MLB Futures Betting – Who’s the Favorite in the AL West

With the defending American League Champions, and a traditional power looking to take back their turf, who should be the favorite in the MLB Futures Betting in the AL West?
Let’s take a look, as we break down one of the toughest divisions in baseball.

Texas Rangers (-120): After their magical October run that ended in the World Series last fall, is it any surprise that the Rangers are the favorites in the MLB Futures Betting?

With that said, repeating in this division won’t be easy, especially without starter Cliff Lee, who is now in Philadelphia. Still, this team is stacked from top to bottom, especially offensively, with a lineup featuring 2010 MVP Josh Hamilton. Hamilton returns to his spot in centerfield after a career year, in which he batted .359 with 32 home runs. And while Vlad Guerrero is now in Baltimore, that doesn’t mean Hamilton doesn’t have protection in the lineup, with the addition of third baseman Adrian Beltre. The Rangers new third baseman hit 28 home runs in Boston last year.

It won’t be easy for the Rangers to repeat in the MLB Futures Betting, but it can be done. Get your wager in now!

Los Angeles Angels (+225): Not believing in the staying power of Texas? How about placing a wager on Los Angeles in the MLB Futures Betting?

It wasn’t a traditionally strong year last season for the Angels, as they were beset by injuries, finishing 10 games behind Texas in the division standings. Still, this is a dangerous club, especially with the return of Kendry Morales, who is returning after injuring a knee early last year. Morales hit just 11 home runs in 51 games last year, after ripping 34 in a fully healthy 2009 season. Add in Torii Hunter, who hit 23 home runs and had 90 RBI last season, and this lineup will pack the 1-2 punch it was missing a season ago.

At the odds you’re getting them at, there might not be a better MLB Futures Betting selection.

Oakland A’s (+225): Few people know this, but Oakland actually finished ahead of Los Angeles to end the regular season last year. And this year, some experts believe they’ll ascend to the top of the division.

What it comes down to for Oakland is pitching, and whether some of their youngsters can continue to get better. Gio Gonzalez had 17 wins a season ago, with Dallas Braden adding 11, including a perfect game in May. On offense, Hideki Matsui adds pop to a young lineup, as he comes over from Anaheim, after a 21 home run season in 2010.

Seattle Mariners (+2000): Finally, the Mariners come into the MLB Futures Betting as major underdogs, and based on last year’s results, it’s no wonder why. This was literally one of the worst offensive teams in the history of baseball, with not one player hitting more than 15 home runs, or tallying more than 64 RBI.

Of course, when you’ve got a pitcher like Felix Hernandez anchoring your staff, it usually doesn’t matter. The 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner came through huge in Seattle last year, striking out 232 batters in 249 innings with a 2.27 ERA. Sure his 13 wins weren’t great, but again, how much can you blame him with that offense?

Sure they’re odds might be long, but why not gamble on the Mariners in the MLB Futures Betting?