@Stevenseses MLB Cubs Season Preview and Mushes

Cubs Season preview

I was going to play the Cubs over total but its jumped all the way to 93.5. I just cant play overs with a total so high, everything has to go right so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Barring major pitching issues and sophomore slumps out of all the youth on the roster, I still like them to get past that number and make the playoffs. Offensively they have several utility players to help spell relief to anyone who needs it and alleviate the pain if injuries happen. This offense is scary good, and among the most versatile I’ve ever seen. The ability to have multiple players play multiple positions at a high level will be paramount all season. They have two divisional opponents they can sit at the dinner table with all year (Brewers and Reds). Overall the youth, versatility, power, and coaching staff are reasons that I think this could be the year.

Bullpen-

Every time Stropp gets the ball I start sweating, Grimm has great stuff but he gets pounded too often to instill that great confidence of a power arm. Rondon is decent but for a championship caliber closer I need a bit better of a track record. I fully believe they will add a power arm at some point.

Back end of the rotation-

I watched Lackey a lot last year, I actually believe in him more because he redefined his game, he added a ¾ release to many of his pitches that gave them new life. I Really didn’t think he had that in him but at 37 it’s a mystery is he can duplicate that type of season again.

I am nowhere near on board with this, “Hammel is a great #4 “ talk I keep hearing. Soooooo many times over the last few years Cubs pitchers get aided by wind conditions at the ballpark (Samardizja) and cold weather. Basically I think Hammel is garbage and got aided by favorable conditions. Hendriks is a solid 5, got good stuff but not great stuff. In today’s league I just cannot trust a guy who barely hits 88 on the gun especially in a hitters division.

I still expect this team to win the division and complete for a World Series. Maddon is phenomenal manager who keeps guys lose, and Theo has shown he is not afraid to make moves. I really cant believe they have hit on nearly all there trades and draft picks because I sure as hell was knocking them two years ago wondering how in the hell we would be sitting here today. Although both my concerns hinder around the pitching staff, I truly believe we not only add a big bullpen arm but another very good starter especially if Hammel or Hendriks struggle early.

NL Division winners

Central

Cubs

West

Giants

East

Nationals

 

Wild Card

Dbacks

Pirates

 

NLCS Cubs over Giants

 

AL Division winners

Central

Royals

West

Rangers

East

Orioles

Wild Card

Tigers

Astros

 

ALCS Rangers over Astros

 

World Series

Cubs over Rangers

Plays

MLB season win total bets

Cleveland Indians under 85.5 +115 5*

The Indians seem to be a really sexy pick to win the Central but with a non-existent offense in my eyes and an extremely injury prone lineup I don’t see it. The AL central is shaping up to be a really tough division. White Sox and Tigers both look to better on both ends, Twins are on the rise and lets not forget the World Series Champion Royals are still in the division. They’ll need some surprise years out of several veteran players as well avoid the injury bug to surpass this number. Plus if this team isn’t in strong contention, they will be poached from for their pitching.

Miami Marlins under 78.5 +140 3*

I just don’t see anyway this team gets near .500. Pitching is super thin, They have talent on offense but its two best players haven’t shown the ability to stay healthy for more than a month. They have a brutal opening month in a half. As I see it if they stumble out of the gate and get buried, we all know this team will sell of quick. Bonus negative points: Mattingly is the manager

Orioles Over 79.5 +145 5*

Even though this pitching staff looks like a dumpster fire, the low number and plus money makes me like this bet. This division is pretty wide open. I like Showalter; Jones and Machado are easily two of the better players in baseball. If Wieters can stay healthy and this staff provides anything I like this team a lot not only to pass this number but make the playoffs.

Rangers over 83.5 -105 3*

Hopefully a full season of both front line starters can help out what I think is a loaded offense and division winner. Health is a major issue with this team but the lineup has depth and youth. I also don’t think the other teams in this division are nearly as good as people think. Side note Colby Lewis is awful (Unless I wager against him), so ill just have to hedge each of his starts.

Dodgers Under 89.5 EV 5*

I really don’t understand how they’ve hung this high of a number out there. Both division rivals made major additions and both boast much better offenses and pitching staffs….err maybe not Arizona but still. The pitching staff is so-so after Clay and the offense really struggled toward the end of last year and still has plenty of holes. I don’t know where there going to find the 20 wins Greinke got them last year because it sure wont be Kazmir. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think this team will be bad but they have too many holes and question marks to be a 90 win team.

Mets under 89.5 +115 5*

People forget that nearly all of last season this teams offense was historically bad and that is including a monster resurgence out of Granderson, an insane two months out of Cespesdes, who got paid and will prob loaf half the time now (I am full blown Cesp hater). He’ll get his 25 jacks since he swings out his ass constantly going for it but will struggle to hit .230. For the Mets to hit 90 wins they will basically have to put a flawless season health wise from its staff and magically find enough O to win those games.

Future plays

MLB for some reason gives terrible odds for WS champ plays but here are two I played.

Giants to win WS       12-1

Tigers  to win WS    25-1

&

CarGo to win HR title 25-1