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Odds to Win The 2009 MLB World Series |
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MLB TEAMS
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WORLD SERIES ODDS OPEN
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WORLD SERIES ODDS CURRENT |
ODDS TO WIN LEAGUE
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| ARIZONA D-BACKS |
25/1 |
100/1 |
40/1
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| ATLANTA BRAVES |
60/1 |
40/1
|
16/1 |
| BALTIMORE ORIOLES |
100/1 |
200/1 |
150/1 |
| BOSTON RED SOX |
6/1 |
5/1 |
5/2 |
| CHICAGO CUBS |
8/1 |
10/1
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7/2
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| CHICAGO WHITE SOX |
25/1 |
50/1 |
30/1 |
| CINCINNATI REDS |
40/1 |
40/1 |
18/1 |
| CLEVELAND INDIANS |
15/1 |
80/1
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30/1
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| COLORADO ROCKIES |
40/1 |
200/1
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80/1 |
| DETROIT TIGERS |
15/1 |
12/1
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7/1 |
| FLORIDA MARLINS |
30/1 |
75/1 |
16/1 |
| HOUSTON ASTROS |
40/1 |
175/1
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80/1 |
| KANSAS CITY ROYALS |
100/1 |
55/1 |
16/1 |
| LOS ANGELES ANGELS |
10/1 |
17/1
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8/1
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| LOS ANGELES DODGERS |
15/1 |
5/1 |
3/1 |
| MILWAUKEE BREWERS |
30/1 |
15/1
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9/1 |
| MINNESOTA TWINS |
25/1 |
40/1 |
14/1 |
| NEW YORK METS |
12/1 |
10/1
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4/1
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| NEW YORK YANKEES |
6/1 |
7/2
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11/4
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| OAKLAND ATHLETICS |
60/1 |
150/1 |
50/1 |
| PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES |
10/1 |
10/1
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5/1
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| PITTSBURGH PIRATES |
100/1 |
200/1 |
80/1 |
| SAN DIEGO PADRES |
100/1 |
100/1 |
80/1 |
| SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS |
40/1 |
75/1
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35/1 |
| SEATTLE MARINERS |
100/1 |
75/1 |
28/1 |
| ST LOUIS CARDINALS |
40/1 |
14/1 |
8/1 |
| TAMPA BAY RAYS |
10/1 |
22/1
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10/1
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| TEXAS RANGERS |
60/1 |
16/1 |
14/1 |
| TORONTO BLUE JAYS |
30/1 |
35/1
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12/1 |
| WASHINGTON NATIONALs |
100/1 |
1500/1 |
500/1 |
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ODDS PROVIDED BY SPORTSBOOK.COM - EVERYBODY BETS!
LAST UPDATED: June 7, 2009 | |
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MLB News Archive Index
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2009 World Series
Now is a good time for baseball bettors to look ahead and wager on the 2009 World Series winner at betED.com.
The money-burning New York Yankees are +400 favorites to win the Fall Classic in World Series Betting Odds at betED.com.
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993, the Yankees blew $423.5 million to add three players in the off-season: pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and first baseman Mark Teixeira.
The Boston Red Sox are at +775 odds to win the World Series, followed by the Chicago Cubs at +800. The Los Angeles Angels (+875) and New York Mets (+1100) round out the top five 2009 World Series favorites at betED.com.
Some moves made by the Red Sox include acquiring RHP Ramon Ramirez from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Coco Crisp, signing second-baseman Dustin Pedroia to six-year extension, and inking infielder Kevin Youkilis to a four-year contract.
The Cubs, swept in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season, added a big left-handed bat in Milton Bradley, let Kerry Wood sign with Cleveland and promoted Carlos Marmol to closer.
The Angels signed Brian Fuentes to replace K-Rod, while letting go of Garret Anderson, Jon Garland and Teixeira.
The Mets added closer Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to their broken bullpen.
Meanwhile, the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies are +1500 to repeat this season. The Phillies made only a few major moves during the off-season, signing Raul Ibanez to replace Pat Burrell and adding pitcher Chan Ho Park.
