It’s almost October, meaning MLB playoffs betting is upon us. Which teams have the best World Series odds from online sportsbooks? Let’s briefly examine each potential playoff squad and what its chances are in the 2008 MLB playoffs.
Arizona Diamondbacks
A disappointing season for Arizona. The Diamondbacks have plenty of good young talent but they just haven’t put it together this season. But next year their MLB playoffs odds could improve.
Boston Red Sox
It doesn’t matter if the Red Sox qualify for October baseball via a division title or Wild Card—either way, nobody should be looking forward to playing the division champs. Boston has been a scrappy squad this season and it’s likely the team is enjoying its “underdog” status relative to the surprising Rays.
Chicago Cubs
Is this the year there can actually be Cubbies World Series betting? With an imposing lineup and dominant pitching, it’s sure looking like it. Not many teams boast Chicago’s overall talent.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have surprised odds makers with a nice season. They pack a lot of punch and should lead the American League in homers. That said, there’s a lot of other clubs in the mix that are simply much more talented overall.
Florida Marlins
The Marlins have been a pleasant surprise this season, but it’s not their year. Watch out for 2009 World Series lines, though, as this young squad could improve.
Houston Astros
Is there anything to the incredible September push? Probably not. Even if this team somehow gets in, don’t expect favorable MLB playoffs lines. They’re nowhere near good enough to seriously contend.
Los Angeles Angels
Look out. The Angels are absolutely loaded and seem to do everything right. They’ve played fantastic baseball over the past few months and, if they can keep it up, they’ve got great World Series odds.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have clawed their way into contention. The pitching is solid and Manny Ramirez is a force in the middle of the lineup, but they likely don’t have quite enough talent to get past teams like Chicago and Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Brewers
Not a single team wants to face Milwaukee in the playoffs—if they make it before a meltdown—because of multiple starts against C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets. The Brew Crew can hit, too, but with that rotation who needs it? Potentially a great value pick.
Minnesota Twins
Somehow, they’ve done it again, managing to stay competitive despite a tiny payroll. But while a division title might be nice, the Twins don’t have the fire power to impact MLB playoffs betting.
New York Mets
Can New York right its historic collapse from a year ago? Only time will tell, but the pitching staff is growing tired and sore. There could be trouble on the horizon.
New York Yankees
Even if they somehow sneak into the postseason, New York isn’t likely to make much noise. Expect big changes in the offseason, however, and some nice 2009 World Series lines.
Philadelphia Phillies
They seem a little up-and-down at times, but the Phillies certainly have the talent to compete for a world title, something Philadelphians have gone without for far too long.
St. Louis Cardinals
Albert Pujols is carrying this team on his back right now. It’s been an impressive effort, but one player doesn’t make a team in the postseason. Count St. Louis out for MLB playoffs odds.
Tampa Bay Rays
Everyone expected the Rays to succumb to the pressure and fall apart during baseball’s stretch run. Thanks to excellent pitching, Tampa Bay has gone from favorite to finished last in the AL East to a favorite to win the whole thing.
Toronto Blue Jays
This has been a different team under manager Cito Gaston. Suddenly, a horrendous offense is respectable, and that’s all Toronto needs with its phenomenal pitching staff. They likely won’t be there for World Series betting, but nobody wants to face the Jays rotation.
T.J.’s World Series pick: A lot of good teams here for MLB playoffs betting. I can’t pick against the Angels, though. They’ve got a lot of juice in the rotation and lineup and, considering how well they’ve played for months now, there’s no reason to rule against the favorites and their World Series odds at this point.
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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.
