The Major League Baseball races are at that early stage when it’s generally too early to draw a lot of finite conclusions from the action that’s happening on the field. In the American League East, the teams are still fairly close together. The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are fourth and fifth in the division, but they’re no more than four games out of first place. That’s the nature of baseball in late April and early May. There’s plenty of time for each of these teams to sort out what’s wrong. It’s more important to not fall too far behind the New York Yankees or anyone else right now. The division can’t be won in early May, but it can be lost.
Series Preview: Tampa Bay Rays @ Boston Red Sox
Game 1: Tuesday, April 29
MLB Odds: Red Sox -163
7:10 PM ET
The matchup here is one in which Boston should roll. Erik Bedard is the starter for Tampa Bay. He has a well-established reputation as a frail pitcher, one without a lot of stamina or endurance. Bedard has had a weary arm, and he has taken himself out of starts at times. He is not a workhorse, and is someone who can’t be counted on to go past the sixth inning. That’s not something which should inspire a lot of confidence. Boston, on the other hand, is going with starter John Lackey, a much more proven pitcher and a man who has a lot of experience at navigating the ins and outs of a long season. Bedard doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt. Take Boston here, and feel confident about your choice.
Pick: Boston
Game 2: Wednesday, April 30
7:05 PM ET
This is a matchup in which Tampa Bay should be able to hit back at Boston. It’s not so much that the Rays are going with starter Chris Archer, a solid young pitcher who really came on strong during the summer of 2013. Archer is a quality pitcher, but he’s not a shutdown guy (though he can occasionally be overpowering). The bigger reason to go with Tampa Bay here is that Boston is sending Felix Doubront to the mound. Doubront is one of the weaker links in Boston’s starting rotation. He’ll find moments of excellence, but they generally aren’t sustained. That inconsistency is a good reason to pick the Rays.
Pick: Tampa Bay
Game 3: Thursday, May 1
7:10 PM ET
New Englanders should feel that their team should be able to win the series by grabbing this game, if indeed it happens to become the rubber match on Thursday. Cesar Ramos is the starter for Tampa Bay. He’s not a household name, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a talented pitcher. His ERA is a very respectable 3.38. That’s nothing to sneeze at, especially in the American League. Boston, though, is going with Jake Peavy, a former ace and a solid number three or four starter for a team. Peavy’s ERA is 2.87, and his savvy on the mound should be taken into account. Choose Boston in this one.
Pick: Boston
