We can go back and forth all we want about the state of the division in 2011 and how doomed we are... Or we could get the opinion of the real pros... The best in the business when it comes to forecasting/handicapping sports... Vegas..

I took a quick look at the MLB futures bets available over at Sportsbook.com. Here's what I found..

Odds to win the AL West

Rangers +125

Angels +160

Athletics +300

Mariners +600

As you can see, the best in the business have the Halos just behind the Rangers to win the division this year. If you are gambling savvy you know that perceived public opinion often dictates some of these lines which, in my opinion, bodes well for the Angels, because clearly, the general public thinks we are up shit creek with no shot at this thing. The fact that the Rangers are the defending AL champs also probably bumps the line in their favor a little bit. That said, it's not inconceivable to think the experts have us slated for an even better shot than they currently show with these odds.

By the way, these odds breakdown to roughly these percentage to win the division...

Rangers 39%

Angels 33%

Athletics 22%

Mariners 6%

There you have it. The pros seem to think this thing is going to be a pretty tight race which is really anyone's game. Can we all calm the eff down and step away from the ledge now?