Tuesday MLB Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Tuesday, April 7.
Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants, 4:05PM ET
While his Milwaukee Brewers killed time in the Bay Area for two days before the majors’ final opener, new manager Ken Macha reconnected with several friends and favorite restaurants from his years managing the Oakland Athletics across the water.
When he finally gets to the San Francisco Giants’ waterfront ballpark on Tuesday, his trip will get a whole lot less relaxing in a hurry.
After losing their top two pitchers in the offseason, the reconfigured Brewers open with back-to-back games against NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum and 45-year-old Randy Johnson, who won a few trophies of his own before joining the Giants.
MLB Free Pick: San Francisco – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -150 SBG Global
Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05PM ET
The Philadelphia Phillies rode a lineup that thrived on the home run to a World Series title last season.
In the 2009 opener, it was the Phillies that were victimized by the long ball.
Philadelphia looks to get its offense in gear and pick up its first victory of the season when it continues a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.
Philadelphia led the NL with 214 homers and hit 19 more in the playoffs en route to its first World Series title since 1980 last season.
The Phillies raised their championship flag during an hour-long ceremony prior to Sunday’s season opener, but the celebrating didn’t last long.
Brian McCann hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Jeff Francoeur and Jordan Schafer added solo shots in the second in Atlanta’s 4-1 victory. Schafer’s homer came in his first career at-bat and boos were heard while McCann circled the bases.
MLB Free Pick: Atlanta – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +105 SBG Global
Washington Nationals at Florida Marlins, 7:10PM ET
Scott Olsen will be making his debut with the Washington Nationals in a familiar place.
Olsen will take the mound for the Nationals against his former team when they continue a three-game road series against the Florida Marlins on Tuesday night.
Washington (0-1) and Florida (1-0) made a five-player deal in November, with Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham going to the Nationals in exchange for infielder Emilio Boniface and minor leaguers Jake Smolinski and P.J. Dean.
Olsen went 31-37 with a 4.63 ERA over four seasons for Florida, including 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA in 33 starts last season. He signed a $2.8 million, one-year contract with the Nationals.
The 25-year-old left-hander, who also faced the Marlins in spring training, insists he won’t let his emotions get the best of him Tuesday.
MLB Free Pick: Florida – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -150 SBG Global
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Posted: 4/7/09 11:22AM ET