Walk This Way

June 29, 2004

Bodog.com Sportsbook, Casino and Poker™ has released odds on the total Intentional Base on Balls (IBB) Barry Bonds will finish with at the end of the 2004 MLB campaign.

Bonds, who has currently accumulated 57 intentional walks this season, is always a risk for the long ball. With playoff positioning coming into play, his walk tally may be set to increase.

“Bonds is the most feared hitter in baseball today, and rightfully so. He is a risk to knock one out of the park everytime he steps to the plate,” said Rob Gillespie, former book manager and respected industry author. “As we draw closer to the Fall Classic, teams that are jockeying for a playoff spot will be more likely to pitch around the big man.”

With 86 games remaining in the regular season schedule, you can bank on Bonds being intentionally walked several more times before the completion of the season. The current favorite has Bonds finishing the regular season between 108-114 IBB, at 2/1 odds. Right behind the favorite is 101-107 IBB, at 3/1 odds. Other options for this wager include 115-121 IBB at 5/1 odds, 122-128 at 6/1 odds, and 95-100 at 7/1 odds. You can also wager on some lower totals for the season, with 88 or below IBB at 12/1 odds, and 89-94 at 10/1. The long shot option for this wager has Bonds being intentionally walked 135 times or more, currently sitting at 18/1 odds.

“Bonds has accumulated 2179 career walks, and is on pace to become the most walked player in baseball if he can surpass Ricky Henderson's mark of 2191,” said Gillespie. “He could potentially hit his 700th career home run this season, too. That is, of course, if pitchers give him the chance to hit.”

View the Barry Bonds IBB Prop here.