in MLB Betting Trends

Schilling bounces back

When last we left the plight of the Boston Red Sox, they were getting swept in the opening round of the 2005 MLB playoffs.

Johnny Damon was then stolen away by the Yankees, Bronson Arroyo traded to Cincy, Edgar Renteria went to Atlanta and David Wells and Manny Ramirez were being their difficult selves. Factor in the unknown statuses of Curt Schilling and Keith Foulke, and fans were a little on edge about what they would see out of the gate.

Fast forward to the day following their home opener, and Boston has the best record in baseball, several outstanding pitching performances to their credit already and a few key hits from newcomers. Indeed, there’s something special about this team.

Last season, they just didn’t look this deep. The additions of J.T. Snow, Mark Loretta, Alex Gonzalez, Adam Stern (who had a cup of coffee with them in 2005), Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell have all paid immediate dividends. At 6-1, the Red Sox can do no wrong.

It’s amazing to think that Boston's biggest concern coming into the year was pitching, as it’s been anything but a worry thus far. Rookie Jonathan Papelbon has been electric in the closer role, Schilling and Beckett outstanding, and they’ve even been missing a 15-game winner in David Wells (making his first start Wednesday)!

Last season, the hangover effect really kicked in. Losing veterans Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and even Dave Roberts were seen as too difficult to overcome. Players on the squad were scrambling to find their own roles- both on the field and in the clubhouse. The result was a good year, but one that was plagued with inconsistent play.

In 2006, there were a few “addition-by-subtraction” moves, as Bill Mueller and Tony Graffanino were not retained. Both had their moments in ’05, but were ably replaced with more athletic and steadier players.

With such a strong start despite the absence of injured centre fielder Coco Crisp and veteran backup player Gabe Kapler, things bode very well in Beantown this summer. Yes, the Yankees are still a perennial powerhouse, but their starting pitching may not hold up the entire season- especially when you consider that they relied on lights-out performances from Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon during last year’s stretch run. And as for Toronto? Well, we just don’t see the pitching and experience needed to contend on their roster.

So, all this to say that Boston will still be in another dogfight with the Yanks for the division, possibly coming down to the wire once again. But, if the newfound exuberance, energy and overall depth are any indications, the parade route could once again be mapped out come October.

Comments or Questions? EmailMatthew@BetUS.com.