Last year the Los Angeles Dodgers had a sensational five month run for baseball betting games. However, from September on LA slumped while busting bankrolls. Few teams in any sport could match the Dodgers as an overlay at that time. Once again Los Angeles is the prohibitive favorite to win the National League West. But there could also be plenty of better values as alternatives. In fact, many observers are proclaiming the NL West as the best division in baseball. Three of their teams made the post season last year. All five NL West teams have reason for optimism.
2018 National League West
Date and Time: Season opens March 29, 2018
Location: Check Schedule
Baseball Betting Online Odds at SBG: Dodgers -250, Diamondbacks +500, Giants +600, Rockies +850, Padres +4000.
2018 MLB TV Coverage: Check Listings
Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite posting 104 wins in 2017 the Los Angeles Dodgers were just marginally profitable. Make no mistake, public money will flow for Dodger baseball betting games yet again. Overlays are a consistent danger when LA takes the field. Seems like most bettors believe the Dodgers World Series loss to Houston was a fluke. With stars such as Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger LA draws attention. A young nucleus of core players makes Los Angeles the team to beat. Cy Young candidate Clayton Kershaw tops a lethal starting rotation. Gamblers will pay big for such quality.
Arizona
Arizona was a top money maker last year as a surprise playoff team. Most noteworthy was their appearance in the divisional round. Of concern is the loss of JD Martinez. He was an essential element of last year’s wild card berth. Steven Souza was acquired to make up for that loss in production. Brad Boxberger was another major acquisition as setup man. Archie Bradley is the new closer. Ace starter Zach Greinke will get help from Robbie Ray and Zach Godley. Arizona will need Taijuan Walker and Shelby Miller to complete an effective rotation.
Colorado
Colorado was also a profitable sportsbook surprise last year as another wild card team. Bullpen depth with Wade Davis, Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee is key. Jon Gray proved enough to top the pitching rotation. Run production won’t be a problem with Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story. Also contributing will be Charlie Blackmon and Ian Desmond.
San Francisco
San Francisco flooded gamblers with red ink last year. Overlay favorites that win just 64 games tend to do that. Andrew McCutchen and Even Longoria arrive to help run scoring. With Buster Posey and Brandon Belt the Giants lineup is now much more complete. Pitching remains a consistent worry. Meanwhile Eric Hosmer has arrived with great fanfare in San Diego. Kansas City won two pennants and a World Series with Hosmer on the marquee. While the Padres won’t contend for the pennant they may bring surprise betting value. Casual money never flows towards San Diego. Bargain hunters may swoop in.
Matchup to Watch
Seems like the NL West is Los Angeles vs. everyone else. Colorado and Arizona face market correction danger. For both the element of surprise is gone with baseball betting games. San Diego merits occasional consideration. Pitching makes San Francisco too risky.
2018 National League West Betting Odds Picks
This year again looks like Dodger Blue. What remains to be seen is if that also means green. Nobody on the board will be more expensive than the Dodgers.
Baseball Betting Online Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers