Friday April 9th 2004:
Bos -1.5 (vs. Tor) +136
YTD:
0-1 -1.05
Going with the Sox again. This is their home opener, and they're finally back at Fenway, where many of the hitters preform much better with fenway tailered swings (millar, bellhourn, etc). I see this as a great spot for the Sox to get their offense going again in front of the home crowd, the place will be going crazy.
Toronto hasn't gotten it going in the early goings being swept by the Detroit Tigers @ home. I don't think the Tigers are as good as they appear, and I don't think Tor is as bad as their 0-3 record indicates. That being said, let's look at the pitching matchups. Toronto's Ted Lilly, over the past 3 seasons, is 0-2 with a 5.76 ERA vs. Boston in 5 starts. His ERA over the same period @ Fenway? Over 9.00. Leftys don't normally fare well there. He did pitch extremely well last year in the ALDS, giving up only 2 runs in 7 innings. I don't see two solid outings in a row from a guy who's never really lived up to expectations.
As for the Sox' Bronson Arroyo, he was the Sox' Minor League player of the year in 2003. During his fall call-up, Arroyo pitched terrificly, posting an ERA of 2.08 with while holding hitters to a .164 AVG in 17.1 innings and earned a spot on the post season roster vs. NYY.
Best of Luck to Everyone (unless you're on Tor!)!