A’s 2012 MLB Season Odds
(The Spread) – The Oakland A’s may have restocked their farm system this past winter but they’re going to have a difficult time competing in 2012.
According to oddsmakers, the A’s are currently 150/1 to win the 2012 World Series and are 70/1 to win the American League Pennant next season. They’re also 25/1 to win the American League West Division and carry an over/under of 71.5 games for number of total wins in the 2012 regular season.
In a rather surprising move, the A’s opened up their checkbooks for once and signed Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year, $36 million contract. Now, whether or not GM Billy Beane will eventually trade Cespedes in a package deal to acquire future prospects is another question, but at least the 26-year-old is an Athletic for now.
View Latest 2012 World Series Odds
The A’s also signed Coco Crisp to a two-year, $14 million contract and added Bartolo Colon (one year, $2 million) and Johnny Gomes (one-year, $1 million) as well. Of their notable minor league signings, the A’s reached deals with Manny Ramirez, Brandon Moss, Jason Pridie and Edgar Gonzalez.
As usual, Beane was pretty busy on the trade market as well. He acquired Josh Reddick, Miles Head and Raul Alcantara from the Red Sox in exchange for Andrew Baily and Ryan Sweeney. He also acquired A.J. Cole, Derek Norris, Brad Peacock and Tom Milone from the Nationals for starters Gio Gonzalez and Robert Gilliam.
In a deal with the Diamondbacks, he sent pitchers Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow to Arizona in exchange for Jarrod Parker, Collin Cowgill and Ryan Cook. Finally, the traded Guillermo Moscoso and Josh Outman to the Rockies in exchange for outfielder Seth Smith.
OUTLOOK: Many people thought the A’s would be the Giants of 2012 and overcome their shoddy offense with great pitching. But Oakland stumbled to a 74-88 record, which placed the A’s third in the division behind the Rangers and Angels. This time around, there is no Cahill or Gonzalez, so it stands to reason that Oakland will struggle again this season. They got even younger and even cheaper in the offseason and their fans will pay the price of watching this team finish in the bottom half of the league yet again.
2012 Oakland A’s MLB Season Odds
World Series Odds: 150/1
American League Pennant Odds: 70/1
American League West Odds: 25/1
Regular Season Win Total: O/U 71.5
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