Only a masochist would make a future book wager on the Chicago Cubs. But Las Vegas was built on such bets.
Professional handicapper Ted Sevransky isn't a masochist or a sucker. But he likes the Cubs this season.
Now, Sevransky isn't necessarily talking pennant here. He isn't that crazy. But he has fired away on the Cubs to go 'over' 81 1/2 victories on the regular season win total 'prop.'
Sevransky is aware the Cubs have lost at least 90 games during four of the past six years.
"I like their pitching staff and I like their manager," he said. "Those two factors, along with playing in the weakest division in baseball, should help them get above the .500 mark. And that's all they need to do for me to cash."
Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and Matt Clement certainly are promising pitchers, with Wood already an established star. But they are young.
As for new manager Dusty Baker, he seems to have a knack for getting his team to play hard and have good morale. Those factors can't be underestimated, but Baker ranks below average as far as in-game strategy.
"Pitching is my No. 1 focus when I'm making 'over/under' bets, and I believe the Cubs have the potential to have a really strong pitching staff this year," Sevransky said. "I think Prior and Wood live up to the hype, and the Cubs also made a number of moves in the bullpen."
The Cubs had to after blowing nearly half their save opportunities. They had 23 blown saves in 48 chances. While they still might have closer problems, they've strengthened their bullpen with the addition of Mike Remlinger and Dave Veres.
"They have much better pitching depth," Sevransky said. "They also have Sammy Sosa."
Sosa is good for at least 50 home runs. However, what makes the Cubs such a bad team is their inability to manufacture runs. The Cubs could be the worst as far as situational hitting.
"I think Chicago is going to find a way to score runs," Sevransky said. "They'll get guys on base ahead of him (Sosa)."
Finding the right table setters, along with the pitching coming through, are the two keys for the Cubs.
Linesmakers believe the Cubs definitely will be better than last year's 67-95 mark because they've set Chicago's 'over/under' in the 81 to 82 win range.
Betting Chicago 'over' 81 makes sense on paper, especially considering the Pirates, Brewers and Reds also reside in the National League Central Division.
But you can't ever discount one unalterable fact: The Cubs are the Cubs. They're losers. That hasn't changed since Tinkers to Evers to Chance stopped turning double plays.
Professional handicapper Ted Sevransky isn't a masochist or a sucker. But he likes the Cubs this season.
Now, Sevransky isn't necessarily talking pennant here. He isn't that crazy. But he has fired away on the Cubs to go 'over' 81 1/2 victories on the regular season win total 'prop.'
Sevransky is aware the Cubs have lost at least 90 games during four of the past six years.
"I like their pitching staff and I like their manager," he said. "Those two factors, along with playing in the weakest division in baseball, should help them get above the .500 mark. And that's all they need to do for me to cash."
Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and Matt Clement certainly are promising pitchers, with Wood already an established star. But they are young.
As for new manager Dusty Baker, he seems to have a knack for getting his team to play hard and have good morale. Those factors can't be underestimated, but Baker ranks below average as far as in-game strategy.
"Pitching is my No. 1 focus when I'm making 'over/under' bets, and I believe the Cubs have the potential to have a really strong pitching staff this year," Sevransky said. "I think Prior and Wood live up to the hype, and the Cubs also made a number of moves in the bullpen."
The Cubs had to after blowing nearly half their save opportunities. They had 23 blown saves in 48 chances. While they still might have closer problems, they've strengthened their bullpen with the addition of Mike Remlinger and Dave Veres.
"They have much better pitching depth," Sevransky said. "They also have Sammy Sosa."
Sosa is good for at least 50 home runs. However, what makes the Cubs such a bad team is their inability to manufacture runs. The Cubs could be the worst as far as situational hitting.
"I think Chicago is going to find a way to score runs," Sevransky said. "They'll get guys on base ahead of him (Sosa)."
Finding the right table setters, along with the pitching coming through, are the two keys for the Cubs.
Linesmakers believe the Cubs definitely will be better than last year's 67-95 mark because they've set Chicago's 'over/under' in the 81 to 82 win range.
Betting Chicago 'over' 81 makes sense on paper, especially considering the Pirates, Brewers and Reds also reside in the National League Central Division.
But you can't ever discount one unalterable fact: The Cubs are the Cubs. They're losers. That hasn't changed since Tinkers to Evers to Chance stopped turning double plays.
