The 2012 MLB playoffs begin this weekend and there are only ten teams left in contention to win the 2012 World Series. The playoffs are always a fantastic time for baseball gamblers with so many big games being played. We will analyze the chances of all ten teams remaining in the playoffs and find the best bet for the winner of the 2012 World Series.
The favorites to win the 2012 World Series in the betting market at Bet Online are the New York Yankees. The Yankees have had another strong season and they head into the playoffs as the number one seed in the American League. However, there are some question marks hanging over the squad. Their pitching lacks depth and in tight playoffs games they won’t want to be relying on Andy Pettitte. They also have a tough draw in the playoffs as they will likely play the in-form Texas Rangers in the American League Divisional Series. At their current odds of +400 ($5) the Yankees are not a good betting proposition.
The Washington Nationals finished the regular season with the best record in the entire league and are currently second favorites with Online Sportsbooks. The Nationals have an extremely deep pitching rotation, which is very important in the playoffs. Ryan Zimmerman has become a star in 2012 and along with Michael Morse will lead the Nationals offensively. It is hard to find any weaknesses in the Nationals squad and at odds of +500 ($6) at Bet Online they are well worth a bet.
The Cincinnati Reds were extremely consistent this season and have a star studded roster led by Johnny Cueto and Joey Votto. However, their squad lacks depth and because of this their chances of coming back from a losing start to a series seem extremely slim. Online Sportsbooks are offering odds of +500 which seems too short for a team with such little depth.
The Detroit Tigers squad includes some of the biggest names in the game in Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera both of whom will be desperate to win a World Series crown. The Tigers had a slightly inconsistent regular season and finished tied for the worst record of any playoff team. If they are going to make a run to the World Series it will almost certainly be off the back of Verlander and Cabrera. They are currently priced at +550 at Online Sportsbooks; odds that are definitely not worth a bet.
The Oakland Athletics capped off a stellar end of season run to snatch the American League West title from the Texas Rangers on the very last day of the season. Because of their small budget the Athletics are once again focusing on Moneyball style players a system that hasn’t been successful in the playoffs.
The Texas Rangers finished the season poorly and will need to find form if they are going to be chance to win the World Series that so cruelly eluded them last season. On paper the Rangers have the strongest squad in Major League Baseball but they have struggled to put all the elements together and win games in the second half of the season. However, they do seem to trouble the New York Yankees and because of this we are recommending you bet on the Rangers to win the National League Pennant at odds of +350 at Bet Online.
The San Francisco Giants easily won the National League West title and have been in terrific form the second half of the season. Their pitching core is one of the strongest in baseball; led by Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner. The team is stacked full of players who played in their World Series winning 2010 squad and know what it takes to win pressure games of baseball. They are currently priced at odds of +700 at Bet Online, which is excellent value. The San Francisco Giants are the team to beat and easily offer the best value for baseball gamblers.
You can bet on every game in the Major League Baseball Playoffs at Bet Online and can find all the latest betting news here at Online Gambling.
