MLB team preview – Boston Red Sox
If the early 2000s represented World War II between the Red Sox and Yankees, it looks like World War III looms in this year’s MLB odds. In a wild offseason, both the Bombers and BoSox made big acquisitions. Boston arguably had less work to do and wasn’t quite as active but seriously bolstered its rotation.With a young, patient, versatile hitting lineup and a rotation as deep as any in the American League, the Red Sox are poised to win 90 games at the bare minimum this season.
Boston’s hitting lineup isn’t perfect but more than reliable enough to keep them a top online betting pick throughout the season. Young, Brash Jacoby Ellsbury looks like a fixture atop the order now and claims he’s capable of breaking Rickey Henderson’s single-season stolen base record of 130 (!); Ellsbury may be overconfident, but MLB betting fans have to love that enthusiasm. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis broke out last season and, while 2008 may have been both of their career years, they both seem destined for the All-Star game again. Manny Ramirez was unstoppable in Los Angeles, but that can’t take away from Jason Bay’s 37 RBI in 49 games after joining Boston last year. Considering he’s cheaper and better defensively, the BoSox may be better off with Bay.
Veterans Mike Lowell, David Ortiz and J.D. Drew all have “handle with care” tags at this stage of their careers but still have pop and are clutch performers come playoff time. Overall, Boston won’t have trouble scoring runs, not to mention helping bettors win at the offshore sportsbook.
The key to Boston’s MLB odds this year will be the pitching staff. While Daisuke Matsuzaka wasn’t as good as his numbers indicated last season, ace Josh Beckett should bounce back in a big way; his stuff is as good as ever and he seems to have conquered his reputation as a “never-healthy” starter. Jon Lester took a big leap forward last season and seems capable of winning 15-plus games every year. Add even just a half season of free-agent signings John Smoltz and Brad Penny to that rotation and the Red Sox look like a great World Series odds contender.
Jonathan Papelbon is Jonathan Papelbon. Enough said. Boston will protect leads well, as always.
In the end, expect the BoSox to fight to the death with the Rays and Yanks and secure at least a Wild Card berth. The X-Factor will be Smoltz; if he maintains his dominance, Beantown may host another parade come autumn.
