Namely, manager Terry Francona has produced one of the most successful eras in the history of the Indians. Cleveland has made the postseason in four of their seven seasons under his leadership. Only Mike Hargrove’s run of five consecutive division titles from 1995-1999 ranks better. In like manner to Hargrove, Francona has led the Tribe to the World Series. And just like Hargrove, Francona suffered a cruel baseball betting defeat in the Fall Classic to the Cubs in 2016. Above all the Indians is a respected perennial contender that is taken seriously by opponents, oddsmakers and gamblers alike.
2020 Cleveland Indians
| Date | The Season opens March 26, 2020, vs. Detroit Tigers |
|---|---|
| Baseball Odds Today at SBG: | 25/1 to win the World Series |
2020 Cleveland Indians Overview
Last year Francona’s Indians had another winning sportsbook record of 93-69. But Cleveland failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. A great source of frustration for gamblers is that the Tribe was in red ink for the second consecutive season. Indeed, the lack of betting value is proof of the public believing in Cleveland. It follows that the Indians’ record of consistent success has transformed them into a “public” betting entity. Run production hurt the Indians last year with an MLB ranking of 15th. This offset strong pitching that ranked fourth for earned run average.
Terry Francona
To begin with, Terry Francona is in any conversation regarding the best managers in the game. If for nothing else that begins with his ending “The Curse of the Bambino” as skipper of the Boston Red Sox. Francona won two World Series in Boston in 2004 and 2007. In like manner, he has worked wonders with a mostly cursed Cleveland franchise. The seven-game loss to the Cubs in the 2016 World Series remains a bittersweet memory for the Indians and Francona. Most important of all Francona has given Cleveland immediate credibility that was not there before his arrival.
Mike Clevinger
Certainly, top starting pitcher Mike Clevinger is going to draw betting action any time he takes the mound. Clevinger has a career record of 41-21 and was 13-4 last year with a 2.71 earned run average. He is coming off a career season of 169 strikeouts in 126 innings of work with a 1.06 WHIP.
Brad Hand
In turn, there are few closers that are better than Brad Hand. In 2019 Hand saved 34 games with a 6-4 record and 84 strikeouts in 57.1 innings of work. Hand was a 2019 American League All-Star. Previously, he was an NL All-Star for San Diego in 2017 and 2018.
Jose Ramirez
Two-time All-Star Jose Ramirez was indicative of the Indians’ frustrations. While he was still solid, he dropped down from previous production levels. Ramirez hit .255 with an OPS of .806. and of great concern was a home run total of just 23, compared to 39 round-trippers in 2018.
Baseball Odds Today Betting Odd Picks
In this situation, the Indians could well be dangerous baseball betting beaten favorites. Minnesota is picked to repeat as American League Central Division champions. Compared to the Twins is a capable Cleveland team that may offer superior board value. Look for Jose Ramirez and the Tribe to rebound for 2020!
Baseball Odds Today Betting Online Pick: Cleveland Indians to win the AL Central.