2020 World Series Preview Odds and Predictions

The 2020 World Series stage is set to take place October 20th to the 28th after the Tampa Bay Rays took the ALCS and the Los Angeles Dodgers took the NLCS.

The two teams and make for an interesting World Series and it seems that since the beginning that the shortened season was having an impact on the betting markets, partly due to the unknown.

The Rays and Dodgers couldn’t be different is one asked, especially in terms of the plan of attack in setting up their respective rosters.

One would think that with a $28.29 million that the Rays would not have had the season they did, let alone be heading to the World Series final. They pale in comparison to the Dodgers, whose payroll is over three times of Tampa’s coming in at $107.9 million.

With both teams needing Game 7 to get the job done, it begs to question who took the right approach. As of this point, the Dodgers are favoured to win the World Series, but with the Rays showing they are more than capable, we all know anything could happen.

Tampa was able to stage a remarkable comeback after going down three games against the Astros, and if not for remarkable pitching, they likely would not have gone beyond Game 5. However, what they have proven is their tenacity when being under the gun, and that is something the Dodgers will have to keep in mind.

As for the Dodgers, they overcome their own shortcomings after going down three games to one against the Braves. Yet, they managed to overcome and stage an equally impressive comeback. That is what makes this an interesting World Series, and it is one that is anything but a sure thing.

Best Sportsbooks to bet on Los Angeles Dodgers vs Tampa Bay Rays

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2020 World Series – What to Expect and Watch for

Predicting what to expect is not an easily accomplished task this year. While the Dodgers are the current favorites, after seeing the Rays and Dodgers both coming back from almost certain elimination, we know predictions and odds favorites are far from a sure thing.

* Odds have been provided by 888Sport and are accurate as of 19/10/02020

Tampa Bay Rays

Odds to Win: 2.60

There is no doubt that Tampa got to where they are based on the skills of their pitchers. They managed to end of the regular season with the league’s third best ERA stats and with pitchers Charlie Morton, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow on the mound will test the Dodgers batting skills. Simply put, Tampa is a force to reckon with and putting them on the out before Game 1 is not at all a wise move.

Another of their strengths is hitting and to suggest it was pitching alone is simply not being truthful. Their big gun at bat with 14 home runs on the post-season surprisingly is Randy Arozarena. He goes into the finals ranked sixth in the league for all players in the post-season, and considering he is in his first season with the Rays, he has become their shining star.

Ultimately, this series is going to come down to pitching and being able to connect with the ball. For the Rays, they have the guns needed to get the job done and will not make things easy for the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Odds to Win: 1.50

Like the Rays, the Dodgers come into the series with their own arsenal of pitchers who are skilled and able to shut down Tampa’s big hitters. The last three games against the Braves saw L.A only giving up three runs in each game, and that pushed their ERA up to 3.29, which is slightly better than Tampa’s.

The bullpen is also slightly better as it includes Kenley Jansen and Clayton Kershaw. Jansen is arguably the Dodgers best closer, and while Kershaw has struggled during his post-season career, he has been on point this season and goes into the final with a 3.32 ERA.

The big difference and one that is leaning oddsmakers to favor the Dodgers is their batting skills. The Dodgers are ranked second in the league and get on base more often than any other team in the MLB. Their biggest asset is Corey Seager, a shortstop that was instrumental in their bid to defeat the Braves. Seager amassed five home runs in the series and was awarded NLCS MVP honors.

However, the Dodgers also are able to rely on the skills of Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger, each of whom will give Tampa a run for their money.

Our Verdict: Los Angeles Dodgers to win

While in our hearts we are hoping to see Tampa take the series, logical tells us the Dodgers most likely will have those honors.

Los Angeles was the best team on the MLB during the regular season and have earned their place in the World Series finals. While Tampa has as well, the reality is, is looking at the two, the Dodgers are better poised and have a roster that is more experienced.