By Chris Harris Contributor
Updated 2/24/23 4:24pm ET
The first day back in the gym means two things: a renewed vigor to get in shape and a guaranteed “I can’t shampoo my own hair” level of soreness in your body the next day. Anytime you haven’t done something in a while, there will be some “rust” and soreness. It’s no different in wagering.
If you want to be successful at betting on the games, you must approach it differently than you would during the regular season. This is particularly valid during the first several weeks of spring training. Here are five recommendations for making winning wagers on early spring training games.
Choose Your Players Carefully
The players use spring training to get back in game shape so you should use it to improve your betting skills as a gambler. Although there are many games being played, you still need to exercise at least equal amounts of discipline as you would have in September. Stay focused, be disciplined, and look for the same advantages you normally do during the regular season. You’re rusty, not incompetent, but recognize that.
Pay Close Attention To Who Is Playing
At spring training, teams virtually never use the regular-season roster. In addition to testing out players in new positions on the field or in the batting order, teams also want to determine if the bench players are prepared for a bigger role. Before you select a game, try your best to learn who will be participating in that game. It’s trickier in spring training.
Split Squad Scrimmages Can Be Your Friend
When a team has two games on the same day, it is evident that it cannot deploy its best lineup for each contest. A mismatch may occur when a complete squad plays a split squad. Look for these opportunities as one team is usually more competitive on paper than the other.
Don’t Bet On Pitchers In Spring Training
The pitchers you selected are less important in the spring than they are during the season. They are not yet in mid-season form and in the first few starts, they will rarely go longer than two or three innings. In the summer, your betting choice may revolve around the starters, but in the spring, they are significantly less important.
Don’t Bet “Big”
Betting on regular season games is a much more educated bet than betting on spring training games. Spring training has far less certainty and less of a track record. It stands to reason that you would place fewer bets per game in the spring than you will once you have studied, analyzed, and agonized along with your team.
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