Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians (August, 11, 2020)MLB Betting Odds & Predictions

Certainly, nobody will ever forget the 2016 World Series.  Cubs fans were in their 108^th year of suffering.  Indians backers wallowed for 68 years without a title.  Both teams were considered to be star crossed.  Only one of them would make history.  Of course, Chicago defeated Cleveland in seven games.  Cub fans threw a party for the ages.  For Indians supporters, it was another deep wound.  Both teams have remained as top tier Baseball betting contenders.  So far, the Indians have been scuffling.  Cold bats have not matched strong pitching.  Chicago has bolted out of the gate.

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians CashBet Wagering Analysis

Chicago’s strong start will trigger handle with the sportsbook odds.  In the same way are the Cubs one of the most popular teams on the board.  Problematic is the potential of overlay prices.  The danger of overpaying on the Cubs is always a possibility.  Cleveland is not near as beloved even in the best of times.  However, their exceptional pitching is a draw for sophisticated bettors.  Chicago’s popularity may well make the Indians more affordable at home.  Normally solid teams like Cleveland are consistently expensive at their home parks.

Chicago Cubs Probable Starter and Bullpen

Left-hander Jon Lester is the Cubs probable starter.  So far in two games, Lester is 1-0 with an 0.82 ERA and WHIP of 0.55.  Lester is a two-time All-Star, most recently in 2018.

Of major concern is a Cubs bullpen with a betting on baseball rank of dead last.  Closer Craig Kimbrell continues his struggles for 2019.  In four games Kimbrell has a 23.63 ERA.  Last year he was 0-4 with a 6.53 ERA.  Hence the baseball community doubts about a return to past All-Star status.  There is only so far Chicago can go without a reliable closer.

Cleveland Indians Probable Starter and Bullpen

Right-hander Mike Clevinger is the probable Indians starter.  Clevinger is 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA and WHIP of 1.32.

Cleveland’s bullpen has been an MLB betting asset.  Concurrently the Indians relief staff ranks third in MLB.  One exception has been closer Brad Hand.  In five games his ERA is 8.31.  Hand does have four saves.

Cubs Jump atop NL Central

First place Chicago is 10-3 with seven overs.  Cubs MLB metrics are ninth for runs and 21^st for ERA.  Chicago ranks third for quality starts.

CF Ian Happ leads the Cubs lineup.  To illustrate Happ has six runs, three doubles, three home runs, six runs batted in, and a .297 average with 1.031 OPS.

Pitching Keeps Tribe in Playoff Hunt

Cleveland is 9-7 with an eye-popping 14 games under.  The second place behind Minnesota is their American League Central standing.  Cleveland ranks 27^th for runs but first for staff ERA.

3B Jose Ramirez has carried the lineup.  To illuminate Ramirez has 11 runs, two doubles, one triple, four home runs, 11 runs batted in with a .279 average and .903 OPS.

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians Head to Head with Spread

Overall, the Cubs have lost five of their last nine games to the Indians.  Five of the last eight between these two teams stayed under.  However, the Cubs have gotten the cash in six of their last nine at Progressive Field.  Five of the last nine in this series at Cleveland went over the total.

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians CashBet Free Pick

In this situation, the Indians will offer more Betting on MLB value.  Cleveland is a good team offering a fair price.  Cubs fever is peaking with their strong start.  With that is an immense increase in betting action. Of major concern is the extra charge that comes along with that.  Cleveland brings a better deal to gamblers.  This makes the Indians the smarter play.

Cubs at Indians CashBet Best Bet:  Cleveland Indians