Like any major league baseball team, American League MLB Odds favorites Boston Red Sox have their strengths and weaknesses; however, with a quality starting pitching rotation and balanced offense, their strengths far outnumber their weak points. Overall, prospects for a successful Red Sox season in 2011 appear to be very strong.
MLB pundits and most offshore sports shops list the Red Sox, at +400 odds, among top 2011 World Series Picks favorites to win this years Fall Classic. Only the Philadelphia Phillies (+200) are higher on MLB futures boards.
The American League East Division could be the best in all of baseball with three of its five teams capable of getting to and winning the World Series. The Red Sox are Eastern Division odds favorites (-150) while the New York Yankees (+180) and Tampa Bay Rays (+800). Boston is also odds favorite to win the 2011 American League pennant at +180 with New York's odds second best at +250. Outside of the AL East, AL Central and Western favorites Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers could challenge the Red Sox and Yankees for the pennant.
Staff ace Jon Lester's numbers have improved steadily each year. The Boston south-paw went 19-9 to go along with a 3.25 ERA. If Lester can find better control, he should produce another career year. Right hander Clay Buchholz is the projected No. 2 starter for 2011. Buchholz led all starters in ERA (2.33) last year and finished with a 17-7 record. No. 3 starter Josh Beckett struggled last year because of injuries posting a 6-6 record with a 5.78 ERA. In the process, he lost his ace status. If Beckett can avoid the disabled list, that alone could be all the Red Sox need to go deep in the post-season. John Lackey (14-11, 4.40 ERA) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-6, 4.69 ERA) round out the four and five spots on the rotation.
Many top 2011 MLB Predictions experts see a solid offense with newly acquired outfielder Carl Crawford and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez joining the mix. Rated as the best offensive free agent Crawford and Gonzo's bats will provide some lift not seen since Manny Ramirez. Second base looks promising with Dustin Pedroia recovered from a broken foot injury. It would be nice to get DH David Ortiz off to a good start.
