MLB Futures - National League Favorites

It’s not too early for BetUS online sportsbook betting fans to start thinking about baseball. Baseball is roughly a month or so away. That means that gamblers should already be considering which teams they are going to bet on in the future book.

Unlike the A.L. Futures in the sportsbook, where the New York Yankees are an obvious favorite, the sportsbook doesn’t offer a clear cut favorite in the A.L. Futures.

Let’s analyze some of the teams that have a shot to win the National League Pennant.

MLB: N.L. Futures

1. New York Mets +350 - - The Mets have a shot to win the pennant because signing a shut-down closer like Francisco Rodriguez means that they shouldn’t give up games in 2009 the way they did in 2008. Johann Santana now has a guy he can turn to after pitching the Mets to a lead. The Mets pretty much have no excuses in 2009.

2. Chicago Cubs +300 - - Even though they were upset early in the National League Pennant race in 2008, the Cubs are still likely to be one of the top teams in the N.L. in 2009. They still have a fantastic pitching staff and their bats are usually on fire. They just need to get over the playoff hump in order to get it done.

3. Philadelphia Phillies +600 - - The Phillies have a definite chance to repeat now that they’ve resigned Ryan Howard. Bettors must remember that this team has the experience. Now, winning two World Series’ in a row is tough to do, but the Phillies are still a top three team in the N.L.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers +850 - - They finally resigned Manny, so they might have a shot but they still don’t have any pitchers. What’s going to happen to this team if they have to shut down a squad like the Cubs or Mets in the playoffs? They have a long way to go before becoming contenders above the top three.

Best Long Shots

St. Louis Cardinals +1200 - - St. Louis is one or two pitchers and a healthy Albert Pujols away from being a major contender in the N.L. in 2009. Because Tony LaRussa calls the shots, the Cardinals are the team right now that could make a serious move at huge odds.

Arizona Diamondbacks +1000 - - Two shut down pitchers means that you always have a shot in the N.L. to win the pennant. The problem with the D’Backs is that they have to find some power. Hmm…maybe they should have started talking to Manny! Power means wins for the D’Backs.