Betting the 2009 World Series
The 2009 World Series begins Wednesday and millions of people who never thought about risking a cent during the regular season or the league playoffs, will have a financial stake on the games. Many will simply partake in various office polls, with the Box Pool the main vehicle.Others will have a wager on the series or on individual games, where it is important to have an Understanding of Money Lines.
Series Odds
The Yankees are prohibitive favorites to walk away with the World Series title and are roughly 2-to-1 favorites on the Money Line.The Yankees have home field advantage during the series, which is an important factor, as New York was an amazing 62-24 at home, including the playoffs. Likewise, New York was just 48-37 away from home.
The Phillies were a solid 51-34 on the road, including the playoffs, but just 49-37 at home.
Pitching
The Yankees' rotation of CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte and AJ Burnett is set, while the Phillies will counter with Cliff Lee, Pedro Martinez, Cole Hamels with the possibility of adding a fourth starter.With each team throwing two left-handed starters, it's important to note that the Phillies were 31-16 in games against left-handed starting pitchers, while the Yankees were even better, going 40-18 against left-handers.
The Yankees have a definite advantage in the bullpen, although Phillies' closer Brad Lidge has done a good job in the playoffs, picking up three saves and a win and not allowing a run in four innings.
Still, with a game on the line, there are few better than New York's Mariano Rivera, who has 83 saves and three blown saves over the last two seasons. Lidge had 11 blown saves this season alone.
Hitting
The Yankees led the major leagues in runs scored and were second in batting average, but the Phillies were no slouches offensively, either, as Philadelphia led the National League in runs scored and slugging percentage. It's a bit difficult to compare the two teams due to the Designated Hitter in the American League.Both teams have plenty of dangerous hitters, several who are capable of carrying a team to the World Series title.
Final Thoughts
The high price on the Yankees makes it difficult to back New York to win the title, although it's certainly hard to go against them. Those liking the Yankees may want to bet as soon as possible, as the odds have moved against them. Several sportsbooks had the Yankees -190 Monday morning and they are now -200, or higher, pretty much everywhere.By the same token, those who believe the Phillies will repeat as World Champions should wait until Wednesday before betting, as they will likely find better odds.
