Astros Season Odds
Can the Houston Astros compete in the NL Central with the likes of the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers with a solid lineup but suspect pitching?
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBG Global have made the Astros 100/1 long shots to win the 2009 World Series and established their National League Pennant odds at 40/1.
The Astros have a pretty good lineup, consisting of the fleet-footed Kazuo Matsui, youngster Hunter Pence and the always-dangerous Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee. They also have some quality role players in Geoff Blum and Michael Bourn.
Where the problem comes in his the starting pitching, which after Roy Oswalt features some question marks in Mike Hampton (who is seldom healthy), Wandy Rodriguez (who strained an oblique muscle in spring training) and Brian Moehler, who also had a rough spring. The fifth spot in the rotation is a question mark, as well.
If the starting pitching comes through, the lineup offers a good balance of speed, power and guys that can hit for average. But the starting pitching has to overachieve this season for Houston to compete in what should be a pretty competitive NL Central.
Houston Astros World Series Odds and Odds to Win National League
Houston Astros World Series Odds to Win 100/1
Houston Astros Odds to Win National League 40/1
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Posted: 4/10/09 11:19PM ET