MLB Playoff Betting – Red Sox vs Rays odds
Posted on 10/7/2008 12:30:39 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
Red Sox vs Rays odds – familiar foes battle for AL supremacy
- WHO: Boston Red Sox (-140) vs Tampa Bay Rays (+120)
- WHAT: MLB playoff betting
- WHEN: Friday, October 10 at 8:35 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Tropicana Field – Tampa Bay, Florida
- KEY STATS: Teams met 18 times throughout the season with Tampa Bay finishing 8-1 at home. Boston won seven of the nine meetings at Fenway Park
- PICK: Red Sox -140
A Red Sox vs Rays line isn’t something many online sportsbook users thought they’d be facing when the American League Championship Series rolled around in October but, after the Los Angeles Angels collapsed once again, the Red Sox and Rays will meet at least four more times this season.
The two American League East rivals have squared off 18 times already with both teams protecting their home field very well. It’s worth noting the Rays won four of the last six meetings.
How do you handicap this series if you bet on sports? On one hand, you have an experienced squad in the Red Sox which has been there, done that, and is now the favorite for World Series odds. On the other hand you have the Rays, who are young, inexperienced and in new territory.
Online sports betting sharps might want to lean with the experienced squad, but keep in mind the Red Sox aren’t fully healthy. J.D. Drew has a sore back, Mike Lowell has a hip injury that might keep him out of the series completely, Josh Beckett has an oblique injury and slugger David Ortiz is experiencing a power outage due to a mid-season wrist injury.
But the Red Sox have reloaded with young studs like Jon Lester, who has supplanted Beckett as the team’s starting ace, and Jason Bay, who has replaced Manny Ramirez’ batting production, and Jed Lowrie, the 24-year-old rookie who has provided quality production at the plate and in the field.
A Red Sox vs Rays pick will be more one-sided because the average guy who likes to bet on sports would rather bet on the Rays to fail than on the Rays to continue surprising.
The Rays are a very sound team built on pitching, speed and defense. More importantly, they won’t be as intimidated to play the Red Sox – a team they’ve already faced 18 times this year – than if they’d to play a different powerhouse, like the Los Angeles Angels.
TJ’S PICK: Manager Joe Maddon keeps his squad very composed and cool, which will be key in the ALCS.
For online sports betting purposes though, it’s hard to go against the Red Sox. They are the reigning World Series champs and know exactly what it takes to win. When it comes to the playoffs, the Rays will learn Boston has another gear.
For Red Sox vs Rays betting, bet on the Boston Red Sox.
For more World Series betting, odds and lines, hit BetOnline.com’s online sportsbook. And if you want more insight into Dodgers vs Phillies betting or Red Sox vs Rays odds, visit the Bettor’s Edge.
T.J. Kendrick is the biggest baseball nut and a brilliant MLB handicapper. His love of the game borders on obsession, and he takes every chance he gets to make excellent predictions, frequently contributing to industry handicapping sites as well as BetOnline.com. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
