Philadelphia Phillies Odds to win 2010 World Series: The Philadelphia Phillies are currently packing their bags and breaking camp from their spring training site in Clearwater, Florida and heading north to open their 2010 season on the road versus the Nationals in Washington on Monday. The Phillies will be looking to repeat as back-to-back-to-back National League champions and are projected to do so by fans, pundits and oddsmakers. Major League Baseball oddsmakers at online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com, list the Phillies odds on winning the 2010 World Series at +700.
While the Phillies have a great lineup, led by first baseman Ryan Howard, its the pitching staff that has people concerned coming out of spring camp. The Phillies did succeed in acquiring All-Star pitcher Roy Halladay from Toronto but questions arise over the decision to not pursue former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee who signed with Seattle. An oblique strain has put No. 3 starter Joe Blanton on the disabled list (DL) possibly until mid-May. Kyle Kendrick will be looked to slide into Blanton's spot.
The Phillies will begin the season with one starter and two relievers on the DL. While that in itself should not jeopardize the season, another injury or two certainly could do so.
The only major change to the field lineup is the acquisiton of third-baseman Placido Polonco from Detroit. Manager Charlie Manuel likes the balance Polonco brings to the lineup. Polonco should provide good compliment to the Phillies core lineup of Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino.
