World Series Betting: Flying Phillies are the mid-season value

MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 27 July 2010 / Leave a Comment

Phillies' Placido Polanco in action

"The Phillies are 4.5 games behind Atlanta in the NL East but this heavy hitting team is beginning to play some great baseball. They are on a five game winning streak and I believe they will catch the Braves by the end of the year."

With the second half of the season well underway there are plenty of teams still left in contention for a playoff berth. It is time to take another look at the Ante Post market as this exciting season continues.

New York Yankees (World Series odds [4.1])
The Yankees are top of the AL East and are playing at a high level. They are facing a stiff challenge from Tampa who are only three games behind the World champions. Alex Rodriguez is having a great year and is chasing his 600th career home run. They are still the team to beat but they represent little value at their current odds.

Tampa Bay Rays ([8.2])
The Rays will make the Yankees fight every step of the way in the AL East. They have recaptured their early season form and are playing as well as any team in baseball. On Monday night Matt Garza tossed the first no-hitter in franchise history against Detroit. He threw only 120 pitches to record this historic feat. At the start of the season Tampa were trading at [19.0]. I think they are still worth an investment at their current price.

Texas Rangers ([9.2])
The Rangers have a 7.5 game lead over Oakland in the AL West. This team looks like it could win this division. Texas manager Ron Washington has done a magnificent job with this team with limited resources. They are starting to believe in themselves and are in position to make the playoffs.

Philadelphia Phillies ([10.5])
The Phillies are 4.5 games behind Atlanta in the NL East but this heavy hitting team is beginning to play some great baseball. They are on a five game winning streak and I believe they will catch the Braves by the end of the year. I think this is a huge price for this team. They have every component needed to win a World Series.

Atlanta Braves ([12.5])
The Braves have clearly punched above their weight this season. The pitching has been first class but they are a little light on offence. I think they will struggle to hold on in this tough division.

St Louis Cardinals ([13.0])
The Cardinals hold a slender one game lead over Cincinnati in the NL Central. The great Albert Pujols is having another fantastic season averaging .300. I think this team should make the post-season but I am not sure if they have what it takes to win it all.

Boston Red Sox ([17.0])
The Sox have lost valuable ground behind New York and Tampa in the AL East due to a mountain of injuries. I think they will have tough time making the playoffs this year.

San Diego Padres ([24.0])
The Padres are leading the NL West by 3.5 games over San Francisco.
They are playing some outstanding baseball and are the surprise package of the West.
Pitching is a big reason why the Padres are leading the division. They have an incredible ERA of just 3.27 as a team. I think they have an excellent chance of making the playoffs.

Minnesota Twins ([27.0])
The Twins are just one game behind Chicago in the AL Central. They are playing well but face some very stiff opposition in this tough division.

Cincinnati Reds ([25.0])
The Reds are having a super year and lead the NL Central but they face a very stiff challenge from St Louis in the division who appear to be the stronger team. Nevertheless, it's great to see the Reds in contention after being in the wilderness for 10 years.

Chicago White Sox ([36.0])
The White Sox are holding a one game lead in the AL Central. They are playing some decent stuff this year and could spring the upset in the division. I liked this team at the beginning of the year and have not changed my mind.
　
Recommended wagers:
Back Philadelphia to win the World Series at [10.5]