Updated 2011 World Series Odds
(The Spread) – Now that the thrilling conclusion of the 2011 MLB regular season is in the books, it’s time to take a look at updated World Series odds.
The Favorite: Philadelphia Phillies
Oddsmakers currently list the Phillies as 7/4 favorites to win the 2011 World Series, which isn’t surprising given their pitching staff. The postseason is always an arms race and the Phillies are loaded in that regard. From Roy Halladay to Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, this club has the best 1 through 4 in baseball right now. As long as their offense doesn’t go into a funk like it has been known to do, the Fightin’ Phils are clearly the team to beat. Another reason to like the Phillies this year? No Cody Ross.
Next in Line: New York Yankees
The Yankees have the next best odds at 4/1 and while their pitching remains a question mark, they have a bona fide ace in CC Sabathia and the best lineup in the league. No team in baseball has hit more home runs (222) than the Bombers, and only the Red Sox have scored more runs. Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixiera and A-Rod are ready to carry this team to yet another World Series appearance.
Keep Your Eye on: Texas Rangers
If there’s any team that a bettor could consider a value pick it has to be the Rangers at 8/1. This is the same Texas team that won the American League Pennant last year before falling victim to the Giants’ outstanding pitching staff. Nobody talked about this team in spring training, nobody talked about this team during the season, and nobody is talking about this team now. (Some even predicted the A’s to win the AL West, which looks absolutely absurd after Oakland finished dead last.) No, they don’t have Cliff Lee. But the lineup is powerful and the pitching is good enough to lead them back into the Series if it’s on.
The Longshots: Arizona Diamondbacks & St. Louis Cardinals
It’s a little surprising that after the Giants won the World Series last year that the NL West isn’t getting more respect. But the feel-good Diamondbacks are 14/1 to win the World Series, just as the Cardinals are. St. Louis needed a massive choke-job from the Braves in the final three weeks of the season, and got it to sneak into the postseason. It’s funny, nobody thinks the Cards have a shot but a club playing with house money is always dangerous.
The Rest: Detroit Tigers (7/1), Milwaukee Brewers (15/2), Tampa Bay Rays (8/1)
It feels like it’s been months since the Tigers clinched the AL Central, which could hurt them if they can’t get it revved up again for the postseason. The Brewers kept battling the Diamondbacks down the stretch to finish with the best record so they should still be amped up, while the Rays are just like the Cardinals in that they’re playing with house money. Down 7-0 to the Yankees on Wednesday and with the Red Sox beating the Orioles, nobody thought Tampa was going to the playoffs. Then suddenly, things changed on a dime and now here they are back in the postseason where anything can happen. What a wild season.
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