Cubs 2012 MLB Season Odds
(The Spread) – Thanks to a new direction in their front office, the Cubs are finally on the right track as an organization. But can they compete in 2012?
According to odds makers, the Cubs are currently 60/1 long shots to win the 2012 World Series and 25/1 to win the National League Pennant this year. They’re also 12/1 to win the National League Central Division and carry an over/under of 74 for number of total wins in the regular season.
The Cubs were able to finagle general manager Theo Epstein away from the Red Sox in hopes that he’ll do for Chicago what he did for Boston. He was busy this offseason, acquiring starter Chris Volstad from the Marlins in exchange for Carlos Zambrano and cash considerations. He also signed Kerry Wood and Reed Johnson to one-year deals, respectively, as well as agreed to terms with Jeff Baker, Ian Stewart, Geovany Soto, Matt Garza and Randy Wells.
View Latest 2012 World Series Odds
Perhaps the biggest move the Cubs made this past winter was signing David DeJesus to a two-year deal. DeJesus hit .240 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI with the A’s last season, and boasts a career on-base percentage of .356.
OUTLOOK: There’s no doubt that Epstein will build this team the right way but it’s going to take some time and Cubs fans will need to be patient. Starlin Castro is already an emerging star and Marlon Byrd has been better than advertised in Chicago. The club was also wise to finally part ways with the unpredictable Zambrano and actually managed to acquire a pitcher with upside in Volstad in the deal. But at the end of the day, unless players like Alfonso Soriano, Anthony Rizzo and Geovany Soto overachieve, the Cubs will struggle. The good news is that the NL Central is one of the weakest divisions in the league so unless the Cubs are brutal from the start, they could remain in contention throughout the season. (Although we use the words “in contention” loosely.)
Chicago Cubs 2012 MLB Season Odds
World Series Odds: 60/1
National League Pennant Odds: 25/1
National League Central Odds: 12/1
MLB Season Win Total O/U: 74
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