MLB Mid-Season Preview and Future Odds
The MLB All-Star break marks the half way point of the 2009 baseball season and a good opportunity to review which teams have a legitimate shot to win the World Series. Every division is still up for grabs, but in the end only two teams will play for the right to be called World Champions.
Let’s review which team should win each division as well as the Wild Card spot along with their currents odds from Bodog.com to win it all.
NL East
The defending champion Philadelphia Phillies have lived up to the task, building a 4 game lead over the Florida Marlins in the East. The Braves are currently 6 back, and the disappointing N.Y. Mets are 6 1/2 back. The Phillies bats have been on fire so far, but their pitching has been suspect all season. If they can add one or two more arms to the rotation they should hold on to win the East and be primed for another World Series run.
My Pick- Philadelphia (12/1)
NL Central
The St.Louis Cardinals in somewhat of a surprise, lead the Central by 2 1/2 games over Milwaukee. Houston and Chicago are waiting in the wings, just 3 1/2 games back. St. Louis’ pitching is ranked 4th overall they have a MVP player in Albert Pujols which should be enough to fend off the rest. I look for Milwaukee to play better in the second half and end up as the NL Wild Card team.
My Pick- St. Louis (14/1) Wild Card- Milwaukee (20/1)
NL West
The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the west by 7 games over San Francisco. With Manny, without Manny the Dodgers continue to win. They are the most balanced team in the NL ranked #2 in pitching and #2 in batting which makes them very tough to beat. San Francisco has been one of the biggest surprises this first half, but I can’t see them hanging on for the whole season.
My Pick- Los Angeles (5/1)
AL East
The Boston Red Sox sit atop the East with a 3 game lead over the Yankees and a 6 1/2 game lead over the Rays. They have been extremely tough at Fenway with almost a .700 winning percentage and are playing as solid as ever. As usual this division will be a battle to the end as New York and Tampa Bay have no intentions of going away, but in the end Boston will prevail.
My Pick- Boston (4/1)
AL Central
The Detroit Tigers are currently 3.5 games ahead of Chicago and 4 ahead of Minnesota at the half way point. They have played solid ball so far, but I do not think they have enough to keep the White Sox from winning this division.
Adding reliever Tony Pena as well as getting Carlos Quentin back into the line-up should give Chicago a much needed boost.
My Pick- Chicago (25/1)
AL West
The other LA team, the Angels are also leading their division with a 1 1/2 game lead over Texas and a 4 game lead over Seattle. While Los Angeles was expected to be on top, the Rangers certainly were not. This will be a very competitive division down the stretch with both the title and a Wild Card spot on the line. In the end, the Angels are just the better team and will hold on to win, but Texas will shock the AL by winning the Wild Card.
My Pick- Los Angeles (12-1) Wild Card Pick- Texas (28-1)
Mid Season MLB Future Predictions:
NL Champion – Los Angeles Dodgers
AL Champion – Boston Red Sox
World Series Champion – Los Angeles Dodgers
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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.
