2012 National League Pennant Vegas Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers to Win the 2012 NL Pennant: The National League was full of surprises last season. San Francisco entered the year as the defending World Series Champion, only to miss the playoffs completely thanks to the Arizona Diamondbacks becoming the surprise winners of the NL West. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals didn’t clinch the Wild Card spot until the final day of the regular season and went on to win the World Series. After such an unpredictable year and plenty of offseason moves by the NL’s top team, another wild year could be on tap.
The Favorites – 2012 National League Pennant Odds and Predictions
Yes, the Philadelphia Phillies were bounced in the first round of last year’s postseason, but they also won an MLB-best 102 games. Philadelphia has won the NL East five years in a row, and a sixth division crown seems like a lock. Cy Young contenders Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee anchor the best starting rotation in baseball, and closer Jonathan Papelbon was to solidify the bullpen. Granted, the Phillies do have some offensive concerns with first baseman Ryan Howard and second baseman Chase Utley recovering from injuries, but a full year with outfielder Hunter Pence in the lineup should help the cause. More importantly, the Phillies don’t have to score a ton of runs as long as their pitching staff remains healthy.
The San Francisco Giants struggled to handle life as World Series champs last season, missing the playoffs and winning just 86 games. However, injuries played a role in the team’s problems scoring runs, and the Giants enter the 2012 season with catcher Buster Posey and third baseman Pablo Sandoval back in the mix. San Francisco also has one of the deepest rotations in baseball led by former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Ryan Vogelsong are above average pitchers as well, and all four players had an ERA of 3.21 or lower in 2011. With the slightly crazy Brian Wilson slamming the door in the ninth, the Giants should be able to ride their pitching to an NL West crown and make a run at another championship.
The Dark Horses – 2012 National League Pennant Odds and Predictions
Give the Cincinnati Reds’ front office credit. The NL Central is ripe for the taking with Prince Fielder leaving Milwaukee and Albert Pujols leaving St. Louis, and Cincinnati went all out this offseason. Mat Latos was brought in to bolster a starting rotation that features Johnny Cueto, and Ryan Madson and Sean Marshall were brought in to strengthen the bullpen. The offense features perennial MVP candidate Joey Votto at first base, along with second baseman Brandon Phillips and outfielder Jay Bruce. Add it all up, and the Reds should win their division this season and could surprise in October.
There is no doubt that the Atlanta Braves have to still be reeling after their epic collapse that cost them the Wild Card spot last year. However, they also have many of the same parts that put them in position to make the playoffs. Young players like first baseman Freddie Freeman, outfielder Jason Heyward, starter Tommy Hanson and closer Craig Kimbrel have already been contributing at a high level, and they should only get better with more experience. The Braves have a nice mix of young talent and veteran leadership and have one of the top bullpens in the National League. With two Wild Card spots available this year, Atlanta shouldn’t have to worry about missing out on the postseason.
After playing the role of Cinderella last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks won’t be sneaking up on anyone in 2012. The Diamondbacks young lineup seemed to mature overnight, and career years from starters Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson helped power Arizona to the NL West crown. Outfielder Justin Upton is a legitimate superstar, but a lot of other players are going to have to prove that their numbers last season weren’t a fluke. The Diamondbacks obviously have the pieces in place to make the postseason, but lightning may not strike twice for this group of overachievers.
The Sleepers – 2012 NL Pennant Odds and Predictions
Normally, the defending World Series champions would be among the favorites to repeat, but the St. Louis Cardinals are an exception. It’s funny how losing three-time MVP Albert Pujols and Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa in the same offseason can change the dynamic of a team. Granted, St. Louis did acquire outfielder Carlos Beltran and ace Adam Wainwright returns from injury, but the additions don’t exactly offset the losses. Dismissing the Cardinals completely after such an improbable World Series run would be foolish, but a repeat would be even more incredible.
They didn’t land Albert Pujols, but the Miami Marlins did make a splash this offseason. Shortstop Jose Reyes will team with Hanley Ramirez to form one of the most dynamic base running duos in the NL, and both players will bat in front of an up-and-coming lineup that features slugger Mike Stanton. Meanwhile, veteran starter Mark Buehrle will solidify a rotation that is welcoming back ace Josh Johnson. Closer Heath Bell was also brought in to shut down teams in the ninth. All the pieces are in the place, and the only question is how long it will take for all the new personnel to gel.
Odds to win the 2012 National League Pennant
5021 Arizona Diamondbacks +1405
5022 Atlanta Braves +975
5023 Chicago Cubs +2550
5024 Cincinnati Reds +775
5025 Colorado Rockies +1675
5026 Houston Astros +10500
5027 Los Angeles Dodgers +1850
5028 Miami Marlins +955
5029 Milwaukee Brewers +1550
5030 New York Mets +5050
5031 Philadelphia Phillies +215
5032 Pittsburgh Pirates +5050
5033 San Diego Padres +6250
5034 San Francisco Giants +655
5035 St Louis Cardinals +955
5036 Washington Nationals +1550
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