Based upon the current odds, no division appears to be more influx than the American League Central. Last season's favorite, the Detroit Tigers, bombed and 2007 winner, Cleveland, fell back significantly to an 81-81 record. What does that mean for this season? Apparently a competitive division race as the moneyline difference between the projected first place Indians and the projected last place Royals is a mere 440.
2009 AL Central Betting Odds & Predictions at Sportsbook.com have the Cleveland Indians listed at +160 moneyline odds to win what should be a hottly contested division.
The Indians had a horrible 2008, yes, they did finish a respectable 81-81, but given their expectations, it was a disaster. They ended up parting ways with longtime ace C.C. Sabathia, realizing they would be unable to meet his salary demands at the conclusion of the season, and Fausto Carmona, who was suppose to be Sabathia's replacement, was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The only positive for Cleveland's pitching staff was Cliff Lee's Cy Young season.
This season Cleveland is hoping for a healthy, 2007 version of Carmona and for Lee to maintain his Cy Young form from last year. If that happens, the Indians could indeed be formidable. They added former Yankee Carl Pavano to the rotation, but he is anything but a sure thing at this point. Cleveland should be able to produce plenty of runs if some of their underperforming bats can come to life again (i.e. Travis Hafner, Asdrubal Cabrera).
The Twins, who came out of nowhere to finish a game out of first last season, are close behind the Indians at +250 moneyline odds. Minnesota shocked everyone with their 88-75 finish a year ago, but they will not sneak up on anyone this year. However, they will need their young pitching staff to prove that 2008's numbers were not a fluke. Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, and Francisco Liriano all performed above expectations (Liriano due to his recovery only). Additionally, the Twins will likely need a little more offensive punch to garner a division championship. That could prove difficult with catcher Joe Mauer's lingering back issues.
The Tigers are projected to place third in the Central after finishing in last place a year ago with a 74-88 record. For Detroit to contend they will need a big bounceback from Justin Verlander and new arms Edwin Jackson and Rick Porcello will need to be consistent.
The White Sox, who won the division last season with a 89-74 record, are coming in at +500 moneyline odds and the Kansas City Royals, last year's fourth place team, are listed at +600 on the moneyline.
Sportsbook.com's 2009 AL Central Betting Odds & Predictions:
Cleveland Indians +160
Minnesota Twins +250
Detroit Tigers +275
Chicago White Sox +500
Kansas City Royals +600
