There was an abundance of ugly April weather in the upper Midwest and East, which cancelled two season openers in Chicago and Boston on Monday. That shouldn’t temper too much of the enthusiasm of fans in those cities, who just have to bundle up a little b

2009-04-07

There was an abundance of ugly April weather in the upper Midwest and East, which cancelled two season openers in Chicago and Boston on Monday. That shouldn’t temper too much of the enthusiasm of fans in those cities, who just have to bundle up a little bit more and keep those liquid beverages coming. Out West, the last two teams scheduled to join the season opening festivities will do battle, with San Francisco and it Cy Young winner hosting Milwaukee, giving baseball bettors six new teams to look at to start the 2009 campaign.

2:05 E – Kansas City at Chicago White Sox– FSRM and CSN

The Chicago White Sox open defense of their AL Central division title a day later than expected against a Kansas City team excited to get playing. The Royals closed the last season 18-8, giving them reasons for optimism they can compete for the postseason. They will need young players like third-baseman Alex Gordon to start fulfilling expectations and the continued development of pitching staff. Gil Meche will be the opening day starter for the Royals who are +130 money line underdogs at Sportsbook.com, with total Ov7.5. Last season, Kansas City was 14-8 in underdog role with Meche starting. The White Sox have low expectations by prognosticators, which is just the way they like it. Mark Buehrle will make his seventh opening day start and is .500 in that spot. Chicago has been a dominant home team and is coming off 20-6 year playing at US Cellular Field during the day.

4:05 E – Tampa Bay at Boston – NESN

It’s a rematch of last season’s American League championship. Tampa Bay will look to defend its title starting at a place they where they used to be soundly beaten. The Rays are 25-68 against Boston at Fenway Park; however they won four of six in September and October to help propel them to first ever playoffs and World Series. James Shields believes he’s a 20-game winner if he pitches better on the road and this will be excellent opportunity to test his belief. The Red Sox are -150 home favorites and with Ov8.5 total, with Josh Becket taking the mound. Boston was 32-12 (+14.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 last season and would like to reestablish dominance at home from the start.

4:05 E - Milwaukee at San Francisco – FSWI and CSBA

The last two National League teams will get their season’s underway out in the Bay Area. Tim Lincecum off his brilliant season with 18-5 record, a 2.62 ERA and a major league-best 265 strikeouts, draws the opening day assignment for San Francisco. After years of being one of the oldest teams in baseball, the Giants are starting three infielders 25 years old or younger, as they begin rebuilding process after losing 90 games in 2008. Milwaukee will hopes its supply of power-laden young hitters can carry the team back to the postseason season, after making the playoff for the first time in 26 years. The Brewers have a dangerous with lineup Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Corey Hart and J.J. Hardy, who can all crush the ball. Veteran Jeff Suppan is the designated starter, in part because of years of service. He and Milwaukee are +150 money line underdogs, with total Ov7. The Brewers have lost 59 of last 87 games as road underdog, with San Fran having won 14 of last 20 home games.

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