Saturday, September 09, 2006

With just over three weeks remaining in the regular season, not only are the
MLB pennant races heating up, but so is speculation about who'll win the
league's top awards. In both the American and National Leagues, the MVP
debate is becoming strongly contested along with the NL Cy Young, while the
AL Cy Young appears to be a virtual lock for a former winner. Now that the
contenders for the major MLB awards are becoming clearer, PinnacleSports.com
has released updated odds on the MVP and Cy Young winners in each league.
The largest sports betting site on the Internet, PinnacleSports.com
currently lists New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter as a slight favorite to
capture his first American League MVP Award at 3/2 odds (i.e., win $3 for
every $2 bet). Despite being the AL leader in homeruns and RBIs, the
oddsmakers believe David Ortiz's chances to win his first MVP run have taken
a hit from his recent absence from the lineup and is now listed at 2/1 to
become the first Red Sox MVP since 1995. The Twins Justin Morneau and White
Sox Jermaine Dye have been huge contributors to their respective teams'
playoff runs, but remain underdogs to walk away with the hardware at 13/2
and 15/2, respectively. PinnacleSports.com lists 2004 AL Most Valuable
Player Vladimir Guerrero as a 12/1 long shot to capture the honor for a
second time. In the National League, the online sportsbook lists Cardinals
first baseman Albert Pujols as a 5/4 favorite to win his second consecutive
MVP award. Following his recent power surge, Philadelphia's Ryan Howard has
taken over the Major League lead in HRs and RBIs, but remains a slight MVP
underdog at 7/5. Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran has silenced any
detractors this season by turning into a solid MVP contender with odds of
5/1. PinnacleSports.com has also handicapped the Cy Young race and currently
favors St. Louis' Chris Carpenter to repeat in the National League at 2/1,
followed closely by the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano at 3/1. Arizona's young ace
Brandon Webb has been installed at 9/2 while Braves' veteran John Smoltz and
Marlins' rookie Josh Johnson stand at 17/2 to be named the league's best
pitcher. Meanwhile, San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman is a 23/1 long shot to
become the latest relief pitcher to capture the award normally reserved for
starters. The American League Cy Young race paints a much clearer picture as
Minnesota's Johan Santana has distanced himself from all other candidates by
becoming the Major League leader in the three pitching "triple crown"
categories. Now leading the big leagues in wins, strikeouts and ERA, Santana
is listed as an overwhelming 1/5 favorite to win his second Cy Young.