Kentucky Derby betting players know the importance of a fast start out of the gate, and this also translates well to the 2009 MLB season, as there are a few teams that have raced out to a solid beginning. However, baseball betting players will notice one squad that is limping out of the gate rather than running after entering the season as a World Series betting favorite in your offshore sportsbook.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays’ problem in 2008 was hitting, as in there wasn’t enough of it going on. However, Toronto has scored more runs than anyone in the majors, led by Aaron Hill and Adam Lind. Vernon Wells and Alex Rios haven’t even gotten going yet, which makes for a frightening prospect. Roy Halladay hasn’t had his best stuff, but he’s still better than 98% of the American League’s pitchers, but the real surprise has been rookie Ricky Romero, who has stepped up huge since Jesse Litsch went on the disabled list. There’s a major concern at closer with B.J. Ryan, and if the Jays can fix that, why not take a baseball betting chance on them?

Florida Marlins

You can never count the Marlins out, as they always stay competitive after dumping salaries. Last year they were seven games over .500, and this year they’ve stormed out to a big lead in the National League East. Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla are driving runs in, while Cody Ross is proving last year was no fluke. Ricky Nolasco hasn’t pitched that well, but the trio of Anibal Sanchez, Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad are making up for it. If the Marlins are going to stay with the Mets and Braves, their pitching needs to stay on top of things.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals have allowed the fewest runs in all of baseball, led by Zack Greinke, who hasn’t allowed a run in his first 20 innings of work. Gil Meche and Kyle Davies have also been impressive. However, the Royals are second-last in runs scored in the American League, and unless their bats can get going, online betting players should take a chance on these Royals odds. Still, the pitching to start the season has been amazing.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are another young team who probably won’t keep this pace up, and they scored the fewest runs in the National League, Johnny Cueto and Aaron Harang have been great, and Bronson Arroyo, despite having a high ERA, has won his first three starts. All the Reds need is for Edinson Volquez to get it going, and Cincinnati’s pitching will keep them in a lot of games. Still, it’s the Reds, so be cautious of their baseball betting odds.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels, as the massive favorites to win the American League West, have gotten off to a slow start, but they also had to deal with the death of Nick Adenhart immediately after he made his first start for the club. Vladdy Guerrero is also hurt, and Howie Kendrick isn’t looking at all like the career .300 hitter that he is. Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders have been solid, at best, but the Angels are sorely missing John Lackey and Ervin Santana. If the Angels want to maintain their baseball betting status, they need their pitching to get healthy in a bad way.