2012 MLB Season Preview: Opening Day World Series Odds

After the Cardinals' historic run from almost not even making the playoffs, it's clear anything can happen come October. What's even more interesting is the new MLB playoff rules

From increasing player salaries to the actual format of the playoffs, it's an entirely new ball game.

What You Need to Know 

Each division winner will receive a first-round bye. Next, the two wild-card teams will play an  elimination game in which the winner will play the top-seeded division winner (best record in their respective league). 

With wild rule changes, anything can happen—especially in the elimination game. A wild-card team has made it to the World Series 10 times—winning five of them.

In fact, the 2002 World Series was played by both the National League and American League wild-card winners.

Coming into the 2012 Opening Day, here are the odds given to each team to win the World Series:

Arizona Diamondbacks	20;1
Atlanta Braves	16:1
Baltimore Orioles	200:1
Boston Red Sox	10:1
Chicago Cubs	60:1
Chicago White Sox	80:1
Cincinnati Reds	15:1
Cleveland Indians	60:1
Colorado Rockies	35:1
Detroit Tigers	6:1
Houston Astros	300:1
Kansas City Royals	60:1
Los Angeles Angels	7:1
Los Angeles Dodgers	40:1
Miami Marlins	20:1
Milwaukee Brewers	25:1
Minnesota Twins	100:1
New York Mets	100:1
New York Yankees	7:1
Oakland Athletics	100:1
Philadelphia Phillies	6:1
Pittsburgh Pirates	80:1
San Diego Padres	100:1
San Francisco Giants	16:1
Seattle Mariners	100:1
St. Louis Champions	35:1
Tampa Bay Rays	16:1
Texas Rangers	8:1
Toronto Blue Jays	60:1
Washington Nationals	25:1

Anything can happen! 

Source: Sportsbook.com (as of 03/29/12).