More than 70 players remain unsigned from the group of 171 that filed for free agency after the World Series, about a dozen more than at this point last year.
Manny Ramirez, Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Bobby Abreu, Garret Anderson, Orlando Hudson and Orlando Cabrera are all still looking for work.
Check out the full list of MLB teams and odds to win the World Series at betED.com.
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MLB News Archive Index: 2010, 2009
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Pujols, Wright head predicted N.L. All-Star roster
By Stan McNeal
June 30, 2009
Give the fans their props. In the latest voting for National League All-Star starters, they have the right player at each of the eight positions. With less than three days left before voting ends Thursday night, there isn't much time to mess up.
Selecting the starting lineup is the easy part. Picking the remaining 24 players is more challenging (players pick a backup at every position, five starting pitchers and three relievers. N.L. manager Charlie Manuel then oversees managers' selections for seven spots, and the final spot is determined in an online vote featuring five players chosen by the commissioner's office).
When considering reserves, don't forget that every club has to be represented, including ones that don't deserve to be (the Cubs, for example). Three catchers are needed in case of extra innings. And even with 32 players on the roster, someone will be snubbed.
If you want a peak at the N.L. team that will be announced Sunday afternoon on TBS, read on. I will do better than the fans and nail not only the starting lineup but every selection on the team. Well, give or take a starting pitcher or outfielder or two.
(Coming on Wednesday: the predicted American League team.)
FIRST BASE
Starter: Albert Pujols. Even at the league's deepest position, he is a no-brainer.
Reserves:
Adrian Gonzalez, Padres. For the second consecutive season, he could be San Diego's lone representative.
Prince Fielder, Brewers. He is having a great season (.304, 19 homers, 73 RBIs) but not as great as Pujols'.
Ryan Howard, Phillies. The game is in his hometown, and his manager has some say about the roster. And it isn't like Howard is undeserving with 20 homers.
Apologies to: Todd Helton, Rockies.
SECOND BASE
Starter: Chase Utley, Phillies. I can't fault the fans for liking Utley, but I wouldn't complain if the Dodgers' Orlando Hudson beats him out. The team with the best record in the majors deserves at least one starter, doesn't it?
Reserves:
Orlando Hudson, Dodgers.
Freddy Sanchez, Pirates. He is on the roster because the other Pirate most worthy of consideration, lefthanded starter Zach Duke, has more competition at his position.
SHORTSTOP
Starter: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins. I will be disappointed in the fans if Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins passes Ramirez this week.
Reserves:
Miguel Tejada, Astros. Houston's lone representative is hitting .330.
THIRD BASE
Starter: David Wright, Mets. One of the N.L.'s leading hitters, Wright has a big lead in fans' voting, as he should.
Reserves:
Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals. He looked like the starter several weeks ago. Now he'll have to settle for playing backup to his former youth-league teammate.
OUTFIELD
Starters: Raul Ibanez, Phillies; Ryan Braun, Brewers; Carlos Beltran, Mets. Only Braun actually might end up on the roster because of injuries to the others.
Reserves;
Brad Hawpe, Rockies; Andre Ethier, Dodgers; Justin Upton, Diamondbacks. All would be first-timers. All, except possibly Hawpe, wouldn't stand a chance if they played in the other league. All might not make it, especially if Manuel goes with 13 pitchers and Ibanez and Beltran are healthy enough to play. Ethier earns the nod over teammate Matt Kemp because of his place in the batting order and his penchant for big hits.
CATCHER
Starter: Yadier Molina, Cardinals. He is the game's best at controlling opponents' running game, and his batting average is second-best among N.L. catchers.
Reserves;
Bengie Molina, Giants. He should make it based on this stat alone: He has walked only three times, once intentionally. Seriously, he has twice as many homers as brother Yadier and is hitting cleanup for the N.L. wild-card leaders.
Brian McCann,Braves. His .316 batting average tops N.L. catchers by 39 points.
