2011 World Series Odds

Spring is upon us, and that means so are World Series futures. Let’s take a look at this year’ s top contenders, with their odds to win the 2011 World Series compliments of Sportsbook.com.

Philadelphia Phillies +225

Thanks to an absolutely mind-boggling rotation, the Phillies are clearly at the head of the class. Philadelphia failed to reach the World Series with Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and reigning Cy Young winner Roy Halladay last season, so it went out and added another former Cy Young winner in Cliff Lee. Not only is Lee a fantastic pitcher, he’s a genius in the playoffs.

The lineup is littered with former All-Stars and a couple of former MVPs, but it’s getting long in the tooth. Short stop Jimmy Rollins battled injuries throughout last season, and Chase Utley has missed all of Spring Training with a knee injury. If everything goes right, Philly will have a dominant lineup—but it won’t take much for everything to go wrong.

Boston Red Sox +400

There’s been a ton of talk about the Red Sox winning 100 games this season thanks t oa wild offseason. Boston spared no expense, bolstering the lineup with Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. Gonzalez has averaged 34 homers over the last four seasons despite playing in the incredibly pitcher friendly Petco Park. He should have an easier time belting homers out of Fenway. An X-factor will be the return of a healthy Jacoby Ellsbury. The young center fielder played just 18 games last season, but he hit .291 and stole 120 bases in 2008 and 2008.

The rotation has potential but needs a few underwhelming, overpaid players to come through. John Lackey was a major disappointment after signing a big free agent contract, while Josh Beckett posted a career-worst 5.78 ERA.

New York Yankees +600

Some pundits are predicting a bit of a Yankee collapse this season, but Sportsbook.com obviously isn’t buying it. Admittedly, the rotation has some major concerns. New York failed to sign Cliff Lee and Andy Pettitte retired, leaving C.C. Sabathia as the only surefire thing. Phil Hughes won 18 games on an inning limit last year, but the Yankees could really use a sub-4.00 ERA and 200-plus strikeouts from the youngster in 2011.

Either way, the club will lean on a potent offense. The Bronx Bombers led the majors in offense last season and the lineup returns mostly intact. The only thing that could get sticky is Derek Jeter. Jeter suffered the worst season of his career in 2010 but enters the season hitting second. If he struggles again, will the Yankees have the guts to drop him down the order?

San Francisco Giants +1500

San Francisco will roll out the same rotation that earned it a World Series title last year. If anyone can give the Phillies a run for the best rotation in the majors, it’s the Giants. Tim Lincecum, Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Cain form a brilliant young trio, and former first-round pick Madison Bumgarner appears poised to join them after posting a 3.00 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 111 innings last year.

With a rather underwhelming lineup, the Giants can’t afford any injuries to their pitching—and it appears they’re already suffering before the season has begun. Closer Brian Wilson is battling a strained rib-cage muscle and may not be ready for Opening Day. San Fran better hope that doesn’t become a trend. Either way, the Giants were the ultimate example of a team with great pitching and getting hot at the right time; duplicating the feat two years straight will be very tough.

2011 World Series futures Sportsbook.com.

• Arizona Diamondbacks +10000
• Atlanta Braves +2000
• Baltimore Orioles +8000
• Boston Red Sox +400
• Chicago Cubs +3000
• Chicago White Sox +2000
• Cincinnati Reds +2500
• Cleveland Indians +10000
• Colorado Rockies +2500
• Detroit Tigers +2000
• Florida Marlins +5000
• Houston Astros +10000
• Kansas City Royals +10000
• Los Angeles Angels +4000
• Los Angeles Dodgers +4000
• Milwaukee Brewers +1500
• Minnesota Twins +2000
• New York Mets +6000
• New York Yankees +600
• Oakland Athletics +3000
• Philadelphia Phillies +225
• Pittsburgh Pirates +10000
• San Diego Padres +10000
• San Francisco Giants +1500
• Seattle Mariners +10000
• St. Louis Cardinals +3000
• Tampa Bay Rays +3000
• Texas Rangers +2000
• Toronto Blue Jays +10000
• Washington Nationals +10000