Why 3 NL East Teams Will Make Playoffs: Early Results and Rotation Predictions

The Philadelphia Phillies look to be the big dogs in the National League East again this season. However, the talent in the starting rotations of the other teams in the division can keep these five teams close all year. 

A week into the season and the NL East has two of the top five rotations in baseball based on starting pitchers’ ERA. The Phillies are first with a 1.67 and the Washington Nationals are fifth, boasting a 2.41 ERA.

As far as strikeouts are concerned, the New York Mets‘ starting staff leads all of major league baseball with 37 and right behind them are the Nationals with 36. 

This division is one of the best in baseball, and all five of these teams are good enough to make the playoffs in 2012.

The Nationals have drastically changed their pitching rotation for the better, as did the new-look Miami Marlins. The Atlanta Braves have a solid staff as well with young, dominant arms, and the New York Mets can have a viable starting staff if Johan Santana can remain healthy all season.

From top to bottom, the NL East pitchers will shine in the league this year and are already proving it.

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Phillies Are Favorites to Win It All: A Look at Odds to Win 2012 World Series

It is that time of the year again.

Teams are preparing to begin a new season. A new season that brings along a new hope, a new outlook and the chance to achieve the ultimate goal: A World Series Championship.

So who are the favorites to win it all this year? 

According to bovada.lv, the Philadelphia Phillies are the overall favorite, with 6:1 odds. The Los Angeles Angels, with the additions of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson are the second most likely to win, at 13:2. 

The New York Yankees round out the top three as 7:1 favorites.

The worst chances to win? Those honors go to the Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros, both with 150:1 odds.

Here is a look at the complete list of teams and their chances of being the last team to celebrate on the diamond this season.

Philadelphia Phillies 6:1    

Los Angeles Angels 13:2    

New York Yankees 7:1    

Detroit Tigers 8:1    

Texas Rangers 10:1    

Boston Red Sox 12:1    

Miami Marlins 15:1    

San Francisco Giants 16:1    

Cincinnati Reds 22:1    

St. Louis Cardinals 22:1    

Tampa Bay Rays 22:1    

Arizona Diamondbacks 25:1    

Atlanta Braves 25:1    

Washington Nationals 28:1    

Colorado Rockies 35:1    

Milwaukee Brewers 35:1    

Chicago Cubs 40:1    

Los Angeles Dodgers 40:1    

Toronto Blue Jays 40:1    

Chicago White Sox 60:1    

Cleveland Indians 65:1    

Minnesota Twins 65:1    

Oakland Athletics 65:1    

Kansas City Royals 75:1    

New York Mets 75:1    

Pittsburgh Pirates 75:1    

San Diego Padres 90:1    

Seattle Mariners 90:1    

Baltimore Orioles 150:1    

Houston Astros 150:1 

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