Expectations couldn't be higher for the young Cubs. That could mean trouble early and inflated prices, which we have here. Opening on the West Coast also is strange for Chicago.

The last time Garrett Richards was a home underdog was 2013. The Angles have won 72 percent of Richards' last 18 home starts. Richards gave up three runs or fewer in seven in seven of his last eight outings last season showing he was healthy after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his knee two seasons ago.

If Richards isn't an ace, he's close to it especially pitching at Angel Stadium were he's 21-10 lifetime with a 3.47 ERA. Richards is particularly tough on National League teams not familiar with him as the Angels are 9-1 in Richards' 10 interleague starts.

Jake Arrieta was an absolute stud last year. But he did throw a career-high 229 innings last season, nearly 75 more innings that he had previously thrown. That may have an affect on him this season. Mike Trout and Albert Pujols are coming off strong springs combining for double-digit homers and 33 RBI's. Shortstop Andrelton Simmons tremendously upgrades the Angels' infield defense.

Arrieta isn't the same pitcher he was with Baltimore and he last faced the Angels in 2012. But his lifetime numbers versus the Angels are 0-1 with a 7.47 ERA in three starts.