Be Loud 'n Proud: Who Will Be The 2011 World Series Champion?

Before we have everyone and their mom run in here and give the championship to the Philadelphia Phillies based off their pitching rotation and acquisition of Hunter Pence to solidify their batting order, let's take a moment to jot down the current odds (via JustBet) on the contenders to win it all.

Original List:
Philadelphia Phillies (+175)
Boston Red Sox (+245)
New York Yankees (+345)
Atlanta Braves (+700)
Milwaukee Brewers (+1200)
St. Louis Cardinals (+1700)
Detroit Tigers (+1500)
Cleveland Indians (+3000)
Chicago White Sox (+3500)
San Francisco Giants (+1000)
Arizona Diamondbacks (+1400)
Texas Rangers (+1000)
Anaheim Angels (+2000)

My process of elimination begins with starting pitching. Is it possible that some of these teams will have breakout performances from pitches? Sure. Is it possible that a team could slug their way to the title? Sure. But, I can't predict that. In my opinion, you need a "two-ace" formula (two pitchers who are ace caliber but happen to be on the same team) to propel a team's staff in the postseason.

Starting Pitcher Reduction:
Philadelphia Phillies (+175)
Boston Red Sox (+245)
Atlanta Braves (+700)
San Francisco Giants (+1000)
Anaheim Angels (+2000)

I'm only asking for trouble by knocking out the New York Yankees so early. I apologize Yankee fans. I enjoy watching the Bronx Bombers, but they will need to rely on breakout pitching and/or run production to win it all. The Texas Rangers are in the same area as the Yankees for me.

Okay, well, something stands out for me in my list, so let me take care of it.

The Anaheim Angels won't make the postseason so I can't have them on my list of World Series contenders:
Philadelphia Phillies (+175)
Boston Red Sox (+245)
Atlanta Braves (+700)
San Francisco Giants (+1000)

I believe homefield advantage will be a factor (I'm not a big advocate for homefield advantage but I have to find a way to eliminate the Red Sox without alarming the masses). So, the champion will come from the National League.

Homefield matters, but doesn't really matter, but has to matter today in order to eliminate Boston:
Philadelphia Phillies (+175)
Atlanta Braves (+700)
San Francisco Giants (+1000)

The three remaining teams have very little separation in my opinion and it will depend on who is hot when the playoffs roll around to determine the winner. But, for the sake of this blog, I may as well do this now than wait til the end.

Everyone is going to take Philadelphia, so I'm going to eliminate them so I can make a case for a value pick:
Atlanta Braves (+700)
San Francisco Giants (+1000)

These two teams have the most complete staffs in MLB in my opinion. That's not taking a shot at the Phillies at all as they may be able to ride complete game starts to the championship with their horses. If you look at starting pitching and relief pitching, the Braves and Giants are loaded.

The San Francisco Giants have been in a funk since their trade deadline acquisitions. I expect Bruce Bochy to make the necessary adjustments and the G-Men to compliment their pitching rotation again this season with timely hitting. It's hard to repeat as champions, but I feel this San Francisco team is better than last year's version. That can only mean good things, right?

2011 World Series Champion: San Francisco Giants

Now, here's the bad news for Giants fans: I lost on Oregon Ducks (NCAAFB), Miami Heat (NBA), and Team USA (Women's Soccer), so the Giants have no shot at repeating as champions. Sorry, Giants fans.

Who do you have to win it all?

Not the Giants. Lineup stinks!

youre a proven loser and your threads are only poison 

not sf , that is safe to say imho

Aww, love you too TheOwl. Sorry about your 3-bet losing streak. You'll get it back today, bud!

how are today Capptress ??

Hey, guys. The question isn't, "Who will NOT be the World Series champion?"

youre right because i limit my plays and dont raise my unit base to increase results

Yeah, BMOC! Well . . . sort of. More than yesterday.

How'd your bets go?

I never pick the heavy favorite. But, it's tough to not see the Phillies winning it. It's their championship to lose!

Sometimes it really is as easy as it looks. With the addition of Pence to the everyday lineup. Nobody is beating Philly. The best of Pence is yet to come. Surrounded by all of that talent will only make him an even better player. I like 10 minutes from the stadium; go to many gamnes and watch just about everyone. But also have the MLB package so see about 5-7 additional games a night. There is a huge seperation since that trade. Before I believe they could have been upset come October. After a small dose of watching what Pence brings along with that staff. They win it and fairly easy

were trying to win money today not play what ifs for free

I'm pulling for you to go 2-0 today and not have another losing day. That would be detrimental for the self-proclaimed, "Best Capper on Covers."

All the best, my friend!

5-3 posted i tailed tide on pirates for a unit. good day and good 2 week cycle with book, he meets me tonight with nice envelope girlie 

jdr016, you could be right.

Hunter Pence adds depth to that lineup, but even last year, they struggled to produce runs consistently when facing the Giants staff.

Houston was a money pick last night, Dep!

When's the last time you record a losing 2-week session? It feels like you win pretty consistently.

It seems like you're trying to troll and cause a commotion in the forum to be honest.

If you aren't interested in the thread, then "X" out of it. Yeah? Thanks.

It is possible. Baseball is so streaky though, so I can't hand it to them yet.

They are very impressive though. I can't take that away from them.

I rock on capping these games...

World series champion will be

BOSOX !

theres no value in future betting for world champs

giving the casino an interest free loan to hold my money until then is not smart for bettors only for the casino which you are a schill for

philly will win it this year

i lose sometimes im just not as vocal then ...human nature, but i have been very very lucky at making large stupid bets on sun/mon night to get back to even at the end of a few cycles i know thats dangerous, but i dont bet enough to matter in the overal scheme of things for me....yet, anyway

I think the Phillies win it all but I like the +700 with Atlanta.

Nice, whooooooooa!

It feels like forever (although it hasn't been) since the Red Sox were a real threat. If they are healthy in that rotation when the playoffs come around, watch out!

You are a shill for the mentally challenged. Please find somewhere else to spew your hate for life.