MLB fans already know that one of the most intriguing storylines from the 2015 Major League Baseball season is the return of Alex Rodriguez to the field for the New York Yankees. There are some people (including the management of his team) who would likely prefer that he retire, or just disappear. However, there are others who are happy to see him moving toward possible redemption, showing more humility while continuing to hit home run after home run. He just moved past Willie Mays on the home run list, moving past 660 to continue his assault on Barry Bonds’ total of 762.A-Rod’s not likely to catch Bonds during 2015 or 2016, so if he catches him at all, it will be further down his road back into the game. However, there are some long-standing records that could fall during this campaign. Let’s take a look at some of the possible candidates and how they will change the MLB betting lines.
Hits in a Season (263)
This record doesn’t have as much glitz as the home run title, but it does bear testament to a player’s willingness to grind away, game after game and even pitch after pitch to reach base safely. When Pete Rose was chasing the base hit record that had stood since Ty Cobb ran the bases, his methodical chipping away of the huge numbers, day after day, brought the attention of the entire nation. While his reputation was later marred by his betting scandal, there’s no denying the allure of watching the Hit King at work.Season ERA (1.11)
The Texas Rangers’ Nick Martinez still has an ERA below 1.00 into the middle of May, but other teams are showing signs of figuring out his tendency to throw those first-pitch fastballs. Pinpoint control such as his is masterful, but many think that his stuff isn’t dominant enough to mow down hitters once he starts going through the league a second or third time.FINAL: Rangers win 2-1 over the Rays! pic.twitter.com/SVZ5DNjf0y
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 10, 2015