With Two Weeks Left, MLB Betting Futures On The Line

Every January and February, gamblers make their way through Las Vegas to search out the sports books and make future bets on the Major League Baseball season. For bettors that made that trek this year, there is much money on the line as the season enters its final two weeks.

Hundreds of betting propositions were offered by Las Vegas sports books before the season began, and most revolved around team wins for the season, and which teams would win divisions, pennants, and the World Series. A couple dozen teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, and with those bets off the table, the focus has shifted to the remaining playoff hopefuls.

One of the most reliable bets a gambler could make over the past 15 years is the New York Yankees making the playoffs. This season, however, the Yankees are in danger of missing out on the playoffs, and if that occurs, it could have disastrous consequences for Yankee bettors. New York is currently 2.5 games out of the final wild card spot.

The favorites to win the divisions before the year began are almost all in position to do so. Detroit, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and St. Louis Cardinals all lead their divisional races with two weeks left. Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Oakland, and Boston have crashed the party in their respective divisions, and are in position to pay off for those gamblers who took a chance on the underdogs.

Pittsburgh has not had a winning season since 1992. Not only are the Pirates in a position to break that streak, but they have already crushed their season win total from the odds makers. Pittsburgh has not been a kind organization to bettors that have placed wagers on the team, but the large payout odds on this year's squad could get gamblers even.

Several teams have underperformed, causing an issue for gamblers who bet the favorites. Washington, Toronto, San Francisco, and the Los Angeles Angels were all favored, or chosen to finish second by odds makers. None of the aforementioned teams are even in playoff contention as the season comes to a close.

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