It’s nothing short of a marathon as baseball season comes to a close in October, but the fun is really about to begin. With 4 teams making the playoffs in each league, there is little room for error and a very high probability that a mistake that costs you a game will end your year. Which teams have the best chances to overcome these obstacles and win it all? Follow these 5 World Series favorites as baseball season gets underway this summer on satellite TV.

1. New York Yankees. The team that won the World Series last year is also looking to be in this Fall Classic. The bad news for the competition is that they have two more pitchers on board. Javier Vazquez and Phil Hughes have actually been more successful than AJ Burnett in 2010, making their rotation real. These Yankees can win at home or away, in brawls or pitching duels. They are the best team in baseball once again and they have the best closer in Mariano Rivera. Follow them on YES in HD.

2. Boston Red Sox. Not far north of New York is the other heavy favorite for the World Series. Early stumbles led many critics to write off the Red Sox, but they have shown they have the offense and pitching to make a real run in 2010. Their offense will need to maintain its strong performance and their bullpen needs to improve, but other than the Sox Rojas already have the key pieces. Watch them on the NESN HD network.

3. Minnesota Twins. Although the list may seem very American League-centric, the fact remains that these three teams have been the most consistent thus far in an unpredictable season. What are the negative aspects of twins? So far, no front-line starter has distinguished himself (Carl Pavano can’t). Also, the closer situation may need to be addressed if Rauch seems unstable. Other than that, they have strong pieces and the best player in Joe Mauer.

4. Atlanta Braves. Going with Billy Wagner and having Tim Hudson has paid incredible dividends for the Braves. The same goes for his decision to give Troy Glaus a chance. Rookie phenom Jason Heyward has given the team a boost of energy and image, while the rotation remains strong. Could this team not only knock out the Phillies but take the series away from the American League opposition? It’s definitely a possibility at this point. Watch the new Braves team on TBS in high definition.

5. San Diego Padres. Putting the Padres on a list like this at the beginning of the year would make anyone who ran into her laugh out loud. In the middle of the season, you have to consider them a real possibility. The Marlins proved in 2003 that a strong pitcher could beat a powerful AL lineup like the Yankees. The Padres starting pitchers and bullpen are authentic. See if they can close the division first on Padres Channel 4 HD.