MLB odds – World Series Futures update
Would it be that shocking in the Belmont Stakes odds to see a long shot like Miner’s Escape leading the pack partway through race? After all, the Florida Marlins started the season 11-1, Rafael Nadal lost on clay and the Cleveland Cavaliers failed to reach the NBA Finals.
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We’ve reached the one-third mark of MLB odds betting this season and it’s safe to say that there have been some major surprises so far. Teams that were massive long shots according to MLB futures suddenly seem to have a shot. But how do you distinguish between the contenders and pretenders at this juncture? Let’s review some of the more intriguing MLB betting picks for the World Series.
NEW YORK YANKEES
Opening Day MLB odds: +900
Current MLB odds: +400
As much negative press as New Yankee Stadium is getting, MLB betting players seem to forget that the Bronx Bombers are doing just fine with their new stadium. They’re giving up more runs than normal but they’re also scoring a ton, with Mark Teixeira leading the way of late. C.C. Sabathia seems to get better as the season goes and Alex Rodriguez is only getting warmed up. The Yanks aren’t a total lock with A.J. Burnett struggling a bit, Andy Pettitte pitching through pain and Phil Hughes still a wild card, but they’re a very strong World Series pick.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Opening Day MLB odds: +800
Current MLB odds: +450
Offshore sportsbook fans are quickly getting used to the phrase “No Manny, no problem.” The Dodgers’ offense is for real, even without its top slugger. The biggest obstacle for L.A. is rotation depth; Chad Billingsley is an ace and Clayton Kershaw has shown flashes of brilliance, but Derek Lowe’s offseason departure really smarts. Acquiring another arm before the trade deadline would go a long way for the Dodgers; in fact, it would likely make them the best bet to win the World Series.
BOSTON RED SOX
Opening Day MLB odds: +650
Current MLB odds: +450
Even with Big Papi struggling mightily, the Red Sox are settled into their usual comfy place near the top of the American League. Jason Bay is having the season of his life so far, while Kevin Youkilis is proving 2008 was no fluke. Better yet for the BoSox MLB odds, Daisuke Matsuzaka is back and John Smoltz isn’t far away from making his Boston debut. The Red Sox are as good an offshore sportsbook pick as any going forward.
NEW YORK METS
Opening Day MLB odds: +1600
Current MLB odds: +1200
So far, so good for the Mets new and improved bullpen. Starting pitching is still a bit of a problem after Johan Santana, but the hitting lineup is flourishing despite injuries to José Reyes and Carlos Delgado. Gary Sheffield has filled in admirably in a surprising comeback story and is a big reason why the Mets are still contenders. The Mets’ World Series odds aren’t nearly as strong as those for the teams listed above, but they seem poised to fight for a playoff berth all season long.
CHICAGO CUBS
Opening Day MLB odds: +750
Current MLB odds: +600
Here’s a curious one; the Cubbies were the top MLB odds pick for many fans of betting online entering the season yet have hovered around the .500 mark so far. How have their odds to win improved? Odds makers must believe that the strong early-season runs by the Cards, Brewers and Reds are flashes in the pan. The Cubs will need more consistency from all their star players if they want another shot at breaking the World Series curse this year.
OTHER TEAMS TO CONSIDER
Tampa Bay Rays (Current MLB odds: +1500) – Nice value here. They have the talent and could climb back into the race with a strong June.
Philadelphia Phillies (+1500) – You could do a lot worse with baseball betting lines. Still leading their division and Raul Ibanez looks like the NL MVP frontrunner so far. Pitching woes may sink them this year, though.
Texas Rangers (+5000) – Trap pick here. Great value and the offense is rolling, but the pitching is overachieving based on its not-so-great pedigree. The Rangers’ don’t have the arms to go far in the playoffs if they reach the dance.
Toronto Blue Jays (+3500) – The heartwarming early season story was nice, but the Jays are fading fast. The hitting could only stay hot so long and, just like the Rangers, the Jays don’t’ have the rotation depth or talent to stay competitive, especially in the toughest division in MLB betting.
St. Louis Cardinals (+1100) – As Chris Carpenter goes, so do the Cardinals. They have that same plucky cohesiveness that helped them win the World Series in 2006, but health is their greatest adversary. A high-risk, moderate-reward play for those who wager on sports.
