2014 MLB Picks and Predictions: Early Overachievers Worth Betting on for the Long Haul

2014 MLB Picks and Predictions: Early Overachievers Worth Betting on for the Long Haul: The 2014 MLB season is a little over a month old, and while several teams are off to fast starts, not all of the early frontrunners were expected to perform well. Of course, the obvious question is whether or not these early overachievers will keep up their current pace or will tail off and come back to earth. Figuring out which teams will remain contenders for the long haul is particularly useful because by jumping on the bandwagon early, you can get much more beneficial odds than if you wait until late in the season when the playoff teams become obvious. With that in mind, here is a closer look at three teams that entered 2014 with low expectations that have started strong and could continue to be factors.

1. Miami Marlins

After almost every big name was sold off a couple of years ago, the Marlins seemed destined to be a bottom-feeder for the foreseeable future. However, Miami is off to a 19-15 start in 2014 and is currently tied for first in the National League East. Part of the reason for the strong start is that slugger Giancarlo Stanton is healthy and is currently leading the NL in home runs and RBIs. Meanwhile, young players like Adeiny Hechavarria and Chrisitan Yelich are coming into their own, helping the Marlins rank sixth in the majors in runs scored. As surprising as Miami’s offense has been, its pitching has been even better. Led by Cy Young candidate Jose Fernandez, the Marlins currently have four young starters with ERAs below 3.00.

Even if Miami’s offense slows a bit, there is a good chance its pitching could continue to thrive in the team’s pitcher-friendly home park. Throw in the rash of injuries to the defending division champion Atlanta Braves, and with Stanton leading the offense and Fernandez anchoring the starting rotation, the Marlins might not be going anywhere. It’s also worth noting that with the team’s miniscule payroll, going and acquiring a big bat to put them over the top later in the season should be in the budget, even for Jeffrey Loria. I don’t think they are a bad bet to win the division at the current 9/1 odds, and I think they are definitely worth a flier to win the NL pennant at their current 33/1 odds.

2. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox were one of the biggest disappointments last year, but they have flipped the script in 2014 and are ahead of schedule, sitting second in the American League Central with an 18-17 record. The turnaround can mainly be traced to Chicago’s improvement at the plate, and the raw power of rookie Jose Abreu has had a lot do with it. The former Cuban star is leading the AL with 12 homers and 35 RBIs, and his presence in the middle of the lineup, along with Adam Eaton’s consistency in the leadoff spot, has helped the White Sox rank second in runs scored so far this season.

Granted, Chicago’s starting pitching has been average at best, and the bullpen has been shaky. However, the rotation will get a lot better with ace Chris Sale returns from injury, and Matt Lindstrom is slowly taking control of the closers role. With a resurgent offense and pitching that should only improve, the White Sox aren’t in a bad spot in an American League where all but a few teams are toiling around the .500 mark. Since the Detroit Tigers seem to be in control of the AL Central, I’m not sure I’d gamble on the White Sox to win the division at 12/1. That being said, Chicago could definitely make it to the postseason, and getting in on the team’s 28/1 odds to win the pennant could be worth it.

3. Colorado Rockies

After struggling last year and changing little in the offseason, there was no reason to expect the Rockies to be any better in 2014. Well, all Colorado has done so far is win an MLB-best 22 games. While it is no surprise that the Rockies’ offense has been carrying the team given their hitter-friendly home park, the fact that they lead baseball pretty much across the board in every offensive category can’t be ignored. Heck, 12 players are currently hitting above .280, and Troy Tulowitzki is hitting above .400. Granted, Colorado’s pitching has been below average, but that is par for the course when you play home games in Coors Field. Meanwhile, the Rockies’ juggernaut of an offense shows no signs of slowing down. Colorado is currently getting 4/1 odds to win the NL West and 14/1 odds to win the pennant, and jumping on the bandwagon now is probably a wise move because the Rockies’ odds are only going to improve if they keep smacking the cover off the ball.

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