Handicapping MLB Odds
The Major League Baseball season is a little more than 25 percent complete. We’re starting to get a good feel for what the strengths and weaknesses of the top teams are. It’s never too early to start looking at World Series Futures.
Let’s take a look at some teams who are in the running for a World Series in 2013.
All odds listed are odds to win the 2013 World Series and these are from BetOnline.
Detroit Tigers (+600)
Miguel Cabrera won the Triple Crown last year, and he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down this year. Cabrera is undoubtedly the best hitter in the game right now. By adding Torii Hunter and a healthy Victor Martinez this lineup is definitely better this year. The starting rotation is very deep. The one big question mark is the bullpen. Can they win it without a good bullpen?
Texas Rangers (+900)
Remember all those people who thought the Rangers would struggle without Josh Hamilton? This lineup ranks in the top five in most offensive categories once again this year. The depth of this lineup is impressive. Additionally, people need to remember that this is a Rangers team that wins with pitching first. When the entire rotation is healthy again, this team will be very dangerous.
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Atlanta Braves (+1,000)
The Braves burst out of the starting gates, but they have cooled off a bit lately. I’m still convinced that this team has one of the best lineups in baseball and their bullpen is the best in baseball. Injuries could be a concern here, but the Braves are a very dangerous team.
San Francisco Giants (+1,000)
Don’t overlook the 2010 and 2012 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants. Bruce Bochy’s team knows how to win games the right way and win when it counts most. This a great defensive team, and the lineup is quite a bit better than it was last season.
Washington Nationals (+1,000)
Washington was the favorite to win the NL Pennant before the season, but they have started a bit slowly. It’s hard to believe this team is only a game above .500 right now. The pitching staff isn’t dominating the way they did last year. Expect this team to get on a run sooner or later.
St. Louis Cardinals (+1,100)
St. Louis has the National League’s best record this year. So far in 2013, the Cardinals have had the best offense in the league as well as the best starting pitching. When a guy like David Freese bats seventh in your lineup, you must have a very good hitting team! Can the young pitchers keep pitching the way they have? [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Cincinnati Reds (+1,200)
The Cincinnati Reds are a very well-balanced team. Unlike some of the other teams on this list, there is no glaring weakness on the Reds team. They do need Johnny Cueto to stay healthy though. Shin Soo-Choo makes this lineup much more dangerous with his ability to get on base at the top of the order.
New York Yankees (+1,250)
Joe Girardi’s team has done a fantastic job winning games despite being very short-handed this year. The Yankees offense has outperformed everyone’s expectations, and the rotation has been pretty good. Can this team go to the next level when some of their veterans get back in the lineup?
Boston Red Sox (+1,800)
Boston’s red hot start has cooled off quite a bit, but the team is still in a good position. The resurgence of Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester has this team in a much different place than last year. Still, it’s hard to imagine this team going very far if they do get into the postseason.
Free Pick for 2013 World Series: Cincinnati Reds (+1,200)
I think the Reds have as good of a chance as anyone this year, and at these odds I like them as a value play. Joey Votto is a hitting machine, and the Reds pitching depth is impressive.
