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After a tumultuous offseason for the sport of baseball, Opening Day is finally here. Less than a month ago, we did not even know if there was going to be a season, as the MLB lockout was still in place. Both sides has dug in and there appeared to be no end in sight. Then, out of nowhere a deal was reached and optimism kicked in. Now that the season is here, we can look to take advantage and make some money as we continue our MLB odds series.
On Friday, American League rivals Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers square off to begin their respective seasons. There might be more optimism coming into this season for the White Sox than any since their 2005 World Series championship. Chicago has so many young hitters who are growing into elite talent. They have solid starting pitching and are in a weaker division.
Speaking of the AL Central, the Tigers have been darn near putrid the last couple of seasons. But things appear to be moving in the right direction in Detroit. They brought in Javier Baez and Austin Meadows to help the offense. Eduardo Rodriguez was formerly a highly touted pitched with the Boston Red Sox. Detroit is hoping he can regain his form this season for the Tigers.
So, let's get into it with a White Sox Tigers prediction and pick.
Here are the White Sox Tigers odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB odds: White Sox-Tigers Odds
Chicago White Sox: -1.5 (+150)
Detroit Tigers: +1.5 (-182)
Over: 8.5 (-102)
Under: 8.5 (-120)
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Why the White Sox Could Cover the Spread
To begin with, the White Sox are a much more talented team. The emergence of Eloy Jimenez and Tim Anderson has helped solidify a deep lineup. Jose Abreu continues to be a mainstay in the middle of the White Sox order, coming off yet another 30-home run campaign in 2021. But one of the biggest reasons for the hype is the young rising star, Luis Robert.
Robert was a highly touted prospect that came up through the farm system and caught fire down the stretch last season. Overall, the young stud hit .338 with 13 home runs in only 68 games.
The White Sox will have their ace, Lucas Giolito on the mound Friday. Chicago hopes Giolito can take that next step forward this season from their ace, to a legit ace across the majors. He is a strikeout pitcher, having notched 201 K's last season in only 178 2/3 innings last year. In 2021, the Tigers struck out the fourth most in baseball, with 9.35 strikeouts per game.
Why the Tigers Could Cover the Spread
Detroit is looking to turn things around in 2022. They spent a lot of money over the offseason to acquire Baez and Rodriguez. Then, just before the season began, Detroit traded for former All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows. Clearly, Detroit is making a push to compete in the division this year.
Last season, despite the overall struggles, the Tigers were an outstanding 82-56 against the spread as an underdog, as they are in this game. Meanwhile, the White Sox were only .500 at 66-66 as favorites. Prior to the season, Chicago placed Yoan Moncada on the 10-day IL, which should make it a bit easier to get through their lineup.
Giolito might be Chicago's ace, but he has not pitched like one against Detroit. As bad as the Tigers offense has been the last couple seasons, they had Giolito's number last year. He made five starts against the Tigers, going 0-3 with a 5.16 ERA. He also allowed seven home runs to Detroit, the most of any opponent.
Giolito is also a notorious slow starter. April is by far the worst month of his career, with an ERA of 6.33. Apparently, the White Sox hurler likes it when it warms up. Also, a number of Tigers hitters have seen quite a bit of him. Jeimer Candelario, Nico Goodrum and Jonathan Schoop have all faced him more than 20 times, with a decent degree of success.
Meanwhile, Tigers starter Eduardo Rodriguez has pitched very well in his career against Chicago. He has only allowed three home runs with a .209 opponents batting average in 120 plate appearances.
Final White Sox-Tigers Prediction & Pick
The White Sox are looking to make a statement this year. They are a true World Series contender. They are the much better team in this matchup, but baseball is a fickle game. The worst team beats the best team 40 percent of the time. With all of the matchup advantages going Detroit's way, I like the Tigers to cover the spread. If I trusted their bullpen more, I would suggest the money line, but I don't. So take the 1.5 runs.
Final White Sox-Tigers Pick: Tigers +1.5 (-182)
