I got an email earlier this morning that the first World Series winner odds were out for 2015 from Bovada. The Chicago Cubs had the 7th worst odds, tied with the Marlins, at 50-1. Only the Padres, Phillies, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Astros, and Twins were lower.
So I tweeted this:
Bovada's first 2015 World Series winner odds are out. Anyone want to bet on the longshot Cubs at 50-1? I'll take those odds.
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) October 30, 2014
I totally would, too. I don’t think the Cubs are going to be a World Series favorite or anything come April, but 50-1? I’d gladly plunk down $100 on that, because the odds seem way too low for a roster with some youthful upside and money to spend this offseason.
Well, I guess I wasn’t alone, because almost immediately after those odds came out, the line moved sharply on the Cubs:
And in the time between when they sent me the email earlier today and now, the line has moved to 33-1. Told you I would have taken it.
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) October 30, 2014
As of this writing, that’s where the line stands. I’d still probably take it, though it’s far less obvious now. By the time December rolls around, I think you’re going to see that it’s closer to 25-1 or maybe even 20-1. That’s not necessarily a reflection of the Cubs’ true odds, mind you. It’s just that Cubs fans will probably bet heavily early on the Cubs – hope and all that – which will push the line down.
All of this is to say that the Cubs’ “odds” of winning the World Series in 2015 are now dead smack in the middle of the pack. It doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s better than being considered extreme long shots.
And when April does come, I think we’re going to be able to say the Cubs have a realistic (5-1? 4-1?) shot at winning the NL Central. Ultimately, that’s where the goal is and should be. From there, to use more gambling parlance, it’s a crapshoot.