World Series MLB playoff betting – Dodgers vs. Cubs odds
Posted on 9/29/2008 4:29:56 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
Online betting: Cubs, Dodgers ready to rock
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Can the Chicago Cubs end their playoff misery?
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Los Angeles Dodgers on a roll heading into postseason
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Will the Cubs maintain their consistency in the playoffs?
World Series MLB playoff betting sharps are curious to see how the Chicago Cubs perform in the playoffs. After all, anyone who has ever dabbled with online MLB playoff betting knows the Cubs have a long history of playoff failures.
For the first time in a long time – maybe since the Cubs actually last won the World Series – they head into the postseason with the best team in the National League, giving them the edge in Dodgers vs. Cubs odds.
The Cubs have an excellent starting rotation with Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster leading the way, and a solid batting lineup with six starters batting .280 or better. The bullpen has also been reliable.
But with the Cubs, World Series MLB playoff betting aficionados know it’s not necessarily about their physical skills – it’s more about their mental psyche. The Cubs have collapsed in the past. See: 2003 versus Florida Marlins.
On the flipside, the Los Angeles Dodgers head into the postseason with no pressure. They weren’t expected to be here at the beginning of the season and will be underdogs in Dodgers vs. Cubs betting. But with a solid month in September, they crept into the playoffs.
The Dodgers were 16-8 in September and have seemingly found enough offense to get by. MLB playoff odds show they are only a slight underdog but, with the acquisition of Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake, the Dodgers have a realistic change to pull off the upset.
World Series MLB playoff betting sharps are aware of the Dodgers stellar starting rotation and overall pitching staff. But now that they can generate some offense, they could be poised for a long playoff run.
The difference in this series might be experience. The Cubs have plenty of players who have tasted the intensity of October baseball while the Dodgers have a number of starters like Russell Martin, James Loney, Blake DeWitt, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Jonathan Broxton who don’t have many playoff games under their belts.
Also, while the Cubs may not be completely dominant in any one area, they are very good everywhere. The Dodgers don’t have any edges outside of the bullpen.
T.J.’s PICK: The first two games of the series will be very important. If the Dodgers can steal a game and claim home-field advantage, the Cubs might feel the pressure kick in, which will ultimately be the equalizer.
Since the expectations aren’t as high for the Dodgers, expect them to be loose and play some relaxed baseball like they did down the stretch of the season. World Series MLB playoff betting sharps should take the value with the underdog here and bet the Dodgers.
BetOnline.com has all the MLB lines you need in an offshore sportsbook. Be sure to read the Bettor’s Edge daily for tips on Dodgers vs. Cubs odds and other World Series MLB playoff betting.
T.J. Kendrick is the biggest baseball nut and a brilliant MLB handicapper. His love of the game borders on obsession, and he takes every chance he gets to make excellent predictions, frequently contributing to industry handicapping sites as well as BetOnline.com. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
