MLB Betting – Looking at the American League Futures Bets a Month into the Season

Entering 2011, the MLB Betting community appeared to be in agreement: The Boston Red Sox were the team to beat in the American League. So how have the American League Futures Betting picks changed over three weeks? Let’s take a look.

New York (+250): For all intents and purposes, it appeared as though for the first time in a long time, the New York Yankees would struggle in this year’s MLB Betting. Only it hasn’t happened.

Entering Wednesday’s game with Toronto, they had a two game lead over the rest of the field in the AL East.

And really, it’s been because of New York’s offense. They’ve gotten surprise production out of Mark Teixeira, a notorious slow starter who already has six home runs and 14 RBI on the year.

Centerfielder Curtis Granderson has also belted five home runs, with second baseman Robinson Cano hitting .302.

The surprise though has come from the pitching. This staff was expected to feature C.C. Sabathia and Phil Hughes and little else, only with Hughes on the DL, A.J. Burnett has stepped up. The righty has already recorded three wins this year, while Sabathia has yet to record a win, but leads this team in ERA (2.42) and strikeouts (23).

Boston Red Sox (+275): Despite a disappointing slow start, the Boston Red Sox still come in second in the MLB Betting picks right now.

However, with just a 5-11 mark entering Wednesday’s play, they’ll need to get things going in a hurry. This club is batting just .235 as a team, and has a league-worst 5.58 ERA. When both your pitching and hitting is that bad, it’s not surprising that your team would be struggling.

Still, there’s plenty of time to turn things around. Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford in particular are all batting below .200 right now, a terrible mark for three elite players. You just know that won’t continue going forward.

Texas Rangers (+500): After winning the American League pennant last year, many thought that the Rangers would take a step back in 2010. Especially after losing Cliff Lee and Vlad Guerrero in free agency. However, through three weeks, they’ve been as strong a bet as any, with an 11-6 mark.

While everyone knew the offense would come around, what’s been the most pleasant surprise has been the pitching. Texas has a 3.38 ERA team ERA, with starters Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando combining for a surprising five wins so far.

Los Angeles (+1200): Finally, if you’re looking for a steal in the futures betting, the Los Angeles Angels are absolutely the team for you.

The reason? They’ve got two of the best pitchers in the game right now. Dan Haren and Jered Weaver have four wins each, the only two pitchers in baseball period, that can make that claim.

Weaver also leads the American League in strikeouts with 31, while Haren’s 1.16 ERA is second only to Oakland’s Gio Gonzalez.

At 12-1 right now, is there a better MLB Betting pick to make?