With spring training just around the corner, the start of the 2010 Major League Baseball season isn’t too far away. While the defending champion New York Yankees are expected to repeat this year, there are some other contenders that can’t be ignored. There have been plenty of trades and free agent signings that could enable a new champion to emerge in the fall.

New York Yankees: +325 Odds

New York could actually be an improved squad in 2010. Javier Vazquez has been added to a deep pitching rotation while Curtis Granderson has been acquired to become the squad’s new center fielder. The Yankees did lose Hideki Matsui and it is unlikely that Johnny Damon will be resigned. The offensive nucleus of Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez should still be able to produce big numbers this season. New York appears to have the right mix of veterans and younger players to be a strong contender in 2010. Bet on the Yankees

Philadelphia Phillies: +600 Odds

After winning consecutive NL pennants, Philadelphia is in a solid position to return to the series again this season. Roy Halladay is on board as a dominant number one starter for the pitching staff. On offense, veteran third baseman Placido Polanco was signed as a free agent. The Phillies couldn’t afford to keep Cliff Lee after adding Halladay but the overall rotation is still strong. Philadelphia will need closer Brad Lidge to rebound from a tough 2009 this season. Bet on the Phillies

Boston Red Sox: +650 Odds

With two World Series crowns in the last six years, Boston is hoping to have an answer for the Yankees in 2010. The Red Sox were able to sign top free agent hurler John Lackey to bolster a solid rotation. Mike Cameron, Adrian Beltre and Marco Scutaro were also signed to aid the everyday lineup for Boston. The Red Sox will also have the service of catcher Victor Martinez for an entire year this season. The departure of top slugger Jason Bay will create a bit of a power void. Bet on the Red Sox

Los Angeles Dodgers: +1200 Odds

After reaching the NL Championship Series in the last two seasons, the Dodgers are hoping to take the next step in 2010. A strong everyday lineup is basically intact but the club’s starting pitching is a little questionable. Lefty Randy Wolf signed on with Milwaukee to leave the club’s rotation a little thin. With Los Angeles owner Frank McCourt in the middle of a nasty divorce, there are questions about how limited the Dodgers finances could be throughout the season. Bet on the Dodgers

St. Louis Cardinals: + 1400 Odds

St. Louis is in a good position to repeat as NL Central division champs after resigning prized free agent outfielder Matt Holliday. With Holliday and MVP Albert Pujols together for an entire season, the Cardinals offense will give opposing hurlers plenty of headaches in 2010. Cris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright form a potent duo at the top of the rotation. Right-hander Brad Penny was signed to offset the loss of Joel Pineiro. Bet on the Cardinals

Odds To Win 2010 MLB World Series

(odds from Sportsbook.com)

Arizona Diamondbacks
+3000

Washington Nationals
+10000