Pay, Perks

pitcher Shane Bieber, who will make $10 million this season and is still under team control next year. e two sides have not made much progress about a long-term extension.

“We’re not too far removed from the (former Indians GM) John Hart model of locking up your young talent in the ’90s and it was pretty good after that,” he said. “I think it’s going to be maybe a cascading e ect here of, is it (in elder Andres) Gimenez? Is it (out elder Steven) Kwan? ey’re possibly having discussions with (shortstop) Amed (Rosario) about it. Of course you know about Shane. I think a lot is predicted on how they start this season.” e Guardians are favored (+135) to win the AL Central but have the 12thbest odds (+2200) to win the World Series.

The Guardians aren’t a safe bet to win the World Series — but they’re not a bad bet, either.

While Lewis is predicting the Toronto Blue Jays will win the American League pennant, he believes the Guardians are capable of making a surprise championship run — and making a nice pro t for any Ohioans interested in sports betting.

Especially if bettors can nd an app willing to give 30-to-1 odds on the Guardians winning the World Series.

“We are now in a legal wagering jurisdiction here in the state of Ohio, so I can talk about this,” he said, drawing laughter. “If it’s above 30-to-1, take some pizza money and put it on it. See what happens.”

Regardless of what happens in October, Lewis believes the Guardians will once again be very credible contenders between April and September.

“Our team is damn good,” he said. “Last year was not a uke.”

Joe Scalzo: joe.scalzo@crain.com, (216) 771-5256, @JoeScalzo0

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