posted March 31, 2008 at 12:04 EST in MLB Free Picks

It’s opening day at Dodger Stadium and look who’s in town to welcome new Dodgers skipper Joe Torre? Why it’s none other than the San Francisco Giants sans the most hated man in all of baseball - - Barry Bonds.

First, nobody cares that Bonds isn’t playing, but the lack of Bonds’s power could pose a serious issue for these Giants. They aren’t that good. The Dodgers come out of the gate with pitcher Brad Penny. The Giants counter with Barry Zito. Because the Giants figure to be awful this year, the below BetUS lines shouldn’t surprise anybody.

San Francisco Giants

Barry Zito – L + 1 ½ - 145 Action, + 155

Los Angeles Dodgers

Brad Penny – R - 1 ½ + 125 Action, - 175

The action lines clearly tell us that the Dodgers are a favorite. Because it’s opening day, there really is no reason to go off too many of last years’ trends. After all, the Dodgers have changed considerably with the addition of Andruw Jones in the outfield and the steady hand of manager Joe Torre.

San Francisco has changed as well. At one time Barry Zito was an absolute monster on the mound. Last year was a down year for Zito. Pitchers usually don’t bounce back. They hardly ever bounce back when they start pitching in San Francisco. Even though the Giants are trying to forget that Bonds ever played for them, the bottom line is that he will be sorely missed. The Giants don’t have the line-up to contend in the N. L. West. Bonds would definitely have helped their cause.

In any case, this game comes down to a very simple analysis - - which wager on the Dodgers makes the most sense? I hate to give up more than even money in any baseball game. I’m not saying that I never will. I’m just saying that I hate to do it. It’s especially true in this game where the Dodger faithful, and the team, will be absolutely fired up.

The Dodgers need to come out big in this game. There is a lot of pressure on L.A. to do well this year. It starts here. I’m giving up the 1 ½ runs and going with Brad Penny in this game.

The BetUS MLB Betting line is Los Angeles Dodgers (Brad Penny) – 1 1/2 , + 125, to win the game.

I think the Dodgers should contend for the N.L. West while the Giants definitely should not. On opening day it makes sense to take the home team with the better pitcher. Watch Joe Torre start his magic early this season. The Dodgers should roll on opening day against their most hated rivals, the San Francisco Giants.

I’m giving up the run and a half and riding Brad Penny to a hard fought two run (at least!) Dodger win.

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