Angels odds - AL West is a lock, but don't count on much more
Los Angeles Angels odds have been disappointing for fans in the last few seasons. The Angels have exited the playoffs in the first round in four of the last five years, and Angels betting fans know that success is only measured by a World Series ring. Don’t be too excited about their MLB odds this season, either. They are a shoe-in to win the feeble AL West division, but their roster has regressed and they will likely fall short again.
Angels odds: Angels should win the West but fall short again
- Angels lost Mark Teixeira and Francisco Rodriguez
- West provides very little competition
- Los Angeles’ young hitters must step up
The Angels odds for the World Series are still the best in the division – and are among the best odds in baseball – but there are some real questions marks for them long term.
If you bet the Angels, you’ve watched numerous first-round playoff struggles over the past few years. With Mark Teixeira and Francisco Rodriguez gone via free agency in the offseason, it’s hard to picture them going further in 2009.
The Angels have an odd batting lineup mixed of players past their primes along with youngsters who have yet to develop. Vladimir Guerrero, Bobby Abreu and Torrii Hunter have all seen better days, which is a big concern if you’re going to bet Angels odds. In a potential playoff matchup against the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees, the sportsbook odds will surely have the Angels as an underdog.
The good news is that the Angels odds to win their division are the best for any team in baseball. The Oakland Athletics are in a strange spot, the Texas Rangers are rebuilding and the Seattle Mariners are a mediocre team searching for an identity. Los Angeles is a lock in that department.
For the Angels to get over the hump this year, they’ll need a number of their young hitters to step up in a major way. The Angels will be expecting players like Howie Kendrick, Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar to become reliable, above-average hitters for this team to become a World Series contender. Morales will have to fill Teixeira’s shoes at first base while Kendrick will have to prove that he can stay healthy for a full season.
The Angels' starting rotation also looks a little thin – particularly in the early part of the season – as John Lackey and Ervin Santana are expected to miss the first month of the season.
Ultimately, there are too many question marks this team to consider them as World Series contenders, even though the Angels' sports betting lines are strong to win the division. Guerrero had offseason knee surgery, the bullpen has to replace Rodriguez, the young hitters have to develop and the pitching staff must stay healthy. That’s too many “ifs” to give the Angels betting fans our vote of confidence. If you’re going to bet on baseball, stay away from Los Angeles.
Visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for Angels odds and other online sports betting tips.
Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
