Phillies 2012 Season Odds
(The Spread) – Even though their lineup is aging and they could be without their key slugger for the first part of the season, the Philadelphia Phillies are once again loaded and ready to make a deep postseason run in 2012.
Oddsmakers currently list the Phillies’ odds to win the 2012 World Series at 5/1, while their National League Pennant odds are 2/1. Their odds to win the National League Division are –250, while their regular season win total is set at over/under 93.
The Phillies made a couple of big moves this winter, first re-signing shortstop Jimmy Rollins to a new three-year, $38 million contract. They also added former Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon (four years, $50 million) and signed outfielder Laynce Nix, first baseman Jim Thome, pitchers Chad Qualls and Dontrelle Willis, as well as catcher Brian Schneider. In terms of trades, the Phils acquired Ty Wigginton from the Rockies in exchange for a player to be named later or cash, and also added Jeremy Horst (Reds) and Frank Gailey (Blue Jays) in exchange for Wilson Valdez and Ben Francisco, respectively.
View Latest 2012 World Series Odds
The club’s notable losses were Raul Ibanez, Ross Gload, Ryan Madson, Danys Baez, Brad Lidge and Roy Oswalt. Ibanez had served as one of the team’s better bats over the years, while Oswalt pitched the last year and a half in Philadelphia after the team acquired him in a mid-season trade with Houston.
OUTLOOK: The balance of power is definitely shifting in the NL East. The Phillies are starting to lose their grip on the division as the Braves, Marlins and Nationals continue to make improvements to their roster. With Ryan Howard expected to miss the first part of the season as he continues to battle back from Achilles surgery, the Phillies have to stay healthy if they want to win the NL East again this year. That means guys like Chase Utley and Placido Polanco can’t be in and out of the lineup. That said, the Phils still have one of the more intimidating pitching staffs in the league thanks to Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, and the addition of Papelbon was a boost to their bullpen. This club isn’t what it was a few years ago when it made back-to-back World Series appearances but there’s little doubt that the Phils will be in the postseason mix at the end of the year. And if they make the playoffs, their pitching will set them apart.
2012 Philadelphia Phillies MLB Season Odds
World Series Odds: 5/1
National League Pennant Odds: 2/1
National League East Odds: -250
Regular Season Win Totals: 93
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