MLB playoffs and World Series odds 2012: Detroit Tigers favored in AL Division Series

The Detroit Tigers and Oakland A's open their American League Division Series at 6 p.m. Saturday at Comerica Park, and the Tigers are -194 favorites in the opening lines.

Justin Verlander (17-8, 2.64 ERA) starts for the Tigers in Game 1 . He has pitched well against the A's this season, going 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 13 innings. Starting Verlander in Game 1 would allow the Tigers to also use him in a Game 5.

The Tigers are 4-3 against Oakland this season.

The Tigers are also +580 to win the World Series. The only teams given better odds are the New York Yankees (+475) and Washington Nationals (+510). Detroit is followed by the Cincinnati Reds (+585), San Francisco Giants (+725), Texas Rangers (+820), Oakland A's (+840), Atlanta Braves (+1250), St. Louis Cardinals (+1750) and the Baltimore Orioles (+1950).

The Tigers, Yankees, Cardinals, Rangers and Giants have all made appearances in the World Series this decade.