2009 MLB Predictions: Pitching Leaders
Written April 2, 2009 by Jack Jones
Last season saw some great pitching accomplishments. Cole Hamels was dominant during the Phillies run to win the World Series and Francisco Rodriguez piled up 62 saves during the season, setting the single-season record for the category. The 2009 season should be a special one as well whether you are intersted in starting rotations or who is coming out of the bullpen. BetUS Sportsbook has posted odds on the popular pitching categories so you can get in on the action before the season begins on a few of these special props. Remember that if you tell them BetFirms sent you, a $500 deposit will get you a $500 signup bonus!
Most Wins By Any Pitcher – The number set here is 20.5 and you have to like the OVER. It used to be that lots of pitchers reached 20 wins, but nowadays it’s a more difficult accomplishment. Still, in six of the last eight seasons at least one hurler has reached 21 wins. Last year it was Brandon Webb and Cliff Lee and there is a high probability that someone will again in 2009.
Most Losses By Any Pitcher – The number here is posted at 17.5 and I like the OVER once again. Last year you saw Aaron Harang, Justin Verlander and Barry Zito all reach 17 losses, with three more pitchers at the 16 loss mark. That was the first time in ten years that nobody got to 18 losses. The percentage play here says to take the OVER as somebody on a bad team will lose a lot of games.
Most Saves By Any Pitcher – The over/under on this category is 49.5 and I kind of like the UNDER. Last year when K-Rod did his thing and reached 62, it broke a three season drought of nobody reaching the 50 mark. There are plenty of quality closers out there playing on good teams, but history says the under is the safer bet.
Most Strikeouts By Any Pitcher – The over/under for K’s is listed at 253.5 and once again I’m going to lean towards the UNDER. Last year Tim Linecum rung up 265 batters, but prior to that the league went three years without a starter reaching 250 strikeouts. AJ Burnett was second last year with 231 K’s which is quite a ways under this total.
Most Complete Games By Any Pitcher – The number to beat here is 7.5 and you have to like the UNDER. Roy Halladay is the player to watch here, as he racked up nine a year ago. I know CC Sabathia was a workhorse as well, but the move to the Yankees should limit that number as the team likes to go to Rivera. There is a distinct trend here showing starters going the distance less and less each year and Halladay is your only shot if you like the over.
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