2011 MLB Over/Under Predictions: Baltimore Orioles Total Team Wins Projection – MLB Betting

2011 Baltimore Orioles Team Wins Over/Under Predictions and Projection – Team Preview, Analysis and MLB Betting Tips on Baltimore Orioles 2011 Season: During the offseason the Baltimore Orioles retooled their batting order through free agency. The moves have the O’s over/under for wins at 76 ½ in 2011. The problem with that projection is that the additions to Baltimore’s lineup came about five to 10 years too late. Bringing in Vladimir Guerrero, Mark Reynolds, J.J. Hardy and Derek Lee at this point in their careers isn’t going to change Baltimore’s outlook.

Granted, Guerrero had an excellent year in 2010, but he clearly slowed down in the second half. He isn’t getting any younger, and his back and knees aren’t getting any healthier. Lee is coming off several injury plagued seasons as well and isn’t the .300 hitter that he used to be. Reynolds and Hardy can hit their share of home runs, but both players struggle to stay above the Mendoza line.

In fact, all four of Baltimore’s big additions are likely to push 150-plus strikeouts this season. Instead of striking fear into opposing pitchers, opposing pitchers are going to be striking out Baltimore batters. Couple that with the fact that table setter Brian Roberts is coming off an injury in 2010 as well, and consistent offense could be scarce for the Orioles.

The pitching staff isn’t going to make up for the dry spells either. Aside from Jeremy Guthrie, the O’s don’t have a reliable starter to turn to. Not to mention the fact that having Kevin Gregg at closer is going to lead to some heart stopping ninth innings for manager Buck Showalter. Gregg has a combined 22 blown saves in the last three seasons.

In the last three years, the Orioles have managed 64, 68 and 66 wins. In each of those seasons, Baltimore has finished dead last in the American League East. That division isn’t getting any easier with the Yankes, Red Sox and Devil Rays all vying for playoff spots on a yearly basis. The Orioles made a lot of moves this offseason, but the finished product isn’t any better than last year’s model. This is an easy pick for bettors.

Projection: Under 76 ½ Wins

Check out the 2011 MLB Team Wins Over/Under Odds and Predictions and 2011 MLB Preseason Power Rankings on every MLB Baseball team heading into the 2011 MLB season.