Two teams thirsty for some postseason success will clash in the 2016 World Series matchup. The Chicago Cubs have not hoisted the trophy since 1908 while the Cleveland Indians are on a 68 year World Series drought, last winning it in 1948. The best of 7-game series will open with a pair of clashes at Cleveland, before three at Chicago and another set at Cleveland (if needed).
2016 World Series Betting Preview & Odds
- Chicago Cubs -195
- Cleveland Indians +175
Let’s evaluate both teams to determine where the value is in this series.
The Pitching
The Cubs are likely to go with a rotation of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey. The Cubs pitching have combined for a 2.93 ERA in the postseason, with Arrieta (4.91 ERA) and Lackey (5.63 ERA) driving up the number. Their bullpen has a 4-1 record and a 3.53 ERA through the Cubs’ 10 postseason games.
The Indians headed into the playoffs with a banged up rotation, and their bullpen has been forced to come in and save the day on more than one occasion. The rotation of Corey Kluber, Josh Tomlin, Trevor Bauer and Ryan Merritt (who got a start in the ALCS) is quite a step down from the Cubs’, but Danny Salazar has been rehabbing his way back to the point that he could be an option to start a game. Cleveland’s bullpen has posted a 1.67 ERA with a 3-0 record and 41 strikeouts through 32 1/3 innings of work in eight games.
The Hitting
Offensively, the Cubs have averaged 4.80 runs per game with a .222 batting average while the Indians have averaged 3.38 per game with a .208 batting average. Chicago might receive an additional boost in Kyle Schwarber. The 23 year old lefty-swinging slugger played just two games this season before suffering a torn ACL and MCL, but he could be added to the World Series roster to serve as the DH for the games in Cleveland.
The Edge
I don’t think anyone can argue that the Cubs is not a well deserved favorite here. As long as you’re paying less than -200 I think Chicago is a good bet, or hold off and pound them if they were to lose game 1 of the series. I will release premium picks on a game-by-game basis, so don’t forget to check those out. Currently on a 7-1 run with the totals here in the postseason so that’s something to keep your eyes open for.
