Hot Stove Lunch: Have the Red Sox been disrespected by Vegas?

The Red Sox will return the same rotation from a year ago, as well as the exact same everyday lineup. Who knows, by the time the season opens at the end of March, they may even have Craig Kimbrel closing games for them.

But so far, that hasn't impressed the oddsmakers in Las Vegas. Caesars Palace has set its over-under win totals for the 2019 season and the Red Sox are ticketed for 95.5 wins.

That's not bad, even if it's a significant comedown from the Red Sox' 108 wins last season, en route to a World Series championship.

But it's worth noting that both the New York Yankees (96.5 wins) and Houston Astros (97.5) are ranked ahead of the Sox.

The Yankees, I suppose, make some sense. They've brought back J.A. Happ and Zach Britton and added James Paxton, Troy Tulowitzki and D.J. LeMahieu, and the argument could be made that they've improved.

But the Astros have lost starter Charlie Morton and seem certain to lose Dallas Keuchel from their starting rotation. That's a lot of innings and wins being cast aside. And yes, the Astros have a deep farm system and may be able to replace the veteran arms with younger prospects. But that's a lot to ask.

None of which is to suggest that the Vegas numbers are a complete snapshot. After all, they're projections, created to attract bets -- and nothing more.

Still, it does seem as though the oddsmakers may be undervaluing the Red Sox a bit.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST 

The Yankees mourned the passing of Mel Stottlemyre

The Orioles are in search of a utility man.

The Rays signed OF Avisail Garcia

Dalton Pompey is hoping for a breakout year.

AL CENTRAL 

The Indians have had discussions about a three-team trade involving Corey Kluber.

The Twins moved to improve their pitching and catching depth.

The Tigers introduced a new broadcast team.

A look at the revamped White Sox bullpen.

Would Ian Kennedy fare better out of the KC bullpen?

AL WEST

The pressure is on the GM -- not the players -- in Seattle.

The Kyler Murray saga continues in Oakland.

The Rangers missed out on a reunion with Derek Holland.

Are the Astros quietly in on Bryce Harper?

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

The battle for the big free agents is centered in the NL East.