STARTING PITCHERS
Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, Giants; Johan Santana, Mets; Dan Haren, Diamondbacks; Josh Johnson, Marlins; Chad Billingsley, Dodgers; Ted Lilly, Cubs. Lincecum is my starter, especially considering the game falls on a day he would be scheduled to start. Lilly wasn't one of the eight Cubs who made the team in 2008, but he could be their only selection this season. And he isn't all that deserving (7-5, 3.41 ERA). Haren leads the league in hard luck and ERA (2.25).
Apologies to: Aaron Cook, Rockies; Johnny Cueto, Reds; Yovani Gallardo, Brewers.
RELIEF PITCHERS
Francisco Rodriguez, Mets; Trevor Hoffman, Brewers; Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers; Francisco Cordero, Reds; Ryan Franklin, Cardinals. Choosing Franklin over teammate Chris Carpenter is a tough call. When healthy, as he is, Carpenter is as good as any pitcher in the league. And because the game "counts," you want him on your side. But Franklin is more deserving of the honor. He leads relievers with a 0.93 ERA to go with 18 saves in 19 chances.
Apologies to: Heath Bell, Padres.
McNeal's N.L. predicted All-Stars
By team (starters in bold)
» Phillies: OF Raul Ibanez, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard.
» Mets: OF Carlos Beltran, 3B David Wright, SP Johan Santana, RP Francisco Rodriguez.
» Braves: C Brian McCann.
» Marlins: SS Hanley Ramirez, SP Josh Johnson.
» Nationals: 3B Ryan Zimmerman.
» Brewers: OF Ryan Braun, 1B Prince Fielder, RP Trevor Hoffman.
» Cardinals: 1B Albert Pujols, C Yadier Molina, RP Ryan Franklin.
» Cubs: SP Ted Lilly.
» Reds: RP Francisco Cordero.
» Astros: SS Miguel Tejada.
» Pirates: 2B Freddy Sanchez.
» Dodgers: 2B Orlando Hudson, OF Andre Ethier, SP Chad Billingsley, RP Jonathan Broxton.
» Giants: SP Tim Lincecum, SP Matt Cain, C Bengie Molina.
» Rockies: OF Brad Hawpe.
» Padres: 1B Adrian Gonzalez.
» Diamondbacks: SP Dan Haren, OF Justin Upton.
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MLB News Archive Index: 2010, 2009
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Stars help give baseball a pulse in inner cities
By Tim Brown
Jun 29, 2009
LOS ANGELES – A baseball rolled through a dirt infield into center field.
A little boy flung his tiny aluminum bat and took off.
Two others chased the ball into center field.
Parents, dozens of them, yelled encouragement, and coaches official and unofficial waved that little boy past first base and then around third and toward home.
Dust swirled at home plate when the little boy arrived, and the umpire shouted, “Safe!” and the people cheered as though Manny Ramirez(notes) himself had hit this home run.
Covered in half the infield and some of the third-base line, the boy stood and didn’t bother to dust himself off, but turned and found his parents in the stands.
It looked like baseball, sounded like baseball, felt like baseball.
Only, we’d been told it doesn’t exist here, a few blocks from Crenshaw Boulevard in South Central, in places like it, in inner cities where basketball is king, baseball is tedious and hope is scarce.
So what is 10-year-old Brandon doing here? What is 10-year-old Kalonni doing with that baseball glove on his hand? That Los Angeles Dodgers cap perched on his head?
What’s all that screaming and clapping, and laughter and disappointment? Why has the shortstop thrown his cap to the ground, kicked it to the pitcher’s mound?
And why is Orlando Hudson(notes) here, along with Ken Griffey Jr.(notes) and Juan Pierre?
Because Tommy Stokes insists on it, that’s why.
At the Van Ness Recreation Center at 2nd and Slauson avenues, there are three diamonds – four if you count “the mud bowl,” where the rains come and turn an entire corner of the park into a swamp for weeks – and 29 baseball teams and nine softball teams.
This season, 48 three- and four-year-olds were signed up.
