Quantifying Hope: Cubs Enter Detroit Series with 89% Postseason Odds

AP Photo/Jess RapfogelWho would have guessed back at the start of the season that the Cubs and Tigers would have the two best records in baseball when they met in early June? If you raised your hand, you’re either Nostradamus or a liar. In any case, both teams have taken care of business in their respective Central divisions and now square off for three games in Detroit. The Cubs do so with playoff odds that have jumped to 88.5% entering the weekend.

They got there by winning seven consecutive series and nine of their last 11 to move 16 games over .500 and become the first team with a +100 run differential. The Cubs took care of business against the best teams each league had to offer in the…