A third of the way through MLB betting, it?s time to reassess the World Series odds. Whose futures have taken a major turn, for better or for worse? Let?s look at some of the major teams to consider at your offshore sportsbook.
World Series odds: Yankees looking strong despite new stadium woes
* Yankees? bats on fire, starting pitching holding up decently
* Red Sox quietly hanging around in the AL East
* Surging Tigers will burn you if you pick them
NEW YORK YANKEES
Opening World Series odds: +350
Current World Series odds: +385
After their massive offseason spending spree, the Yanks were top World Series betting contenders entering the season and their line hasn?t changed much. They currently lead the AL East and, while their new park is getting so much bad PR for allowing homers, many people betting online forget that the Yankees themselves are the ones hitting most of those homers. Mark Teixeira has been a revelation and A-Rod is slowly rounding into form. Aside from C.C. Sabathia, the starting pitching has been a bit spotty, but it?s as good as it needs to be and the Yanks could try and deal for an arm if they?re desperate later in the season.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Opening World Series odds: +1500
Current World Series odds: +525
In a huge turnaround, the Dodgers have gone from sportsbook afterthought to the top World Series betting pick from the National League. Even without Manny Ramirez, the balanced offense continues to cook, with young stars like Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier maturing into true run producers. Chad Billingsley leads an excellent pitching staff, but some of the arms ? Randy Wolf comes to mind ? are overachieving. That may prevent the Dodgers from going all the way.
BOSTON RED SOX
Opening World Series odds: +470
Current World Series odds: +605
The BoSox are playing solid ball, but their World Series odds have slipped slightly. For one, David Ortiz has fallen off the face of the Earth. Secondly, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been nothing like his dominant 2008 self. Thankfully for the BoSox, Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis continue to post MVP-caliber numbers. Don?t forget about John Smoltz?s return, either. The Red Sox are in position to compete hard in World Series betting again.
DETROIT TIGERS
Opening World Series odds: +1900
Current World Series odds: +815
Why the huge climb for the Tigers? Well, Detroit?s NL Central rivals haven?t stepped it up, so they look good to cruise to the AL Central crown. Also, Justin Verlander is emerging as a legit Cy Young candidate. The Tigers have way more holes than the other contenders, especially in the bullpen, so they?re still a long shot to win the Fall Classic.
NEW YORK METS
Opening World Series odds: +550
Current World Series odds: +825
The good news: the Mets? void at closer is totally remedied, as Francisco Rodriguez has been dominant. The bad news: injuries are piling up, with Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado the latest casualties. Can the Mets stay afloat while they wait for their big bats to return? It seems unlikely.
THE BEST OF THE REST
Chicago Cubs (+1015): The more time passes, the more the Cubbies look like a bust. The talent is there, but they just aren?t performing.
Philadelphia Phillies (+1215): Don?t forget about the defending champs. The bats are on fire and they can still acquire another starting pitcher.
St. Louis Cardinals (+1415): If Chris Carpenter stays healthy, the sky?s the limit.
Texas Rangers (+1615): We know what the bats can do, but the pitching has been a surprise. Is it for real?
Los Angeles Angels (+2050): Here?s a nice boom/bust pick. They?re closing on the Rangers fast and the arms are getting healthy again.
For more World Series odds updates, MLB lines and World Series betting tips, check the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com all season long.
World Series odds: Yankees looking strong despite new stadium woes
* Yankees? bats on fire, starting pitching holding up decently
* Red Sox quietly hanging around in the AL East
* Surging Tigers will burn you if you pick them
NEW YORK YANKEES
Opening World Series odds: +350
Current World Series odds: +385
After their massive offseason spending spree, the Yanks were top World Series betting contenders entering the season and their line hasn?t changed much. They currently lead the AL East and, while their new park is getting so much bad PR for allowing homers, many people betting online forget that the Yankees themselves are the ones hitting most of those homers. Mark Teixeira has been a revelation and A-Rod is slowly rounding into form. Aside from C.C. Sabathia, the starting pitching has been a bit spotty, but it?s as good as it needs to be and the Yanks could try and deal for an arm if they?re desperate later in the season.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Opening World Series odds: +1500
Current World Series odds: +525
In a huge turnaround, the Dodgers have gone from sportsbook afterthought to the top World Series betting pick from the National League. Even without Manny Ramirez, the balanced offense continues to cook, with young stars like Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier maturing into true run producers. Chad Billingsley leads an excellent pitching staff, but some of the arms ? Randy Wolf comes to mind ? are overachieving. That may prevent the Dodgers from going all the way.
BOSTON RED SOX
Opening World Series odds: +470
Current World Series odds: +605
The BoSox are playing solid ball, but their World Series odds have slipped slightly. For one, David Ortiz has fallen off the face of the Earth. Secondly, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been nothing like his dominant 2008 self. Thankfully for the BoSox, Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis continue to post MVP-caliber numbers. Don?t forget about John Smoltz?s return, either. The Red Sox are in position to compete hard in World Series betting again.
DETROIT TIGERS
Opening World Series odds: +1900
Current World Series odds: +815
Why the huge climb for the Tigers? Well, Detroit?s NL Central rivals haven?t stepped it up, so they look good to cruise to the AL Central crown. Also, Justin Verlander is emerging as a legit Cy Young candidate. The Tigers have way more holes than the other contenders, especially in the bullpen, so they?re still a long shot to win the Fall Classic.
NEW YORK METS
Opening World Series odds: +550
Current World Series odds: +825
The good news: the Mets? void at closer is totally remedied, as Francisco Rodriguez has been dominant. The bad news: injuries are piling up, with Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado the latest casualties. Can the Mets stay afloat while they wait for their big bats to return? It seems unlikely.
THE BEST OF THE REST
Chicago Cubs (+1015): The more time passes, the more the Cubbies look like a bust. The talent is there, but they just aren?t performing.
Philadelphia Phillies (+1215): Don?t forget about the defending champs. The bats are on fire and they can still acquire another starting pitcher.
St. Louis Cardinals (+1415): If Chris Carpenter stays healthy, the sky?s the limit.
Texas Rangers (+1615): We know what the bats can do, but the pitching has been a surprise. Is it for real?
Los Angeles Angels (+2050): Here?s a nice boom/bust pick. They?re closing on the Rangers fast and the arms are getting healthy again.
For more World Series odds updates, MLB lines and World Series betting tips, check the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com all season long.
