The Boston Red Sox took a big step back last year with a baseball record of 89-73 as they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Boston was the 2007 World Series Champion and a 95-win playoff team in the two following seasons but pitching problems finally caught up with the Red Sox in 2010 as the offense also slipped and was unable to carry the team and mask its problems.
The Boston Red Sox did not stand pat however as they went out and got Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford in the off-season to solidify their position as MLB betting favorites in odds to win the 2011 World Series. With the reloading of the lineup and the struggles of the New York Yankees to shore up their pitching staff the Red Sox have suddenly become a popular choice at online sportsbooks as they opened as a +400 baseball betting picks in odds to win the 2011 World Series, +175 to win the American League, -155 to win the American League East Division with an over/under win total of 95.5.
Gonzalez arrives from the San Diego Padres where he hit 107 home runs over the past 3 seasons. Last year he hit .298 with 31 home runs and 101 runs batted in. These numbers figure to increase this year at Fenway Park. Crawford not only also bolsters the MLB baseball betting odds to win the 2011 World Series but he also departs American League East Division rival the Tampa Bay Rays, who beat out the Red Sox for the American League Wild Card spot last year.
The Tampa Bay Rays have been depleted by free agency which has made many baseball betting handicappers feel that they will not be strong enough to make it back to the post season, which of-course makes it easier for Boston to return. Starter Clay Buckholz had a breakout season on the pitching staff last year as he went 17-7 with a 2.33 earned run average but closer Jonathan Papelbon had a rough season and must improve on his 3.90 earned run average if the Boston Red Sox are to win in 2011 World Series odds as +400 favorites.