Betting the 2008 Baseball Championship Series
Even the most casual baseball fans start to take an increased interest this time of the season, as the 2008 National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, and the 2008 American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays are about to begin.
Obviously, Tampa is the surprise team, as Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia were each given a good chance to reach the playoffs, while most prognosticators penciled in the Yankees ahead of of Tampa.
The oddsmakers aren't overlooking Tampa, however, as the Red Sox are the smallest of favorites, while the Phillies and the Dodgers are essentially rated even heading into their respective series.
The National League
The Dodgers and the Phillies are rated a toss-up by oddsmakers and bettors are being asked to risk $110 to win $100 on both teams. The Phillies have the home field advantage in the series, as a result of having a better record during the regular season.
Naturally, the first name that comes to mind when you think Dodgers is Manny Ramirez, who had 53 RBIs in his 53 games with the Dodgers during the regular season. Manny has done everything the Dodgers could have wanted and then some, as his clubhouse demeanor was exactly what the team needed.
Bettors would be remiss in overlooking the rest of the line-up, however, as the Dodgers have a solid line-up all the way down the batting order. So good in fact, that players such as Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent, and Juan Pierre have been relegated to coming off the bench.
The Phillies aren't any slouches, either, with Ryan Howard having a monster season to lead the majors in home runs, and Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino having big performances in the playoffs.
The Dodgers do have a slight edge in starting pitching, with Lowe, Billingsley, and Kuroda against Hamels, Moyer, and Myers. The fourth game starter for the Phillies is likely to be Joe Blanton, while the Dodgers will counter with either Greg Maddux or Clayton Kershaw.
Brad Lidge gives the Phillies an advantage in the bullpen, but how often he'll come into play is the big question.
It's hard to overlook home field advantage in this series, especially after both teams swept the other at home in August, but have to believe the Dodgers can get the job done in this spot.
American League
Everybody loves an underdog and Tampa will have plenty of supporters, but from a betting standpoint, the Red Sox are probably the way to go, as they have the playoff experience you like to see in a seven-game series.
It won't be as easy as many think, however, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the series go six or seven games, but will lay the small number with the Red Sox to return to the World Series.
The Rays won the season series 10-8 against Boston and were 8-0 in games decided by two or fewer runs, but did show signs of vulnerability down the stretch. The Rays were in position to run away with the title, but managed to lose some key games and keep the Red Sox alive until the final weekend.
Both teams are difficult to beat when they're at home, which is an advantage to Tampa, as the Rays were an impressive 57-24 at home this season, but have to believe the Red Sox can win a game or two in the Sunshine state.
Best of luck during the playoffs.
