March 31, 2008
Games of the Day
The third and real opening day takes place today as twenty six teams play for the first time and fourteen ballparks see their first games of 2008. I have the Mix Channel and the Strike Zone channel set up on DirecTV, and almost every Extra Innings channel has a corresponding HD option. This is going to be fun. DirecTV is also offering a free HD preview of the games until 4/6. You can find the channels starting in the 720s.
As for the games, the Tigers get us started as they host the Royals. Gil Meche takes on Justin Verlander. Although the signing of Meche last year raised eyebrows, Gil posted the best ERA of his career, cutting down both his walk and home run rates. Verlander equaled his fine 2006 season in ERA, but he really did pitch better in 2007. More innings, a better strikeout and home run rate indicates he's still growing positively as a pitcher. We also get to see the debut of Miguel Cabrera at Comerica Park.
The New York Yankees open the House that Ruth Built for the last time, facing division rival the Toronto Blue Jays. Chien-Ming Wang faces Roy Halladay and the worms are in full retreat. Wang leads the majors in wins since the start of the 2006 season with 39, while Halladay ranks seventh with 32. Alex Rodriguez sits just three home runs behind Ted Williams and Willie McCovey on the all-time home run list, and a 45 home run campaign ties him with Reggie Jackson for eleventh.
Two teams likely to battle for the NL Central title open at Wrigely Field as the Milwaukee Brewers visit the Chicago Cubs. Ben Sheets hopes to play a full season, his first since 2004. His health could be a key factor in the Brewers hope for a playoff appearance. He'll face the Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano. Carlos is a slow starter, however. Over his career he's allowed his highest BA, OBA and slugging percentage in the month of April.
The Mets and the Mariners each debut their prize pitching acquisitions this afternoon. Johan Santana gets an easy assignment as he faces the Marlins in Miami. Outside of Hanely Ramirez, there's not much offense on that team. His opponent, Mark Hendrickson, brings a 5.01 career ERA into the game. Johan couldn't ask for a better way to start his Mets career.
The Mariners send Erik Bedard to the mound as they host the Texas Rangers. Bedard pitched poorly this spring, only striking out 10 in 24 innings. He led the majors in strikeouts per 9 in 2007. Kevin Millwood hasn't been able to repeat his 2005 ERA championship. Since he's moved to Texas, many more balls are falling for hits.
Joe Torre makes his Dodgers debut as Los Angeles takes on their arch rivals the San Francisco Giants. While Dodgers ace Brad Penny has been worth every cent, big money Barry Zito hasn't lived up to expectations. With a poor offense behind him this year, he might be lucky to break the 10 win mark.
Finally, it what is one of many great pitching matchups, the Astros travel to San Diego to play the Padres in the only late game of the day. Roy Oswalt takes on Jake Peavy. Going into his eighth year, Roy has never posted a losing season, and since the start of the 2001 season his .675 winning percentage is among the best in the majors. Peavy was completely healthy in 2007 and showed durability and power, posting his highest numbers in both innings and strikeouts.
Enjoy!
Find odds for the World Series at Bodog Sportsbook!
Posted by David Pinto at
11:08 AM
|
Matchups
|
TrackBack (0)
...for Johan to start his NL career.