MLB Betting – 2011 Early World Series futures
The sports betting world never sleeps. Even after the San Francisco Giants were crowned World Series champions last week, BetUS already has odds up for 2011.
Here’s a look at the current top 15.
View The MLB Cappers Leaderboard For 2011
MLB 2011 Predictions + Future Baseball Odds
1. New York Yankees (+400)
Would it be crazy to call this a fool’s bet? Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez, and Andy Pettitte are getting long in the tooth. Then again, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and C.C. Sabathia are still studs in their prime. And these odds reflect the likelihood of Cliff Lee wearing pinstripes next season.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (+600)
Even with Jayson Werth all but gone, the Phillies are as talent-rich as any team in baseball. Chase Utley is really due for a bounce-back year and Domonic Brown could be an impact player immediately as Werth’s replacement. And don’t forget about that guy named Halladay, who threw two no-hitters in 2010.
3. Boston Red Sox (+700)
Oddsmakers seem to believe Boston’s luck will be better next season; it’s true that they should improve if Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia avoid the injury bug this time. Clay Buchholz has also really stepped up to form a powerhouse pitching tandem with Jon Lester. But the BoSox should and will still be busy in free agency.
4. San Francisco Giants (+1000)
The champs’ amazing pitching should keep them very competitive again this year but, unless they acquire one or two big bats this offseason, it’ll be hard to see them going all the way again. Don’t forget, they qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the regular season.
5. Texas Rangers (+1200)
Even if the Rangers lose Cliff Lee and Vlad Guerrero, they still have a solid young core that really learned to play a complete game under Ron Washington instead of only swinging for the fences. Texas will be the frontrunner to win the American League West next year.
6. Tampa Bay Rays (+1200)
In theory, the Rays should be dominant again. Evan Longoria paces their offense and they have a deep, young pitching staff that keeps getting better. But what will happen if they lose Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena and Rafael Soriano to free agency? 
7. St. Louis Cardinals (+1500)
Because of Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright, Matt Holiday and Chris Carpenter alone, we can’t count the Cards out for next season. It would help if they added a bit of offensive depth, though.
8. Minnesota Twins (+1600)
Given how consistently competitive they are, I like the Twins as a pretty decent value play for 2011. Joe Mauer should get a bit of power back, Justin Morneau should return healthy, and Delmon Young does have the pedigree to maintain the lofty standard he set in 2010.
9. Cincinnati Reds (+1600)
The Reds aren’t going anywhere as NL contenders. They have a solid young offensive nucleus led by 2010 MVP frontrunner Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce. The key for Cincinnati’s growth will be whether or not young pitchers like Aroldis Chapman and Mike Leake keep growing next year.
10. Colorado Rockies (+1800)
The Rockies are another team that could bounce back next year on talent alone. Any team would kill to have Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki and Ubaldo Jimenez for its core. The Rockies aren’t a sure thing, however; they lack depth in both pitching and hitting.
11. Atlanta Braves (+2000)
After they returned to the playoffs this season, I’m surprised to see Atlanta this low. Are the Braves not a top-five contender for next year? Jason Heyward will only get better and their rotation remains strong, with vets like Tim Hudson providing ample support for budding ace Tommy Hanson.
12. Los Angeles Angels (+2000)
This veteran team has the depth to rebound in 2010. The Giants showed that pitching wins championships and you could do a lot worse than the Angels’ rotation of Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana, Scott Kazmir and Joel Pineiro.
13. San Diego Padres (+2000)
The Padres did show promise on the pitching side with Mat Latos and Clayton Richard breaking out. But can they score enough to contend? I’m skeptical.
14. Chicago White Sox (+2500)
Here’s another team with decent sleeper potential. Any team with as much pitching depth as the White Sox has to have a chance. But they still have an uphill climb replacing Paul Konerko’s production at first. It would go a long way if Gordon Beckham could finally put it all together.
15. Los Angeles Dodgers (+2500)
With Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly atop their rotation, the Dodgers should be hard to score on. But what about their offense? Andre Ethier is great but Matt Kemp may have a new team by Opening Day.
Team By Team Season 2011 Previews
Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles
N.Y. Yankees
Florida Marlins
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
N.Y. Mets
Washington Nationals
Detroit Tigers
Chicago White Sox
Minnesota Twins
San Diego Padres
Arizona D-Backs
Colorado Rockies
LA Dodgers
San Francisco Giants
Seattle Mariners
LA Angels
Oakland A’s
Pittsburgh Pirates
Texas Rangers
Houston Astros
Chicago Cubs
St. Louis Cardinals
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
Kansas City Royals
Cleveland Indians
2011 NL East Odds
2011 NL Central Odds
2011 NL West Odds
2011 AL East Odds
2011 AL Central Odds
AL West Coming Soon
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