With the first pitch of the 2012 Major League Baseball season just a couple weeks away, it’s time to check out baseball Futures odds.

March is a great month for all baseball fans. Every team is 0-0 and optimism reigns supreme.

That optimism is especially high this year for Toronto Blue Jays fans, thanks to some shrewd offseason moves to address the bullpen, last year’s emergence of Brett Lawrie and the return of home run king Jose Bautista. A solid showing by the Jays in spring training has added some fuel to the optimism fire.

If you like the Jays’ chances of competing this year for a playoff spot, now is the best time to put your money where your mouth is.

For example, Pinnacle Sports is offering a fat payout on the Jays to win the American League East. Toronto is listed at +1354 to win the division (13.5 to 1 odds), while the Yankees are -143 favourites, Boston is +310 and the Rays are +502.

And if you think Toronto can win its first World Series since 1993, the Jays are a sweet +4098 (nearly 41 to 1) to win the MLB championship. Even if you like the favoured Phillies, you can get more than 5 to 1 return on your bet (+527) if you make it now.

If you’re a bit more of a pessimist about Toronto’s chances this season, perhaps you might want to bet on the over/under for their season win total. The Jays’ over/under for wins this season are listed at 80.5 at Pinnacle Sports, which means they only need to be a .500 team or better in order for you to win your wager.

Another fun bet you can make prior to the season is whether Bautista will lead the majors in home runs for the third straight season. Joey Bats is listed as the favourite this year, paying +501 odds.

Check out futures odds for the Blue Jays and all other teams at Pinnacle Sports.