National League Central Betting Preview: Cubs Favored Heavily

The Chicago Cubs have turned into the lovable losers. What used to be a tie between them and the Boston Red Sox now belongs only to the Cubs. Even with their ability to snatch defeat from the hands of victory, odds makers have not given up on the Cubs.

Chicago is once again the betting favorite to win the National League Central this year. They have odds of -160, which puts the pressure of the world on manager Lou Pinella and his team.

The Milwaukee Brewers surprised many last year when they came from nowhere to capture the wild card playoff birth in the National League. Their young stars all began to mature, but it was two players that are not with this year's team that helped them immensely, C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets. The Brewers are a 4/1 choice to win the division this year.

The St. Louis Cardinals seem to always be in the mix no matter how much turnover the roster endures in the off season. This year, they will get their former ace, Chris Carpenter, back and healthy for the entire year. That should help them compete. They still have Albert Pujols and the combination of Pujols and Carpenter make the Cards a 5/1 pick.

In Cincinnati, the Reds have been bad for several years now. every year they are picked for a breakout season, and every year they disappoint. This year sportsbooks have them at 7/1 to win the Central.

The Houston Astros have perhaps the leagues best three-four hitters in the National League in Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee. If Roy Oswalt stays consistent to his second half numbers from last year, the Astros could turn some heads in the division. They are a 12/1 choice.

Bringing up the rear as they have so often recently is the Pittsburgh Pirates. They were once again stripped of some of their best players from last year and remain young. For bettors that like long shots, the Pirates may be the choice at 30/1.

February 23, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

National League West Betting Preview: Dodgers, D-Backs Favored
American League East Betting Preview: Yankees Favored Again
American League Central Betting Preview: Will Indians Rebound?
NBA Trade Deadline Leaves Title Hopefuls Betting On What They Have
NBA Basketball Betting Begins Again With March To The Championship