A writer covering the Colorado Rockies recently remarked, “The last at bat in Coors Field is the best advantage in all of baseball.” Many people around the country may not have any interest in the last-place Rockies, or get to see them play much. But for sports bettors, it’s important too look at the strengths and weaknesses of all teams, both home and away. This can provide good opportunities to go on or against certain teams in certain situations.

Coors Field in Colorado is unique and has been since the Rockies started playing in 1993. In short, it’s a pitcher’s nightmare, the main reason being the higher altitude in Denver results in baseballs traveling much further than all the other major league parks.

While checking the web sites and local newspapers of baseball teams last week, I read a comment by the Red Sox’ Ellis Burks, who used to play in Colorado. Even though he was on the DL, he was brought along by the Red Sox on their trip to Denver late last week to give some tips to his teammates about what to expect in crazy Coors.

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Burks remarked that he always felt the Rockies had an edge in the first game of a series being played in Denver. The combination of the thin air, the configurations of the park and even the psychological aspect on opposing pitchers gave Colorado an edge at home, Burks suggested. I was curious to see if the Rockies won more opening games of a series than they lost at home, which could provide significant betting advantages.

Perhaps when Burks played there during the 1990s this was the case, but over the last three years it hasn’t. And sports bettors are always interested in what’s working now and not five years ago. In 2002, Colorado went 12-13 in the first game of a series at home, in 2003 the Rockies went 13-12, and this season they are 5-6.

However, while Colorado doesn’t appear to have an edge in Game 1 of a series, there’s no doubt the Rockies do have a significant edge overall at home, and they have for some time. In 2002 the Rockies were 47-34 at home, but 26-55 on the road. In 2003 they were 49-32 in Coors Field, 25-56 on the road. This season, the Rockies started a miserable 8-25 on the road, yet are 17-17 at home.

While they haven’t had a significant statistical won/loss edge in the first game of a series, the Rockies are a team that you have to look at as two distinctly different teams. The Rockies at home are a competitive bunch, even as an underdog. When Burks came to town last week, the Rockies were a +120 and +180 underdog to the Red Sox, yet won the first two games (topping Curt Schilling, 7-6). They continued that trend by smacking the high-priced Orioles around this weekend, 5-3 and 11-6.

But on the road, there is that other Rockies’ team, one that is very different – and very bad. Colorado is the most glaring example, but there are other teams that fall into categories like this, as well. A part of sports betting is searching for inflated numbers and value. For example, the Rockies, among others, as a home dog, are often worth a close look and potential play.