Diamondbacks odds – Young bats must improve for D-Backs to contend
Arizona Diamondbacks odds reflect a young team that probably overachieved in 2007 and underachieved in 2008.
If you’re betting on the Diamondbacks' sports betting lines, you want to know which D-backs team is the real one—the dynamic young squad that went 90-72 and won the NL West, or last season’s disappointing group that lumbered to an 82-80 season?
Arizona Diamondbacks odds: +1000 to win the World Series
- Webb, Haren among the game’s best one-two punches
- Scherzer ready to dominate as a starter
- Upton struggling to harness vast potential
There’s plenty to like about Arizona’s lineup, as it’s bursting with young, multi-tooled talent. In Chris Young and Justin Upton, Diamondbacks betting fans have two pure athletes blessed with power and speed. Upton, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2005, has tremendous raw ability—he lead the majors in average home run distance last year at 417 feet—but he’s a work in progress. He strikes out a ton and hit just .190 this spring. He has a ways to go before he’s an elite player.
Speaking of strikeouts, Mark Reynolds provides power from the hot corner while swinging wildly at anything resembling a baseball. He set a major-league record with 204 strikeouts last season while also leading major-league third basemen in errors, but he does give the D-Backs pop. Steady, smooth-swinging Conor Jackson will also anchor an Arizona lineup that has power but lacks patience.
Pitching should again be a strength for the Diamondbacks odds. Brandon Webb is a bona fide ace and Dan Haren was just as stellar last year; the pair should be good for 35 wins at the absolute minimum this season. Joining them in the rotation will be youngster Max Scherzer. The highly touted flamethrower mowed down the competition in his major-league debut last season, whiffing 66 batters in 56 innings. Assuming he can overcome some early-season shoulder soreness, he should become a key part of the Arizona rotation this season.
If you’re going to bet on the Diamondbacks, be wary of a few lost pieces from their once-dynamic bullpen over the last few seasons. Still, their relievers should be adequate to get by on MLB odds. Chad Qualls will close to start the season and, while he’s an effective pitcher, he has more blown saves than saves in his career. Gulp. If he falters, Tony Pena, who doesn’t overpower hitters, will likely get a chance to close.
It’s safe to say the D-Backs will contend with the Dodgers in the NL West this season, as it’s shaping up to be a weak division. Online betting fans know their starting pitching will put them in position to win plenty of games. However, if you’re going to bet on the Diamondbacks, you must believe their young hitters will improve in 2009.
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Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
