Philadelphia Phillies odds – Phillies looking to repeat as champs
Philadelphia Phillies odds are giving the World Series champions a solid chance to repeat in 2009, and their balance was the key to last year’s run to the championship. They’ve added another bat to their lineup, but there are some health concerns with their pitching ace.
Can Philadelphia make good on their sports betting lines and become the first back-to-back champion since the Yankees in 1998-2000?
Philadelphia Phillies odds: Philadelphia is +690 to win the World Series
- Ibanez joins Utley, Howard in lefty-dominated lineup
- Questions about Hamels’ elbow, Moyer’s age
- Can Brett Myers be consistent?
Phillies betting fans can count on plenty of offense; the Phillies were eighth in the majors in runs scored last season, led by the power-hitting duo of Ryan Howard, who paced the majors in homers and RBIs, and Chase Utley, who battled a hip injury in the second half of 2008.
To replace Pat Burrell, who left for Tampa Bay, the Phillies picked up 36-year-old Raul Ibanez, who had his third consecutive season with at least 20 homers and 100 RBIs in Seattle. Jimmie Rollins is back to lead off the lineup, but the only question is the bottom of the lineup. Still, Philadelphia should have one of the most feared lineups in all of baseball, which definitely boosts its MLB odds.
Cole Hamels, who was the NLCS and World Series MVP last year, had some elbow stiffness in the preseason, and those who are considering Phillies odds should definitely keep an eye on the 25-year-old southpaw. At 46-years-old, Jamie Moyer had his third straight season of 11 or more wins, racking up 16, but one has to wonder just how long this ageless wonder can go.
Brett Myers could be the key to the season if you’re going to bet the Phillies, especially if Moyer shows signs of slowing down and Kyle Kendrick can’t return to his previous form. Myers was terrible to start the season, went to the minors, and came back strong. The bullpen is in fine shape with Chad Durbin setting up for Brad Lidge, who was 41-of-41 in save opportunities in 2008.
A bet on the Phillies wouldn’t be a bad thing at all, as they haven’t really lost much. Ibanez may be an upgrade from Burrell, who was loved by the Philadelphia fans, and the Rollins/Utley/Howard axis could be even more productive in 2009.
Pitching will be the focus of this season’s sportsbook odds for the Phillies, as Hamels looks to take the next step towards being a legitimate Cy Young candidate, but he can’t do it on his own as Moyer and Myers have to provide backup. Also, the Mets and Braves have both improved, so just getting out of the National League East will be a task.
The Phillies should have enough in the tank to at least snatch a Wild Card spot and, with a few breaks, Philadelphia might become the first team to repeat since the Yankees’ three-peat of 1998-2000.
For more on Phillies odds and online sports betting tips, check out the Betting Edge at betonline.com.
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.
