Really interesting Money Lines for WBC / MLB playoff odds.

[DawgOfTheAges]

First of all the Dominican Republic’s odds to win the WBC are 3-1… amazingly good odds given the offensive talent on this team. The American team is the favorite ~ Odds of -110 and yah, the team has offensive talent and better pitching but no-one has a better lineup in the field or at bat than the DR. 3-1 odds are a gift.

The Mariners are 5-1 odds to make it to the World Series and the Mariner / Dodger combo for making the series is 12-1 ~ again, intriguing odds. Oddly enough (IMO) the Yankees are the AL favorite at this point ~ can’t figure out why given their pitching rotation and relatively thin depth.

 

[PurpleThrobber]

USA needs to pull their head out and lay down the wood.

Pitch Skenes until his arm falls off.

 

[DawgOfTheAges]

Surprisingly, as the Pool B runnerup, the USA is still the betting odds favorite ~ USA -125, Japan +300, The Dominican Republic +150. Following the Quarter Finals the teams will then be reseeded to determine the Semi Finals matchups.

 

[PurpleThrobber]

Ireland needs to field a team of guys from the States - Guinness in the dugout and brawls every game.

 

[DawgOfTheAges]

An interesting aspect of this tourney is / are the Pitching limitations imposed ~ limitations which are intended to reduce arm stress. The net effect from an odds standpoint going forward, is because of the remaining tight window schedule timeline, if and when a starter / pitcher goes up to 50 pitches in a game at this point, that starter will require a minimum of 4 days rest [will be out for the rest of the tourney].

Here's a look at the pitching rules for the World Baseball Classic, separated by each round. They are as follows:

• Maximum 65 pitches in one game during pools
• Maximum 80 pitches in one game during quarterfinals
• Maximum 95 pitches in one game during semifinals and the championship.
• Minimum four days rest after a 50-pitch game.
• Minimum one day rest after a 30-pitch game.
• No pitching three straight days under any circumstances.

Rest days should prove paramount throughout the tournament, especially for sides with deeper bullpens than most. Expect fireworks as starting rotations give way to relievers.