From the first time I stepped in Tiger Stadium in the 60's I have been a diehard American league fan and these days that is a real good thing, from a sports betting perspective. Through last night's games the AL is a remarkable 127-75 (62.8%) which with the exception of the Tigers and White Sox would be the best record in baseball.

The White Sox and the Red Sox are a ridiculous 25-3, Tampa 10-5 and even the pathetic Royals are 8-7. On the flip side if you like betting on Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Arizona, you would be in serious trouble as their combined record is an astonishing 5-29.

Here's some more juicy numbers to digest! The AL has won eight straight World Series games, is 7-3 in the last 10 series and has not lost an All Star game in 9 years.

Changing managers in Pittsburgh has accomplished zip and residents of the Steel City are fortunate that they have Bill Cowher and the Steelers. The Buckaroos have now lost 13 straight, are winless for more than two weeks and broke the modern-era (since 1900) club record of 12 straight losses set in 1939. The only longer losing streak in Pittsburgh's major league history was a 23-game slide by the Alleghenies in 1890.

Until the current streak -- one that has all but assured them of a 14th consecutive losing season -- the Pirates had not lost more than 10 in a row in 38 years or more than 11 in a row in 51 years. Their current 13-year streak of losing seasons is the longest in the majors and three short of the Phillies' major league record.

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams may not be impressed with his manager Ozzie Guillan's actions but we live in a results orientated society and the Wizard gets the job done. The World Series champions won their 11th in 12 games and 13th in 15 games. They are 12-2 in interleague play and have won their last eight series since dropping two of three to the Rangers from June 2-4.

One positive note with the exception of the Mets from the NL is the gutsy play of the San Francisco Giants who are just two games back in the crazy NL West. Their starting staff is just 39-38 and their team batting average just .260 but hey have been getting timely hits like last nights grand slam by Ray Durham.

Bob Acton

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