Oh the times they are a changing, at least according to the latest Odds to win the 2012 World Series, anyway. Teams like the Yankees, Angels, and Phillies, preseason favorites to win the Fall Classic, are still considered contenders, but they have lost some of their luster to say the least. The odds landscape has changed significantly a mere seven weeks into the season as Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, and St. Louis Cardinals are now viewed as major postseason players.
Texas Rangers World Series Odds (+425): Certainly the Rangers were considered an American League force prior to the start of the season, but while the Angels were overvalued, Texas was undervalued/underestimated/underappreciated. They have been in the business of proving so since the games started counting for real, posting a 19-10 record while ranking third in runs scored and fifth in team ERA. They are now the favorite to win the 2012 World Series and for good reason.
Philadelphia Phillies World Series Odds (+695): The Phillies were, perhaps, overvalued before, but they almost certainly are now. Yes, their rotation has the makings to be hell-on-wheels come playoff time, but it did last season as well. And the team has taken broom sticks to the plate most of the year (averaging 3.7 runs per game). The offense would get a boost with the return of Chase Utley and/or Ryan Howard, but who knows if or when either player will be ready to play.
Tampa Bay Rays World Series Odds (+795): Most pundits considered the Rays a quality team coming into the season, but few thought they would be this good. Tampa Bay is currently tied with Baltimore (yes, Baltimore) for first place in the AL East with a 19-10 record, and its 133 runs scored ranks ninth in the majors. There are some warts here, namely an inconsistent bullpen; however, the Rays look like a team that will be in the chase when September rolls around.
New York Yankees World Series Odds (+825): One has to believe the Yankees will be a factor come fall because the baseball gods seem to require it, but through seven weeks of action New York is drawing mixed reviews. Can the Yankees hit? Of course, they always do, but the rotation is still a question mark. New York’s starters are 26th in the majors with a combined 5.54 ERA, and its exceptional bullpen took a hit last week when closer Mariano Rivera tore his ACL.
St. Louis Cardinals World Series Odds (+1250): The Cardinals may represent the best value on the board at +1250 odds as they are still playing like a championship caliber club despite (or maybe because) losing Albert Pujols and longtime Skipper Tony LaRussa. St. Louis’ offense trails only the Braves in runs scored and it leads the league in both on-base percentage and OPS (on- base percentage + slugging percentage). And the pitching staff, in spite of Adam Wainwright’s struggles and the loss of Chris Carpenter, is fourth in the league with a 3.18 ERA.
Complete list of Odds to win the 2012 World Series: Arizona Diamondbacks +2250, Atlanta Braves +1425, Baltimore Orioles +2150, Boston Red Sox +2650, Chicago Cubs +15500, Cincinnati Reds +2550, Cleveland Indians +4850, Colorado Rockies +5250, Detroit Tigers +925, Houston Astros +25500, Kansas City Royals +15500, Los Angeles Angels +1850, Los Angeles Dodgers +1650, Miami Marlins +2450, Milwaukee Brewers +4850, Minnesota Twins +20500, New York Mets +7550, New York Yankees +825, Oakland Athletics +15500, Philadelphia Phillies +695, Pittsburgh Pirates +15500, San Diego Padres +25500, San Francisco Giants +2025, Seattle Mariners +12500, St. Louis Cardinals +1250, Tampa Bay Rays +795, Texas Rangers +425, Toronto Blue Jays +2250, Washington Nationals +1650
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