posted June 25, 2009 at 11:35 EST in MLB Articles
National League Contenders and Pretenders
Slew of NL Pennant Contenders, Seek To Stay Hot As Annual All-Star Break Approaches
With the 2009 MLB regular season quickly approaching its official midway point, this look at the contenders – and pretenders – in the race to win the National League Pennant, will provide MLB sports bettors with the informative insight they need in order to make a multitude of bankroll-boosting MLB wagers in the bettor-friendly BetUS Sportsbook from now until the upcoming annual all-star break.
With a full slate of MLB action taking place in the BetUS Sportsbook tonight, let me get started.
Contenders
Los Angeles Dodgers (47-24 SU, 35-36 RL, 31-33 O/U)
The Dodgers have succeed without superstar slugger Manny Ramirez in the middle of their batting order, in large part because of their spectacular pitching staff which has compiled the best team ERA (3.54) in all of baseball. L.A. is also ranked eighth in runs per game (4.97) and first in team batting average (.278) which is why they have the best record, not only in the American League, but in all of baseball. Oh, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the Dodgers have the best manager on the face of the planet in Joe Torre.
St. Louis Cardinals (40-32 SU, 37-35 RL, 33-35 O/U)
The Cardinals sit atop the NL Central standings at the time of this writing because of two reasons – Albert Pujols, arguably the best hitter in the game today – and the team’s fourth-ranked pitching staff (3.83 ERA). While I like how St. Louis manager Tony LaRussa generally gets the most out of his players, if the Cardinals falter with its pitching, things could get ugly in a hurry as St. Louis is ranked just 15th in team batting average and runs per game.
Philadelphia Phillies (37-31 SU, 35-33 RL, 33-31 O/U)
The Phillies won the World Series last season – and sit atop the NL East standings right now for one reason and one reason only, the team’s spectacular offense. Philadelphia is ranked third in runs per game, (5.38) fourth in OPS, (.791) and third in home runs (100) despite ranking just 16th in team batting average (.259). If Philadelphia’s 27th-ranked pitching staff can get its act together a bit more, this ballclub could easily appear in the National League Championship Series for the second consecutive season.
San Francisco Giants (38-32, 41-28 RL, 28-34 O/U)
The Giants have surprised all season long and sit in second place in the NL West behind Los Angeles because of the stellar pitching they’ve gotten from its underrated pitching staff, starting with 2008 NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum and blossoming right-hander Matt Cain. Frisco ranks second in team ERA (3.65) and first in total strikeouts (553), but this team will not be able to surpass L.A. unless it gets more production from its pitiful offense which is ranked 28th in runs per game (3.93) 29th in OPS (.689) and 30th in team home runs with just 43. Where’s Barry Bonds when you need him huh?
New York Mets (35-34 SU, 32-37 RL, 31-33 O/U)
The Mets have a ton of talent just like they have the last two seasons when they were spanked for the NL East title by their arch rivals the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets have offense, ranking third in team batting average (.278) and solid pitching, ranking 10th in team ERA (4.22). Unfortunately, the entire ballclub needs to go see ‘the Wizard’ because they are seriously lacking in the ‘heart’ department – for the third straight season.
Milwaukee Brewers (37-33 SU, 38-32 RL, 35-34 O/U)
The Brewers are the Philadelphia Phillies of the NL Central, launching massive home runs on a consistent basis while ranking eighth in that department. Unfortunately, Milwaukee’s pitching staff has been mediocre at best, ranking 23rd in team ERA (4.50). If the Brewers can find another consistent pitcher to go with Yovani Gallardo and Jeff Suppan, this team could easily win the NL Central.
Chicago Cubs 34-33 SU, 31-36 RL, 29-35 O/U)
The more I think about it, the more I want to put Chicago in my ‘Pretenders’ category, but it’s just a bit too early, seeing how much talent the Cubbies have in their veteran-laden roster. Manager Lou Piniella’s failure to get his ballclub to win in the postseason the last two seasons may be a sign that this ballclub is in need of more leadership. Chicago’s pitching has been phenomenal, ranking fifth in team ERA (3.86) while also ranking first in Quality Starts (44) and seventh in total strikeouts (528). Now, if Chicago’s veteran hitters can help improve the team’s 21st-ranked offense (4.24 runs per game) Chicago could actually win a postseason series or two.
Pretenders
Florida Marlins (36-36 SU, 37-35 RL, 37-31 O/U)
The Marlins are overachieving once again despite its small market status and lack of big-time talent, largely because of its ability to never say die. While I just don’t see Florida overtaking either Philadelphia or New York for the NL East title, one thing’s for sure, the Mets could use a bit of Florida’s ‘heart’.
Atlanta Braves (34-36 SU, 28-42 29-37 O/U)
The Braves were so good for so long, it’s strange seeing them waddle in mediocrity the last couple of seasons. While the Braves are ranked sixth in team ERA (3.89), they are ranked in the bottom third of every meaningful offensive statistic and are clearly more pretender than contender.
Colorado Rockies (37-34 SU, 39-32 RL, 34-32 O/U)
Colorado has gotten above .500 with a big-time winning streak recently, but just don’t have the pitching they need in order to beat out the like of L.A. or San Francisco in their own division, more or less, winning the NL pennant in 2009. If the Rockies can acquire two or three more solid pitchers – a big if – they could make things interesting in the NL West, but that scenario is highly unlikely at this point.
Not Gonna’ Happen
Cincinnati Reds (34-35 SU, 40-29 RL, 29-39 O/U)
Houston Astros (32-36 SU, 34-34 RL, 28-38 O/U)
Pittsburgh Pirates (31-39 SU, 40-30 RL, 33-35 O/U)
San Diego Padres (31-38 SU, 33-35 RL, 34-31 O/U)
Arizona Diamondbacks (30-41 SU, 31-40 RL, 37-31 O/U)
Washington Nationals (20-48 SU, 27-41 RL, 29-37 O/U)
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