The good news for the St. Louis Cardinals is that they are 1-0 and that they took that initial victory from their rival and current World Series champion Chicago Cubs. The bad news, which the Cardinals are set on proving wrong, is that they begin the season as a 20-1 shot to win the World Series, according to Las Vegas oddsmakers. (The Cubs were opening day favorites to repeat, at 3-1 odds.) What’s the big deal about Vegas thinking you’re only 12th in line to take the title?
Consider this: last year’s opening day odds favorite in Vegas was none other than the Chicago Cubs, despite not having won the title for 108 years. Vegas doesn’t give into sentiment, which always counts the Cubs a favorite; Vegas just looks at the hard facts as they appear. Sure, they’re often wrong. The Cardinals can look no further than the Cleveland Indians, which Vegas had at 30-1 to start last year. The Indians almost won the title. But a 4-3 Cards win to open the campaign will do for now.
