Cardinals vs Dodgers Odds - 'Big Three' will pitch the Cards past the Dodgers
Make no mistake; the Cardinals vs Dodgers odds are the series to watch in the opening round of MLB playoff betting. Each team is a star-studded powerhouse that won’t consider its season a success unless it reaches the World Series. The Dodgers have more depth, but the Cardinals have better top-end talent.
Cardinals vs Dodgers Odds: St. Louis’ starting pitching trumps L.A.’s deep hitting lineup
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Cardinals vs Dodgers odds maker breakdown: Hitting lineup
No one confuses the Cardinals with a juggernaut offensive team. Role players like Julio Lugo, Yadier Molina, and Skip Schumaker wouldn’t even Crack the Yankees’ or Dodgers’ starting lineups. However, St. Louis compensates for lack of depth with two major talents: Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. Pujols, the best hitter this millennium, can do it all; he hits for power and average, walks a ton, never strikes out and, best of all, hits in the clutch (just ask Brad Lidge). Holliday excelled as a second fiddle after arriving via trade, hitting .353 as a Cardinal. The Dodgers, however, have a more dangerous lineup as a whole. Every guy from the No. 1 through No. 9 spot can hurt you, from sluggers like Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier to speedsters like Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson. Betting Edge: Dodgers
Cardinals vs Dodgers odds maker breakdown: Starting pitching
The Cardinals may have the online sports betting edge over every team in baseball when it comes to starting pitching. Its big three of Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Joel Pineiro went an absurd 27-7 after the All-Star break and either Carpenter or Wainwright will win the Cy Young this season. Pitching could be a problem for L.A; Chad Billingsley has ace stuff but has struggled with his control all season and was terrible in the playoffs last year. Clayton Kershaw dominated in 2009 but has battled injuries and may not be 100 per cent. After that, the Dodgers employ a ragtag group of veteran innings eaters including Randy Wolf and Jon Garland. That group doesn’t hold a candle to St. Louis’. Betting Edge: Cardinals
Cardinals vs Dodgers odds maker breakdown: Bullpen
Relief pitching is a strength for each team. Jonathan Broxton is erratic at times but he’s as overpowering as any pitcher in the game today; he struck out 114 batters in 76.2 innings this season. If he falters, George Sherrill is a more than capable safety valve. The Dodgers’ bullpen had the majors’ lowest ERA, but the Cards rank fifth in that regard on the strength of reliable Ryan Franklin. Neither team has a major sportsbook advantage here. Pick: Draw
Cardinals vs Dodgers odds maker breakdown: Defense
As good or bad as the Cards are defensively, it’s tough to top the Dodgers’ defense. Kemp, Hudson, Furcal and James Loney are among the league’s best at their respective positions. Betting Edge: Dodgers
Cardinals vs Dodgers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Baseball brass often say that you can win a World Series without great hitting, but you can’t do it without great pitching; I agree. The Cardinals’ marvelous pitching trio is borderline unbeatable, regardless of whom they face. In a best-of-five series, it’s hard to imagine Carpenter, Wainwright and Pineiro winning less than two of the first three games. That puts L.A. in an escapable hole. Bet on St. Louis. DALE’S PICK: Cardinals in four
For sports betting analysis on the Cardinals vs Dodgers odds and more, keep reading the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. Dale Lalonde is BetOnline.com's MLB expert.
