Prince Fielder, Jose Bautista and Mark Trumbo represent the American League in this year’s Home Run Derby betting and 5 Dimes odds suggest the AL (-165) has a decisive edge. Bautista (27 HR, T-1st) is in search of his third consecutive major league home run title and although he and Cano play the majority of their games in hitter friendly Rogers Centre and Yankee Stadium, the majority (16) of Joey Bats’ longballs have come on the road in 2012.
5 Dimes Home Run Derby odds to win offer individual pricing of Bautista (+290), Cano (+400), Fielder (+500) and Trumbo (+500).
Bet Home Run Derby Prop Specials: Reigning Derby champ Cano (+500) will hit the longest home run in Round 1
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Kaufmann Stadium’s scenic outfield in Kansas City will serve as the backdrop for 2012 All-Star betting and the Senior Circuit squad of Matt Kemp, Carlos Gonzalez, Carlos Beltran and Andrew McCutchen pays back at +145 to win the Derby.
25-year-old McCutchen slugged 10 of his 18 dingers since June 1 including two in Sunday’s 13-2 win over San Francisco and although Kemp (hamstring) has injury concerns, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Kemp has looked strong in batting practice for weeks and should be ready to let loose.
5 Dimes Home Run Derby odds to win for NL hitters goes Kemp (+500), Beltran (+650), Cargo (+700) and McCutchen (+850).
Check All-Star Game and Home Run Derby Odds