MLB betting is about to get underway, and the usual suspects are the sportsbook favorites this year: Boston, both New York teams, the Cubs, etc. But there are a few teams that are capable of staging a repeat of Tampa Bay’s 2008 Cinderella season, led by…..Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have MLB odds of +900 to win the World Series after losing to Philadelphia last year, and their young core returns with even more experience and depth. The starting rotation can stack up with anyone in the majors, the only question is whether the Rays can score as many runs as last year. Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria will be counted on to lead the offense. Also, in a division with the Red Sox and Yankees, it’ll be a battle just to make the playoffs. Still, after last year’s experience, the Rays will contend once again.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are listed at +1500 according to MLB odds, and they added Derek Lowe and Javier Vasquez to bolster the rotation. A return to form by Jeff Francoeur is essential for the offense, which was 16^th in the majors in runs scored, and an improvement on the road would be nice, as the Braves were only 29-52 away from home. If the Braves can get off to a good start, it’ll be an exciting year in the NL East.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are rated at +1500 as well, and after a second-half surge powered by Manny Ramirez that ended up with a playoff spot, Los Angeles has to be on the radar of MLB betting players. Losing Lowe hurts a staff that finished second in the majors in runs allowed, but Chad Billingsley is one of the best young pitchers in the game. After a contract saga, Ramirez is back, but the Dodgers need Rafael Furcal to be healthy after a tough 2008.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have MLB odds of +1900, and on paper, Detroit is a legitimate World Series contender. The Tigers have one of the best offenses in the majors, finishing fifth in runs scored, but their pitching let them down badly as Detroit was fourth-worst in runs allowed. Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman must get back to their 2007 form, and if that happens, the Tigers will run away with the Central.

Minnesota Twins

Of course, Minnesota won’t let Detroit get that far ahead, as the Twins have MLB odds of +2000, The Twins were fourth in the majors in runs scored, and their pitching staff fared very well after the exit of two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana to the Mets. Scott Baker could be the best pitcher in the majors that you don’t know about. Justin Morneau is back to lead the offense, and the Twins are one of the most consistent teams in all of baseball, as they haven’t finished lower than third in the AL Central since 2000, along with four division titles. The Twins would be an excellent pick for MLB betting players.