The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years. Bringing back Price, and having Myers and Archer for a full year should make the team even better in 2013. Keep in mind they have also added Heath Bell and Grant Balfour to anchor the Bullpen, an obvious upgrade over the inconsistent Fernando Rodney. They have been more consistent than the Red Sox and Yankees the last 2 years. As such should not be the 3rd favorite in the Division.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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We have gone through several weeks and months in the off year for gambling odds, and now with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks Opening MLB Series less than 3 weeks away, it is the Division Winners.
Much like my predictions are for the National League and the American League Winners, along with the World Series Winners, I love the Rays, Rangers and Giants for the value.
The worst dollars won for teams being favorites are the Tigers at -270, and Dodgers at -275. I am picking both of these teams to crush it this season, but I will not be wagering on the high favorites prices.
Like I have said before, the LA Dodgers are a couple of injuries away from opening up the NL West. Even the Arizona Diamondbacks at +650 are worth a stab.
The Nationals had 98 wins in 2012, before receding to just 86 Curly W’s in 2013. They were stricken by injuries, and when they played with their full roster, they went 26 – 13 in their last 39 games. Playing the Mets, Phils and Marlins should help the win total. It may be their 19 games versus the Braves that decides the division. At -120 is a decent odd when you consider they are the 2nd favorite team to win the World Series, behind the Dodgers. LA is a -275 NL West favorite.
The Rays should be the AL East favorite in my view, but the Yankees and Red Sox are bet on hugely by the public – kind of like they do with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL.
The Cardinals will likely win the NL Central, although the Reds at +350 are tempting. The move maybe is to bet CIncinnati early, and maybe St. Louis will have a slow start.
You could always hedge on the Division later in the year if St. Louis were to make a comeback.
Again, I am picking the Cards to win the Central, but the value is just not there.’
Finally, Atlanta is a brutal odd at just +125. The Nats are the 2nd favorite to win the World Series, and -120 for the East themselves.
I think Washington may put forth the best record in baseball this year.
Just like with the Cardinals, maybe you wait a while to pick the Braves. They are a streaky team, capable of making up games quickly when on a torrid stretch.
Pick them if they trail the Nats, as that would provide more value
I actually like the Nationals odd of -120 as well. They should have a rebound year.
Odds To Win The 2014 Divisions
AL East
Boston Red Sox +190
NY Yankees +220
Tampa Bay Rays +290
Toronto Blue Jays +750
Baltimore Orioles +750
AL Central
Detroit Tigers -270
Kansas City Royals +450
Cleveland Indians +600
Chicago White Sox +1500
Minnesota Twins +3300
AL West
Texas Rangers +175
Oakland Athletics +190
LA Angeles +225
Seattle Mariners +700
Houston Astros +12500
NL East
Washington Nationals -120
Atlanta Braves +120
Philadelphia Phillies +900
NY Mets +2800
Miami Marlins +4000
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals -175
Cincinnati Reds +350
Pittsburgh Pirates +400
Milwaukee Brewers +1500
Chicago Cubs +3500
NL West
LA Dodgers -275
SF Giants +450
Arizona D’backs +650
Colorado Rockies +1800
San Diego Padres +2200
The Diamondbacks will need their rotation to be a strength as they compete in the NL West for a playoff spot this season. Having said that, if Goldschmidt and Trumbo go all world, and their young Starters make huge improvements, factored in with a few injuries or regression from the Dodgers, and that +650 is a decent odd for the “Desert” franchise to win the Division. The Giants are a nice odd as well at +450. Both of these teams should eat up on the Padres all year.
odds brought to you by www.bet365.com
Please note that it is illegal for US citizens to gamble in most States.
*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***
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Chuck Booth and Larry Lucchino talk baseball in the RF reserved seats at Fenway.
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