The Yankees have improved their rotation
and if it weren't for the age of the lineup, they would still remain value at
odds on. Boston shipped out their GM in the wake of last year's catastrophe and
threw Francona after him, and their restructuring of the back end of the pen
has been blighted by Bailey’s thumb, so it may be a little soon for the new
front office and manager to achieve success.
I think the value here is the Tampa Bay
Rays, who are a more than live chance. Their pitching and defense is outstanding
and if some of their hitters can find a little form they can go deep into the
post-season
Pick: AL East Tampa Bay Rays @ 11/2;
6.5; 550
AL West
This is a straight race between the LA
Angels and the Texas Rangers. The Oakland A's are rebuilding again and Seattle
couldn't get runs after a plate of curried mussels, so we are left with the
Rangers and the Angels.
Given the depth of the Texas pitching
and the offence they are capable of pulling up I am going to favour them at
odds against; I can't trust the Angels rotation at odds-on.
Pick: AL West Texas Rangers @ 23/20;
2.15; 115
AL Central
Detroit. Going out and getting Prince
Fielder and committing that much money sends only one message and it's
difficult to see anyone stopping the Tigers from taking the title in this
otherwise weak division. The price is too short for my tastes, but it should provide
a relatively certain 27% on your money.
Pick: AL Central Detroit Tigers @ 27/100;
1.27; 127
NL East
The Mets are horrible, the Marlins lack
depth on the mound (although they boast a significant offense) as do the Nationals
and the Phillies may struggle on offense like they did last year down the
stretch; even with that great rotation they look too short.
I'm going to take a punt here and take
the Braves. Make no mistake, this is a real punt and I wouldn't advise a heavy
bet, however Atlanta have the potential to click on offense and if key members
of the rotation return successfully from injury, they could be value at the
price.
Pick: AL Central Atlanta Braves @ 7/1;
8.00; 700
NL West
It's the Giants and the Diamondbacks in
the market and it's difficult to disagree with the money, but of the two I
favour the Giants. The return of Posey and Melky Cabrera coming to the Bay should
re-energise the offence and their pitching remains stellar. Arizona on the other
hand will need their pitchers to exceed themselves to mount a serious
challenge.
San Francisco Giants @ 13/8; 2.63; 163
NL Central
Adding Latos into the mix and the Reds are
as potent a mixture on the mound and through the lineup (especially in such a
hitter friendly park) as any in baseball. Madson going down is a worry, but Sean
Marshall can get it done. With the loss of Pujols and Fielder in the NL Central
it makes the Reds more than ever ‘the team most likely’. They’ve signalled their
intent by giving Votto a pile of money and throw in rookies like Zack Cozart
and Devin Mesoraco and Cincinnati look the bet.
Pick: NL Central Cincinnati Reds @ 8/5; 2.6;
160
Beyond that?
AL Pennant: Tampa Bay Bays @ 14/1; 15; 1400
NL Pennant: San Francisco Giants @ 10/1;
11; 1000
World Series: Tampa Bay Rays @ 25/1; 26;
2500
Good luck!
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