It seems like just yesterday the Yankees were raising their 27th championship banner after knocking off the Phillies in six games. However, the league’s other 29 teams are chomping at the bit to start Spring Training and chase a title of their own. Let’s take a quick look at the team’s favored to bring home next year’s Fall Classic.
New York Yankees (+300): The Bronx Bombers aren’t likely to make many big offseason moves, but that figures to be just fine for a team that has a loaded bench and young developing pitchers. This team is poised to repeat, especially if the Red Sox struggle to get their house in order.
Boston Red Sox (+700): Boston was bounced from the postseason rather rudely because the Sox have a suspect bullpen and a lineup that lacks pop. If the team can address those issues, it has a chance to close the gap on the hated Yankes.
Philadelphia Phillies (+1000): The two-time defending NL champs need to land another quality starter and fix their bullpen issues if they want to make it three straight. The team has a fantastic lineup, but needs better pitching to put them over the top.
Los Angeles Angels (+1000): Oh, what could have been if the Halos hadn’t squandered away Game 1 of the ALCS. This team is built for regular season success and figures to again be in the mix next fall. But will another year older hurt this outfield?
Los Angeles Dodgers (+1200): Can Big Blue finally get past the Phillies and make their claim to MLB excellence? The team’s young roster will be a year older, but still lacks a solid ace pitcher to push the group over the top. Mannywood is ready to explode.
Chicago Cubs (+1500): The Cubbies were a chic pick to win the NL last summer, but the team was besieged by loads of injuries and poor performances from veteran studs like Alfonso Soriano. This squad eventually quit down the stretch, and would be a very risky pick for a squad with such a soft mental makeup.