Streaking Phillies Pick Up Oswalt
The Philadelphia Phillies have won seven straight and are the hottest team in baseball right now. As Emeril would say, they kicked it up a notch on Tuesday with the acquisition of Houston Astros ace, Roy Oswalt.
MLB betting handicappers now have their eyes squarely on the Phillies, who may have just emerged as the team to beat in the National League. They are just 3.5 games out of first in the National League East and 2.5 out of the Wild Card. Oswalt will undoubtedlyboost their cause.
Betting fans have to admit that the Phillies starting rotation is fairly scary right now. Oswalt will join Cole Hamels, who has an ERA of 3.48 so far this season, and Roy Halladay, who is 12-8 with a 2.21 ERA this season. That trio surpasses any other front line three pitchers on any other starting rotation in the Majors and combined with the Phillies potent batting lineup, the sportsbook odds makers will have no choice but to make the Phillies the favorite in the NL.
One concern for the Phillies is the mounting injuries. Closer Brad Lidge is only rounding into form now after a couple of stints on the disabled list. Meanwhile, Shane Victorino just landed there with a strained oblique and Chase Utley is also out until mid-August.
The Phillies are rounding into form and as they get every back and healthy, and integrate Oswalt into their clubhouse, they should gather enough momentum to make a serious run at another World Series title.
