When Do Dodgers Hit the Panic Button?
- Updated: May 7, 2018
Before a pitch was tossed at the beginning of the 2018 MLB regular season, sportsbooks found it difficult to split three teams at the very top of the betting odds – Astros, Yankees and Dodgers. The trio were all priced in around 6/1 (+600) to win the World Series, which was understandable given their recent history and 2018 rosters.
The Astros and, eventually, the Yankees have held up their end of the bargain. The former (19-10) holds a healthy lead in the AL West over a stuttering Angels side, whereas the Yankees (18-9) are now in hot pursuit over the Red Sox in the AL East. In fact, those two hold the third and fourth best records in MLB as we finish the month of April. The Red Sox, who had the best start of anyone since 1987, have the best record in baseball (20-7).
Diamondbacks’ best start leaves Dodgers trailing
The Dodgers’ problem is that the team with the second-best record in baseball just happens to be in the NL West. It is, of course, the Diamondbacks (20-8). They have had one of their best starts in their history and do not look like slowing down anytime soon. However, the second issue is that the Dodgers have had a slow start to the season – 12-16 does not make a good April.
Indeed, this is being written just before the Dodgers are through the first of a four-game series in Phoenix. It is close to being imperative that they win the series, or at least come away from Chase Field with parity, as that eight-game gap is starting to look insurmountable. Incidentally, former Dodger Zack Greinke took to the mound to take the win for Arizona in Game 1.
Dodgers’ can now be considered a World Series outsider
The Dodgers’ slow start has seen them tumble down the odds markets, now priced as big as 20/1 with some books to win the World Series. While that looks like good value given the talented roster, they really are in danger of missing out on the post season altogether if they don’t start winning soon. As it stands on the last day of April, the Dodgers are four games back in the NL Wildcard race. We are reaching the quarter-way mark in the season; rustiness should no longer be an excuse.
Of course, there is plenty of time for the Dodgers to turn things around. It is even possible for them to catch the Diamondbacks in the NL West. You can get odds of around 2/1 for that to happen. It is also worth checking out the latest Sports Interaction bonus and betting promotions to beef up the value of your baseball bet.
Plenty of other big names seeing early season struggles
The Dodgers are not the only team in the National League who are struggling. The Nationals, who were much fancied to top the NL East at least, have found it difficult to replicate last season’s good form. The Cubs also have just recently passed the .500 mark, but they face a tough fight to recapture the NL Central.
Seasons are not decided in April, nor in May. But the Dodgers have a roster that should be more in line with the Astros (6/1) and the Yankees (7/1) when it comes to winning the World Series. However, the work by Dave Roberts and co must start now, otherwise the Dodgers will soon have too big a margin to make up, leaving them no chance to win their first World Series in 30 years.
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