With the MLB now on its second half, it’s time to review the field for teams that have what it takes to win the World Series. Which teams are best-positioned to win a championship in 2014?
Don’t want to look too far ahead into the future? Check out our pennant race odds with the hotly-contested NL Central and AL East.
Of the 30 teams playing in the majors, we’ve narrowed down to five teams you’ll need to keep an eye on to win the World Series. read on for more on those teams and get set for a great finish as the MLB heads towards the regular season home stretch.
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MLB Teams with High-Value Odds to Win the 2014 World Series
Favorites – Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels
The Oakland Athletics have looked almost unstoppable thus far this season, and are currently the odds-on-favorites to win their division, AL West at -200.
[sc:MLB240banner ]Oakland has become a dominant force thanks to their great pitching, with a team ERA of 3.12. The team’s pitching is led by Scott Kazmir (11-3, 2.32 ERA) and Sonny Gray (11-3, 2.72 ERA), along with contributions from other starters Jeff Samardzija (3-8, 2.91 ERA) and Jason Hammel (8-7, 3.35 ERA).
The Athletics have a formidable rotation, but Oakland doesn’t just rely on strong pitching; they boast an equally strong offense. The A’s currently have the second-most runs scored in the majors (485). They’re also in the top 10 in home runs (101) and team OPS (.727)
With their well-rounded team, the A’s are priced at +450 to win the World Series.
The Los Angeles Angels would top any other division with their impressive 59-40 record, but in the AL West, they are second fiddle to the Athletics. The Angels have scored the most runs in the majors with 493, and also have one of the best batting averages (.266) behind only the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies.
Los Angeles’ offense is led by the trio of Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout. For the third year running, Trout is once again in the thick of the MVP race. The 22-year-old center fielder currently tops the Angels’ batters with a .309 batting average, 24 home runs and 76 RBIs.
The Los Angeles Angels are priced at +800 to win the World Series.
Check out our AL West Pennant Race preview and predictions as these two favorites battle it out for divisional supremacy.
High-Value Picks – Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees
The Milwaukee Brewers are valued at +1,600 to win the World Series. The Brewers are another high-scoring team with 443 runs, second in the National League. Jonathan Lucroy leads Milwaukee’s batters in hits (111), batting average (.310) and on-base percetage (.381). The Brewers’ hitting has been enough to give them the top spot of NL Central with a 56-45 record.
The New York Yankees (+2,000) have steadily climbed the AL East’s ladder to take the second-place spot behind the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees have enjoyed relative success despite the team failing to excel statistically. The team is only 16th in the majors in batting average (.252) and 17th in team ERA (3.82).
However, the Yankees have lost some of their players to injury. The biggest hit to the Yankees’ World Series hopes is losing star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka who leads the team in wins (12), ERA (2.51) and strikeouts (135). Tanaka suffered a partial sprain of the UCL and may have to undergo Tommy John surgery. With Tanaka and C.C. Sabathia – who had season-ending knee surgery – out, the Yankees are down their two aces which is a tough blow.
Long Shot – Tampa Bay Rays
Despite ranking fourth in AL East, the Rays have been on a tear with six straight wins. Tampa Bay is enjoying a surge in their offense outscoring their opponents 36-11 in their win streak.
James Loney has been especially helpful in the Rays’ streak hitting .423. Aside from Loney, Kevin Kiermaier is also there to contribute to the team’s batting. Kiermaier leads the Rays in batting average with .311.
The second half of baseball is far from over, and if a team can overcome a historic deficit to make the playoffs, it could be the Rays. If they continue their dominant run, they still be in contention in a spotty AL East. Don’t sleep on the Rays at +5,000 to win the World Series.
Writer’s Prediction
The Oakland Athletics (+450) will win the World Series this season. Create a betting account now and cash in on the most value you’ll find on the A’s from this point onwards..
