Tommy Dutch
In a postseason dominated by home runs and strikeouts, the Kansas City Royals outlasted the competition by playing team baseball. Their exemplary execution serves as a fresh reminder of what it takes to win in October. Now, before their booze-soaked uniforms get back from the cleaners, let’s take our first glance at the 2016 season.
Here are a few thoughts on some intriguing contenders as well as World Series odds for all 30 teams.
Houston Astros:
Houston has a young and dynamic nucleus mixed with a highly intelligent front office. You can count on the ‘Stros to be a contender for several years – they’re the early favorite in a crowded field.
Washington Nationals:
The Nats had perhaps the most talented roster in 2015 but everything went wrong. They will likely be more healthy and will certainly have better leadership next year. Washington is the National League favorite with Dusty Baker at the helm.
Chicago Cubs:
The Cubs are the listed favorite of most sportsbooks – not because they’re the best team but because they have the biggest and most excited fan base. The odds are low to minimize exposure for the books. But if postseason wins are the goal, Northsiders currently have a deeply flawed roster.
Odds to Win the 2016 World Series:
Houston Astros: 11/1
Washington Nationals: 12/1
Kansas City Royals: 14/1
Pittsburgh Pirates: 14/1
Los Angeles Dodgers: 15/1
New York Mets: 20/1
St. Louis Cardinals: 20/1
Texas Rangers: 20/1
Toronto Blue Jays: 20/1
Boston Red Sox: 25/1
Chicago Cubs: 25/1
New York Yankees: 25/1
Los Angeles Angels: 30/1
San Francisco Giants: 30/1
Baltimore Orioles: 40/1
Cleveland Indians: 40/1
Minnesota Twins: 40/1
Arizona Diamondbacks: 50/1
Chicago White Sox: 50/1
Oakland Athletics: 50/1
Seattle Mariners: 50/1
Cincinnati Reds: 75/1
Detroit Tigers: 75/1
Miami Marlins: 75/1
Milwaukee Brewers: 75/1
Tampa Rays: 75/1
Colorado Rockies: 100/1
San Diego Padres: 100/1
Atlanta Braves: 150/1
Philadelphia Phillies: 150/1
Odds of the New York Mets making it back to the World Series: 10/1
Odds of the Kansas City Royals making it back to the World Series: 7/1
Odds of a World Series rematch between the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals: 70/1
(Photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Dwayne Snader [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.)
