The odds aren't exactly promising. Then again, compared to years past, the Kansas City Royals have to feel pretty good about their 50/1 odds to win the 2012 World Series title. If that happens, it will signify a myriad of things that came together perfectly in order to sweep the rest of the Major Leagues. Stranger things have happened, however.
If anything it's a sign that KC is on the right track. The Mets and Padres are 150/1. The Blue Jays are a loaded team yet they're 60/1 given the ridiculously competitive division they face in the AL East. The defending champs in St. Louis are only 35/1. In short, the Royals aren't that bad. In fact, they've been labeled as one of a handful of "teams to back" by Vegas Insider:
Kansas City will be one of the more exciting teams in this season because all their young talent nurtured through minors are finally ready for the big leagues. First-baseman Eric Hosmer had a spectacular spring (.416, 5 HR, 29 RBI) and will anchor a lineup filled with other top draft picks that have finally matured. The rotation goes about three deep with Bruce Chen, Luke Hochevar, and former Giant Jonathan Sanchez. The biggest question mark on the team coming into the season is the bullpen with all-star closer Joakim Soria who will be out for the season. The Royals will use a closer by committee until someone emerges, likely Jonathan Broxton.