This website told everyone a few weeks ago not to worry about the “Nati. They were victims of some 1 run losses – and untimely slumps. Heading into play today, the team has squared its record at 11 – 11, after starting the year 3 – 8. Hamilton is hitting, Votto has thrived in the #2 slot, and Bruce and Phillips will break out eventually. Cueto and Cingrani have looked great. For this team, who trails the Cards by just 0.5 GB, to have a +750 odd to win the NL Central is a steal – and the best bet on the board this week. The Reds do trail the Brewers by 5 games, however when you read the oddsmakers, they are still heavily favoring the Cards to win the division.

The Orioles have managed to go 12 – 11 so far despite only having a couple of HRs from each Chris Davis and Adam Jones, and without the services of 3B Manny Machado. The latter is coming back to the club in the next few weeks. Nelson Cruz has clubbed 6 HRs and added 22 RBI so far – and has lengthened that lineup. Matt Wieters is also batting nearly .350. For them to be so far away from the rest of these teams for odds is not right.

The fans at Kauffman have the longest playoff drought of any MLB franchise. The Kansas City Royals should have a better offense so far – than what they have shown. Mike Moustakas is finally hitting the ball, and now they just need to wake the thunder off Billy Butler, and for Eric Hosmer’s power to return. The pitching is there, and at +550, this club offers the best value for the AL Central.  Yordano Ventura may be their ‘Ace’ in the hole.

Albert Pujols leading the MLB in HRs with 8 so far should have the Angels fans somewhat happy. They still have MVP caliber Mike Trout to help aid the offense, and Josh Hamilton will return. With the A’s and Rangers having Starting Pitching injuries, Los Angeles just needs to play more consistently. They are 10 – 8 since an opening series sweep at the hands of the Mariners

The Phillies are doing what I thought they would do in 2013. The older players like Rollins, Howard, Ruiz and Utley are playing better baseball, and when you add Lee dealing, with strong efforts from Burnett so far, coupled with the return of Hamels, they could always surprise. At a 20 – 1 it is a big longshot, but with a pedigree to win in yesteryear, with the management always making a late season trade, it could be possible.

Coors Field has not seen any playoff baseball for a couple of years, but with an awesome offense kickstarted by TULO and CARGO, a revamped BULLPEN and Starting Rotation, plus adding Justin Morneau, the Rcokies always have a punchers chance of doing some damage. You factor in stellar play from an upstart Charlie Blackmon, and this team looks decent. They have scored 86 runs in just 12 home games – and are batting .346 – with a near 1.000 OPS at home.  At +1800, and the Dodgers and GIants being up and down so far in the 2014 campaign, an 18 – 1 looks pretty good for this squad.