I have been waiting for this day for quite some time now, and it's finally here opening day. I went 6-4 in spring training MLB POD's and 16-12 overall.
Tonight's match up is a big one with Sabathia vs. Beckett. The Red Sox are 7-3 in Becket's last 10 starts vs. the Yankees. Although Beckett got hit pretty hard a couple times last year by the Yankees 8 ER in each I am confident in what he brings to the table at home in a night game vs. the Yankees. Sabathia has struggled at this point in the season over the last few years with a 4.73 ERA last April his highest of any month and the same in 2008 where he had a 7.76ERA. I was not impressed by his spring numbers as he was 1-1 with a 7.23 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. I think it's going to take a little time for the big fella to get into pitching shape again. The Yankees seem to over work him early and that's where the Red Sox should take advantage.
Beckett on the other hand has done well early in the season for most of his career until last year. I see nothing but a solid performance as he was 10-1 at home last year. He is coming off a nice spring with 19.1 IP and a 3.72 ERA with a 1.14 Whip. I look for Beckett to control this game. If he can stay away from AROD who has hit him well in his career as well as Cano he should be good. Cano shouldn't hurt him here as he always gets off to slow starts and Beckett owns Teixera (3-20) as well as Granderson (2-14).
