We’re now in the final month of the MLB regular season. Therefore, it’s time to review the field of teams that are in the best shape to make the 2014 World Series.
With a lot of talent at the top and some gutsy middle-of-the-pack contenders, it’s a jam-packed race to the playoffs. We’ve narrowed the slate down to five teams you’ll need to keep an eye on for the MLB postseason.
For some crucial games today, check out our daily MLB Free Picks for the best five baseball games to bet on today, and read on to get set for an explosive end to the regular season.
[sc:MLBArticles ]
MLB Teams with High-Value Odds to Win the 2014 World Series
Favorites – Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics
If the odds are to be believed, the World Series is heading to California this year, where the three World Series favorites reside.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently leading the way among the three. And why not? Pitching wins championships. And with a formidable team across the field, led by perhaps the best starting rotation in MLB, they’re clear +350 favorites to win the World Series. Current NL ERA king Clayton Kershaw (17-3, 1.70 ERA), Hyun Jin Ryu (14-6, 3.18 ERA) and Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.78 ERA) make up that formidable cast of starters for the Dodgers.
However, there’s more to the Dodgers than a devastating pitching rotation. They also have great offense to give their starters much-needed run support. The Dodgers rank third in the majors with a .328 on base percentage and are sixth with a .259 batting average.
[sc:MLB240banner ]If there’s one team that can rival the Dodgers, it’s their Freeway Series rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels are another well-rounded team with a solid starting rotation led by Angels’ wins leader Jered Weaver (15-7, 3.57 ERA).
Meanwhile, Matt Shoemaker (14-4, 3.14 ERA) continues to impress in his rookie season. At the plate, the Angels are led by top MVP candidate Mike Trout, who leads the team in batting average (.287), home runs (31), RBIs (97), runs (92) and OPS (.927).
However, the Angels are not without their fair share of troubles with leading ERA pitcher Garrett Richards out for the rest of the season after suffering a left knee injury on August 20. Still, the Angels (+450) are big favorites to win the World Series, especially after sweeping former majors-leaders the Oakland Athletics in a crucial four-game series at Angels Stadium.
The Oakland Athletics (+700) had an explosive start to the season establishing an early lead over everyone else in the MLB with their crippling offense and stellar pitchers. More recently though, the A’s are having difficulty at the plate and surrendered the AL West, as well as the best record in MLB, to the Los Angeles Angels.
While pitching remains mostly in good form, they have not been able to provide much in the way of run support after trading Yoenis Cespedes to Boston for ace pitcher Jon Lester. To help, they acquired the White Sox’ designated hitter Adam Dunn, who has 460 career home runs and is batting .220 with 20 homers, 54 RBIs and a .340 on-base percentage this season. Expect the A’s to fight back as Dunn breathes new life at the plate.
High-Value Pick – Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates possess a pretty potent lineup. NL batting average leader Josh Harrison (.313) has kept the offense going as the leadoff man and reigning MVP Andrew McCutchen, who leads the team in home runs (21), RBIs (72), runs (72) and OPS (.933), is back after a stint in the disabled list to help power a late run.
However, as talented as their offense is, they’re pitching is not as solid. Currently, Pittsburgh ranks 16th in the majors with a 3.68 team ERA, 19th in WHIP (1.30), while opposing batters are hitting .253 against them.
Pittsburgh is currently four games behind NL Central leaders St. Louis. Nevertheless, their devastating offense may be enough to carry them to the playoffs, either as division winners or as a possible wild card. The Pirates are priced at +2,500 to win the World Series.
Long Shot – Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays once ruled over AL East, but a string of losses had them eventually falling behind Baltimore and the Yankees in the division.
Despite trailing in the AL East race, the Blue Jays remain dangerous at the plate. They still rank in the top five of the majors in runs (606), team batting average (.260), and on base percentage (.324) while ranking fourth in slugging percentage (.418). Those heavy bats have the power to fuel a possible run at a wild card spot, which is still within reach.
Yet, they’ll have to get their pitching in order if they wish to make the playoffs. They have a team ERA of 4.12 with a WHIP of 1.34, which rank 24th and 25th in the MLB, respectively. As they stand, the Toronto Blue Jays are at +7,500 to win the World Series.
Writer’s Prediction
It’s going to be hard to top the Dodgers’ cast of excellent pitchers and powerful batters. Take them to win the World Series for good value at +350.
