BetUS Offers Early World Series Odds
by Jason Shimberg - 11/13/2007
It's difficult to predict who will win a seven-game series that is 11 months away. But BetUS has offered early World Series odds and their could be value to be had by placing a wager before the sharps drives the lines down. First, weigh the pros and cons then factor each team's players and managers returning. Give it your best shot and consider this you may want to invest in teams where the top free agents sign, as the signing of a player like Alex Rodriguez has the potential of moving a team from worst to first. And pray that your team's best player stays healthy.
New York Yankees +550: The Yankees odds to win the World Series are always low, but this early off-season they have lost arguably the most successful manager in this era, as well as the greatest hitter of this generation. And it's only November. The dynasty is crumbling. They may even finish in last place with a hire of unproven manager Joe Girardi.
Boston Red Sox +500: Yes, they can repeat! They have Dustin Pedroia, a great young nucleus that is always improving, and stopper Jonathan Papelbon. It may be the championship repeat of a once-jinxed franchise.
Chicago White Sox +2000: They have more talent than they showed on the field in 2007. So they may have a chance to get to the playoffs, then anything is possible.
Oakland Athletics +2000: The days of Billy Beane showing the world how to play money ball is over. Everyone else learned these basics and are passing this team because the A's don't sign free agents.
Los Angeles Angels +1500: With Vladimir Guerrero, and anyone else. If they land Alex Rodriguez in free agency this could be the combination to win the World Series. They still have the same manager, Mike Scioscia, that led them to a championship in 2002.
Minnesota Twins +4000: You have to like the Twins No. 1 pitcher, Johan Santana, the best in the game. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau can hit in the clutch. It all depends on what Torii Hunter decides to do in free agency.
Detroit Tigers +1500: I don't see it happening for them as they need to get younger, and are in a very strong division.
Toronto Blue Jays +4000: Not a good investment because they can't surpass the Yankees and the Red Sox.
Cleveland Indians +1200: I like this team, and they very well could win it all, and may have this year being up 3-1 on Boston. Returning talent like Sizemore, and Hafner is going to give this team success for 2008.
Texas Rangers +3000: No, no, no! Why, because they gave Alex Rodriguez 252 million, and they have never built a team from the ground up. They will be in the cellar once again.
New York Mets +800: They have tremendous young hitters, but I think they are snake bitten, after the biggest collapse since the 1969 Cubs. Anyway, they will struggle to shake 2007 and may fade fast, and start unloading.
St Louis Cardinals +2500: This may be Tony LaRussa's final go around. They showed some promise in 2006 with the Rick Ankiel call up, but they won't play into the postseason.
San Diego Padres +2500: In a one-game playoff in 2007, they needed to tag Matt Holliday at the plate, well they did and he was called safe. Maybe the gods of baseball will grant them a reprieve. Consider this: the opposition would have to face Jake Peavy twice in a five game series, and if they add another adequate starter they will definitely make the postseason.
Los Angeles Dodgers +2500: I would take it now, because of the overriding factor that Joe Torre was added and this could lure Alex Rodriguez into signing there. If you get in now before the signing of Rodriguez this could pay big dividends.
Philadelphia Phillies +2500: This is a sleeper pick to consider. They were the second hottest team going into the playoffs and if they have Ryan Howard for a full season they could have the most wins in the National League. Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley make this a safe investment.
Florida Marlins +5000: Don't do it, because they are about to lose Miguel Cabrera, just another free agent they can't sign.
Atlanta Braves +3000: The run of Bobby Cox has come to a screeching halt. They don't have the core pitching of Maddux, Glavine, and a young Smoltz anymore. They may lose Andruw Jones, one of the faces of the franchise.
Houston Astros +3000: The killer B's of yesteryear have all retired, and it won't happen until they add talent, especially pitching alongside Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee.
Cincinnati Reds +6000: New manager Dusty Baker may give them a few more wins, but they won't win when it counts because of this managerial move.
San Francisco Giants +6000: This is the least attractive on the board. They are getting rid of the greatest home run hitter of all time -- Barry Bonds, and will struggle to put runs on the board. They are rebuilding from scratch.
Chicago Cubs +1500: 100 years without a World Series win, should make this an unattractive bet. Aramis Ramirez struggled so badly in the postseason he may carry his slump over to 2008. Wait till next year.
Colorado Rockies +3000: With some long odds, the oddsmakers may have it right because no team will ever be as hot as the 2007 Rockies. This is a difficult prediction because they did reach the World Series, and have some young talent. It may start to look like the Rockies of old in Denver.
Arizona Diamondbacks +2000: They did make the playoffs this year with average statistics. They have an improving lineup and one of the best pitchers in the National League, Brandon Webb. They ran into a buzzsaw in the playoffs, otherwise they would have made the World Series. This is a good investment based on their play in 2007.
Milwaukee Brewers +2000: They will ultimately win the National League Central soon, but they are not playoff savvy. Don't take a chance on this one, unless you think Ben Sheets can stay healthy for an entire year.