MLB Betting – American League MVP Futures
Last year the unthinkable happened in the AL MVP race, and for just the 12th time in the 81 year history of the award it was granted to a pitcher.
This time Justin Verlander.
Oddly enough, the inaugural award also went to a pitcher, Lefty Grove. It was also the first time a pitcher claimed this award since 1992 when Dennis Eckersley was decorated the AL regular season MVP. So it just goes to show you just how good of a season the Detroit Tigers’ pitcher had.
No doubt this prestigious honor will be hotly contested yet again, and this time around some new faces will be added to the mix.
Miguel Cabrera
The man that finished 5th in the voting a season ago will definitely be right back in the thick of things this season. Cabrera flirted with a triple crown at times last year, finishing with a .344/30/105/.448 slashline.
While he will be getting acclimated with a new position this season , it surely will not hurt his offensive performance. Especially since the reason he is learning a new position is due to the fact that his team acquired the services of Price Fielder to claim his old first base slot.
So on top of the outstanding average and on base percentages, expect Cabrera’s RBI totals or runs scored to rise, depending on where the Tigers place him in the lineup.
Albert Pujols
The new Angels’ first baseman will without a doubt be in contention in his new league. Just picture this.
Last year was considered a down year for the former Cardinal slugger. He finished with a line of .299/37/99/.366. He also led the Cardinals to a World Series title, so if that is a down year, you can imagine what he might be capable of in 2012. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Jose Bautista
Bautista came out of nowhere a couple of years ago. He has now led the AL in home runs for two years running, and has shown zero signs of slowing down anytime soon. He also backed up his power with a .302 average to boot. With his OBP just fractions below Cabrera’s at .447, he actually finished 3rd in the AL voting a season ago.
There are no signs leading to his demise this season, so Bautista could be a very good bet.
Robinson Cano
Cano finished second on his team in voting a year ago, and even though Curtis Granderson’s production is not likely to fall off in 2012, you have to like what Cano can do going forward in a more RBI, run scoring position in the order.
He will just simply have more opportunities to get the stats needed to secure the award.
Jacoby Ellsbury
Ellsbury, the runner-up a season ago, will of course be in contention in 2012 given he remains healthy. The youthful center fielder took that next step a season ago. He has the power (32 home runs), he has the average(.321), and he was able to drive in the runs (105). He also does something that no one else on this list is capable of –he is a speed demon on the base paths.
If his home run totals drop as expected, look for that 39 number he had last year to rise a bit.
Odds to win the 2012 AL MVP
Albert Pujols 11/2
Adrian Gonzalez 15/2
Miguel Cabrera 15/2
Prince Fielder 12/1
Robinson Cano 12/1
Jose Bautista 12/1
Evan Longoria 15/1
Jacoby Ellsbury 18/1
Mark Teixeira 18/1
Joe Mauer 20/1
Josh Hamilton 20/1
Dustin Pedroia 22/1
Adrian Beltre 25/1
Ian Kinsler 25/1
Justin Verlander 25/1
Alex Rodriguez 25/1
Justin Morneau 30/1
Carl Crawford 30/1
Jered Weaver 35/1
Felix Hernandez 35/1
David Price 40/1
C.C Sabathia 40/1
Michael Young 40/1
Mark Reynolds 50/1
C.J. Wilson 50/1
Derek Jeter 50/1
Curtis Granderson 50/1
Yoenis Cespedes 50/1
Ichiro Suzuki 50/1
Adam Lind 50/1
Matt Wieters 50/1
Eric Hosmer 50/1
Jon Lester 75/1
Paul Konerko 75/1
