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2009 Boston Red Sox Odds & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

red-sox-21809 After winning it all in 2007, the Boston Red Sox came up short in 2008, losing in seven games to division rival Tampa Bay in the ALCS. Boston failed to land its No. 1 offseason target Mark Teixeira as it was outbid by the Yankees, but this team has plenty of artillery to get back to the World Series. Jimmy Boyd explains in his 2009 Boston Red Sox MLB betting preview. The Red Sox are listed at +800 to win the 2009 World Series.

Pitching
As long as Josh Beckett stays healthy, Boston will boast a deep group of starting pitchers. Beckett was bothered by nagging injuries throughout 2008, and if he can put the injury bug behind him, I expect to see him return to his 2007 form when he won 20 games. Lefty Jon Lester was marvelous down the home stretch for the Sox, going 15-4 with a 2.82 ERA in his final 27 outings. Daisuke Matsuzaka keeps getting better each year and is 33-15 with a 3.72 ERA through his first two seasons with the club. Tim Wakefield gives the Red Sox another consistent performer and agreeing to terms with both Brad Penny and John Smoltz bolster Boston’s depth. Last season, Red Sox starters finished with a 4.02 ERA, good for third best in the AL, and I think this group can best that in 2009.

In the pen, the Sox have a keeper in closer Jonathan Papelbon. He saved 41 games in 2008 and has been Mr. Automatic for this team in the ninth. Justin Masterson became Boston’s primary setup man down the stretch of last season and he was fantastic in the role with a 2.36 ERA in 27 relief appearances to end the season.

Lineup
Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury will lead off for the Sox. He gives them a strong glove in the field and speed on the base paths. Ellsbury scored 98 runs and swiped 50 bases last season. He can be inconsistent at the plate and Boston would like to see his on-base percentage improve. The two-hitter, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, needs no introduction. The 2007 Rookie of the Year wastern no time collecting his first MVP award in 2008. Big Papi, David Ortiz hits behind him in the DH spot. Big Papi hit just .244 in September and will need to prove that he is not on the decline. All in all, it was another good year for him with 23 homeruns and 89 RBIs in 109 games. First baseman Kevin Youkilis should be in the cleanup spot. He has emerged into one of the best corner infielders in the game, moving between first and third a season ago. His efforts were recognized by finishing third in the AL MVP voting. His 29 homeruns and 115 RBIs are nice numbers and he draws a lot of walks. The other corner infielder Mike Lowell will bat behind Youks. His biggest concern will be health following offseason hip surgery. Lowell is a gold glove third baseman and slugged 17 homeruns and 73 RBIs in 113 games with the Sox a season ago. The guy I’m really excited about is left fielder Jason Bay, who came over the Pirates to give the Red Sox a big lift. He figures to give Boston another 30 homerun/100 RBI guy and could eventually move up in the order. The oft injured right fielder J.D. Drew, shortstop Jed Lowrie, and catcher Josh Bard.

Prediction: 1st Place AL East
Adding Smoltz and Penny further solidifies the best starting rotation in the AL East. The Red Sox have all the pieces and motivation to get back to the World Series after missing out in 2008. The Red Sox are listed at +200 to win the AL East.

Beat the MLB lines this year with the help of 2007 MLB World Handicapping Champion Jimmy Boyd’s baseball picks!

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