Biggest odds or worst odds, no matter how you slice it the Seattle Mariners don’t have a hope in hell of winning the 2008 World Series. Then again, if you think you know who will win — you had better put your money where your mouth is. The sooner the better, too.

At 9/2 odds to win the World Series, the Los Angeles Angels are looking good this season. So are the Boston Red Sox (9/2 odds), the Chicago Cubs (4/1 odds), and the New York Mets (8/1 odds). But at 9/1 odds, the Tampa Bay Rays are a good value and a good bet. (If you picked them earlier on in the season then you’ve probably got even better odds!)

But forget about the winners for a moment and consider this season’s stinkers: the Seattle Mariners (2000/1 odds to win the World Series) and the Washington Nationals (2000/1 odds to win). Both teams have been inconsistent and find themselves on the bottom of their respective divisions and conferences. Even with about 5o or so games left in the regular season they won’t be making the playoffs, let alone winning the World Series.

So what’s my point? My point is this: for teams like Seattle and Washington there’s still time to make some trades. For everyone else, there’s always the hope of making the playoffs and getting to the World Series. And for bettors, now is the perfect time to throw down some action and bet on the World Series while the odds are still hot!

With Tiger Woods out of the running, will Phil Mickelson win the British Open?

Oddsmakers are expecting to see a larger than usual number of wagers placed on the upcoming British Open, what with the No. 1 ruled out of the running. That’s good news for the sportsbooks, but even better news for pro golfers like Phil Mickelson, who feels he’s got a good chance of winning.

Currently at 14/1 odds to win, Mickelson has one top 10 finish in 15 tries at the British Open, but recent improvements in his game put him among the tournament’s serious contenders.

“It opens an opportunity for a number of players to come through and maybe win tournaments they might not have won,” said Mickelson. “Adam Scott and Ernie Els are trying to get their game sharp. I’ve watched Padraig Harrington progress and Sergio Garcia - there are so many great players. It’s going to be an exciting championship, a real shootout and a fun event to watch.”

Betting on the British Open is also great fun! Watch the British Open live from Royal Birkdale on July 17-20th.