The Los Angeles Dodgers have recently been the cream of the National League crop. Though Dave Roberts’ squad failed to reach the World Series last season, it’s because they ran up against the eventual winner in the Washington Nationals. Be that as it may, linemakers at online sportsbooks once again have the Dodgers installed favorites to represent the NL in the Fall Classic. With that, it comes as no surprise to see them owning the highest season win total odds of any team in the league (37.5); the Yankees match it in the AL. Does the acquisition of Mookie Betts finally put the team from Tinseltown over the top? On paper, there might not be a better team in baseball, but that 37.5-game win total is a bit rich for my blood as hotly contested the NL West will be this season with the Padres and D’backs refusing to roll over. Here’s a breakdown of some NL Season Win Total Best Bets I’ve already backed with my own hard-earned money.
NL Season Win Totals
Dodgers 37.5
Braves 33.5
Nationals 33.5
Cubs 32.5
Cardinals 32.5
Mets 32.5
Diamondbacks 31.5
Reds 31.5
Phillies 31.5
Brewers 30.5
Padres 30.5
Rockies 26.5
Pirates 25.5
Giants 25.5
Marlins 24.5
Washington Nationals Under 33.5
The Nats were nothing but huge disappointments halfway through last season. Then out of nowhere, Dave Martinez’s squad went HAM and rode its end of season hot streak all the way to the World Series where they outlasted the Houston Astros in seven games to win the franchise’s first-ever Commissioner’s Trophy. Though the team will have had extra time off to recover, I’m not buying into the Nats whatsoever in this shortened season. The starting staff will still be nasty with Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin comprising arguably the best trio in the division, I’m not sold on the offense and the bullpen has to show me they can do it again; I’m betting against it! With Anthony Rendon no longer in the heart of the lineup, and youngsters Victor Robles and Juan Soto possibly getting out to late starts due to the coronavirus, there’s a high probability Washington gets out to another slow start. If it does, it won’t topple this impost.
St. Louis Cardinals Under 32.5
The Redbirds took advantage of the Cubs pissing down their legs at the tail end of last season to win the NL Central for the first time since 2015. This is a team that ranked amongst the bottom third of the league in most pertinent offensive stat categories. It made hay by marching one of the best overall pitching staffs to the bump that was backed up by the best defense in the game in terms of committing errors. The roster is nearly identical to what it looked like last season. With that, I’m betting against Mike Shildt’s squad repeating as division champs. The NL Central is going to be a logjam at the top. Being forced to play a bulk of its games against the Cubs, Brewers and Reds will make it awfully tough for Yadier Molina and company to repeat as division winners, and I’m of the belief at least 33 wins will be required to do so.
Philadelphia Phillies Over 31.5
At one point last season, the Phillies sat 10-games over .500 and in the catbird seat of the NL East. Then all of a sudden the floor fell out. The injury bug proved to be truly unkind; because of it, the Phillies finished with a .500 record that earned them a fourth place finish. After driving a Brinks truck up Bryce Harper’s driveway last offseason, the end results simply weren’t good enough. Veteran catcher and manager Joe Girardi will now be looking over the franchise, and you can bet your bottom dollar he’ll have a solid handle on the roster from day one. After largely disappointing in his debut as a member of the Phillies, I’m expecting Bryce Harper to go nuts over the next two months. There’s a nice mix of veterans and youngsters in the lineup, and new pitching coach Bryan Price is said to be working wonders with his collection of arms. I’m expecting Philly to play with a chip on its shoulder in year one of the Girardi regime and compete for the NL East crown with the Braves and Mets.
Arizona Diamondbacks Over 31.5
The Snakes have done nothing if not excel under the watch of Torey Lovullo and his staff since they took over back in 2017. Since then, Zona has compiled 93-69, 82-80 and 85-77 records yet only qualified for the playoffs once back in 2017 when the Dodgers busted out the brooms in the NLDS. Only the Braves made more money for MLB bettors than the D’backs in the NL last season, and they return to the playing field with an improved roster. Madison Bumgarner is now the staff ace with Robbie Ray, Luke Weaver, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly filling out the rotation. Starling Marte joins Ketel Marte atop the order with potent bats Eduardo Escobar, David Peralta and Christian Walker; there’s thump up and down the lineup. If Archie Bradley can evolve into the closer upper management envisions Arizona is going to win quite a few ball games and compete for not only the division pennant but also a World Series title!
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