MLB 2012 Division Odds and Win Totals – AL Central
The 2012 MLB season is just days away. Spring Training will be winding down soon, and the games will start to count. We’re taking a division-by-division look at betting odds and team by team season win totals. Let’s take a closer look at the American League Central Division.
In 2011, the Cleveland Indians stunned the baseball world by jumping out to a big lead in the AL Central over the first couple months of the season. After 45 games the Indians had a 30-15 record and a comfortable lead in the division. The Indians slid all through the summer months, and they finished 80-82 on the season.
Still, that was a big improvement from their 69-93 year in 2010.
The Detroit Tigers didn’t start the season particularly great, but they finished the regular season as hot as anyone in 2011. The Tigers went 95-67 and won the AL Central by a whopping 15 games over the Indians. They knocked out the Yankees in the ALDS, but the Rangers beat them in the ALCS.
The White Sox were expected to contend for the division, but they slid all the way to third at 79-83. Kansas City got out of the cellar, but they still finished at just 71-91.
The Twins finished an injury-plagued season at a shocking 63-99.
MLB 2012 Previews and Predictions- AL Central
AL Central Odds: Detroit Tigers -500
Season Win Total: Over/Under 91.5
Justin Verlander won the pitcher’s version of the Triple Crown last season, and he was rewarded with the MVP award. The pitching staff and bullpen is pretty deep overall, but it is the lineup that most will be talking about this season. Prince Fielder will be inserted right behind Miguel Cabera in the batting order. Facing Cabrera and Fielder back-to-back is liable to give some pitchers nightmares this year. It’s hard to imagine anyone in the AL Central keeping up with the Tigers this year. Detroit finished with 95 wins last year, and I think they’ll be even better this season.
AL Central Odds: Cleveland Indians +900
Season Win Total: Over/Under 79.5
Cleveland was the surprise team of the first half in 2011, but they fell off quickly in the second half of the season. The Indians strength is their pitching staff. The bullpen should be among the best in the American League, primarily because of their great depth. If Ubaldo Jimenez can get back to his old form, Cleveland could have a great one-two combination with Masterson and Jimenez in the starting rotation. Injuries are a concern for the lineup, but there is quite a bit of young talent here. Look for Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, and Lonnie Chisenhall to be major contributors in 2012. I think the Indians have a solid shot to be .500 or slightly better. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
AL Central Odds: Kansas City Royals +1,200
Season Win Total: Over/Under 76.5
Kansas City has had one of the top farm systems for several years, but they haven’t been able to turn that into a big jump in the standings just yet. There is some progress being made here, and this team is bound to move upward in the standings in the next couple seasons. With hitters like Hosmer, Gordon, and Moustakas the Royals will score quite a few runs this year. The concern is the pitching staff, which will likely give up runs by the bunches.
AL Central Odds: Chicago White Sox +1,500
Season Win Total: Over/Under 76
Robin Ventura is the new skipper of this team since Ozzie Guillen was sent to Florida. The entire lineup was a massive disappointment last season. Adam Dunn, Gordon Beckham, and Alex Rios all had career worst years. They might be a little better this year, but the pitching staff is going the wrong direction. Mark Buerhle is in Florida with Guillen, and the ace of the staff is now John Danks. Jake Peavy hasn’t started more than 18 games in a season since 2008. Expect another disappointing season from the White Sox.
AL Central Odds: Minnesota Twins +1,500
Season Win Total: Over/Under 72.5
Minnesota has won the AL Central six of the last ten years, but last season was dreadful. Mauer and Morneau have to stay healthy if this team is going to compete, because they have lost a lot of the offense around them. They no longer have Cuddyer or Kubel, and this team will rely a lot on youngsters who haven’t proven themselves in the majors. The pitching staff has no real ace, and the bullpen will be among the worst in the league. Still, the Twins are likely to be quite a bit better than last year.
