Shocker alert: With pitcher Cliff Lee signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, Vegas now considers the Phils the heavy betting favorites to win the 2011 World Series. Online betting giant Sportsbook.com currently has them listed at +160 to win it all.
Before it was announced that the lefty was headed back to the land of cheese steaks and Rocky, the odds-makers had the Phillies at +600 to win their second Fall Classic in four years. The only team that was a bigger favorite was the New York Yankees—no surprise there.
Can you blame the bookies for cutting the Phillies betting odds? After all, they now have not only the best starting rotation in the MLB, but arguably the best in the history of baseball.
Think about it. The top four of their rotation now consists of current NL Cy Young winner Roy Halladay (21-10, 2.44 ERA), Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA), Cole Hamels (12-11, 3.06 ERA) and Roy Oswalt (13-13, 2.76 ERA).
The only question that remains: Who will be the fifth starter? Joe Blanton? Kyle Kendrick? Vance Worley? Who cares! Ryan Howard could take the mound every fifth day, and this squad could win 100 games.
Speaking of Howard, don’t forget that the Philadelphia’s offense piled up the second most runs in the National League in 2010. Pretty impressive yes, but it was considered a “down year” offensively in the City of Brotherly Love. They were marred with injuries all year and stars Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins all had below-average years with the bat.
Philadelphia does have some questions in the corner outfield spots. Last week right-fielder Jayson Werth and his 27 home runs signed with the Washington Nationals. In left field, Raul Ibanez isn’t getting any younger. The 38-year-old hit just 16 bombs last season after knocking 34 out of the ballpark in 2009.
Phillies fans shouldn’t be too concerned though. It’s obvious by now that General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. will do what it takes to supply Manager Charlie Manuel with the best players possible.
Sportsbook.com 2011 World Series betting odds:
Philadelphia Phillies +160
New York Yankees +500
Boston Red Sox +600
San Francisco Giants +1500
St. Louis Cardinals +1500
More 2011 World Series betting odds
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com