MLB News: Jon Rauch Traded to Diamondbacks
July, 23, 2008 - MLB - Washington Nationals closer Jon Rauch was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for top prospect Emilio Bonifacacio. The Arizona bullpen has been bleeding runs recently with closer Brandon Lyon forgetting that he is a closer and pitching batting practice in the ninth inning. Jon Rauch has had a decent year as the Nationals closer 4-2, 17 Saves in 22 chances, 2.98 ERA for the Washington Nationals. The D-Backs are currently leading the very weak (some might say crappyNL West) NL West.
Current future betting line for Odds to win the 2008 National League Pennant has Arizona Diamondbacks 10/1. The Chicago Cubs are the odds on favorite to win at 3/2 followed byMilwaukee 7/2 and the New York Mets 4/1. Pitching wins pennants is the old age adage. I am not saying Rauch is the second coming of Randy Johnson even though he is 6'11" tall. However, the extra depth could give the Diamondbacksenough to capture the NL West to get into the playoffs.
Current Odds to win the 2008 World Series Championship have Arizona Diamondbacks at 25/1. This is great value for a team with two top end pitchers in Brandon Webb and Randy Johnson. The D-backs have won the World Series before and this future bet should be looked at seriously. The GM of Arizona is showing that he is going to go for it this year in a weakNL West when he still has Randy Johnson around. For most update MLB Future Odds check with Bodog.
