The odds on the Boston Red Sox this season at online wagering companies have been somewhat volatile as the Red Sox have started slowly. The Red Sox began the season as the second choice behind the Yankees to win the World Series but making an online wager on Boston has not been that successful so far in 2010.
Online wagering companies will have to adjust their odds a little bit on Boston as the Red Sox made a change in their starting rotation. Daisuke Matsuzaka is coming back from injury and will move into the starting rotation. Tim Wakefield is moving to the bullpen. The question for those wagering at online wagering companies is how much stock to put into Dice K’s outings as he recovered from his injury. “The last three times out, he’s done a much better job with his fastball in the bottom of the zone,” pitching coach John Farrell said, “His breaking ball — both his cutter and slider — have shown later action and a little more power. There was good finish to all of his pitches. … Physically, he’s ready to go.”
The part of the move that might hurt Boston vs. odds at online wagering companies is Wakefield going to the bullpen. Wakefield will be used in middle and long relief. “We don’t take for granted his performance as a starter over a long period of time,” Farrell said, “But (we are) trying to maximize the pitchers that are on our staff, what’s the best fit. It might not be the most agreeable fit, but he’s a professional and knows that there’s a current arrangement.”
Wakefield’s last start was a good one as he allowed just two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings against Baltimore. He is winless in his last eight starts as online wagering companies statistics indicate, but not all of it is his fault. The bullpen blew his last outing. “He’ll slot into the bullpen,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “Certainly not until after the offday [on Thursday]. I thought he had a lot on his mind all week. I could tell. That’s why we talked to him the other day. If we made it hard for him, we weren’t trying to. He’s a good pitcher. We will always view him as that. We’re going to have some things to deal with as we always do on a lot of things, but this will turn out good. I believe that.’’ Francona may be sure but those making an online wager are not.