Red Sox early favorite for 2008 World Series
Nov. 27, 2007
After winning the World Series twice in the past four seasons, it?s no surprise the Boston Red Sox are the early favorites to win the 2008 Fall Classic.
betED.com has released lines for the 2008 World Series, and the Red Sox, winners of the 2004 and 2007 championships, are a 400-moneyline favorite.
But a number of clubs aren?t far behind in betED.com?s MLB Future bets. The two New York City teams, the Yankees and Mets, are next at +500 and +650, respectively. Rounding out the top six are the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, all at +750.
Some longshots include the Washington Nationals (+12000), and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates (all +7500).
After winning the 2007 World Series in October, the Red Sox are taking a bit different approach to the offseason than in past years.
After their win in 2004, Boston embarked on a complete overhaul of the championship team. By the time the next season started, Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Orlando Cabrera had all moved on.
And before the start of the 2006 season, the changes were even more dramatic, with Johnny Damon, Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller, Mark Bellhorn and Alan Embree all leaving.
The reasoning was that for the team to continue to win championships, constant tweaking and turnover was required.
But that?s all changed. After re-signing pitchers Curt Schilling and Mike Lowell, Boston could spend the rest of the winter making nothing more than minor moves, like trading Coco Crisp for prospects, and rebuilding the bench and the bullpen.
"We're lucky enough to have a core of players at the big-league level that keeps us competitive at the highest levels,? said general manager Theo Epstein. ?We also have a strong foundation of young players coming through the system that provides us with a promising future."
Meanwhile, one thing that will change next season is where the Red Sox open their season. Boston starts the 2008 season in Japan in late March, and as a result they're opening spring training two days earlier than normal.
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Fort Myers Feb. 14, with first on-field workout Feb. 16. Position players are scheduled to report Feb. 20, with first full-squad workout slated for Feb. 22.
Check out the full list of teams and odds to win the 2008 World Series at betED.com.
Nov. 27, 2007
After winning the World Series twice in the past four seasons, it?s no surprise the Boston Red Sox are the early favorites to win the 2008 Fall Classic.
betED.com has released lines for the 2008 World Series, and the Red Sox, winners of the 2004 and 2007 championships, are a 400-moneyline favorite.
But a number of clubs aren?t far behind in betED.com?s MLB Future bets. The two New York City teams, the Yankees and Mets, are next at +500 and +650, respectively. Rounding out the top six are the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, all at +750.
Some longshots include the Washington Nationals (+12000), and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates (all +7500).
After winning the 2007 World Series in October, the Red Sox are taking a bit different approach to the offseason than in past years.
After their win in 2004, Boston embarked on a complete overhaul of the championship team. By the time the next season started, Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Orlando Cabrera had all moved on.
And before the start of the 2006 season, the changes were even more dramatic, with Johnny Damon, Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller, Mark Bellhorn and Alan Embree all leaving.
The reasoning was that for the team to continue to win championships, constant tweaking and turnover was required.
But that?s all changed. After re-signing pitchers Curt Schilling and Mike Lowell, Boston could spend the rest of the winter making nothing more than minor moves, like trading Coco Crisp for prospects, and rebuilding the bench and the bullpen.
"We're lucky enough to have a core of players at the big-league level that keeps us competitive at the highest levels,? said general manager Theo Epstein. ?We also have a strong foundation of young players coming through the system that provides us with a promising future."
Meanwhile, one thing that will change next season is where the Red Sox open their season. Boston starts the 2008 season in Japan in late March, and as a result they're opening spring training two days earlier than normal.
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Fort Myers Feb. 14, with first on-field workout Feb. 16. Position players are scheduled to report Feb. 20, with first full-squad workout slated for Feb. 22.
Check out the full list of teams and odds to win the 2008 World Series at betED.com.
