The Chicago Cubs finally broke their 108-year World Series (yes you read that right – that’s 108 years) beating the Cleveland Indians in the season finale last year. Some bookies, rather foolishly, have them as favorites to make it back-to-back world titles.

This is despite the odds are against them. Only two teams since 1979 have won consecutive World Series but the Cubs are, by their own admission, too ‘fatigued’ to do this.

They have made a shaky start to proceedings and currently sit third in the National League Central.

A glance at the line-up would probably nudge punters elsewhere when placing a bet on possible champions. A glance at the latest MLB predictions and offers at Free Super Tips will help with all the best prices and in the market.

Addison Russell, Jason Heyward and catcher Willson Contreras are all regular starters and have been knocking in runs but the North Siders have been unable to dominate opposition teams early in proceedings.

And that is surprising given their starting rotation which boasts supposed superstar left-hander John Lester.

His early-season ERA is slightly up on last year but, as ever, he has mostly kept the ball in the park with just one home run given up to date.

John Lackey is now 38 and could it be that father time is catching up with the old timer?

His ERA is up at 4.29 with eight homers conceded already and it remains to be seen if this is one season too many for the three-time World Series winner.

Kyle Hendricks is 11 years younger and is coming off his best season, with an MLB-leading ERA of just 2.13 en route to the World Series.

His figures are not quite as good as last year and that is one of the reasons why the Cubbies have not been as consistent.

Whilst it’s true that Jake Arrieta enjoyed a stellar year in 2016, he has struggled early on this time around, with an ERA or more than 5.00, while number five starter Brett Anderson has been disappointing with an 8.18 ERA.

The Cubs pitching looks to be a serious issue at present. They may be forced to make a trade or two as the season unwinds if they want to stay in contention. That said, I wouldn’t place a wager on them anytime soon.