For gamblers in search of a quality beaten favorite from last year that could well bounce back with a strong 2020 season the Cleveland Indians would certainly come to mind. The Indians have won no less than 91 games the past four seasons and had made the playoffs for three straight years before finishing out of the money last year. The surprising Minnesota Twins ambushed the entire American League to win the Central Division title, ending three consecutive division championships by the Tribe. Now it is Minnesota that is the hot commodity with gamblers. But sharps and bargain hunters are giving a hard look to an Indians team that may yet have the last laugh for 2020.
We’ll have MLB Odds at Bookmaker.eu available for every game of the 2020 MLB season.
2020 Cleveland Indians Win Total Odds at Bookmaker.eu: 85.5, +115 over, -145 under
Last year the Indians finished 93-69 and have a good team returning for manager Terry Francona. The public is absolutely enthralled with a Minnesota team that exploded for 101 wins in 2019 but had done little before that. The question is if the Twins will take a step back after coming so far so fast. Cleveland is seen by many as a potential hidden gem with an excellent chance to go over the total of 85.5 wins this year.
American League Central
One factor that may well work in the Indians favor is their division. Besides the Twins the American League Central features the horrible Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers, and the touted but unproven perennial loser Chicago White Sox going up against Cleveland. With a disproportionate amount of games against this group the Indians should start on the plus side in their quest for 85.5 wins in 2020.
Manager Terry Francona
Perhaps the biggest asset that the Indians have is manager Terry Francona, who is a two-time American League Manager of the Year. Francona is not just a proven winner but something of a miracle worker. It was Francona who ended the Boston Red Sox “Curse of the Bambino” when he led them to World Series championships in 2004 and 2007. The fact that Francona has gotten Cleveland to the point where 93 wins ranks as a disappointment is a testament to his effectiveness.
On the Hill
Once again, the Indians boasted one of the best pitching staffs in baseball for 2019 and that is expected to remain a staple of their success for 2020.
Right hand starter Mike Clevinger is expected to anchor the rotation at the number one slot. Last year he was 13-4 with a career best 2.71 earned run average and a WHIP of 1.06. Clevenger’s ERA has been 3.11 or better for the past three seasons.
Another right hander, Shane Bieber, impressed all with vast improvement in just his second Major League season. Bieber was 15-8 with a 3.28 earned run average and a WHIP of 1.05.
Closer Brad Hand saved 32 games in 2018 and 34 more for 2019. He has been an All-Star the past three seasons.
At the Plate
Shortstop Francisco Lindor has been an AL All-Star for four consecutive seasons. For 2019 Lindor produced 101 runs, 40 doubles, 32 home runs, 74 runs batted in, and a .854 OPS.
Third baseman Jose Ramirez is a two-time AL All-Star that missed 33 games in 2019 but still had 68 runs, 33 doubles, 23 home runs, 83 runs batted in, with an .806 OPS.
2020 Cleveland Indians Win Total MLB Odds Pick
When you combine the Indians strong pitching and management with the relatively weak American League Central the chances are good that Cleveland goes over the total of 85.5. Minnesota won their most games in a single season since dating all the way back in 1965 and should drop, at least some, even if they remain a contender.
MLB Betting Odds Prediction: Cleveland Indians over 85.5 wins
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
