We're just about halfway through the MLB betting regular season. That means bettors are starting to re-examine MLB futures. Who's risen the highest over the last few weeks? Let's have a look, realizing that teams like the Yankees and Rays don't qualify since their odds have remained high all season. Same goes for surprise teams like Cincinnati and San Diego, whose odds have stayed high for a month or more now.
RISERS
Boston Red Sox (+850 Sportsbook odds)
The Red Sox may seem like a strange choice among "risers" since they were among the top favorites opening the year. But their odds took a huge tumble in April and May when they fell as low as fourth in the uber-tough American League East. Thanks to the majors' top offense, they've clawed back into the playoff hunt. Injuries to Dustin Pedroia and Victor Martinez could set them back in the next few weeks, however.
Chicago White Sox (+2000 Sportsbook odds)
A month ago, they were considered potential sellers, openly admitting Paul Konerko was on the block. Then an 11-game winning streak catapulted them into the American League Central race. Given their young talent, especially on the pitching side with guys like John Danks and Gavin Floyd, I wouldn't call them flukes.
Texas Rangers (+1400 Sportsbook odds)
They're back mashing the baseball in the humidity like the Texas Rangers we've come to know and love over the last 15 years. Vlad Guerrero and Josh Hamilton have both enjoyed gargantuan resurgences. Now the Rangers just have to work on acquiring another starting pitcher – which will likely be Roy Oswalt.
Los Angeles Angels (+3500 Sportsbook odds)
Kendry Morales goes down with a serious injury and the Angels start playing better. Go figure. Their veteran-laden offense will have its peaks and valleys but the pitching staff has been the key to L.A.'s comeback. Maybe Jered Weaver is a No. 1 starter after all.
Atlanta Braves (+1000 Sportsbook odds)
One of the most popular sleeper betting picks at the start of the season has really started fulfilling its promise over the last month. The key has been Troy Glaus taking the team on his shoulders. If Atlanta wants to threaten for the World Series crown, though, it needs Jason Heyward to get back on track.
New York Mets (+1500 Sportsbook odds)
Offensively, it's understandable why the Mets are risers. Jose Reyes has finally caught fire, David Wright is making us forget about his bizarre 2009 power outage and Carlos Beltran is about to return. But the pitching has been quite the surprise. Sure, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez have lots of fight left, but what do we make of R.A. Dickey? The knuckleballer's success could be the kind of anomaly that falsely props up a team's value and burns bettors in the long run.
