Odds To Win 2010 World Series: Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are coming off a season in which they went 95-67, which would be cause for celebration for nearly any other franchise in Major League Baseball. Unfortunately for Boston and their large legion of fans and gamblers that back them with cash, it was a lost season in which they were swept in the American League Division Series 3-0 by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Still, expectations are always high for the Boston Red Sox nation as they have opened as a solid 13-2 choice in odds to win the 2010 World Series.

They can only reach the promised land, however, with a significant improvement from their pitching staff that finished a disappointing 15th last year in the big leagues for earned run average. The pitching perils wasted a good year from the lineup as the Red Sox finished 3rd overall for run production. Number one starter Josh Beckett leads the rotation for Boston. The right hander went 17-6 last year with a 3.86 earned run average and is just two seasons removed from a 20-win campaign. He has a career mark of 106-68 with a 3.79 earned run average.

Left hand starter Jon Lester is another solid asset for the Red Sox nation. Lester went 15-8 last year for Boston with a 3.41 earned run average. He has a stellar career mark of 42-16 with a 3.41 ERA. Closer Jonathan Papelbon had a fine season last year with 38 saves in 41 chances and a 1.85 earned run average. Heading into odds to win the 2010 World Series, the Red Sox lineup loses its top home run hitter in Jason Bay, who hit 36 home runs in 2009 but is now a New York Met. First baseman Kevin Youkilis leads the lineup. Last year Youkilis hit .305 with 27 home runs, 36 doubles, and 94 runs batted in. With more consistent pitching Boston could make consistent profits in 2010.