MLB Betting: National League preview

[Betfair]

The start of the 2011 baseball season is finally upon us. Nick Shiambouros previews each team in the National League with current prices to win the World Series.

Philadelphia Phillies [4.9]
Philadelphia struggled in the post-season last year and were eliminated by San Francisco in the NL Championship Series. But with the addition of Cliff Lee at the end of last year the Phillies have the best pitching rotation in baseball. And it's all good on the other side where Ryan Howard leads an explosive offence. This left-hander should launch at least 40 home runs this year.

The Phillies are legitimate World Series contenders but represent poor value at the current odds. They tend to play their best baseball in the second half of the season and they will almost certainly trade bigger in the coming months.

San Francisco Giants [20.0]
The Giants won the World Series last year with outstanding pitching and solid offence.
I think this team has an excellent chance to win the NL West and make another World Series run. They have one of the best pitching rotations in baseball which is a huge plus and are generously priced.

Atlanta Braves [25.0]
The Braves were beaten in the playoffs last year by the San Francisco Giants. This team relies heavily on pitching and it is no different this year. Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe and Tommy Hanson return for another season. I think they have an outside chance of securing a Wild Card.

Cincinnati Reds [28.0]
The Reds won the NL Central last year with solid pitching and a potent offence but were eliminated by Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs. Cincinnati should be in contention for a playoff spot at the very least. This is a well-run team with plenty of upside.

Continued:
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