Free MLB Pick: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Odds
Looking for Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim free plays? MLB betting sees the Cubs taking on the Angels on Monday, April 4, 2016 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions.
(0-0) Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (0-0)
Date: Monday, April 4, 2016
Time: 10:05 PM ET
Venue: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, California
Probable Pitchers: Kyle Hendricks vs. Matt Shoemaker
MLB Moneyline Odds: Angels -136
MLB RunLine Betting Odds: Off
MLB Betting Total: 7
Live MLB Odds
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For TodayClick here to view… MLB Stats & Expert MLB Betting Insight for this game!
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs built their team the right way and they find themselves coming into the season as the odds-on favourite to with the World Series. As we have seen in past year, ahem 2013 Blue Jays, this is far from a valid prediction method, but in this particular case it may have some merit.
Chicago sits in an enviable position, with young high ceiling players at a number of spots around the diamond and more on the way in the minor league pipeline.
The youth movement is in full effect on the left side of the diamond for the Cubbies. Third baseman Kris Bryant was an All-Star and the NL Rookie of the Year in his debut campaign after slugging 26 home runs and 99 RBI.
Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russel, their left fielder and shortstop respectively, also enter their second seasons after ranking among the game’s best hitting prospects last season and experiencing varying degrees of success in their first crack in The Show.
Theo Epstein realized that the kids alone weren’t enough to take the team to the next level, so he wisely spent big on supplementing the roster with dependable veterans this offseason.
The additions of Jason Heyward, a versatile hitter and one of the game’s best defensive outfielders should provide pop and speed atop the lineup.
Ben Zobrist, a Joe Maddon favourite, offers incredible defensive versatility and a patient approach at the plate. They even managed to lure Dexter Fowler back when a market didn’t materialize for him in free agency.
Throw in the fact that their ace, and reigning Cy Young winner, Jake Arrieta just submitted one of the most dominant half-seasons in MLB history and you can see why the Cubs are a threat to everyone in the league.
After the All-Star break, he pitched to a 21-1 record with a 0.75 ERA and 0.73 WHIP.
He heads a rotation that may not be dominant on paper, but will be dependable at worst with the likes of Jon Lester, John Lackey and Jason Hammel filling it out behind Arrieta.
Simply put, there are few, if any holes in this lineup and they should be one of the most exciting teams in baseball to watch this year.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
While the Angels may not be as well balanced or dominant looking as the Cubs, they are in a position to make a run at the division crown this year, their first since 2014.
This was a regular occurrence for them in the late 2000’s, but they have only managed to take the AL West once since 2010, which is largely due to regression from their pitching staff.
Their big ticket 2012 free agent signing, C.J. Wilson has not been the ace his contract might suggest they expected. Similarly, their one-time franchise pitcher, Jered Weaver, now possesses one of the league’s slowest fastballs.
To put into perspective how hittable Weaver’s “heater” is these days, his average fastball velocity clocks in at 83.3, not even 2 mph above knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Garrett Richards has shown flashes of brilliance, but he profiles more as a #2 than a team ace.
Despite the obvious shortcomings of the rotation, the lineup is quite strong after a some offseason turnover. Gone is the light hitting Erick Aybar for the equally light hitting Adrelton Simmons.
The benefit of this exchange comes on the field where Simmons has consistently ranked as one of the best defenders in baseball, regardless of position, for every year he has been in the league.
He is truly a game changer at the most important defensive position. Also gone is the oft-injured David Freese in favour of Yunel Escobar, who is coming of a resurgent season with the National that saw him bat .314 on the season.
Holdovers Cole Calhoun, Albert Pujols and C.J. Cron will provide some power in the heart of the order and no discussion of the Angels prospects can take place without the mention of superstar Mike Trout.
There is almost no hole in his game as Trout is the true 5-tool superstar that teams dream on. Since his 2011 debut, he’s been a 4-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, the Rookie of the Year and the AL MVP.
While the Angels are far from as sure thing, they should pose a challenge to the Rangers and Mariners in the AL West.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 interleague road games
- Cubs are 4-1 in Arrietas last 5 interleague starts
- Cubs are 8-3 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter
- Angels are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. National League Central
- Angels are 6-0 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter
- Angels are 9-1 in Richards’ last 10 interleague starts
Free Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim MLB Prediction:
I think this should be an entertaining matchup. Both offenses offer an intriguing combo of power and speed and both pitchers on the mound can really dominate on any given night. The biggest discrepancy between the foes lies in the bottom of the batting order, where the Cubs hold a significant advantage.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: UNDER the Number
I think the Arrieta reminds everyone exactly why he won the Cy Young and limits the Angels at the dish. I predict the road team outhits the Angels on route to the opening day W.
MLB Free Score Prediction: Chicago 4 – Los Angeles 2
If you’re looking for more picks like this Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim matchup we’ll be providing 4* free MLB plays on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB Baseball picks!
Check out our Updated MLB Betting Odds.
