The Boston Red Sox betting odds are second-best in baseball this year but unfortunately, they are still second best in their own division. While they have made some strides in the offseason, so have their rival New York Yankees. We’re likely heading for another ALCS showdown between the two this year but the Yankees are just slightly better and online betting cappers should see them finish slightly ahead.
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Batting Lineup – Boston Red Sox Baseball betting
Sportsbook odds makers know that the real reason why the Red Sox are a step behind the Yankees is the batting lineup. With Manny Ramirez gone and David Ortiz struggling last year, the Red Sox simply couldn’t match up with the Yankees lineup. So what’s changed?
The Red Sox did pick up Victor Martinez midseason and now they’ll have him for a full year, which is a good start. Also, the Red Sox added Marco Scutaro to hit at the top of the lineup, and Adrian Beltre and Mike Cameron to the heart. While Scutaro is coming off an excellent season, we’ll have to see if he can duplicate his success. Beltre is also a question mark after a horrible offensive season and while he’s good defensively, the team may miss Mike Lowell’s bat.
The big difference maker has to be Ortiz. He had several awful months last year and the Red Sox need his big bat, especially now that Jason Bay is gone.
This is not a lineup looking for balance and depth all the way through opposed to relying on two big boppers like Ramirez and Ortiz with help around them.
Starting Pitching – Boston Red Sox Baseball betting
While the Red Sox lineup has questions, the pitching staff has far less. The Red Sox starting rotation could be the best in all of baseball.
In addition to Josh Beckett and Jon Lester, the Red Sox signed John Lackey in the offseason. Throw in a potential rebound year from Daisuke Matsuzaka and youngster Clay Buchholz, who added 13 pounds in the offseason, and the Red Sox have a scary top five.
Tim Wakefield is still around to soak up some innings if necessary as well. MLB betting fans know this could very well be the best unit in all of the Majors.
Bullpen – Boston Red Sox Baseball betting
The bullpen was a rock for the Red Sox in 2009 and they are hoping that it carries over in 2010. The reason they have that concern in the back of their minds is because the bullpen was a big flop in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Red Sox have some really good pieces here with up-and-comer Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen and Ramon Ramirez. There isn’t much to worry about here.
Outlook – Boston Red Sox Baseball betting
Sports betting cappers know that once again, it will be the Yankees versus the Red Sox in the American League. While the pitching of both sides is very close – maybe with the Red Sox receiving a slight edge there – the Yankees have a big edge in batting, which should be the difference.
Also, the Red Sox will feel the pressure this year while the Yankees should be loose after winning it all last year. Unless injuries become a factor, the Red Sox will still be second-best in the Majors, in the American League and in their division.
Projected Finish In Division: Second in AL East
