A Few Thing To Consider When Handicapping 2nd Half Of Baseball

Statistically, you do not need to alter statistical ratings, as the pitcher and hitters will continue to perform to their average. There is no emotional letdowns in baseball for the non-contenders as they are professionals and have a job to do, not too mention their performance will reflect on their opportunities come free agent or trade time.

The most important factor is the "trades" being made by the "contenders". Teams who are in the mix of vying for a playoff spot will look to fill gaps in their roster to make the 2nd half run at the playoffs. These could be significant pick ups especially in the pitching rotation or the bullpen. Of course if you handicap baseball on a individual player by player power rating, this is no problem as you just transfer their current statistics into their new team and your team power rating will automatically be updated. (This is the method I use).

The next most important is the fact that managers of the  "contenders" will not shuffle the starting lineup as will a non-contender manager. Non-contending teams will always be looking to the future, not that they won't play hard, but you could see a lot of young players getting more opportunity to play. A contender versus a non contender is always a matchup you should pay close attention. Reading the team writeups and the managers pre-game and post game interviews will be a big asset to catching the right spot in these games.

Another thing to look at as the season winds down, is the teams that "are in". Those that have already locked up a playoff berth, will on some occasions start to rest some starters in preparation of the playoffs. However, you must be aware of these teams because there still may be a home advantage at stake even though they have made the playoffs.

I also like to look for teams that are "peaking" or on "downslides". Teams that have had great starts to the season possibly playing over their potential, may start to come back to reality. Momentum in any sport going into the playoff run is always a key factor. Watching for matchups of teams on winning streaks versus those on the downside will invariably get you a few extra wins.

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