World Series betting – Phillies vs Rays odds
Posted on 10/20/2008 4:05:29 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
Phillies vs Rays odds: Can Philadelphia finally win a championship?
- WHO: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- WHAT: World Series betting
- WHEN: Wednesday, October 22 at 8:20 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay, Florida
- KEY STATS: Rays lead all-time series against Phillies 8-2
- PICK: Rays -145
If there are any MLB betting sharps out there who logged onto World Series betting at their sportsbook last spring and predicted the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies together in October, they’re laughing all the way to the bank right now.
The Tampa Bay Rays are the favorites on Phillies vs Rays odds. For the casual baseball bettors out there—that’s not a typo. After nearly a decade of floundering at the bottom of the American League East standings, the Rays embarked on a magical season that now has the potential to cap off with a World Series title.
Somehow, manager Joe Maddon has instilled belief and discipline in a young bunch that seemed almost content losing over the past few campaigns. Recent draft picks such as B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria have blossomed at exactly the right time, while clever trades, such as the one for ALCS MVP Matt Garza, have all panned out.
Squandering has been a way of life for not only the Philadelphia Phillies, but Pennsylvania sports teams in general, since the 1970s. Despite a powerful lineup featuring Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, the National League champions find themselves in a familiar spot as underdogs on the Phillies vs Rays line.
Closer Brad Lidge has continued his dominance throughout the postseason, helping steamroll the Brewers and Dodgers despite concerns about his consistency come playoff time. Part of the reason why the Phillies are World Series odds underdogs is their offensive output hasn’t been quite as dynamic as the Rays’. However, it’s fair to say that the entire squad has chipped in at the plate when it’s counted.
Making a Phillies vs Rays picks will be no simple task, as both teams are coming in on fire and are relatively evenly matched. Both have power and plenty of speed dispersed throughout their lineup. Because of their speed, the Rays and Phils can manufacture runs in every inning.
The one World Series odds advantage Philly has on its roster is a decidedly more-proven bullpen. Due to Philadelphia’s lefty-heavy lineup, rookie David Price will be dealt a daunting task in getting monsters such as Howard out throughout the series.
T.J.’S PICK: The Phillies’ nearly two-week layoff may be their downfall in this World Series betting match-up. The Colorado Rockies and Detroit Tigers have suffered the same fate in the past two Fall Classics after meteoric runs to the final. Like the Rays, the winners in both those years—Boston and St. Louis—endured a seven-game series to reach the final.
Tampa Bay appears to be a team of destiny and has already defeated the best team in the playoffs in the ALCS—the Boston Red Sox. Get good value out of the low juice being offered on World Series odds and take the Rays in six on the Phillies vs Rays odds.
The BetOnline.com Sportsbook will take care of all your World Series odds needs, and check in with the Betting Edge regularly for more tips on World Series betting.
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.
