2011 NLDS Series Odds and Predictions: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers to Win in 4 Games

2011 NLDS Series Odds and Predictions – Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers Expert Picks and Vegas Series Price: Several offseason acquisitions put the Milwaukee Brewers on the radar as possible playoff contenders entering the 2011 season. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks were an afterthought when it came to the postseason discussion. Well, the Brewers lived up to the hype, winning the NL Central. However, the Diamondbacks came out of nowhere to do the same in the NL West. Neither team is a staple of the postseason, but one will get the chance to move on to the NLCS.

During the regular season, Arizona won four out of seven games from Milwaukee, but having homefield advantage could play big dividends for the Brewers. Milwaukee compiled a major-league best 57 wins at home in 2011. If the Brewers take care of business at home as they have almost all season, the numbers favor Milwaukee.

Offensively, the Brewers had a much better team batting average during the regular season, but the Diamondbacks actually scored more runs. However, Arizona tended to run hot and cold, scoring in bunches at times and slumping at other times. That being said, it only takes a short hot streak to win a five-game series.

In terms of star power, the edge has to go to Milwaukee. Ryan Braun finished the year in the 30-30 club and second in the NL in batting average. Meanwhile, first baseman Prince Fielder could end up winning NL MVP honors after finishing second in the NL in both homers and RBIs. Second baseman Rickie Weeks and outfielder Corey Hart round out a lineup that can score in bunches, especially at home.

Meanwhile, Arizona relies heavily on outfielder Justin Upton to carry the load in the middle of the lineup. Upton has performed at an MVP-caliber level at times this season, but the Diamondbacks really don’t have a second star. Fellow outfielder Chris Young has the potential to step up, but he can be a rollercoaster ride at the plate.

On the mound, both teams will rely on aces at the top of their rotations. Milwaukee has Yovani Gallardo going in the opener, and he will be opposed by Arizona’s Ian Kennedy, who came out of nowhere to win 21 games in 2011. The Diamondbacks will follow with the reliable Daniel Hudson, while the Brewers have a choice to make. Shaun Marcum pitched like an ace at times, but he seemed to wear down in the final month and was much better on the road. Meanwhile, starter Zack Greinke was untouchable at times at home. Based on those numbers, Greinke may get the nod in Game 2, pushing Marcum to Game 3 in Arizona. At the back end, Diamondbacks closer J.J. Put and Milwaukee’s John Axford both saved 40-plus games, and Axford blew just two saves all year.

Neither team is playoff tested, but the Brewers do have far more experience than the young Diamondbacks. Surprising in the regular season is one thing, but coming up big in the postseason is another. With Braun and Fielder leading the way, the Brewers are better equipped to provide steady offense over the course of the series. The Diamondbacks were a Cinderella story all year, but the clock will likely strike midnight against the best home team in baseball.  

Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers Win in 4 Games

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2011 MLB BASEBALL PLAYOFF SERIES PRICES
Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers
Arizona Diamondbacks +150
Milwaukee Brewers -170