I’m going to take the A’s here, currently listed as $2.05 home underdogs in game 1.
Oakland were an excellent side this season, securing 2nd place in the American League with a 36-24 record.
Their stats look to be fairly even with Chicago’s, but I think home field will prove especially valuable here.
Travelling across the country has been made much more difficult this year and I can see this adversely affecting Chicago here.
This line should probably be even money at least, but the betting public isn’t high on A’s rookie pitcher Jesus Luzardo.
He doesn’t have the same pedigree as Giolito for the White Sox, but I’d expect him to hold his own after some strong recent performances.
If their hitters can do some damage, they’ve got a good chance of winning here.
These two sides are dead even in terms of odds here and I like Cleveland at $1.92.
This is another matchup where the two sides have been very even all season, but Cleveland have home field by way of 2 extra regular season wins.
I think this is a decent pitching matchup for them, with Shane Bieber having been every bit as good as Gerrit Cole this season.
Cleveland also appear to have the better batting lineup of these two sides, something which could prove crucial.
You often pay a bit of a tax on big market teams like the Yankees to start the playoffs, which is probably magnified with Cole starting.
The Indians can definitely match their talent and I think the edge for home field means there is value at the current number.