The Braves appear set to challenge for a postseason berth after a four-year absence and will want to get Bobby Cox' final season as manager off on a winning note at home in Atlanta.
The 2010 MLB season opens for the Chicago Cubs and Braves in Atlanta on Monday at Turner Field. The Cubs will send Carlos Zambrano to the bump while the Braves send Derek Lowe.
Both teams appear to have made decent moves as well as some young talent coming up for the Braves, giving both teams reason for optimism this season.
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This has not been the best situation for the Cubs as they are 8-27 when installed as an underdog of 150 or less last season. Chicago is 19-42 their last 61 as an underdog and 17-38 their last 55 as a road dog.
Zambrano is 2-3 when starting against Atlanta with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500. Lowe is 3-1 when taking the bump against the Cubs with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.218.
The Braves are 7-1 in Lowe's last eight starts when installed as a home favorite. Atlanta also won the season series a year ago, taking four of six from Chicago, two out of three at home.
We will back the host as the Braves get their first win of the season in manager Bobby Cox swan song. Lay the chalk with the Braves on Monday over the Cubs.
Projected Final Score: Atlanta-3 Chicago-1
Free MLB Pick: Braves -130