2011 World Series Preview: Philadelphia Phillies the Favorites With Cliff Lee

The 2010-11 offseason has been a busy one in Major League Baseball. After a huge free-agent signing yesterday shifted the MLB futures significantly overnight, it’s time to take a look at the current top 10.

1. Philadelphia Phillies (+160)

After snagging Cliff Lee for five years and $100 million last night, the Phillies vaulted into World Series front-runner status at virtually every sportsbook. With a rotation of Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels, the Phillies could have four guys win 15-20 games. Unbelievable.

2. New York Yankees (+500)

Unless you count Russell Martin, the Bronx Bombers haven’t joined the big spending party yet, watching their rival Red Sox get stronger. But that doesn’t mean this team still isn’t stacked. With Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez part of an aging nucleus, however, bettors may be better off picking a younger, higher-upside team.

3. Boston Red Sox (+600)

The Phillies are the National League’s big winner but perhaps no team has improved as much as the Boston Red Sox this offseason. Carl Crawford got the biggest headlines but Adrian Gonzalez, one of baseball’s best-kept secrets while in San Diego, is the real key to Boston’s MLB betting hopes.

4. St. Louis Cardinals (+1,500)

The Cardinals are consistently contenders, not because of their depth but because of their talented pillars. Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday anchor the offense (with Lance Berkman joining up to fill the Ryan Ludwick role); Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter anchor the pitching staff. Barring injuries, it’s almost impossible not for St. Louis to contend.

5. San Francisco Giants (+1,500)

Where’s the love for the defending champs? It looks like the oddsmakers view 2010 as a fluke. We can at least admit that it’s rare for a team to win the World Series with such a patchwork offense. Then again, pitching wins championships and the Giants still have it in spades.

6. Detroit Tigers (+2,000)

The Tigers sixth after an 81-81 season? Hmm. I know Victor Martinez is a solid addition but giving the Tigers better betting odds than Texas, Cincinnati or Atlanta seems excessive.

7. Cincinnati Reds (+2,000)

Here’s a team that could give you good bang for your buck. The Reds have the reigning National League MVP in Joey Votto, who’s joined by a solid young lineup that plays outstanding defense, If one of the Reds’ young pitchers can step up, look out.

8. Minnesota Twins (+2,000)

It’s a given to put the Twinkies on this list, as they’re competitive every year. Bettors should watch Justin Morneau’s health closely before making their wagers, however; comebacks from concussions are unpredictable.

9.  Texas Rangers (+2000)

Is this the best value pick in the entire top 10? This team reached the World Series and almost all its top players—Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, Neftali Feliz and so on—are either in their primes or not even there yet. It hurts that the Rangers couldn’t retain Cliff Lee but maybe they’ll look at converting Feliz to a starter.

10. Atlanta Braves (+2,000)

Like the Giants, the Braves are contenders because of their outstanding pitching. But Atlanta has much greater offensive potential. Jayson Heyward will only get better and the under-appreciated, power-hitting second baseman Dan Uggla was a nice offseason grab.