posted June 12, 2008 at 16:28 EST in MLB Free Picks

BetUS Sportsbook has posted sports betting odds on the eventual winners in every one of Major League Baseball's six divisional races, and in the AL Central things seem to be going the way of the Chicago White Sox, who as of Thursday have a lead of 5.5 baseball betting games over their closest rival. Will the White Sox blow away the pack, or will this become a tight one? We'll examine that in this update.

Let's take a look at the MLB Divisional Odds as they are currently posted at BetUS:

BetUS MLB Futures Odds

To win American League Central

CHICAGO WHITE SOX -200

CLEVELAND INDIANS +300

MINNESOTA TWINS +450

DETROIT TIGERS +600

KANSAS CITY ROYALS +10000

The CHICAGO WHITE SOX (-200 in BetUS odds) are doing a great job of combining two key elements to success - power and pitching. They have hit 84 home runs, which is third in the major leagues (they are also +40 in that department), and in the starting rotation there are four pitchers with ERA's under 4.00 - damn good these days - and the fifth, Mark Buehrle, is likely to perform with more consistency as the season progresses, if history is any indicator. Paul Konerko isn't having a very good season (eight HR's but just .217); however, outfielder Carlos Quentin has been a revelation - as of Wednesday's games he had blasted 16 homers with 54 RBI's and looks like he's making a bid for the MVP award. Throw in the efforts of Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, Joe Crede, et al, and you have a lineup that would be scary for any opposing pitcher. The White Sox have been pretty formidable at home (20-9), but a few years ago this team faded late and barely hung on to the division title (winning the World Series eventually). They're looking solid in a lot of areas, but the race isn't over yet.

The CLEVELAND INDIANS (+300 in BetUS odds) have an upside, but several things have to start happening. For one, they have to hit with more consistency - this team ranks 29th in batting average as of right now. Travis Hafner had only four homers and a .217 average when he went down with a shoulder injury. Victor Martinez has been playing with a sore hamstring. Grady Sizemore is batting only .264. As for the others, were they a fluke last year? Starting pitcher Fausto Carmona will also be gone for a month, but the rotation can be Cleveland's strength, with Cliff Lee (10-1, 2.52 ERA) a force, along with the capable Aaron Lafley (2.98 ERA). If C.C Sabathia (4-8, 4.34 ERA) catches fire, there is some hope here. But the bullpen, which has posted a 5.87 ERA so far in June, must get something better out of Joe Borowski.

The MINNESOTA TWINS (+450 in BetUS odds) are currently the second-place team, and perhaps the team most capable of making a move, since they have bats like Joe Mauer (.324) and Justin Morneau in the lineup, not to mention solid bullpen production from Joe Nathan (1.35 ERA, 17 saves) and the others. But there's some anemia there as well - Delmon Young has one homer, and they undoubtedly expected more. Mike Lamb has one homer as well. Michael Cuddyer is starting to hit after an awful start and some time on the DL. But there are serious doubts about the rotation, which has gotten innings out of Livan Hernandez but also a 5.32 ERA. Kevin Slowey, who was their top prospect, is showing signs of progress, but Boof Bonser (6.19 ERA) needs to go.

The DETROIT TIGERS (+600 in BetUS odds) are getting a solid but not sensational season out of Magglio Ordonez (9 HR, 40 RBI, .313) and kind of a disappointing year from Miguel Cabrera (.278). Ivan Rodriguez (one homer) is being turned into a platoon player. And the rotation does not get people out with much regularity. The Tigers are 23rd in the majors in runs allowed, and reliever Todd Jones has allowed 11 walks in 23 innings.

The KANSAS CITY ROYALS (+10000 in BetUS odds) started out looking strong, behind its young pitchers. But Zach Grienke (5-4, 3.77 ERA) looks like he's the only guy holding up. At 12.5 games behind the White Sox, and plunging (19 losses in last 23 games). They're not a factor.

But maybe Cleveland CAN be.

For More MLB Divisional Odds Article Click Here!

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(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.com touches all the bases as a regular contributor to the BetUS Locker Room)