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MLB Divisional Odds: With revamped roster, favored Blue Jays hope to put an end to their AL East futility

February 7, 2013

This year’s favorite to win the AL East finished 16 games below .500 in 2012 and hasn’t made the postseason since 1993.

If you guessed the Toronto Blue Jays, you’re correct. Now, ask yourself this: Do you think they’ll steal the division crown away from the Yankees, Rays, Orioles or Red Sox, all of whom have made the playoffs multiple times since the Jays’s last appearance?

We’ll concede that the Blue Jays should be improved after a busy offseason, one that included a blockbuster trade with the Marlins and several other splash signings. But installing them as favorites seems crazy, doesn’t it?

Here’s Toronto’s divisional finishes each of the last five seasons:

  • 2012: Fourth
  • 2011: Fourth
  • 2010: Fourth
  • 2009: Fourth
  • 2008: Fourth

Forgive us for being skeptical.

While Toronto deserves credit for adding plenty of solid pieces to its roster (including Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera and R.A. Dickey), haven’t we already seen this trick before?

The Marlins made an offseason splash prior to last season, became a trendy World Series pick, and then finished 69-93 overall, the fourth-worst record in the National League. Four members of that disappointing team are now on the Blue Jays’s roster.

Toronto is currently a +150 favorite to win the East at 5Dimes, followed by the Yankees (+165) and Rays (+475). We’ve listed odds for all six divisions below, courtesy of 5Dimes sportsbook.

* * *

AMERICAN LEAGUE

East
Toronto Blue Jays +150
New York Yankees +165
Tampa Bay Rays +475
Boston Red Sox +485
Baltimore Orioles +900

Central
Detroit Tigers -200
Chicago White Sox +450
Kansas City Royals +550
Cleveland Indians +900
Minnesota Twins +1250

West
Los Angeles Angels -120
Texas Rangers +170
Oakland Athletics +500
Seattle Mariners +1400
Houston Astros +3000

NATIONAL LEAGUE

East
Washington Nationals +135
Atlanta Braves +190
Philadelphia Phillies +235
New York Mets +1500
Miami Marlins +2000

Central
Cincinnati Reds +110
St. Louis Cardinals +185
Milwaukee Brewers +500
Pittsburgh Pirates +800
Chicago Cubs +1200

West
Los Angeles Dodgers +100
San Francisco Giants +160
Arizona Diamondbacks +575
San Diego Padres +1100
Colorado Rockies +1500

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