Cubs open as heavy World Series favorites over Indians
The Chicago Cubs enter their World Series clash with the Cleveland Indians as heavy favorites.
Shortly after eliminating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLDS to book their first World Series appearance since 1945, Las Vegas oddsmakers listed the Cubs as the prohibitive pick to win it all.
| TEAM | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Cubs | -175 |
| Indians | +155 |
Chicago led the majors with 103 wins during the regular season and knocked off the San Francisco Giants and Dodgers en route to their NL pennant. The Cubs enter the World Series fully healthy and could even see the return of Kyle Schwarber, who has been out almost the entire season with an injury.
The Indians, meanwhile, won the AL Central comfortably and disposed of both the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Despite missing Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland's starters posted a 1.77 ERA through the ALDS and ALCS against two offensive powerhouses.
It's the sixth World Series appearance for the Indians and first since 1997, while the Cubs will be making their 12th trip in franchise history as they try and win for the first time since 1908. Cleveland has won the World Series twice - most recently in 1948.
After advancing to the LCS, the Cubs were 5/4 odds to win the World Series, while the Indians were 9/2.
(Odds courtesy: Westgate)