Odds to win the World Series

This will be my first year on baseball, so by no means, do I know much about capping the sport. However, I do feel I have a good deal of knowledge about the sport as it is the one I follow the closest.

What does everyone think about odds for teams to win the World Series? It seems to me that there may be some value in putting a wager in on a couple of solid teams, in weaker divisions, to win it all. If they make the playoffs, could you hedge by betting against them (in the playoffs) to turn a profit?

The AL Central seems like the right place to start. All teams that have a chance are getting at least 20 to 1.

Tigers 20 to 1
Twins 25 to 1
White Sox 27 to 1
Indians 20 to 1

What do you guys think? Is there value here or am I chasing something I shouldn't be?

I don't think the Tigers have the starters to go very far personally. Minnesota is a very nice bet and easily could be this year's DRays. Excellent staff that is improving and some young offensive players that can do damage. Not so sold on the White Sox but it's decent odds. Indians, I just don't see it but they have a chance if Westbrook comes back strong and Reyes takes the leap I think he will. I think Minnesota is the best of the bunch for sure.

If Verlander can return to form and if Gallarraga can come close to what he did last year, I like the Tigers chances. The middle relief core should be healthy this year and I like the addition of Edwin Jackson from the Rays. The Tigers bats will be there, especially with Granderson entering the season healthy. There certainly are plenty of question marks but I think they stand a good chance at winning the division.

As for the Twins, I like the fact that they have the returning core of players coming back. They have the best rotation in the Central as I love Baker as the ace, and with Liriano healthy, he could be the ace as well. I like Slowey but I'm not sold on Perkins. He had a great record but the 1.46 whip is not a good sign. With Nathan closing, they won't lose many leads, which is essential for a team to win the division. They've got the pitching, but outside of Mauer and Morneau, I don't know if they will have the offensive firepower to keep up. It will be interesting to see how Cuddyer, D. Young, and Span do this year. I heard rumors that Young was on the trading block, which would open up an OF position for Span.

Cleveland should be competitive, but I don't think Lee will have another season like he did last year. However, his anticipated drop off could be made up and then some by Carmona who should rebound from last season's disaster. The addition of Wood improves their bullpen as you never knew what you were going to get with the committee that closed last year. Betancourt will be back in his set up role where he has excelled in the past and Lewis, Smith, and Perez make up a solid relief team. Success for the Indians will hinge on the health of Hafner and Martinez. I'm confident Victor will bounce back, but not so sure about Pronk. His shoulder is a big concern and without him mashing, I don't think they will be able to keep up. I like the addition of DeRosa, and if Peralta and Garko can have good seasons, they will be in the mix.

I haven't looked much into the White Sox yet, but if the bats can start the season off strong, they have a solid pitching staff that will keep them in the thick of things.

Should be a fun season as always.

I love Edwin Jackson signing as well. Verlander and Bonderman should both be solid pitchers but I think they are hurt somewhat because they only throw 3 pitches each. Verlander obviously has better stuff but I wish each of them could add another pitch and I think they'd have a little more success. I'd also like to see Verlander throw his change more and his curve less but that's just me.

As for Slowey, I think he's going to develop into a 3.4 ERA guy this season and keep it there for a long time. He has four plus pitches and incredible command and I just think the Twins are stacked in pitching. Perkins need to rely on something other then his fastball since he has a good curve and change but seems scared to throw them sometimes.

Anyway, I just got done playing basketball and need to hop in the shower but I'll try to weigh in more on the other stuff later.

If you are looking for a longshot so you can bet against them once the playoffs start, find the one team you think will be a strong contendor to make the playoffs that is getting good odds. Betting more than one or two in the same league is throwing money away

Really like the value in the A's at 55 to 1