At the beginning of the season, manager Joe Girardi hoped to get the Phillies into the wild card round. Philadelphia made the wild card playoffs as the 6th and final seed. But it was not with Girardi. Following a 22-29 baseball betting odds start, Girardi was fired. Rob Thomson took over and went 65-46. Philadelphia went on to win nine out of 11 postseason games. And the biggest longshot on the board is in the 2022 World Series. But now comes the toughest assignment. The Houston Astros are the best team in baseball and are 7-0 in the playoffs.
2022 World Series Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros
| Date and Time: | Friday, October 28, 2022, at 8:03 PM. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillies | +1½ (-160) | 6½ (-125) | +145 |  |
| Astros | -1½ (+140) | 6½ (-125) | -155 | |
| ||||
2022 World Series SBG Odds Overview
Casual gamblers are much more comfortable with the Astros. Houston has a greater sportsbook cache with squares. Since 2017, the Astros have had four World Series appearances. But their only World Series championship was in 2017.
Following the 2019 sign-sealing scandal, the Astros cleaned house of management. And Dusty Baker was called out of retirement to take over as manager. Baker makes for a sentimental story that is built into the odds. Cause by Baker needing a World Series championship to complete his resume.
Sharps are intrigued by the Phillies. Philadelphia brings a Cinderella element and plenty of momentum to the World Series. And then there is the hard data of a dominant postseason. In turn, Wise Guys have to ascertain the price point of Philadelphia. Houston rates as the more complete team. But there is the danger of being overpriced.
2022 World Series Schedule
- Game 1: Philadelphia at Houston — Fri, October 28
- Game 2: Philadelphia at Houston — Sat, October 29
- Game 3: Houston at Philadelphia — Mon, October 31
- Game 4: Houston at Philadelphia — Tues, November 1
- Game 5: Houston at Philadelphia — Wed, November 2 (*If necessary)
- Game 6: Philadelphia at Houston — Fri, November 4 (*If necessary)
- Game 7: Philadelphia at Houston — Sat, November 5 (*If necessary)
Phillies Make New Fanatics
Correlate, the Phillies have won three postseason series. First, Philadelphia swept St. Louis 2-0, eliminated Atlanta 4-1, and then beat San Diego 4-1. Philadelphia ranked 7th for run production, 6th for home runs, 18th for earned run average, 4th for quality starts, and 23rd for bullpen earned run average.
So far, Bryce Harper has been a key catalyst. In the postseason, Harper has ten runs, six doubles, five home runs, and 11 runs batted in, with a .907 slugging percentage and 1.351 OPS.
Astros In Orbit for Another Title
First, the Astros swept Seattle 3-0 in the NLDS. And then Houston brought out the broom in a 4-0 sweep of the Yankees. This season the Astros ranked 8th for run production, 4th for home runs, 2nd for earned run average, 1st for quality starts, and 1st for bullpen earned run average.
Namely, Jeremy Pena has been a top postseason producer for the Astros. To show, Pena has seven runs, three doubles, three home runs, and five runs batted in. In the bullpen, Ryan Pressly has four saves in four opportunities. Also, Pressley had 33 saves in 37 chances in the regular season.
2022 World Series SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the Phillies are a great story. But the Astros are the more complete team. Overall, the Astros bring more capability and value to the MLB odds.
2022 World Series SBG Best Bet: Houston Astros.