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Free Baseball Predictions: N.Y. Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays April 6

Yankees vs Rays MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks

Two of the biggest powerhouses in the American League East will do battle in game one of a three game set when the New York Yankees open the 2012 season in Florida against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Expectations will be high as both clubs look to get off on the right foot after a disappointing 2011 that ended in early playoff exits.

CC Sabathia (L) (0-0, 0.00) vs. James Shields (R) (0-0, 0.00)
Date/Time: Friday, April 06 – 3:10 PM EST
Venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
Broadcast: YES (New York), Sun (Tampa Bay)
LINE:-118, 111
TOTAL: 7

Matchup | Preview 

The Yankees improved their chances for a 28th World Series title, upgrading the clubs rotation in the offseason with solid trades and free agency.

And although the team did not do much to bolster its offense, and even though the lineup is a year older, the Bronx Bombers are still stacked from the top to the bottom of the order with the likes of Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira taking over as anchors.

Manager Joe Girardi will turn to big left-handed pitching ace CC Sabathia (2011: 19-8, 3.00 ERA) to open the Yanks season.

In 2011, Sabathia once again made the short list of Cy Young hopefuls and to prove his loyalty to New York, agreed to a five-year, $122 million contract extension in the offseason.

Now he will look to earn his paycheck, following up a very good season where he posted a 2.51 ERA and two complete games against Tampa Bay but managed just a 1-2 record in four starts.

He will surely have his work cut out for him against a Rays team that will likely still be riding the drama of last season’s finale with the Yankees at Tropicana Field , which ended when Evan Longoria completed a comeback from 7-0 down with a game-winning solo homer in the 12th inning off Scott Proctor that got the Rays into the playoffs. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

But even with its star Longoria, Tampa Bay will, as always, rely more on its pitching, which looks like the best in the league as top prospect Matt Moore joins the rotation.

However, it will veteran righty James Shields (2011: 16-12, 2.98 ERA) that will take the mound on Friday.

Shields led the majors with 11 complete games in 2011 and struck out a career-high 225 batters while posting career lows in WHIP (1.04), ERA and batting average against (.217).

He went 2-3 with a 2.33 ERA in five starts against the Yankees last season.

Matt’s Free Prediction: Rays-Tampa Bay took 10 of the 18 meetings with the Yankees last season, including sweeping a three-game finale in 2011. The Rays are also 20-8 in their last 28 home games, while New York is 1-5 in their last six road games. If Shields does his job on the rubber, the Rays offense should be able to get it done.

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By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"