MLB playoff betting – Dodgers vs Phillies odds
Posted on 10/6/2008 4:31:01 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
Dodgers vs Phillies odds – Los Angeles and Philadelphia last teams standing in National League
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WHO: Los Angeles Dodgers (+115) vs Philadelphia Phillies (-125)
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WHAT: MLB playoff betting
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WHEN: Thursday, October 9 at 8:15 p.m. ET
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WHERE: Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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KEY STATS: Season series was tied 4-4; both teams won their four home meetings
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PICK: Dodgers +115
Dodgers vs Phillies odds are just about at a pick with the Phillies slightly favored because of their home-field advantage.
That type of betting line indicates there’s really no favorite in this series. Both teams are fairly equal and both were the two hottest National League teams in the month of September.
If you are trying to figure out your Dodgers vs Phillies pick, you have to factor that the teams split their eight meetings this year with each team winning their four home games.
In many ways, they mirror each other very well.
Neither team really has a conventional ace but both starting rotations have starters who are pitching lights out, such as Cole Hamels and Chad Billingsley, and Brett Myers and Derek Lowe. Both teams also have stellar bullpens with lights out closers in the back end.
The main difference between the squads is two-fold: the way they bat and manage.
Philadelphia will be the sexier prediction for Dodgers vs Phillies betting. The team hits with much more power and finished second in the Major Leagues with 214 home runs. But the main question mark is the Phillies’ consistency of hitting. They batted .255 as a team and some online betting sharps wonder whether they rely on the long ball too much.
The Dodgers, on the other hand, had the fifth-best team batting in the National League and have hit significantly better—for power and average—since acquiring Manny Ramirez. While the Phillies used their power to get by the Brewers, the Dodgers had plenty of protracted rallies and put a lot of pressure on the Chicago Cubs starting pitching and defense.
The other main difference is at manager. While Phillies fans are always nervous about Charlie Manuel, Dodgers manager Joe Torre is one of the most experienced coaches in the business. He’s been to the playoffs for 12 straight seasons and there isn’t much that he hasn’t seen.
TJ’S PICK: The Dodgers were very poised and relaxed in their opening-round sweep of the National League favorite, so online betting minds know that it’s unlikely they’ll get rattled in the National League Championship Series either. I really like the value Dodgers vs Phillies odds are offering the underdog. Bet on the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for all you World Series odds, lines and props, and check out the Bettor’s Edge for more tips and info on Dodgers vs Phillies odds.
T.J. Kendrick is the biggest baseball nut and a
brilliant MLB handicapper. His love of the game borders on obsession, and he
takes every chance he gets to make excellent predictions, frequently
contributing to industry handicapping sites as well as BetOnline.com. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
