American League All Star Break Review
American League East: The American League East has been an interesting division this season. The Orioles, The Jays and The Rays jumped off to a good start while the Redsox and the Yankees couldn’t buy a win. However, after about forty games the Yankees really came together and have an eight game lead as the second half of the seasons begins which would not have been a surprise at the beginning of the year. The Redsox are probably the biggest shock in the division having only won half their games but it would not surprise me to see them finish second in the division and maybe clinch a wild card spot. Considering the Yankees have had serious injuries most notably losing their closer Rivera who was one of the best in the business they are certainly a team to consider for the title and they will most likely win the East.
American League Central: This division has been a shock all season and remains this way at the All Star Break. The White Sox who were 20/1 at the beginning of the season are still in front at the break and have acquired some very productive players such as Kevin Youkilis. The Indians have been better than expected and they are in second place just three games back of the White Sox. The Detroit Tigers are perhaps the biggest shock of the whole season with a record just over five hundred at the break and considering it is already half way through the season I think it is fair to say that they have not performed to their expectations. Shockingly The Tigers are still favourites for the division and it might be that the White Sox are value at 11/8 for the Div and 22/1 for the World Series.
American League West: There are no real surprises in this division. The Rangers lead the division by 5 games and have been consistent throughout the year while the Angels who had a shocking start to the year have recovered and are just 5 games back now. Texas are big favourites for the division at 1/4 but it is certainly possible that the Angels who have a Cy Young candidate starter in Weaver and a team that is loaded with talent could make this division a very close race at the end. The Angels therefore might be value at 7/2 for the div and 12/1 for the World Series.
