For those looking for a potentially strong contrarian bet the Boston Red Sox may be the perfect candidate. Boston was accused by many of waiving the white flag of surrender when they traded Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers a few weeks ago. But the fact remains that Boston won only 84 games with him in the lineup last year. More to the point, the Red Sox are still one of the more talented teams in Major League Baseball. With that in mind the Bosox are now in the rare role of an underdog that may offer enhanced value instead of their normal status as an overlay. Boston was one of the biggest money losers on the Major League board in 2019 despite going 84-78. Much like an undervalued stock they may surprise for 2020!
We’ll have MLB Odds at Bookmaker.eu available for every game of the 2020 MLB season.
2020 Boston Red Sox Win Total Odds at Bookmaker.eu: 84, over +100, under -130
The last time the Red Sox won less than 84 games was the 2015 season. Since 2002 Boston has finished under the win total of 84 in a season just three times. So, there is an institutional culture of winning at Fenway Park. More to the point, despite the public panic, the fact remains that Boston has the fifth highest payroll in all of baseball. To put it another way the Red Sox are not entering the campaign unarmed!
American League East
One factor that could help in the Red Sox going over the season win total of 84 is their playing in the American League East. Only the New York Yankees rate as a team in the AL East that is clearly superior to Boston. The unbalanced schedule means plenty of cupcakes from the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles while the Tampa Bay Rays are a team Boston can compete with.
On the Hill
Much like his team, left-handed number one starter Chris Sale is a beaten favorite. Sale is coming off the worst season of his career with a mark of 6-11 and 4.40 earned run average. For the first time in three seasons did Sale go over 2.90 for his ERA and 0.97 for WHIP. The seven-time All-Star should bounce back with a much better 2020 campaign.
Left hander and number two starter Eduardo Rodriguez was the anchor of the 2019 rotation with a 19-6 record and 3.81 earned run average. At age 26 more of the same is a reasonable expectation.
And closer Brandon Workman is another key asset for the Bosox on the mound. He was 10-1 with saves and a 1.88 earned run average last year. Workman dominated with 104 strikeouts in 71.2 innings of work.
At the Plate
Designated hitter JD Martinez is a three-time All-Star that will keep run production humming. Martinez produced 98 runs, 33 doubles, 36 home runs, 105 runs batted in, and a .939 OPS. He has driven in at least 102 runs in four of the last five seasons while hitting 30 or more home runs in four of the last five years as well.
Manager Ron Roenicke
Alex Cora had to depart as manager last month due to his connection to the Houston Astros scandal. Ron Roenicke was named interim manager and could prove to be an upgrade. Roenicke is one of the few field managers in history to leave the Milwaukee Brewers with a winning record.
MLB Betting Odds Pick:
With all of the howling at the moon from the media and fans the Red Sox are looking like a potentially hidden gem. There are plenty of teams that would like to have their roster, even as it stands now.
MLB Betting Odds Prediction: Boston Red Sox over 84 wins
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