“The Freak” looks to make it two in a row

Tim Lincecum may have been a surprise to MLB betting players last year, but the tiny San Francisco righthander should be the favorite in this year’s race for the National League Cy Young award. However, he won’t be the only one worth considering in your offshore sportsbook, as his main competition comes from a man who is trying to become the fourth pitcher win the Cy Young in both leagues.

Tim Linecum, San Francisco Giants

Lincecum rolled through the NL with an 18-5 mark, a 2.62 ERA and an MLB-best 261 strikeouts en route to the Cy Young. The scary thing is, the 24-year-old is getting even better, as it’s rumored that his changeup is improved from last season. Lincecum’s strange delivery baffles hitters, and when he uncoils to the plate to throw in the high 90s, it’s pretty much over. MLB betting odds will be all over Lincecum this year.

Johan Santana, New York Mets

Only Gaylord Perry, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson have won the Cy Young in both leagues. Santana is looking to join them, as he won with Minnesota in 2004 and 2006. Santana finished third in the voting after going 16-7, and his 2.53 led the majors. He also threw an NL-topping 227.0 innings. “Johan the Great” had offseason knee surgery and some elbow soreness, but even if he’s not ready for Opening Day, expect MLB odds to give him a great chance at the Cy Young.

Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks

Webb was well within range of his second Cy Young to add to the one he won in 2006, but a losing three-game stretch in which he allowed 19 runs, along with the Diamondbacks’ subsequent collapse, handed the trophy to Lincecum. Those who bet sports shouldn’t avoid Webb, who was 22-7 with an ERA of 3.30, as the Arizona ace is guaranteed to eat up innings, and his sinkerball is almost legendary.

Dan Haren, Arizona Diamondbacks

The 28-year-old also slipped a little late in his first full season in the desert, but with Haren and Webb in the Arizona lineup, the Diamondbacks’s MLB odds should be good once again. Haren finished 16-8 with an ERA of 3.33, and due to his outlandish 40 walks allowed, he was third in the NL in WHIP. With a full year in the NL under his belt, Haren could end up passing Webb on the Arizona staff.

Cole Hamels, Phialdelphia Phillies

Last year’s dominating performance in the postseason may have given Hamels even more confidence, as he was named MVP of the World Series as well as the NLCS by posting a 4-0 mark with a 1.80 ERA. Hamels’ regular season was very solid, as he was 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA, and he tossed a career-high 227.1 innings. Hamels will probably be the MLB betting underdog in this group, but as far as underdogs go, you can’t get much better.

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