2012 American League Pennant Race
Opening day of the 2012 MLB regular season is less than two weeks away marking the start of the 162-game race to the World Series playoffs.
Just like any race, there are favorites, contenders and longshots and right now every team still believes it has a chance to win. The following is s brief look at each team’s odds to win this season’s American League Pennant as provided by Bovada.
New York Yankees-13/4
Michael Pineda and Hideki Kuroda will be the keys to adding stability to the Yankees’ starting rotation behind C.C. Sabathia.
Los Angeles Angels- 7/2
If Albert Pujols lives up to all the hype and expectations, there is some solid value in these odds. The Angels’ overall pitching staff is still one of the most talented in the American League.
Detroit Tigers- 4/1
Much like Pujols, there is an awful lot of pressure being added to the shoulders of Prince Fielder to carry this team to a championship. Another key will be how well does Miguel Cabrera handle the transition to third base.
Boston Red Sox- 11/2
Boston’s chances hinge on new skipper Bobby Valentine’s ability to get his new team to buy into his style of play from opening day.
Texas Rangers-11/2
Texas remains a definite sleeper team out of the AL West, but the loss of pitcher C.J. Wilson could hurt much worse than expected. The Rangers’ bats should still be able to keep them in the division race all season long.
Tampa Bay Rays- 9/1
Joe Maddon has to continue to rely on his incredible ability to get this team to win a large majority of its games no matter which players are in the lineup.
Toronto Blue Jays- 22/1
The Blue Jays are a very talented team, but they have the misfortune of playing in the toughest division in the Majors. The extra wildcard spot definitely helps Toronto’s chances at getting back into the postseason. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Cleveland Indians-28/1
There is little doubt that Cleveland can contend with Detroit in the AL Central right up until the All-Star break. What happens after that is anyone’s’ guess.
Chicago White Sox-40/1
There are a lot of new faces in Chicago including manager Robin Ventura, but the roster still contains some familiar names such as Adam Dunn, Jake Peavy, and Alex Rios to try and keep the White Sox competitive.
Kansas City Royals-40/1
The Royals continue to climb the ranks in the AL after hitting rock-bottom in 2009 with just 65 wins. They will not contend this season, but clearly headed in the right direction.
Minnesota Twins-40/1
Minnesota’s fall from grace has been swift and steep, but the Twins are hoping that Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau can put their health issues behind them.
Oakland Athletics-40/1
Oakland continues to spin its wheels in the AL West after making some decent strides a few years back. Perhaps the acquisition of Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will provide the spark the A’s need to reignite this team.
Seattle Mariners-60/1
The Mariners desperately need Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak to add some much needed production to a lineup that finished last in the AL in runs scored the past three seasons.
Baltimore Orioles-75/1
Baltimore is not as bad as its odds might suggest, they are more of a reflection of the division it plays in as opposed to the talent level on this team.