“You’re laughing,” Stokes says. “I’m serious.”
Stokes is senior recreation director at VNRC, has been for years. Asked why there is baseball here amid all the other options, few of them good, Stokes says, “I live here.”
His boss, Bara King, says you need to know where to look.
“It’s here in pockets,” she said of a game that is fighting to regain its standing in urban neighborhoods such as these, particularly with African-American youths. “
There are areas such as this. It depends on the staff.”
It is championship Saturday, and it’s hot. Dozens of boys and girls, most of them no older than 11 or 12, have broken into three groups: red bracelets with Hudson, blue with Pierre, green with Griffey.
“Saddle up, blues!” Pierre yells and leads them to home plate, where on their way to first – “Touch the base!” he shouts – most will run out from under their new blue ball caps.
Pierre pauses for a second. “Man,” he says, “I couldn’t imagine a big leaguer coming out to my Little League field.
Hudson gathers his reds, puts his forearms on a couple young heads, and talks for 20 minutes. He gets their names and their favorite subjects, and asks them about doing homework, and about the gangs. The kids get quiet and nod their heads.
“You ain’t got to go with them,” Hudson tells them. “Let them do what they do. You’re going to see others skipping out. But not you.
You’re going to stick with it. You’re going to make the best of what you have.”
In the back, an 11-year-old wearing a purple Lakers jersey sighs.
“Just sign some autographs,” he mutters.
Among the greens, a hand raises in the back. Griffey points.
“Have you ever struck out?” a small voice asks.
Griffey smiles. “Yeah,” he replies.
“I don’t strike out,” the voice says.
And Griffey bursts into laughter.
Another hand.
“Can you moonwalk?”
“No,” Griffey says. “I can’t moonwalk. But, hey, I got one for you all. Kobe or LeBron?”
And 20 kids start hollering all at once. It’s Kobe’s town.
Hudson is here as part of his “Around the Mound” tour, where he spends afternoons just like this in cities including New York (with Gary Sheffield, Atlanta (with Garret Anderson, Cincinnati (with Brandon Phillips and Milwaukee (with Prince Fielder. Pierre, who hosts inner-city kids at a handful of games every season, comes along to some of them.
Forty-five years ago, John Young played his high school junior varsity football games on these fields, lugging his gear from his house on W. 103rd Street and Towne Avenue. Coco Crisp played here. Darryl Strawberry and Eric Davis grew up not far from here. Young is the founder of RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner cities) and so for two decades has stood out in front of boys and girls, spreading the gospel of the game. His program aids and operates out of 18 recreation centers like this one in L.A.
Young is done introducing the three major league players when a teen-aged boy approaches, sticks out his hand and says, “I never got to thank you for inviting me to Loney’s Lounge,” a program in which Dodgers first baseman James Loney hosts local kids at Dodger Stadium.
“You’re welcome, son,” Young says.
He turns back and says, “It’s about participation.”
Stokes says he draws boys and girls from nine zip codes.
“Even from the 90009,” he says, meaning downtown, the area around city hall. “All these kids, their parents played here. Their kids will, too.”
Stokes has seen the kids come and go, the professional athletes come through, the seasons a certain singer-songwriter sponsored a team called, “Barry White’s Maestro Players,” the days like today, with all this excitement, when every one of them will put a baseball under their pillow tonight.
“We do everything professionally and everything starts on time,” Stokes says. “There’s no such thing as late.”
And so on championship Saturday at Van Ness park the major leaguers climb into their black SUVs. Tommy Stokes has a game to start. It’s time to play ball.
“This is it, man,” Pierre says on his way out. “This is what it’s all about. Me and O, we’ve been in the same situation they are, playing in leagues just like this. These kids are excited about playing baseball.”
Ten-year-old Kalonni pulls down his cap, heads toward the dugout. He plays second base. Ten-year-old Brandon heads toward home. He’s not playing.
“Naw,” he says. “I play basketball.”
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MLB News Archive Index: 2010, 2009
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