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2012 National League Betting Futures – MLB Odds

2012 National League Pennant Race

The start of the 2012 MLB regular season is right around the corner as teams continue to gear-up for the 162-game race to the playoffs and shot at making it all the way to this year’s World Series.

Just like any race, there are favorites, contenders and longshots and right now every team still believes it has a chance to win the Pennant. The following is a brief look at each team’s odds to win this season’s National League Pennant as provided by Bovada.

Philadelphia Phillies-9/4

The Phillies’ pitching staff should be enough to get them into the NLCS this season, but there are some genuine health concerns with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.

San Francisco Giants-7/1

San Francisco gets two key parts of its 2010 championship team back in Buster Posey and Freddie Sanchez, who both missed a substantial amount of time last season due to injury.

Atlanta Braves-9/1

The Braves still have the pitching to get back to the playoffs this season, but they are going to need better production from their lineup, most notably Jason Heyward, to contend for the Pennant.

Cincinnati Reds-9/1

Cincinnati still has one of the most potent lineups in the NL behind Joey Votto, but even with adding Mat Latos, its lack of depth in the starting rotation and bullpen once again undermines the Reds’ chances in the postseason.

Miami Marlines-9/1

If everything quickly falls into place for the new cast of characters in Miami led by new manager Ozzie Guillen, the Marlins could be the biggest surprise team in the NL this season.

St. Louis Cardinals-11/1

There will be gaping hole in the Cardinals’ lineup with Albert Pujols off to LA, but a major hole in the starting rotation has been filled with the return of Adam Wainwright from Tommy John surgery.

Arizona Diamondbacks-14/1

The addition of Trevor Cahill to the starting rotation to go along with a lineup that can hit the ball all over the park, add some tremendous value to Arizona’s current odds.

Milwaukee Brewers-14/1

With Prince Fielder off to Detroit, the Brewers will have to rely more heavily on Shaun Marcum and Randy Wolf in the back-end of its starting rotation.

Washington National-15/1

Gio Gonzalez joins Stephen Strasburg to give the Nationals a potent one-two punch in the starting rotation, but it still may take another year or so for Washington to successfully compete in the NL East.

Colorado Rockies-18/1

Colorado is another team that can knock the ball around and score runs, but there are still too many holes in the pitching staff to make a legitimate run at the playoffs.

Los Angeles Dodgers-18/1

If the star power that is still on this roster can return to form in 2012, the Dodgers could make a run at the Giants and D-Backs for the West Division title. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

Chicago Cubs-22/1

The new front office in Chicago led by Theo Epstein will not be able to turn things around over night. So unfortunately the long suffering Cubs’ fans are still a few seasons away from any form of relief.

New York Mets-40/1

The Mets are banking on Johan Santana’s left shoulder holding-up all season long, but it still will not be enough to keep New York out of the basement in the competitive East.

Pittsburgh Pirates-40/1

The Pirates continue to stockpile a wealth of young talent that could be in for a breakout season if everything goes right. But in reality, look for Pittsburgh to fade away after another fast start in 2012.

San Diego Padres-50/1

The addition of Carlos Quentin should add some power to the Padres’ anemic lineup, but the loss of Mat Latos, Aaron Harang, and Heath Bell just further weaken an already depleted San Diego pitching staff.

Houston Astros-100/1

The Astros should be able to improve on last year’s disastrous 106-loss season, but they are basically riding out the string this season before switching over to the AL West in 2013.

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By Dave Schwab

David Schwab is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. While not cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles David can be found working on his blog at www.eaglesinc.com. David wants to hear from you so please comment below.