MLB Season Preview and Futures
Thanks to a busy offseason that produced blockbuster trades and free-agent signings, the 2011 MLB season is one of the most highly-anticipated in years for baseball bettors.
With all that attention, sportsbooks are making sure their futures odds are sharp enough to handle the extra action coming in before Thursday’s Opening Day.
Here’s a look at the favorites to claim division titles and a ticket to the postseason this year:
American League East
The Boston Red Sox (-160 to win the division at Bodog.com) were one of the biggest movers and shakers this winter, bolstering their lineup with two of the top free agents in baseball. Boston added first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Carl Crawford, giving its already-talented roster added speed and power at the plate.
American League Central
The Minnesota Twins (+150) are the favorites in the AL Central, but not by much. The Chicago White Sox (+160) and Detroit Tigers (+200) are also in the running for the Central’s crown. Separating the Twins from the pack are the bats of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, along with young stars like Delmon Young and veterans like Michael Cuddyer.
American League West
The Texas Rangers (+115) are the chalk in the West, but can they repeat their division title and World Series appearance without Cliff Lee toeing the rubber? The Rangers still have a dynamic lineup, highlighted by triple-crown contender Josh Hamilton and new addition Adrian Beltre.
National League East
The Philadelphia Phillies (-325) carry a hefty price tag heading into the season. Their star-studded pitching staff is the biggest reason, with four aces in the rotation. But many are questioning Philadelphia’s health, which could leave the lineup out of sorts and short on support this summer.
National League Central
The Cincinnati Reds (+200) rose from the middle of the Central to claim the division crown last season. A big part of that was the emergence of NL MVP Joey Votto as well as an underrated rotation and a blossoming bullpen, with fireballer Aroldis Chapman as the crown jewel of the staff.
National League West
The San Francisco Giants (+130) proved pitching was all you need to win the World Series. Well, that and some timely hits. San Francisco returns the same stellar staff but again has issues at the plate. Catcher Buster Posey must continue to develop, and third baseman Pablo Sandoval has to find his missing bat or risk losing his spot in the lineup.
Sportsbook.com Odds to Win World Series
Arizona Diamondbacks +10000
Atlanta Braves +2000
Baltimore Orioles +8000
Boston Red Sox +400
Chicago Cubs +3000
Chicago White Sox +2000
Cincinnati Reds +2500
Cleveland Indians +10000
Colorado Rockies +2500
Detroit Tigers +2000
Florida Marlins +5000
Houston Astros +10000
Kansas City Royals +10000
Los Angeles Angels +4000
Los Angeles Dodgers +3000
Milwaukee Brewers +1500
Minnesota Twins +2000
New York Mets +6000
New York Yankees +600
Oakland Athletics +3000
Philadelphia Phillies +225
Pittsburgh Pirates +10000
San Diego Padres +10000
San Francisco Giants +1500
Seattle Mariners +10000
St Louis Cardinals +3000
Tampa Bay Rays +3000
Texas Rangers +2000
Toronto Blue Jays +10000
Washington Nationals +10000