Sports Betting News

Phillies Odds Improve on Oswalt Trade

With the MLB non-waiver trade deadline mere hours away, the time for contenders to act is now. Many different teams have already made their moves.

Let’s have a look at some of the top World Series contenders’ moves in relation to the trade deadline and predict some of the World Series odds changes that will happen at online sportsbooks reviewed here.

Which teams have already bolstered their World Series odds this month? Which teams are now feeling the heat to swing deals in response?

HAVES (Already acquired players this month)

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are the team to beat in the American League West – and now a popular World Series pick – largely because of their potent offense. But they did a smart thing and bolstered their pitching earlier this month by acquiring Cliff Lee to be their ace. They boosted their infield by acquiring Jorge Cantu from the Marlins as well.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels got a major scare when their newly-acquired ace, Dan Haren, took a comebacker off his throwing arm in his first start with them. But x-rays came back negative and the Angels can resume chasing Texas. Still, their World Series odds haven’t spiked much, as they’re still way back in the West.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies were the latest team to make a huge splash – acquiring Roy Oswalt on Thursday in exchange for J.A. Happ and prospects. They’ve essentially duplicated the Cliff Lee trade from last year – one that took them to the World Series. There’s no question that the Phillies' betting odds will skyrocket with this trade.

San Diego Padres

Bettors everywhere realized that the Padres needed some offense to complement their stellar pitching - but is newly-acquired Miguel Tejada the answer? At his age, he isn’t really a high-impact player anymore. San Diego’s odds won’t change much as a result.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Bringing in Scott Podsednik helps plug the hole left by Manny Ramirez’s injury. While Pods should actually make the Dodgers better with his speed and on-base ability, the trade won’t change the Dodgers’ World Series odds, as he isn’t a big enough name to influence the sportsbooks.

HAVE NOTS (Contenders under pressure to make trades)

New York Yankees

With Andy Pettitte’s health issues and Phil Hughes tiring, the Yankees need pitching help, but they missed out on Lee, Oswalt, and Haren. What now?

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are after another bat and were reportedly in hot pursuit of Corey Hart this week. Tampa can certainly spare a pitcher, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rays make a deal over the weekend.

Boston Red Sox

There haven’t been many whispers about the Red Sox making deals, perhaps because they’ve maxed out their budget. But you can bet Theo Epstein wouldn’t mind adding another arm considering how unpredictable John Lackey has been.

Minnesota Twins

The only name they’ve been commonly connected to is Oswalt’s. Now that he’s gone, the Twinkies may find themselves in the Yankees' shoes, struggling to find another available stud starter. They grabbed Matt Capps from Washington, but they alrready have Jon Rauch to close.

San Francisco Giants

It’s no secret that (a) the Giants’ pitching is outstanding and (b) they’re actively searching for a bat. Rumor has it that Jose Bautista is their prime target. But are they willing to part with a Jonathan Sanchez to get him?

Baseball Trade Deadline Odds Update