Not a single MLB betting fan will doubt that this week will be special for Boston Red Sox first basemen Adrian Gonzalez, as for the first time in his career he steps into the batter’s box to hit against the San Diego Padres. It will be an emotional reunion between the American League MVP candidate and his former teammates, and that excitement will only enhance Gonzalez’s play as he looks to help carry his new teammates to a division title.
San Diego Padres @ Boston Red Sox
Tuesday June 21, 2011 – 7:10 PM ET
Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
Online Sports Betting Odds: Boston Red Sox – 130
While Boston has climbed the ranks in the AL East to take the division lead after looking lost at the beginning of the season, the Padres have trended in the opposite direction and are now stuck in the basement of the NL West. It was only a year ago that San Diego looked destined for a playoff spot as division leaders, but things have changed and it doesn’t look like it will get any easier this week at Fenway Park.
MLB Betting Preview: San Diego Padres
Without Gonzalez to turn to as the team’s most dominant offensive force, the Padres have struggled to get anything going this season and are ranked at the bottom of the league in runs scored. San Diego heads to Fenway Park on the heels of five straight sports betting bonus losses, and it is unlikely that 23-year old Mat Latos will be able to turn things around against one of the best offenses in the league, especially with Josh Beckett on the mound for Boston.
MLB Betting Preview: Boston Red Sox
Beckett has been one of the most pleasant surprises on a Red Sox team that has been full of them this season, leading one of the deepest and most talented starting rotation’s in the majors with a 6-2 record and 1.86 ERA. Beckett allowed just two runs combined in consecutive wins over the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, and if he can continue to pitch the way he did against those division rivals Boston will have no problem locking up a division title in the MLB news. Gonzalez is hitting a team-high .348 this season with 64 RBI, and with a rejuvenated David Ortiz there to keep him safe the Red Sox are rolling.
MLB Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
Don’t expect the Red Sox to slow down anytime soon, especially not against the weakest offense in the majors in San Diego. Latos will be in big trouble as Gonzalez thrives against his former teammates, and Boston will continue to inch closer to becoming the first team in the AL to lock up their spot in the postseason as their surge continues with another big win against the Padres in the opener of a three-game set.
Gambling Advisor blog Pick: Boston Red Sox - 130
