Odds to Win MLB’s American League West
The AL West has been dominated by the Los Angeles Angels the last several seasons, winning their division four out of the last five years and in 2008 by a whopping 21 games. I do not see things being that easy for them in 2009 as the rest of the teams in the West have worked hard this past off season to try and close the gap.
Here are my predictions, and the future odds for the AL West:
AL West Baseball Betting Lines
Los Angeles Angels -200: They remain the most solid team in the division with an excellent balance of pitching and hitting. While they did lose their closer, Francisco Rodriguez this offseason, there is still enough talent in their bullpen to carry the load. The consistency this team has showed in the past makes them the odds on favorite to repeat again.
Oakland Athletics +225: This is probably the only team that can give the Angels some trouble in 2009. Adding Matt Holiday and Jason Giambi, takes a good hitting team and makes them that much better. If they can get better production from their starting rotation and their bullpen holds up, they will be a factor in this race.
Seattle Mariners +1000: After a disastrous 2008, this team was in need of a major overhaul. All new management and staff were brought in to try and right the ship. They should be able to improve on their dismal 2008 record (61-101), but this team has basically a few good players surrounded by a lot of average talent.
Texas Rangers +900: A perennial power in the 90’s, this team has all but disappeared over the past ten seasons.
While there have been some positive changes and additions this past offseason, there were just too many holes to fill. The Rangers still have a formidable batting line up and will certainly score a fair amount of runs, but their pitching staff is still a couple of years away from being good enough to have them compete for a title.
AL West Predictions
There is no reason that the Angels should not win the AL West in 2009, unless they get in their own way.
Oakland is improved and will make this a much tighter race than last season, but the overall balance of Los Angeles will be too much for anyone else in the division to overcome.
Angels win the AL West by 7 games.
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David Schwab is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. While not cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles David can be found working on his blog at www.eaglesinc.com. David wants to hear from you so please comment below.
