After weeks of pontificating, moralizing, and virtue signaling about the Astros cheating scandal, Houston begins the 2020 season as the heavy favorite to repeat as AL West Division champions. The “cheating” that led to the firings of manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow does not change the fact that Houston has the most loaded roster in the division. In fact, they rate as the third choice with the MLB odds to win the World Series itself. Regardless of scandal the Astros will face a tougher challenge in the division. In particular the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland A’s are seen as prime alternatives while the Texas Rangers would not surprise if they enter the race. Only the Seattle Mariners are seen as hopeless. Let’s take a look at the 2020 American League West race.
We’ll have MLB Odds at Bookmaker.eu available for every game of the 2020 MLB season.
2020 AL West Odds:
| TEAM |
ODDS |
| Houston Astros |
+210 |
| Oakland Athletics |
+325 |
| Los Angeles Angels |
+575 |
| Texas Rangers |
+2100 |
| Seattle Mariners |
+35000 |
Houston brings the credibility of three consecutive seasons with 101 wins or better and two World Series appearances. To put it another way, gamblers never forget. Oakland has emerged as a proven winner with the MLB odds after making wild card status the past two seasons. The Angels are re-tooled, starting with manager Joe Maddon, and gamblers have taken notice. Texas has fortified its pitching staff and will be moving to a sparkling new ball park. Bargain hunters are taking fliers on the Rangers.
Houston Astros
While sign stealing is as old as signs and is an understood baseball tradition the Astros did take it to the extreme. But when one gets past the genuflecting, moralizing and hysteria the fact remains Houston boasts the deepest and most talented roster in the AL West. Now there are concerns, starting with the departure of number one starting ace Gerrit Cole to the New York Yankees. The arrival of veteran manager Dusty Baker could prove wise. Baker has seen and done it all and will calm what have been very rough waters this past offseason in H-Town.
Oakland Athletics
The kings of “Moneyball” have again cracked the code by producing a top contender with a small payroll and limited revenue. The A’s now have Oak Town to themselves as the Warriors moved across the bay to San Francisco and the Raiders packed up for Las Vegas. This remarkable franchise has posted back to back 97-win seasons and is one of the most complete teams in the entire American League.
Los Angeles Angels
The arrival of manager Joe Maddon has Angels fans hoping for immediate resurgence. Maddon is known as one of the most brilliant minds in the game and a miracle worker that won the American League pennant with the Tampa Bay Rays. Most important of all, Maddon ended the Chicago Cubs misery by winning the World Series there in 2016. Another asset is owner Arte Moreno, who has shown no hesitation about writing big checks to improve his team. Third baseman Anthony Rendon was the top new acquisition this past offseason.
Texas Rangers
Brand new Globe Life Field will relieve Rangers fans with a much-needed retractable roof but that’s not the only improvement for Texas. The Rangers were quite active in the offseason and fortified their pitching staff by bringing in veterans Corey Kluber, Kyle Gibson, and Jordan Lyles. The return to health of slugger Joe Gallo should improve run production.
2020 AL West Free MLB Betting Odds Pick
Houston is the justifiable favorite but priced out of sight to the point where it makes no sense. Oakland is clearly the best alternative. The A’s have what it takes to win the AL West and at a superior price.
MLB Betting Odds Prediction: Oakland A’s
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