Home » MLB Predictions » 2008 MLB Predictions

2008 American League East Odds & Predictions

If you don’t have the elite AL East division sorted out yet, Jimmy Boyd goes over who has the best odds to win the AL East in this article. This is probably one of the most predictable division in baseball in 2008, but see how your picks stack up with those of World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd.

1st Place – Boston Red Sox

The defending AL East division champs and World Series champs appear to have a team capable of collecting another division title in 2008. The Red Sox may give up just a little bit of power to the Yankees, but they more than make up for it with an exceptional pitching staff. You can bet the Red Sox to win the AL East at 10/11 odds.

2nd Place – New York Yankees

The Yankees came up just short of a division title in 2007 and I’m expecting the same fate again this season. While the batting order is stacked, outside of Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees starting rotation will struggle. You can bet the New York Yankees at 11/10 odds.

3rd Place – Toronto Blue Jays

If only the Blue Jays could put their pitching staff with the Yankees’ batting order. The Blue Jays are a team capable of winning 85 games, but that’s about it. While their starting pitching is solid, and Roy Halladay is exceptional, playing in the AL East with the Yankees and the Red Sox keeps this quality team from breaking through. Centerfielder Vernon Wells really struggled last season and the pressure will be on for him in 2008. Take the Blue Jays to win the AL East at 6/1 odds if you think they can break through in 2008.

4th Place – Tampa Bay Rays

You can take the Devil out of their name, but it won’t result in a winning season for the Rays. Tampa Bay is improving, but not at a near quick enough rate in the top heavy AL East. Pitching is still the downfall of this team, but the Rays are hoping that the addition of Matt Garza will move things in the right direction. Tampa Bay Devil Rays odds to win the AL East are listed at 30/1.

5th Place – Baltimore Orioles

If you take the Orioles to win the AL East, you’re not a value shopper, you’re just someone that likes giving their money away. Baltimore has posted 10 consecutive losing campaigns and without Miguel Tejada in the middle of the order, they lack all kinds of star power. They have a couple solid starters, namely Erik Bedard. But don’t be surprised if he is dealt for a multi-player package as this team is missing way too many pieces of the puzzle. Baltimore is listed at 80/1 odds to win the AL East.

For a more in depth look at all of these teams, check out Jimmy Boyd’s individual team predictions. He takes a closer look at their starting rotations, bullpens, and batting orders to give you a better perspective when betting on baseball this season.

Updated February 25th, 2008