As MLB action returns to stadiums across the United States, fans are forced to watch from a distance, most likely their couches or recliners. The new norm as a result of COVID-19 is to have no in-person attendance at games. That doesn’t mean you can’t be involved. We’ve got all of your current MLB betting odds available on our sportsbook, so you’re free to join any time! You can sing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” while following your pending bets and favorite teams from the comfort of your own living room. The Phillies playing host to the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park is a great place to start.
Former Yankees Legends Duel
Philadelphia’s front office was aggressive in the off-season, and one of its major signings was manager Joe Girardi, who managed the Yankees for 10 years, compiling an impressive record of 910-710 (.562 WPCT), He led them to a World Series championship in 2009. He also won three WS titles playing as a catcher on the Yankees teams of the ’90s that were captained by Derek Jeter.
Jeter is now part-owner of the Miami Marlins, running business and baseball operations, with another ex-Yankee captain, Don Mattingly, in his fourth year as manager of the club.
The teams are in a deep NL East, with the Nationals having won the World Series, and Braves and Mets contending. It’s quite possible that the Phillies will be knocking on the postseason door by the end of the shortened 60-game season. World Series odds show Philadelphia at +2500 to win.
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Phillies’ Potent Lineup, Strong Starting Pitching Key to Success
Leadoff man and former MVP (2013), LF Andrew McCutchen, is coming back from a torn ACL. J.T. Realmuto is perhaps the best all-around catcher in the league. RF Bryce Harper is another former MVP (2015), who is no doubt feeling the sting from his former team, the Nationals, spraying each other with champagne to celebrate their World Series victory. Harper will be on a mission.
1B Rhys Hoskins will benefit from the “universal DH” rule and will do his best Ryan Howard impersonation, smashing home runs. The addition of power-hitting SS Didi Gregorius beefs up an already dangerous top of the order. If the bottom half can improve, look out!
The bullpen has some question marks, but adding SP Zack Wheeler to the rotation to complement ace SP Aaron Nola and SP Jake Arrieta was a necessary boost if the Phillies want to climb out of the NL East victorious and make a serious playoff push.
Marlins Building Through Young Core Players
Only two MLB teams have a lower payroll than the Marlins: the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Miami’s farm system is being cultivated nicely and if the organization plays its cards right, the Marlins will be poised to contend for the NL East crown in a few years.
The Marlins acquired cheap, productive players in the off-season by snagging utility man Jonathan Villar, 1B Jesus Santiago, and LF Corey Dickerson. That isn’t likely to translate into enough wins to be relevant this season. Miami is clearly building a core nucleus for the future.
Marlins-Phillies Rivalry
Surprisingly, the Marlins won the season series, 10-9, in 2019. Don’t expect the same results in the 10 games they’ll face each other in 2020. The Phillies are a vastly improved team and will dominate. The shortened season benefits Philadelphia, which often starts strong. If the 2019 season had been 60 games, the Phillies would have won the NL East.
On Opening Day, the Marlins send their only All-Star representative from 2019 to the mound. SP Sandy Alcantara has a 2.81 ERA in four starts against the Phillies and an amazing 1.32 ERA in his two starts in Citizens Bank Park. Look for this stacked Phillies lineup to get to him in the middle innings and build a big lead.
Philadelphia places the ball in the hands of Nola. He came in third in NL Cy Young voting in 2018 and will try to rediscover that dominance. Nola sported an ERA of 2.08 vs Miami last season and will likely keep the Marlins’ hitters guessing.
The all-time series stands at 249-205. Expect the Phillies to notch win No. 250.
