MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 03 July 2009 / Leave a comment

Nick Shiambouros provides a half-way report from both divisions of the American League...

At the halfway point of the season almost every team in the American League has a chance of making the post-season.

The hardest division to win is clearly the East which includes the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox and last year's champions the Tampa Bay Rays. Just six games separate four teams with Boston leading the table. If I had to pick a winner now it would be the Red Sox but they are only 2.88 to win the American League championship. First baseman Kevin Youklis is having an outstanding season and is hitting the ball well averaging .314.

The Rays who beat the Sox in an epic seven game thriller last season to win the ALCS are only four games behind Boston. This team if firmly in the hunt again but this is one tough league to win. Tampa are currently [17.5] to win the World Series but that price is a little short in my opinion.

The New York Yankees as always are in contention and are three games behind Boston. This team has one of the deepest line-ups in baseball with a wealth of talent including Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. As a result they are always a far shorter price than they should be and are only [5.6] to win the World Series. This price is way to short for a team that has come up short when it mattered in the last few years.

The Central division is led by the Detroit Tigers who are two games ahead of the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins. The Tigers have not pitched well recently but their bullpen has come up huge and in truth this is why they are in first place.

The surprise team in this division are the Minnesota Twins who are playing very well. Starting pitchers Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker are throwing the ball well and are keeping this unfashionable team in the playoff race. The Twins are currently 46 to win the World Series and at this price may be worth an interest.

Meanwhile, in the West....

The Los Angeles Angels are leading the West but the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners are within two games in this hotly contested division.

The Angels are currently [15.0] to win the World Series and I think that is a fair price at this stage of the season. Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was tragically killed by a drunk driver after making his season debut in early April and this team is playing with a very heavy heart. Every player is wearing his number 34 on their uniforms as a mark of respect.

The Texas Rangers are in deep financial trouble and it has been reported that Major League Baseball has loaned owner Tom Hicks millions to make payroll. This kind of news can only have a negative effect on a team and they will have a tough time keeping pace with Los Angeles.

Recommended wagers:

Back the Los Angeles Angels to win the World Series at [15.0]