2012 MLB Odds - National League Preview

• Monday, February 13rd, 2012

  By  Blade Armstrong

  

  2012 MLB odds at the online sportsbook favor the Philadelphia Phillies to win the National League this season. The Phillies have the best starting rotation in the league and they are considered serious World Series contenders. Let’s take a look at all three divisions in the National League.

  National League East

  The East favors the Phillies but the division is improved this season as the Miami Marlins could be poised to contend. The Phillies have Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels and now they have Jonathan Papelbon to close games. They do have some concerns though as Ryan Howard will start the season on the DL and overall the Phillies are not deep. The Braves blew the Wild Card last season and unless Jason Heyward and Tommy Hanson rebound from last year’s disappointing season the Braves will miss the playoffs again. The Marlins made the big noise in the off-season as they signed Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle. They also have Ozzie Guillen as manager and he knows how to win. The Nationals are young and talented but they probably won’t contend and the Mets are bad.

  National League Central

  The St. Louis Cardinals are defending World Series champs but manager Tony LaRussa and slugger Albert Pujols are gone. The Cardinals still have talent though and they get Adam Wainwright back. The Milwaukee Brewers lost Prince Fielder and they could be without Ryan Braun for the first 50 games. The Reds could be the team to watch in this division in 2012 MLB odds as they stole Mat Latos in a trade with the Padres and they added Ryan Madson and Ryan Ludwick. The Cubs are building for the future with new GM Theo Epstein while the Pirates still aren’t any good.

  National League West

  The West should be a two-team race between the Diamondbacks and Giants again. The Diamondbacks added Jason Kubel who should improve their offense and they got Trevor Cahill from the A’s who will improve their pitching staff. The Giants didn’t do much in the offseason but they still have a great starting staff and they get Buster Posey back this season. The Dodgers have Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp but not enough depth. Colorado looks old while San Diego traded away their best pitcher in Mat Latos. Check out the BetDSI Facebook page for more MLB betting news.