For $260 million, you should be able to increase your World Series from 22/1 to 12/1.
That’s what happened within minutes of the announcement from Albert Pujols that he was leaving St. Louis and signing with the Los Angeles Angels. A new challenge, new league, a new contract that boggles the craziest of minds.
Early Thursday, the Angels were in a pack of baseball pretenders on the odds menu at Sportsbook. By lunchtime, they has signed the best player of his generation and also snapped up arguably the best starting pitcher in CJ Wilson from Texas. Their odds now sit at 12/1.
The announcement had the predictably opposite impact on the defending World Series champion Cardinals. They woke up this morning as 14/1 odds and tumbled to 18/1 after they threw up their breakfast.
Sportsbook also quickly posted odds on Pujols 2012 performance. They set his Home run over-under at 37.5, his RBI total at 120.5 and his batting average at .310.
Oh and if you think Pujols can win the AL MVP in his first season, that’s a tidy 3/1 payout right now. They did not set odds on whether Pujols will get to take the statue of himself to the West Coast when he moves.
Odds to Win World Series and other Albert Pujols props – lines courtesy of Sportsbook Sportsbook
LAA before Pujols signing 22/1
LAA after Pujols signing 12/1 Sportsbook
STL before Pujols signing 14/1
STL after Pujols signing 18/1 Sportsbook
Los Angeles Angels Total Wins in the 2012 Regular Season
Over/Under 87½ Sportsbook
St. Louis Cardinals Total Wins in the 2012 Regular Season
Over/Under 83½ Sportsbook
Albert Pujols - Total HRs in the 2012 Regular Season
Over/Under 37½ Sportsbook
Albert Pujols - Total RBIs in the 2012 Regular Season
Over 120½ Sportsbook
Albert Pujols - Batting Average in the 2012 Regular Season
Over .310 -130
Under .310 EVEN Sportsbook
Albert Pujols - Will he win the AL MVP?
Yes 3/1 Sportsbook