The reigning World Series champions Houston Astros will open the new season with a matchup against American League West-rival Texas Rangers on Thursday. I think Texas will be able to keep this a close game with left-hander Cole Hamels on the mound. Hamels was 11-6 with a 4.20 ERA last season and owns a 3-1 record with a 2.84 ERA in his past five starts against the Astros.

Houston hands the ball to veteran Justin Verlander who will be making his 10th Opening Day start in the past 11 years. Verlander has been terrific since being acquired from Detroit, but the Rangers should be more up for this game I would be surprised to see the Astros suffer a slight World Series hangover early in the season.

8* play on Texas Rangers +1.5.