Rockies vs Phillies Odds - Philly's pitching enough to nullify Rockies' long balls
With Rockies vs Phillies odds here, sportsbook fans are anxious to find out if Philadelphia can make it back-to-back World Series titles. Colorado is ready to bring "Rocktober" back to Major League Baseball after a nice finish to the season, but the Rockies will have a hard time matching Philadelphia's starting rotation. The NL East champs should take care of business.
Rockies vs Phillies Odds: with both offenses mashing, Phils' pitching is an edge
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Rockies vs Phillies odds maker breakdown: Hitting lineup
The defending champs can bash with the best of them. The Phillies led the National League in runs and homers. Ryan Howard had a monster season, hitting 45 bombs and driving in 141 runs, tied for first in the Majors. These guys aren't going to kill you with small ball or an impressive average, but they don't need to when they hit two or three homers a game with runners on base. Beware the long ball. Colorado is nipping at Philly's heels offensively, finishing second in both runs and homers. Like the Phillies, Colorado doesn't hit for much average, instead relying on frequent bombs to get the job done. Troy Tulowitzki rebounded from a brutal sophomore campaign to hit .297 with 32 RBIs. Both teams can mash, so online sports betting fans should consider offense a wash in this series. Betting Edge: Draw
Rockies vs Phillies odds maker breakdown: Starting pitching
Colorado's pitching was solid this season, but Ubaldo Jimenez was the only starter to keep his ERA below four. Jimenez had a fine season (15-12, 3.47) but he isn't an ace by any stretch of the imagination. Statistically speaking, Jason Marquis, Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Hammel are all interchangeable on the hill. Philly, meanwhile, can rely on some veterans with playoff experience. Cole Hamels was in his usual ace form for most of the season, but he's figured things out just when it matters most; his 3.32 ERA and .238 opponents' batting average indicate Hamels is ready to go. There's nothing that can be thrown at Jamie Moyer that the veteran hasn't already seen, and Joe Blanton has enjoyed a solid year for the Phillies. Finally, there's youngster J.A. Happ, who's played brilliantly for the Phils (12-4, 2.93). Betting Edge: Phillies
Rockies vs Phillies odds maker breakdown: Bullpen
Neither team's bullpen is especially dominant. The Phillies blew 22 saves this season compared to Colorado's 16, but Philadelphia had a 3.90 ERA to the Rockies' 4.51. Brad Lidge has struggled to finish the job for the defending champs; he owns a bloated 7.21 ERA and 11 blown saves this season and may cede closing duties to Ryan Madson (3.26, 10 saves). Colorado will answer with Huston Street, who's been very good this season, saving 35 games with a 3.06 ERA. Betting Edge: Rockies
Rockies vs Phillies odds maker breakdown: Defense
Both teams are solid defensively. Neither made a ton of errors and each side has a couple of great defenders, like Tulowitzki and Philly's Shane Victorino. Betting Edge: Draw
Rockies vs Phillies odds breakdown: Outlook and Pick
This should be a fun series and Colorado will give the Phillies a tougher challenge than maybe some expect. That said, Philly is a deep team and it looks poised to make a series run at another World Series; pressure won't be an issue for these guys. Given its edge in starter pitching, your best bet is to go with Philadelphia. DALE’S PICK: Phillies in four
Get more Rockies vs Phillies betting and analysis on World Series odds and more in the Betting Edge. Dale Lalonde is BetOnline.com's MLB expert.
