MLB / Mike Robb / 20 March 2008 / Leave a comment

The second instalment of our MLB preview will look at the National League, division by division. Mike Robb gives us his views on the NL as a whole and then focuses on the prospects for the Eastern Division...

Overview
The difference between the two leagues in Major League Baseball fascinates me. In the American League you've got a bunch of teams who are more often than not shoe-ins to make the playoffs (the Red Sox and Yankees, for example) but in the National League there's far greater chance of underdogs coming through.

This year is no different. On the face of it, only the New York Mets looks near-certainties for a post-season foray but after that it's harder to call.

So... Where's your money?

The Mets should easily win the Eastern Division and so [1.64] might be worth it. The better bet is the Dodgers to win in the West at [2.88], a price I believe represents decent value. As an outside bet the Cincinatti Reds ([8.4]) to win in the Central are worth a small wager while looking to lay the bet off if they start well and keep pace with the Cubs and Brewers.

Below we start by looking in detail at the Eastern Division and two further articles will focus on the Central and West.

NL East
The Mets should take the Eastern Division in relative comfort and are rightly favourites in the Betfair market at [1.64]. Bringing in Johan Santana from the Twins is a major acquisition on the pitching front and we should see uplift among the rest of the bull pen as a result.

The Phillies should finish second and are my pick to get the wild card. On the downside, the injury to Brad Lidge is a concern and much could depend on how long he is out for. Jimmy Rollins in the infield and Shane Victorino in the out will both be key in offence and the Phillies need them to fire this year. Although I can't see it happening, [4.0] is not a bad price if you think they can topple the Mets.

The problem for the Atlanta Braves is can they hit enough runs? I do not doubt their defence but at [4.5] they just do not tempt me. This should be a mediocre season and anything more (or less) than third would be a surprise.

WHO? Nationals move to the new Nationals Park for the first time and look to improve on last season's fourth place finish. Unfortunately I cannot see the team living up to their new surroundings as they appear to be in a two-way battle for last place. They should have enough to finish fourth, but are not worth touching at [21.0] to win the Division.

Florida Marlins fans must be desperately disappointed ahead of the new season. Losing Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit will hit them hard and will no doubt be felt throughout the side. They finished last in the Division in 2007 and it should be the same again this time round, so [34.0] should not look at all appealing unless you have roots are in the Orange State.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, baseball betting, baseball odds, Florida Marlins, MLB betting, MLB odds, National League, New York Mets, NL Central, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals