Baseball Betting

Bet on Baseball – Brewers offer great value as World Series pick

Posted on 8/27/2008 5:57:24 PM By T.J. Kendrick

Bet On Baseball – Milwaukee Brewers

• Bet on Baseball: MLB Futures

• Brewers offer best value in World Series odds

• What can stop Milwaukee's run?

The Milwaukee Brewers have asserted themselves over the past few months as a good ball club, but if you're going to bet on baseball, can they be considered true World Series contenders?

Considering how whittled down the field of reasonable MLB futures has become, the Brew Crew actually has great value with +900 odds to win the World Series.

Immediately after Milwaukee acquired C.C. Sabathia, I wrote the balance of power had shifted in the National League and that Milwaukee looks like an even better candidate than I possibly could have imagined.

The pitching, of course, has been excellent. The Brewers could very well finish with the best team era in the majors, let along the National League. Sabathia has been nothing short of dominant, going 8-0 with a 1.59 era since coming aboard.

Milwaukee's ace no. 1a has been pretty sharp himself. Ben Sheets is 12-7 with a 3.05 era this season and, while he's been overshadowed by Sabathia's presence, he's pitching as well as ever.

How many teams have the pitching to compete with that in a playoff series? On short rest, Sabathia and Sheets could pitch four times in a series. You have to like those odds if you're going to bet on baseball in Milwaukee's favor.

The Brewers also feature a potent lineup. Ryan Braun could mash 40 homers this season, and he's just one of many young talents that can smash the baseball, including Prince Fielder (28 homers this season), Mike Cameron (23), J.J. Hardy (20) and Corey Hart (19). with that kind of power, they're a force to be reckoned with.

So am I saying it's an easy bet on baseball? Of course not. The Brewers have weaknesses, concerns. The bullpen is one of them, as journeyman reliever Salomon Torres is the current closer.

He's pitched well this season after taking over for Eric Gagne, saving 25 games with a 2.58 era. But it's asking a lot of Salomon to carry the load come playoff time and expect a flawless performance.

More importantly, there's the Chicago Cubs. the Cubbies have won 13 of their past 10 match-ups against Milwaukee, including four straight in the most recent series. it's not a good sign the Brewers couldn't deliver in a pressure situation.

Still, I stand by my pick. With World Series odds of +900, you'll be hard pressed to find better value than a team feature a prolific offense and two no. 1 pitchers. If you're going to bet on baseball and World Series futures, make it the Milwaukee Brewers.

Visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for the best odds, lines and futures. Be sure to check out the Bettor's Edge daily for the hottest tips and info to help you bet on baseball.

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.