We are less than a month away from opening day of the 2013 MLB season and odds for the Atlanta Braves to win the 2013 World Series are at +1800, according to Sportsbook.ag. Following the trade acquisition ofJustin Upton, the Atlanta Braves' 2013 World Series odds have improved significantly.
It was shortly after Thanksgiving when the Atlanta Braves grabbed free agent BJ Upton. A 5-year deal worth more than $75 million was enough to convince the 28-year-old outfielder to relocate 450 miles north from Tampa to ply his trade in center field. Atlanta completed a family reunion when they brought in BJ's little brother Justin from Arizona in a trade. While losing future Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones, the Braves more than made up for his loss by adding the Upton brothers.
The Braves actually lost a slew of good talent on the pitching staff and in the outfield, and will never replace Chipper Jones at third base. And that's where the bad news ends for Atlanta. Chris Johnson is a big downgrade at the hot corner from Jones, but so is just about everyone. That being said, Johnson is an underrated player who will provide some pop in the lineup. There may be no better outfield in Major League Baseball than the one in Atlanta. All around, the Uptons and Jason Heyward mark an extremely athletic, young, powerful, smart trio. If they stay healthy and agree to stay in Atlanta long-term, this could be a dynasty in the making.
Questions to abound in the starting rotation. Will Hudson stay off the DL? What about Brandon Beachy returning from major surgery last year? Will Mike Minor and Paul Maholm provide enough southpaw punch to keep opponents honest? No question in a bullpen that finished second in the National League in ERA in 2012, first in WHIP and has current best-in-baseball closer Craig Kimbrel at the end. Simply put, the reason the Braves will improve is because they are the complete package.
Overall the Braves have a very solid offensive lineup, but it may take some time for the new pieces to gel. Still this is a very formidable team and if the starting rotation hods up then they may have what it takes to knock off Washington and possibly represent the NL in the World Series.
Pregame.com Pro Webinar: Steve Fezzik
Little about Steve Fezzik: In 2000, he moved to Las Vegas, and has been betting for a living ever since. During the next 10 years, Fezzik sharpened his focus in several areas including Proposition betting, and Football Contests.