MLB Betting Picks – World Series Preview

There are so many storylines that come along with the 2020 World Series. You have the David vs. Goliath matchup featuring the free-spending big market team against the penny-pinching small market club. But in the end it comes down to which team performs the best between the white lines. And there’s no arguing that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Rays were the best in this crazy season. They were the only teams to win 40 games in the abbreviated campaign and both escaped their respective LCS, though they took different routes. To some the Dodgers feel like a team of destiny after coming so close in previous years. They are playing their third World Series in four years, though they haven’t won a title since 1988.  Bookmaker.eu is offering a generous welcome bonus (max bonus $1600).

The 2020 World Series gets underway on Tuesday, October 20 at 8 p.m. ET from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. All games will be televised on FOX. You can wager on every game of the World Series at BookMaker.eu.

2020 World Series Schedule

Game 1: Tampa Bay vs. Los Angeles, Tuesday, October 20, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
Game 2: Tampa Bay vs. Los Angeles, Wednesday, October 21, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
Game 3: Los Angeles vs. Tampa Bay, Friday, October 23, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
Game 4: Los Angeles vs. Tampa Bay, Saturday, October 24, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
Game 5: Los Angeles vs. Tampa Bay, Sunday, October 25, 8 p.m. ET (FOX) (If Necessary)
Game 6: Tampa Bay vs. Los Angeles, Tuesday, October 27, 8 p.m. ET (FOX) (If Necessary)
Game 7: Tampa Bay vs. Los Angeles, Wednesday, October 29, 8 p.m. ET (FOX) (If Necessary)

Odds Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers -215
Tampa Bay Rays +180

You can’t ask for much more than the top teams in each league battling for the World Series title. Back when the season started the Dodgers were a huge favorite to be in this position – and to win it all. The Rays were viewed as a good team that could challenge for a division title and a wild card spot. LA did its job and the Rays overcame the powerful Yankees and Astros to reach the Fall Classic for the second time in franchise history.

The Dodgers were counted out after falling behind Atlanta three games to one in the NLCS. They turned up the offensive heat and completed the stunning comeback with a 4-3 win in Game 7. LA has the advantage at the plate scoring one more run per game on average than Tampa during the regular season and it looked like they got comfortable with their surroundings blasting 16 home runs in the NLCS. LA led the majors in runs scored and homers during the regular season.

Playing in Arlington might feel like home to the Dodgers, who entered the bubble nearly two weeks ago for their NLDS showdown with San Diego. They averaged over seven runs a game sweeping the Padres, but they hit just one homer. That changed during the NLCS when five players had multiple dingers led by five from Corey Seager.

Tampa took a different route to reach the series jumping out to a three games to none lead over Houston in the ALCS before nearly coughing it up. In the end the young arms proved to be the difference. As a team they hit just .201 and if not for Randy Arozarena it would have been even worse. Arozarena hit .321 in the series with four homers and a 1.152 OPS. While the Rays have an extra day off before the start of the World Series, they also have to travel and play in a venue they’ve never seen before.

Pitching Comparison

Both teams have strong pitching, which is probably the biggest reason why they’re here. The Dodgers led MLB during the regular season with a staff ERA of 3.02 while Tampa was third at 3.56. An extra day off also gives Kevin Cash a chance to set his rotation, and he has three studs at the top. Based on how the postseason transpired we’re likely to see Tyler Glasnow in Game 1 followed by Blake Snell and Charlie Morton. All three would have a usual amount of rest between starts. And with the quality of arms in the pen the manager isn’t going to hesitate with a quick hook should one get in trouble.

Any concerns about the Dodgers bullpen were put to rest when Blake Treinen, Brusdar Gaterol and Julio Urias combined to throw six hitless frames in the series clinching win over Atlanta. The attention now turns to the top of the rotation, not because of the numbers rather for the injury issues. Clayton Kershaw missed a scheduled start with a sore back and was roughed up in Game 4 allowing four earned in 5.0 innings. Walker Buehler was electric in his outings though blisters are a concern. Let’s not forget that the Dodgers bullpen compiled a 2.74 ERA during the season compared to the 3.37 ERA for Tampa’s relievers.

Bet Rays vs. Dodgers at BookMaker.eu

You almost feel as though winning the World Series is the Dodgers’ destiny. After losing to the cheating Astros a few years ago the baseball Gods are smiling on LA. Once Mookie Betts packed his bags for the West Coast they became a bigger favorite. You have to admire what Cash and the Rays have done with a payroll nearly $80 million less than that of LA’s. And they are giant slayers after taking down the Yankees and Houston. However, the Dodgers won’t be denied that elusive Commissioner’s Trophy after so many near misses.

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- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com