The sportsbook odds makers know that the MLB season is winding down and the eight World Series contenders are pretty much set. For the online sports betting contingent, let’s separate the contenders from the pretenders and pick some winners.

Pretenders:

Los Angeles Dodgers

While the Dodgers may end up with the best record in baseball, they haven’t been impressive in the second half of the season. Since starting 56-32, the Dodgers are just 37-34 the rest of the way. Their starting pitching is very questionable and their bullpen has some concerns. This team is shaky.

Colorado Rockies

No team will be taken less seriously in the playoffs than the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are easily the weakest in the pitching department and we all know that it takes pitching to win it all.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are pitted up against the New York Yankees in round one and not many people see them getting by. MLB predictions all favor the Yankees to advance rather easily. The Tigers would need a miracle to get into the second round.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels do what they always do: win the American League West rather easily and then lose in the first round of the playoffs. Again they face Boston and again that means bad news for them.

Contenders:

Philadelphia Phillies

We don’t really need to spend much time on this one. The Phillies have Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels at the top of the rotation and they have four 30 home run hitters in the lineup. There are some closer concerns, but with Brett Myers and Pedro Martinez on the roster, they should be able to alleviate any worries.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have a fairly good one-two punch in their starting staff as well with Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter. Joel Pineiro may be the best No. 3 starter around too. With Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday in the lineup, this could be the most complete team in the postseason.

New York Yankees

You won’t find a sports betting blog rooting for the Yankees, but they are the team to beat in the playoffs. Their batting lineup is very dangerous from top to bottom and their starting rotation has enough firepower to get the job done. Until someone upends them, they are going to be the favorite.

Wild Card:

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are an interesting team. They don’t seem to have the magic they had in years past, but this is still very much an experienced team with a deep pitching staff and a good lineup. They need Big Papi to carry over is his September magic into October.

Prediction:

The New York Yankees will be your World Series Champ. Their batting lineup is the best in the business and they finally have the pitching to support them throughout October.