Last Updated on April 4, 2010 6:00 am by Anthony Rome
Phillies Season Odds
The Philadelphia Phillies made the biggest move of the offseason in order to put themselves in the best position to make another World Series run. Can they get it done on the field again?
Although they had to part with Cliff Lee (one of the club’s key pieces down the stretch in 2009) in order to complete the deal, the Phillies acquired one of the best pitchers of the last decade this winter. In parting with pitcher Kyle Drabek, outfielder Michael Taylor and catcher Travis d’Arnaud, Philadelphia was able to acquire ace Roy Halladay to head their starting rotation for the next several years.
Along with Halladay, the Phils signed free agents Placido Polanco, Danys Baez, Brian Schneider, Ross Gload, Jose Contreras and Juan Castro. They also exercised Jimmy Rollins’ $8.5 million option for 2011.
Along with Lee the Phillies also parted ways with Chan Ho Park, Pedro Feliz, Brett Myers, Pedro Martinez, Tyler Walker, Scott Eyre and Jack Taschner to free agency or expired contracts this offseason.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have made the Phillies 13/2 to win the 2010 World Series and 3/1 to win the National League Pennant. They’re also 4/7 to win the NL East and have an over/under of 92.5 for number of wins in 2010.
Now that Halladay heads a rotation that also includes Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton (who will start the season on the DL), J.A. Happ and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies are set to make another World Series run. Their offense is spectacular from top to bottom, featuring top hitters like Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez, as well as complementary pieces such as Polanco and Shane Victorino.
The only thing that will slow the Phillies down this season is injuries. If they can stay healthy, nobody would be surprised if Philly ran through the competition this year on its way to another World Series appearance.
2010 MLB World Series Odds
Philadelphia Phillies 13/2
2010 MLB NL Pennant Odds
Philadelphia Phillies 3/1
2010 MLB NL East Odds
Philadelphia Phillies 4/7
2010 MLB Regular Season Win Totals
Philadelphia Phillies Over 92.5 (-125)
Philadelphia Phillies Under 92.5 (-105)
Posted: 4/4/10 6:00AM ET