Who Will Win The National League In 2010?

This season’s National League has been far more interesting for MLB betting enthusiasts than in years past. For instance, in all three divisions, the division leader is still yet to be determined. In years past, it was a safe bet by June that the NL East and NL Central were going to the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals respectively. This year however, teams such as the NY Mets, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants are making each division difficult to figure out. As a result many fans are unclear who will win the national league title in 2010.

Going into the season, the odds on favorite to win the National League was once again the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the past two years no team has dominated the entire league the way the Phillies have. For instance, in 2008 the Phillies captured the World Series title after defeating the biggest surprise of the decade, Tampa Bay Rays. Than in 2009, they repeated as National League champions, but were unable to defeat fellow powerhouse New York Yankees for the World Series crown. In the offseason the Phillies acquired disgruntled former Blue Jay and future hall of famer Roy Halladay. After acquiring the big righty the team was given the best odds to win the World Series. However the offense has been abysmal this year, leaving room for a few other National League squads to jump in and take the glory.

One team we really like and could see winning the National League, is the San Diego Padres. Over the last few years no team has bounced around in the standing as much as the Padres. Yet this season they appear to finally have put the pieces all together. For example, they got off to a strong start out of the gate and have never been out of first place in the NL West.

What’s more, at the trade deadline, they were the only team in the West to not add anyone and staying the course has proven to be a great move so far. The pitching staff is incredible and is lead by top pitching prospect, Matt Latos. If the pitching can stay strong and the bats continue their good showings, look for the Padres to take the National League title.

Pettitte, Hamels square off in crucial Game 3

The World Series line for Saturday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia is backing New York on the road, as they send their veteran lefty to the mound to face last year’s World Series MVP.

Yankees vs Phillies odds – Saturday, October 31, 7:57 PM ET

Andy Pettitte (2-0, 2.37) clinched the ALCS for the Yankees in their 5-2 Game 6 win over the Angels, allowing a run on seven hits over 6.1 innings, along with six strikeouts and a single walk. The 37-year-old southpaw is 2-2 in seven career starts against the Phillies with a 3.67 ERA, but he’s 1-0 in two outings at Citizens Bank Park, posting a 0.75 ERA. Pettitte has allowed four runs in 12.2 innings on the road so far in the postseason, and his veteran experience will be a huge key in this game.

Cole Hamels (1-1, 6.75) lasted just 4.1 innings in a 10-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLCS, giving up three runs on just five hits. The problem is, three of those hits were solo homers, and going up against a home run-happy New York lineup can’t be encouraging. Hamels has faced the Yankees just twice, going 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.

Sportsbook odds have the Yankees as a -123 road favorite, and they’re 2-2 away from Yankee Stadium so far in the playoffs, while the Phillies are 4-1 at Citizens Bank Park. Hamels’ struggles have been puzzling, and it’s not a new thing: the 25-year-old southpaw hasn’t been himself all season, which is why it’s tough to put your faith in the Phillies.

Online betting pick: New York Yankees -123