Preakness betting enthusiasts following the MLB must be stunned to see so many historically poor teams doing so well. Like a long shot at the Preakness Stakes betting race, the MLB season always has at least a handful of long shots that hang around and make the playoffs. For all intents and purposes, here is our World Series prediction.

After years of being the mat in which the MLB powerhouses wiped their shoes on, the Cleveland Indians appear to be using the 2011 season as the year they get back on top. Presently owning the best record in baseball at 23 - 11, the Indians have a league best 14 wins and two losses at home. Led by Travis Hafner, Shin Soo Choo and short stop Asdrubal Cabrera, the Indians look poised to make a run at the playoffs this season. On the pitching side of things, the Indians have one of the best trios in the entire MLB.

Fausto Carmona is the ace of the staff, but second starter Justin Masterson appears to be the jewel of the rotation. Perhaps the biggest surprise for Cleveland has been their bullpen, as the Tribe leads the entire MLB in pitching this season. Recall in years past, the offense was always there, but the pitching left a lot to be desired.

With roughly six months remaining until the playoffs, a lot can happen. However, we think the Cleveland Indians given that they are in the American League Central, should be able to get to the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, the Indians youth could be what puts them over the top and into the World Series.

However, depending on who the Indians face, they don't stand a chance of winning the World Series title. If all goes according to plan and the Philadelphia Phillies face the Indians in the World Series, we expect Philadelphia to win in four games.