The MLB All Star Game odds are frequently handicapped with a focus on the power hitters who can alter the game’s outcome with one strong swing of the bat. The Home Run Derby, which will be held the day before the All Star Game, offers bettors analyzing the baseball All Star odds an entertaining glimpse at the game’s top hitters. However, the Derby is more than just a sideshow, as it can actually influence the baseball All Star Game odds.
The MLB All Star Game odds must be handicapped by looking at a wide variety of players because they are rotated throughout the game in order to give numerous players a chance to participate. Consequently, a single player cannot impact the baseball All Star odds to the same extent that he could influence a normal game’s odds. Nevertheless, the elite hitters still influence the MLB All Star Game odds simply because these hitters can easily determine the outcome of the baseball All Star odds.
Many bettors actually wait until after the Home Run Derby to wager on the baseball All Star Game odds, because these bettors feel as though the Derby can demonstrate how well certain hitters are performing, which can serve as valuable information when evaluating the baseball All Star Game odds. Moreover, some bettors feel as though the Derby instills confidence in the hitters by giving them a feel for smashing balls out of the park.
Nevertheless, bettors analyzing the baseball All Star Game odds should not automatically assume that participating in the Derby is an advantage for all batters. In fact, some bettors looking for value in the baseball All Star odds actually see participation in the Derby as detrimental. Such is the case because the Derby can be quite tiring for certain hitters, leaving them fatigued for the All Star game the following day.
Moreover, there is also a risk of injury with the Derby, which would unquestionably have a large impact on the MLB All Star Game odds. In other words, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Justin Morneau, Jason Bay, and the other players participating in the 2009 Home Run Derby may not perform as well in the All Star Game as many of the bettors analyzing the baseball All Star Game odds anticipate. Although far from certain, if such players do play poorly then it would have a significant impact on the outcome of the MLB All Star Game odds. Therefore, bettors who ignore this possibility when analyzing the MLB All Star Game odds may find themselves evaluating the baseball All Star Game odds with several false assumptions.