American League West Preview: Angels The Betting Favorites

There is something about consistency that odds makers like to reward this time of year. The Anaheim Angels have been among the most consistent teams in baseball under manager Mike Scoscia and that has made them the betting favorites once again to win the American League West.

Sports books have made the Angels an overwhelming favorite of -200 to win the division. This comes in a year when they lost their closer to the Mets in free agency and the Oakland A's added perhaps the best hitter in baseball.

Matt Holiday has been among the league leaders in almost every offensive category over the past few years. He moves to Oakland after an offseason trade, and is joined by Jason Giambi, a former league MVP in his first stint in Oakland.

Pitching is most likely what makes Oakland the second choice in the division at 3-1. They do have a steeple of young arms that could make the summer interesting out West.

The Texas Rangers are another team that has had loads of young talent the past few years but has been unable to put it all together on the field. It seems like every year the Rangers are picked to make a run in their division only to collapse under the Texas heat. Their odds are 5-1 right now.

Seattle may be the most intriguing team in the division. They were picked last year to win the West, then followed up that prediction by having a horendous season. They still have Ichiro and could bring back fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr. to finish his career in the city where it began.

Whether or not they land Griffey, the Mariners will still be the last choice to win the division crown. They currently have 10-1 odds.

February 16, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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