Joe D'Amico's MLB OPENING DAY WINNER

Handicapper

Joe D'Amico

League

MLB

Competition

Chicago Cubs vs Texas Rangers

Time

03/28/2024 07:35 PM

Bet Type

Moneyline

Pick

Texas Rangers -114 (BetOnline)

Outcome

Win

Analysis

Texas Rangers. Opening Day Winner. Game 930. 4:35 PM PST/7:35 PM EST. We all know how difficult it is to repeat in any major sport. Particularly in the MLB. Well today, the Texas Rangers will take their first step on defending their World Series Title. This is a team with a target on its back, for sure. If you recall, a season ago, they went 90-72 and finished in second place in the American League West They then swept the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles in the first two rounds of the playoffs before besting the Houston Astros in seven games during the American League Championship series. And of course, that was all before only needing five games to dispense of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Fall Classic. The Rangers are a very good team. They are loaded at all key positions and have a solid pitching staff as well. Speaking of pitching, today's scheduled starter is Nathan Eovaldi. The right-hander is looking to pick up where he left off in 2023. I mean he went 12-5 with a 3.65 ERA in 25 starts during the regular season. Then in the postseason, he took it up a notch and was a perfect, 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six outings. Granted, his lifetime record against the Chicago Cubs is less than stellar at 0-2, but his 3.72 ERA in three career meetings with the team still very much impresses me. Let's face it, they face a Cubs team that is very “Jekyll and Hyde” and has to contend in a very competitive division themselves. Last season, the Cubs finished 83-79 and in second place in the NL Central. I think this is a good team. But I do not think this is a great team. Plus, you have to remember that when they take to the road things usually go from bad to worse for them. Just look at last season: 45-36 at home, 38-43 on the road. They finished the regular season on a 1-5 run all away from home. This team has a lot of problems when they travel. And going up against last year's defending World Series Champion is going to prove to be fatal for the Chicago Cubs team as well as their loyal fans. I just don't see them contending at the plate or on the mound with the Rangers. Take. Thank you.