Tigers vs Yankees | Prediction & Pick

Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees – MLB Free Pick – Wednesday March 30, 2011

vs.

Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees
Thursday, March 31, 2011  at 1:05 PM EST

Pitching Probables: Justin Verlander vs C.C. Sabathia

Click Here for more Free Expert MLB Baseball Picks

Alas the first game of the season.  The Tigers are expecting to be in the hunt this season with the acquisition of smooth hitting catcher Victor Martinez for the middle of their lineup but Miguel Cabrera spring training dustup with police makes this game even more welcome closing out the Tigers spring.  Day 1 starter Justin Verlander had two starts against the Yankees last season, splitting them.  At home he was very effective shutting out the Yanks for 6+ innings but in the Bronx he struggled and took the loss.  Still he is one of the better pitchers in the league and a great reason to take some value on the Detroit side in this one.  Its opening day and sometimes that can give the host team the yips as they deal with the hoopla of getting started.

Everyone wants to talk about the Yankees pitching problems but they still have a bonafide ace in C.C. Sabathia who has been unfazed since coming to New York (21 wins last season).  In an ironic scheduling twist he was starting pitcher vs. Verlander in both his games against Detroit last season amassing a 1-1 record as well of course.  Just like Verlander he was sharp at home and not so much on the road which obviously gives him the edge in the opener.  Key was having success against the Tigers biggest bat, Cabrera who he held in check at home.  This was rare as usually Cabrera lights him up to the tune of a .538 average.  Whoever wins these battles should help his team win on opening day.

The odds makers have the money line as New York Yankees -145 / Detroit Tigers +125 with an run total of 8.

Check out the latest MLB Baseball Odds here.

Prediction:  The Yankees are 9-1 in their last 10 openers and it is hard to bet against them when it comes down to laying down your cold hard cash.  I will likely pass but the smart money is on NY.

Score Prediction:
Yankees – 4
Tigers – 3

Need more help making your picks winners? Check out our top  handicappers.

Bet on the Opening Day Detroit Tigers/New York Yankees game using your credit card and to get a generous 55% sign up bonus at one of the player’s favorite online sportsbooks: BetUS.