2011 American League Pennant Odds

As usual the top 2 teams favored to win the American League Pennant this season are from the AL East.

Boston Red Sox
Odds: +180

The Red Sox have the lowest betting odds to win the AL Pennant at 5dimes.com this season and in the off-season they upgraded their offense with the addition of OF Carl Crawford and 1B Adrian Gonzalez. These guys both have pop in their bat and the Boston offense that ranked 2nd in the Majors last season in runs scored last season may be better this season. The big question mark is the Boston pitching, which only ranked 22nd in team ERA. Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester had great seasons, but Josh Beckett and Dice-K had poor seasons dealing with injuries. Also, former Angels’ Ace Jon Lackey has to pitch better than he did last season.

New York Yankees
Odds: +250 I think at +250 the Bronx Bombers are a good betting value, as their offense scored the most runs in the Majors last season and will be solid again, but the pitching is the issue. Closer-setup man Rafael Soriano was a great pick up and starters CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes both had at least 18 wins last season. A.J. Burnett should rebound from a bad season and if he can do that the Yankees may be THE team to beat.

Chicago White Sox
Odds: +800

Chicago has a good staff led by starters Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd and John Danks, but they may be stellar if Jake Peavey returns to form after he comes back from injury and newcomer Edwin Jackson fits in the Windy City starting rotation. The offense has a lot of pop with Alex Rios, Paul Konerko, and big off-season addition slugger Adam Dunn. If Peavey comes back strong and the iffy bullpen can pitch well Chicago has a legit chance to get back to the Fall Classic.

Detroit Tigers
Odds: +800

The Tigers have the arms in the staff with the likes of Justin Verlander and new addition Brad Penny, but they must pitch better than last season when they ranked 25th in the league in team ERA. Miguel Cabrera came in 2nd in the MVP voting, but his drinking issues are a concern. Victor Martinez and Magglio Ordonez were signed in the off-season and they will have to produce, especially if the pitching struggles.

Texas Rangers
Odds: +800

The Rangers lost Cliff Lee and Vladimir Guerrero, but they signed 3B Adrian Beltre and they still have solid pitching with starters C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter. Josh Hamilton won the MVP and Ian Kinsler and Michael Young are productive, but will Young’s squabbles with the team be a season-long distraction?

Minnesota Twins
Odds: +800

The Twins may not be a good betting value, as their health is a big issue. P Carl Pavano had a good comeback season, but he is injured often and it remains to be seen if 1B Justin Morneau can get over his concussion symptoms that shelved him for the last 2 months of last season. Also, will 2nd starter Francisco Liriano be on the team for the whole season?

Here are the odds to win the AL Pennant at Betonline.com. as of Sept 1, 2011.

  • Boston Red Sox +115
  • Chicago White Sox +3000
  • Cleveland Indians +2500
  • Detroit Tigers +400
  • Los Angeles Angels +1000
  • New York Yankees +175
  • Tampa Bay Rays +5000
  • Texas Rangers +300

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MLB Handicapping

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 5-19
The Giants beat the Dodgers last night 8-5 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Bodog has the Dodgers as a -130 favorite tonight facing a Giants pitcher that has yet to win this season.

2011 Future World Series Betting Odds
Did you know that you can bet on who will win the 2011 World Series before the MLB season starts? Check out the wagering odds for each team to win the MLB Championship from Betonline.com.

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