Ben Clemens explains why Fangraphs rates the O’s playoff odds so low

[deward]

26 minutes ago, eddie83 said:

 

I think this is a bit unfair. Clearly they have a ton of money but look at who they have drafted/signed as Int players. Plus great under the radar pickups. 
 

Drafted 

Gonsolin

Kershaw- I know long time ago 

May 

Smith 

Lux

Bellinger 

Urias (AFA)

Brought in Turner when he wasn’t anything special. Got Muncy off the scrap heap. Had enough prospects to trade for Trea Turner and Max Scherzer last year. 
 

Now clearly they have the money to sign FA’s and retain their own as well as sign Betts to a long term deal. That said they have been the best organization in the sport for awhile now. 

I think the only big free agent on their roster is Freeman. Unless I'm missing someone, their other key guys were all home-grown or from trades. Their farm system delivers a remarkable stream of talent, that allows them to both trade for other team's stars and plug holes internally. 

[Lurker]

6 hours ago, Frobby said:

Oh really?   What makes you say so?   What does the site get out of influencing gambling?

Why would any site post the “odds” for a specific game or playoff outcome if not to influence or encourage betting in some form or another? 
 

Oh yeah, “entertainment value.”

As for what they get out of it (beyond the obvious membership or ad revenue) I don’t know, nor do you.

BTW, I don’t care if they get a kickback from a gambling site. Nor do I care if people bet on sports. Not my business.

I just think it is naive to believe that a site that spends so much time, energy and money to crunch as much data as they do is doing it just for the fans.

You can believe otherwise, I won’t hold it against you.