Odds to Win the 2009 American League (Baseball)
Based on all the money the New York Yankees spent in the off-season, they are the overwhelming favorite to return to the Fall Classic. Their odds to win the 2009 American League have been set at +180 at Sportsbook.com
Though talk of steroids just won't go away, the game of baseball continues to change right before our eyes, as athletic teams like the Tampa Bays Rays are the new model for putting an every day lineup together.
All odds to win the 2009 American League can be found by clicking here
Baltimore Orioles +5000
You would be getting up in years if you remember when the Baltimore Orioles were a model franchise in baseball. After years of signing all the wrong free agents, who ultimately never had enough talented players around them, Baltimore made the commitment to build an organization through the draft. The scouting is being upgraded; however the changes won't yield any benefits for years for the Orioles big club, which has 11 straight losing seasons.
Watch out on Sunday as Baltimore was 4-21 last year, including an 0-15 stretch.
Boston Red Sox +250
The Boston Red Sox were one game away from returning to defend their 2007 World Series crown, before falling to Tampa Bay. Boston fortified both its starting pitching and relief corps in the offseason and the everyday line-up looks as versatile as ever, but keep an eye out to see if Jason Bay can continue to thrive for the grind of a whole season.
For as good as the pitching appears, Boston's ability to score runs day-in day-out is worth following.
Chicago White Sox +2000
This decade, the Chicago White Sox have performed their best when the experts place no expectations on them. The Central Division champs are believed to be no better than fourth this upcoming season, which suits them fine. The Sox are counting on the continued development of pitchers John Danks and Gavin Floyd and a youngster or two behind Mark Buehrle. The offense still has players with pop like Jim Thome, and Carlos Quintin looks like a star. Chicago is banking on unproven players at this level up the middle, though Alexei Ramirez showed plenty and is moving to shortstop.
Cleveland Indians +700
Evidently the oddsmakers know something the rest of us don't. Beyond Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, the starting rotation looks as muddled as Lake Erie on a cloudy day. Fausto Carmona has talent, but must find the strike zone like he did in 2007 when he won 19 games. The Indians need their run producers to bounce back with authority to make serious run at making the postseason.
Detroit Tigers +1000
Maybe 2008 was just one of those years for Detroit, as they tripped coming out of the box with an 0-7 start and ticketed for a big year, the Tigers looked like another General Motors gas-guzzler from a by-gone era. Justin Verlander clearly needs guidance in terms of mechanics and Jeremy Bonderman and Dontrelle Willis either need a shrink or are about finished. The offense is presumed to be better, as they played like they were in shock for three months before realizing they weren't very good.
Kansas City Royals +5000
Nobody is pegging the Kansas City Royals for greatness just yet, but a 75-87 campaign last season broke a string of five 100-loss seasons. The Royals might have three starting pitchers they can count on for the first time since the name Brett Saberhagen was used. The offense is still a work in progress, however, other than known quantity Jose Guillen, the rest of the players have room for improvement. World Series contender? No chance, but a .500 season is within grasp.
Los Angeles Angels +600
The Los Angeles Angels had a golden opportunity to return to World Series last year and let it slip through their fingers. All their players with big reps failed against Boston pitching in the playoffs, other than Mark Teixeira, who took the cash to play in pinstripes this year. For the first time in over a decade, the closer position is not a sure thing, though newly acquired Brian Fuentes did good work in Colorado. Pitching and defense can carry a team a long way in a weak division; nonetheless, without another big bopper in the lineup, playing in late October doesn't seem possible.
Minnesota Twins +1500
The Twins find a way to overachieve seemingly every year, only to disappoint once they are on the cusp of something really big. Last year, the offense was spectacular in scoring the third most runs in team history. The starting staff is young and talented and can carry this club as long as they keep confidence level up. In Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer and closer Joe Nathan, Minnesota has three of the top players in their positions in baseball. The Twins won't sneak up on anybody this year, but they could make the last season at the Metrodome memorable.
New York Yankees +180
After missing the postseason for the first time since 1993, Big Stein's sons did not sit still and just absorb more punishment. Undoubtedly, the Yankees had to make huge splash, since their new high-priced ballpark needs fannies in the seats. C.C. Sabathia should thrive in this environment and A.J. Burnett hopes to settle in quietly as No. 3 starter behind Chein-Ming Wang. Mark Teixeira could make the Yankees fans forget about the injured A-Rod and should juice up an already potent attack. It's hard to bet against New York this year.
Oakland Athletics +1200
General manager Billy Beane has never shied away from being thought of as a baseball guru and a forward thinking front office individual, working on a tight budget. After two years finishing below .500 and jettisoning some top-flight pitching talent before their contracts were up, the question becomes has he lost his magic touch? Matt Holiday and Orlando Cabrera can only help a batting order starving for runs, but will it matter against a rotation that seems below average?
Seattle Mariners +5000
The Seattle Mariners saw the clock strike midnight last year, with 101-loss season after 88-win 2007 campaign. Felix Hernandez starts the season as the M's ace and is 22-years old and a number of better than average starter's line up behind him. Ichiro Suzuki is still Ichiro and Adrian Beltre is good for 25 home runs. Shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt showed signs of being offensive force. Even if a number of factors work in Seattle's favor, who is working out of the bullpen and closing games effectively?
Tama Bay Rays +600
Writing off the Rays as one hit wonders appears foolish, considering that outfielders B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford actually had off-years. If they return to normal, let alone improve, the offense is more threatening. Adding Pat Burrell as a DH brings homers and walks to lineup. The starting pitching is young and talented and should be fine with increased run support. Counting on Troy Percival as a closer is risky, however enough other arms were shown late in the season to give hope to the bullpen. The largest concern is baseball history, with four of the five teams that improved as much or more as the Rays had losing records the following season.
Texas Rangers +5000
For the first time in a decade, Texas finished second in the AL West and while they were still below .500 for the fourth consecutive year, their potent offense returned. The Rangers had a major league best 901 runs scored and they should continue to thump away in their small ballpark. Finding one, let alone a whole staff of starting pitchers is the never-ending search in Arlington. If President Nolan Ryan needs a blueprint for success, look at the present world champion Philadelphia Phillies, who found a way to work around a small park with a complete pitching staff, while utilizing power-laden bats.
Toronto Blue Jays +3000
After being on the fringes of contention for years, this won't be an issue for Toronto this season. Beyond ace Roy Halladay, even Blue Jays fans will need a program to name the rest of the starting staff due to injuries. After outfielders Vernon Wells and Alex Rios, the rest of the team can best be described as pedestrian.
All odds to win the 2009 American League can be found by clicking here
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
