2011 National League Pennant Betting

5Dimes opened the Phillies as the betting favorite to win the 2011 National League pennant and after the first two months of the season, they still offer the least value (in our opinion) to win the title. Below we have the odds to win the 2011 National League title of each team as well as short analysis of the top contenders.

Philadelphia Phillies +140

The Phillies lead the tough NL East and Roy Halladay has been superb in leading a staff that ranks 2nd in team ERA. Even at +140 the Phillies may be a good betting value. Philadelphia only ranks 14th in runs scored and while Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard are having good seasons the Phillies recently got a big lift with Chase Utley coming off the DL. On top of that the Phillies are in the market to add another big bat to their lineup.

San Francisco Giants Odds: +450

The Giants won it all last season, but it may be harder this season since they recently lost last season ROY C Buster Posey to a possible season-ending leg injury. Just like last season Tim Lincecum and the pitching staff, which ranks 4th in team ERA, will have to carry the team, as their weak offense only ranks 28th in runs scored. Still, the Giants lead the NL West and last season showed anything can happen in the post-season.

Atlanta Braves +700

The Braves are getting it done with their great starting rotation of Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson, and Derek Lowe, as they rank 3rd in team ERA. While Chipper Jones has been healthy and is back to being a premier hitter sluggers Dan Uggla and Jason Heyward are both hitting below .220 and the Braves only rank 18th in runs scored and 22nd in team batting average.

St. Louis Cardinals Odds: +700

Even with Albert Pujols not putting up his usual numbers the Cardinals lead the NL Central and their offense is the 2nd highest scoring one led by Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday, who rank #1 and #2 in the NL in batting average. Kyle McClellan and Jaime Garcia have been surprises each ranking in the top 5 in wins in the NL and the bullpen has been solid. The Red Birds may be a good betting value at +700, especially if Pujols and P Chris Carpenter come around.

Milwaukee Brewers Odds: +700

The Brewers are right behind the Cardinals in the NL Central and their middle of the offense of Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, and Rickie Weeks have been killing the ball lately and Milwaukee has been one of the hottest teams in the league for the last couple of weeks. Off-season addition Zack Greinke has pitched better lately after a rocky start and Yovani Gallardo is tied for the 2nd most wins in the NL.

Cincinnati Reds Odds: +900

The Reds have been struggling for the last couple of weeks and while they are still in the NL Central race and their offense is the highest scoring one in baseball their staff only ranks 25th in team ERA.

The Rockies (+900) have been struggling lately while the Diamondbacks (+2500) have been streaking in the wide-open NL West. One big dark horse may be the Marlins (+1500) and even though they are young they are talented and they have the 3rd best record in the National League.

Here are the odds at 5Dimes to win the NL Pennant as of May 30th.

• Philadelphia Phillies +140
• San Francisco Giants +450
• Atlanta Braves +700
• St Louis Cardinals +700
• Milwaukee Brewers +700
• Cincinnati Reds +900
• Colorado Rockies +900
• Florida Marlins +1500
• Chicago Cubs +2500
• Los Angeles Dodgers +2500
• Arizona Diamondbacks +2500
• San Diego Padres +5000
• New York Mets +5000
• Houston Astros +5000
• Washington Nationals +5000
• Pittsburgh Pirates +5000