Odds to Win 2009 NL Central

Written March 5, 2009 by Jack Jones

cubs-cards The World Baseball Classic has started and yet another season of Major League Baseball is just around the corner. There have been some big moves around the league, but in particular the NL Central. Handicapper Trev Rogers takes a further look at the MLB odds to win the 2009 NL Central with this preview. Sign up at BetUS Sportsbook and get a $500 bonus when you deposit $500 into a NEW account!

Chicago Cubs at -160 (2008 record: 97-64)

The Cubs went out and did some retooling after suffering yet another disappointment during the postseason. Aaron Miles comes over from the St. Louis Cardinals and Aaron Heilman was acquired via a trade with the Seattle Mariners. Former Florida Marlins closer Kevin Gregg replaces Kerry Wood at the back of hte bullpen. Outfielder Milton Bradley was brought in to provide some support for Derrick Lee and Aramis Ramirez. The team traded away Felix Pie and let Mark DeRose go.

Cincinnati Reds at +600 (2008 record: 74-88)

The Reds brought in Ramon Hernadez to replace David Ross and Jason LaRue at catcher. The lineup is young with Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, and Joey Votto in the heart of the lineup, but could miss the power provided by Adam Dunn and the versatility provided by Ryan Freel. Dunn left to sign with the Washignton Nationals and Freel went to Baltimore.

Houston Astros at +1500 (2008 record: 86-75)

Age could be a problem for the Astros as Carlos Lee is slowing down and who knows what Miguel Tejada has left in the tank. Roy Oswalt is a solid ace, but the rest of the rotation is a little iffy. Ty Wiggington leaving opened up a big hole at third.

Milwaukee Brewers at +500 (2008 record: 90-72)

How does a team deal with the loss of Ben Sheets and CC Sabathia? Probably not very well unless youngsters Manny Parra and Yovanni Gallardo step up in a big way. The big addition for Milwaukee was that they brought in Trevor Hoffman to close out the ninth. Still with Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Corey Hart this team has a nice, young nucleus to build around.

Pittsburgh Pirates at +2000 (2008 record: 67-95)

The Pirates are a struggling franchise and didn’t really do anything in the offseason to get them out of the basement. When Eric Hinkse and Ramon Vasquez are your offseason prizes, you know hope is lost before the season even begins. Ronny Paulino headed to the Phillies, but at least Pitt has Ryan Doumit to replace him.

St. Louis Cardinals at +500 (2008 record: 86-76)

Much to the dismay of Albert Pujols, the Cardinals did little in the offseason to put themselves in a better position to compete with the Cubs. The team is hoping for another big season out of their slugger and hopes that Adam Wainwright can keep improving. Getting Chris Carpenter back healthy should help, and their rotation is suspect with Joel Piniero and Kyle Lohse.

If you have struggled in the past with your MLB betting, then take a look at a package of baseball picks offered by Trev Rogers or any of our other expert handicappers. They will help you build your bankroll up this summer!

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2 Comments

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2 Responses to “Odds to Win 2009 NL Central”

Kevin Adams on March 6th, 2009 3:10 pm

How do you manage to misspell the name of the best player in baseball?

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Jack Jones Reply:
March 6th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I assume you are speaking of the incredible Albert Pujols*? Thanks for keeping me on my toes, though it was an honest typo. The correction has been made! Many apologies to Mr. Pujols and his fans. – Jack

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