2010 Baseball World Series Predictions
Those making 2010 World Series predictions are sure to have a difficult time. A number of teams in the American League have a chance to make a run at the title and the National League remains a craps shoot. Trade deadline deals have muddied the waters even more, making it tough to spot those clubs that will end up in the October Classic.
With that said, one can speculate with some early World Series predictions. Some might argue for the Yankees, Braves, Padres, or Cardinals. Others might like the Rangers with newly acquired Cliff Lee. Smart bettors need not overlook the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies when making their 2010 World Series predictions, though.
Analyzing the Rays
Two seasons ago, the Rays charged onto the scene, taking down the American League pennant in the process. The core of that squad is two years older and they're in great position once again. Though they lag a couple games behind the Yankees in the AL East, the Rays have an excellent chance to win the division or perhaps take down the wild card. Once they get into the playoffs, their brand of baseball will certainly prove hard to beat.
What makes the Rays such a nice choice?
They have a complete team.
Some argue that pitching and defense win in the postseason, but it's really the complete teams that take the titles. Defensive rankings put Tampa at or near the top of baseball in terms of range and sure-handedness. With a strong starting rotation that goes four-deep, the Rays have the ability and depth to prevent runs in the playoffs.
They also have speed, with Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, and Ben Zobrist doing big things on the base paths. When you throw in a well above average offense led by Evan Longoria, it's should come as no surprise that the Rays are a part of these World Series predictions.
Analyzing the Phillies
Though they have flown under the radar thus far in 2010, the Phillies have what it takes to make yet another World Series run. Though Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are aging a bit, the duo still provides ability in the middle of the order. The Phils have had their share of injuries in 2010, but one would expect their big guns to be ready to go around playoff time. If Rollins, Utley, Howard, and Shane Victorino are all healthy in October, this team will have a great chance to be successful.
When making 2010 World Series predictions, bettors should be looking for the following qualities in teams:
- A combination of speed and power
- Elite starting pitching
- Good defense
- Versatile bench players
With Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and the newly added Roy Oswalt, the Phillies might have the best playoff rotation in all of baseball. They still rank as one of the better defensive teams in the NL, and they have some versatility coming off of the bench. The one question mark for the Phillies remains their bullpen, but they have plenty of firepower to overcome those issues on the way to a date with the Rays in October.