The United States is a slight favorite in World Baseball Classic odds with the Dominican Republic a close second choice. World Baseball Classic betting options are available for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Defending champion Japan is the third choice in World Baseball Classic betting.
World MLB Classic betting choices include the option of betting on which team will win the overall title, the individual pools and eventually the individual games. The U.S., Dominican Republic and Japan are the only three teams with World MLB Classic odds of less than 10-1. Cuba, Venezuela, Korea and Mexico are the other possible contenders.
The World MLB Classic odds for Pool A favor Japan while Korea is a contender. Chinese Taipei is a darkhorse in Pool A while China has no shot. Pool B has Cuba a big favorite in World MLB Classic betting odds at -500 followed by Mexico at +200. Australia and South Africa have little chance to win this pool in World Classic odds. Pool C has the United States favored at -300 with Venezuela the second choice at +250. Canada and Italy have little chance in this pool. The Dominican Republic is -500 in World MLB Classic betting to win Pool D with Puerto Rico at +300. Panama is the darkhorse while the Netherlands has no real chance.
World MLB Classic betting could be interesting this year with Japan having a decent chance to repeat. The U.S. is definitely going to be a factor while the Dominican Republic could be a longshot. The Dominican Republic continues to lose players though as Albert Pujols has said he is not going to play. It is unlikely DR can overcome his loss to win in World Baseball Classic betting and they will also be missing Fausto Carmona who could have solidified their rotation.
One of the longshots in World Classic betting was Canada and their chances look slim now that Jeff Francis and Rich Harden have withdrawn.
Cuba is definitely a decent longshot in World MLB Classic betting. The team looks very confident and could be a good value.
Venezuela’s chances in World Baseball Classic betting probably hinge on whether or not Johan Santana is participating. The Mets don’t want him to go so it will be interesting to see what happens.
The team that will definitely contend in World Classic betting along with the U.S. is Japan. They look solid again with players like Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka.