Blake Snell of the San Francisco Giants and Jordan Montgomery of the Arizona Diamondbacks: Analyzing Their Seasons and Betting Potential
Snell: Struggles with Consistency
Snell, now with the Giants, has had a challenging season. With 65 innings pitched and 45 strikeouts, Snell has not lived up to expectations. Despite his strong strikeout ability, his overall performance has been disappointing for both fantasy owners and the Giants.
Lessons for Fantasy and MLB Owners
The main takeaway for fantasy owners and MLB team owners is to be cautious with players who hold out of camp or sign late. Snell’s struggles might be a result of not having a full preparation period, impacting his consistency and control. For fantasy owners, investing in players with uncertain preseason conditions can be risky.
Montgomery: Struggles with Control
Montgomery of the Diamondbacks has also faced difficulties this season. Known for his touch and feel rather than overpowering velocity, Montgomery has struggled to hit his spots consistently. This inconsistency has resulted in a lackluster performance, making him a less reliable option for fantasy and real-life baseball.
Montgomery’s Potential for Improvement
While Montgomery’s season has been underwhelming, there is a possibility for a slight improvement in the second half. His pitching style relies heavily on control and precision, and if he can regain his feel, he might perform better. However, expecting a significant turnaround might be overly optimistic. Fantasy owners should temper their expectations and consider Montgomery as a cautious play.
Betting Angles: Snell and Montgomery
From a betting perspective, both pitchers present interesting challenges. Betting on a resurgence for either Snell or Montgomery is risky given their season-long struggles. However, betting against them or focusing on specific game props such as strikeout totals or earned runs allowed might offer value.
Snell Betting Strategies:
- Strikeout Props: Given his ability to rack up strikeouts, betting on Snell to achieve a certain number of strikeouts in a game could be profitable.
- Against Run Line: Considering his inconsistency, betting against the Giants when Snell is starting might be a strategic move.
Montgomery Betting Strategies:
- Earned Runs Over: Given his control issues, betting on the over for earned runs allowed in a game could be worthwhile.
- Team Totals: If Montgomery’s struggles continue, betting on the opposing team’s total runs might offer value.
Conclusion
Both Snell and Montgomery have had disappointing seasons, and while there is some potential for improvement, significant turnarounds are unlikely. Fantasy owners and bettors should approach with caution, focusing on specific game props rather than expecting consistent high-level performances. The key lesson is to be wary of players who miss substantial preseason preparation, as it can significantly impact their season-long performance.
