MLB World Series Betting

Odds to win World Series: New York Yankees +275

The New York Yankees returned to the top of the baseball world in 2009, beating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to clinch their second World Series of the decade, and 27th overall. Both the Yankees and Phillies made moves in the off-season to improve their respective clubs, and help hold off the squads that will challenge them for a chance at baseball’s top prize in 2010. The Boston Red Sox, Anaheim Angels, and Minnesota Twins will once again battle the Yankees for a chance to represent the American League. The Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Mets are among the favorites to challenge the Phillies in the National League, for a chance to contend for baseball supremacy.

MLB World Series Betting: The Favorites

The New York Yankees are heavy favorites to repeat as World Series champions heading into the 2010 season. The additions of starting pitcher Javier Vasquez to a pitching staff that already features names like CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mariano Riviera is a big reason why. Newcomer Curtis Granderson helps shore up the defense in the outfield, and adds a speedy left-hander to an order that already boasts Derek Jeter, Mark Teixera, and Alex Rodriguez. Last year’s National League champions, the Philadelphia Phillies added former AL Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay in hopes that a third trip to the World Series is on the horizon. The St. Louis Cardinals look to rebound after flaming out in last year’s NLDS.

MLB World Series Betting: The Sleepers

Despite the loss of Jason Bay to the Mets in the off-season, the Boston Red Sox have a roster rife with talent. The addition of starting pitcher John Lackey to a staff already featuring Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, and Daisuke Matsuzaka gives Boston perhaps the strongest and deepest rotations in baseball. If the Red Sox can add a bat during the season, they could lose their sleeper status and become a favorite. The St. Louis Cardinals boast a pair of Cy Young candidates in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, with NL MVP Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday at the heart of the order. The Seattle Mariners could be a true sleeper if the additions of Cliff Lee and Chone Figgins can perform.

MLB World Series Betting: The Winner

The New York Yankees will win their 28th World Series title in 2010. New York was the first team to win baseball’s championships while using three starters since the Minnesota Twins did it in 1991, and they added a proven commodity in Javier Vasquez, while Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain matured one year. Although the Phillies added Roy Halliday, there are question marks about how much that changes things after they lost Cliff Lee. The Red Sox have the deepest rotation in the big leagues but lack the offensive depth to compete with New York. The Cardinals could challenge the Phillies atop the NL, and may be prove to be the toughest match up for the Yankees if they could reach the big game.