The 2018 season for the LA Angels is going to be an exciting one. After being stuck in mediocrity the past few years, the Halos made big time moves. MLB experts consider them a contender, but what does Las Vegas think of the boys of Anaheim?
The LA Angels are a mystery team this season. With the additions of Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart, their lineup should be consistent throughout. An upgraded offense is all but guaranteed compared to last year, but the real position to watch is the starting rotation.
More from Halo Hangout
- New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
- Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
- Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
- Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
- Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels
With all of the potential starters having an (usually lengthy) injury history, the Halos are using a six-man rotation to start the season. Garrett Richards, Andrew Heaney, Tyler Skaggs, Matt Shoemaker, and newcomer and Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani are all but guaranteed a spot. It is an intimidating rotation, but what do bettors think of the team?
According to bovada.com, the most popular online betting system, the Halos are contenders this year. They have the tenth best odds of winning the World Series this year, at +2500. They are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and are right behind the San Francisco Giants.
The Halos are also projected to make the playoffs according to boneva.com. They are the fifth ranked American League team, which would put them as visitors in the AL Wild Card Game. However, the Angels are not expected to do much better than fifth. In front of them are the Boston Red Sox, who sit at +400 compared the longshot +1200 that resides with Anaheim.
In terms of how the Halos project in the AL West, anything more than runner-up seems unlikely. While their odds are not terrible at +500, their chances seem much slimmer when the Houston Astros -500 is taken into account. A -500 means the gambler would lose money if they win the bet, which is how confident the system is in the Astros winning the West.
The over/under of 84.5 wins this season for the Halos seems rather low considering the additions they made in the offseason. After finishing 80-82 last season, it seems like a good bet a healthy Angels squad will top 85 wins.
Next: Did the Halos Miss Out on Jake Arrieta?
In personal awards, Mike Trout unsurprisingly has the best odds at the AL MVP. At +125, he has better odds than any player to win either MVP Award. In the AL, Jose Altuve comes in at second with +600 odds. In the National League, Bryce Harper tops the group with +300 odds.
Mike Trout also makes an appearance in the home run leader odds. He has the eighth best odds, and at +2500 that may be a good bargain.
The Halos were well-respected by boneva.com. They are seen as contenders, while Mike Trout is also getting the recognition he deserves as the best player in baseball.