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Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox MLB Preview & Free Betting Pick

Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox MLB Betting Preview

No team has looked better in the first couple weeks of baseball than the Texas Rangers. Texas got to Jon Lester early last night, and the Rangers have been smashing the baseball all season.

Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox MLB Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers: Texas (Holland) vs. Boston (Beckett)
Date/Time: April 18, 7:10 p.m. EST
MLB Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Red Sox (-130) Rangers (+110)
Runline: Red Sox -1.5 (+155) Rangers +1.5 (-175)
Total: 8.5

Matchup | Preview

The Red Sox had one of the biggest collapses in baseball history last September, and they aren’t starting out well this year. Can Josh Beckett end the Red Sox slump in this one?

The Rangers have the best lineup from top to bottom of anyone in baseball. While many teams have a great middle of the order, no one can compete with the depth of this lineup. Ian Kinsler has tons of pop at the top of the order. At the bottom of the order, the Rangers have guys like Nelson Cruz, David Murphy, and Mike Napoli.

There really is no easy out in this lineup, and this group makes it very difficult on the opposing pitcher.

Even though the Rangers are mainly known for their hitting, their pitching has been spectacular this year. The team’s ERA is the second best in the majors right now. Derek Holland really came on at the end of last year, and he is looking like a top of the rotation pitcher of late. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

Boston took a big hit when Jacoby Ellsbury went to the disabled list with an injury. Kevin Youkilis has been dinged up, and his relationship with Bobby Valentine can’t be great right now based on Valentine’s comments last weekend. The Red Sox are averaging 5.30 runs per game, but that statistic is a bit misleading.

Boston scored 31 runs in three games against the Rays last weekend, but other than that their offense has been subpar. The level of consistency must be much higher for the Boston offense. David Ortiz is the one guy who has really been hitting the ball extremely well this year.

Josh Beckett got roughed up in his first start of the year at Detroit, but he pitched a gem last time out against Tampa Bay. Beckett had a major bounce back season in 2011, and the team is hoping for another great season from him in 2012.

The Rangers are 16-5 in Holland’s last 21 starts. Getting the Rangers at plus money looks like a solid value here.

MLB Free Pick: Rangers ML

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By Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.