by Jimmy Vaccaro (Twitter @JimmyVaccaro)
December 13, 2011

We have seen a lot of activity concerning new faces that will show on both the upcoming basketball and baseball seasons.

With that comes small to drastic changes on all aspects of backing your favorite team. How much an individual makes to the success or failure of a team is something that can only be categorized as conjecture.

No one actually knows the definitive answer.

Will Albert Pujols mean 10 more wins for the Angels in a 162 game schedule? How about Chris Paul putting the Lakers back in the finals or making the Clippers legitimate?

I do know from this side of the counter chasing these futures and game prices will have bettors paying a hefty tax, especially early on as the "numbers" get ironed out.

The Angels are the poster child for this year’s futures as money has come in on them. If you missed the early price, you have no one to blame but yourself. Your favorite sports book oddsmaker is only adjusting to the market price of each individual betting prop and you have the first right of refusal.

The flip side also comes into play where the astute punter has the right of taking an adjusted higher price on fading the new "in team." Wherever Pujols, Paul or Dwight Howard land there will be a luxury tax attached.

A few thoughts before you make your move. Think, Miami Heat and Philadelphia Eagles.

By the way, if anyone has some bromo seltzer handy you might want to send some to Jerry Jones. Looks like he might have an upset stomach.

Take care,
Jimmy V.

Re-printed with permission of Gaming Today.