This Day in Baseball: April 9th

The Nac · #1 04-09-2010, 11:37 AM

Now, there's a couple things I wanna make fun of yesterday about, but first I wanna get to today's history, because there's something very fresh in all our minds that I remember discussing on here a year ago.

Today's TDIB is dedicated to:

Nick Adenhart (August 24, 1996-April 9, 2009)

I know I'm not the only one who remembers this tragedy, when this young talent and 2 of his friends were taken from us by a drunk driver. There's a nice story about Nick's tribute that will be held in tonight's game by the Angels. The part that upsets me about this whole thing is that the asshole (Andrew Gallo) responsible was over the alcohol limit, and he tried to flee the scene, then pleads Not Guilty to the charges. Now, I'm not an advocate of the death penalty, but this is a case where you don't deserve rehab. I'm sorry, but this shit upsets me. In any event, I hope the game tonight goes off with flying colours and it's a beautoful ceremony. R.I.P. Nick Adenhart. You deserved better than what you got, but for what it's worth, we're all glad you at least got to see the show.

April 9th

• 1912 - The Red Sox beat Havard in the very first game ever played at Fenway Park. The exhibition contest against the Crimson takes place during an spring snow storm.
• 1965 - In the opening ceremonies of the Astrodome, 24 astronauts threw 24 ceremonial first pitches as the Colt 45's become the Houston Astros and begin playing 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. Mickey Mantle hits the first indoor homer ever in an exhibition game with the Astros hosting the Yankees. President Lyndon Johnson was supposed to throw out the first pitch but arrived late.
• 1977 - Frustrated owner Ray Kroc apologies to Padre fans for the team's "stupid baseball playing". During the fast-food tycoon's tirade, a streaker runs across the field.
• 1993 - Thanks to a four-run first inning sparked Eric Young's leadoff home run, the Rockies defeat the Expos 11-4 for their first win ever. The crowd of 80,227 at Colorado's Mile High Stadium establishes a new major league Opening Day attendance record.
• You can find more fun facts at http://www.nationalpastime.com/

Now to (hopefully) brighten the mood, here's a look back at yesterday's happenings:

Have you met Texas Rangers CP Frank Francisco? Well, the Blue Jays certainly have. Yesterday, they welcomed him to the game by hitting a HR off him (Vernon Wells' 4th of the year), then putting up 2 more to steal a 3-1 win from the home squad. I'd look like this too if I did that.

Jonny Gomes seems to have finally found a home for himself in Cincinnati, where yesterday he took Cardinals CP Jason Motte deep to left field in the bottom of the 9th to give the Reds a walkoff 2-1 win and avoid the series sweep.

Philly fans. They're crazy, and their expectations are soaring this season with the signing of Roy Halladay. After starting off with 2 wins over the lowly Nationals, things were looking pretty good for Cheesesteak Nation (haha). But someone forgot to tell Nationals SP Craig Stammen, who held the Phillies to 4 runs over 5 IP, while his batters collected 6 runs en route to a 6-5 upset over the early World Series favourites and avoid the home sweep. Well done, Washington.

Now, onto today's key matchups:

Cleveland @ Detroit
Last year's ROY candidate, Rick Porcello, takes to the mound as the Tigers make their home debut. He'll be facing off against Cleveland's young lefty, David Huff, in what should prove to be a nice matchup today.

Washington @ New York (NL)
Coming off a big win over Philadelphia, the Nats now travel to New York to face the Mets. Two teams that are continuously ridiculed for their lack of performance, especially the Nats, who have been getting bullied for a long time now. This should provide an interesting series for all of us ball fans. I think a lot of overs are coming here. Starting off the series for the Nats: SP Garrett Mock. You had to know someone was gonna get Mock'd in this series!

Minnesota @ Chicago (AL)
The reason I focus on this matchup is because it marks the beginning of what will hopefully be a full season for Minnesota SP Francisco Liriano, who has been battling injuries in recent years. It's been called into question if he can regain his once dominant form. He'll be in tough today against John Danks and the hometown White Sox, so this will be a good test to start.

Picks will be up shortly, so enjoy the day gentlemen! CASHY CASHY!

The Nac · #2 04-09-2010, 11:39 AM

Cleveland Indians/Detroit Tigers UNDER 9 (-120)
D Huff -L -Must Pitch R Porcello -R - Must Pitch
Risking $3.00 To Win $2.50 USD

The Nac · #3 04-09-2010, 11:41 AM

St Louis Cardinals/Milwaukee Brewers OVER 9½ (-105)
Toronto Blue Jays (+138)
Minnesota Twins (-103)
Los Angeles Angels (-127)
All listed starters
Risking $2.00 To Win $30.74 USD

The Nac · #4 04-09-2010, 11:47 AM

Detroit Tigers (-180)
Cleveland Indians/Detroit Tigers UNDER 8½ (+100)
Risking $5.00 To Win $10.56 USD

Sweetleaf22 · #5 04-09-2010, 11:48 AM

Like it Nac, good luck today

The Nac · #6 04-09-2010, 11:54 AM

San Diego Padres (+167)
San Francisco Giants (-108)
Tampa Bay Rays (+103)
Risking $5.00 To Win $47.19 USD

There's some good value here. Couldn't resist.