Game Picks - Saturday: May 9, 2009

Now that was fun. Nearly everything predicted in this space yesterday came to pass. Baker was showing signs of getting it together--he pitches a shutout. A-Rod will give a boost to the Yankees--He hits a three run homer. Cueto pitched well his last time out--seven innings of one-run ball. Verlander would be just a bit tougher than Lee--he was, with a lot of help from Granderson's amazing catch. "Wandy is the man"--he pitched a shutout. "Contreras is pitching for the White Sox, enough said"--he stunk again. "Nolasco is due for a good game"--he was and had one. "Washington has been raking and the Diamondbacks are the anti-rakers"--the Nationals won. Awesome!

Let's see if we can keep this ball rolling with Saturday's picks:

• Pirates over the Mets: One of the few picks from yesterday that was wrong. But Maholm is pitching for the Pirates. Like him over Maine.
• Braves over the Phillies: Vasquez has really responded to his situation in Atlanta. Like him here against Blanton.
• Dodgers over the Giants: Stults was terrible his last time out. He should rebound against the Giants.
• Bay Rays over the Red Sox: This one feels stupid on the up and up, but Kazmir should tie up Ortiz and Drew.
• Oakland over Toronto: In a battle of young pitchers, like Gallagher over Tallet.
• Padres over Houston: Never pick Moehler at this point.
• Brewers over the Cubs: Gallardo has been great. Dempster has not been great.
• Yankees over the Orioles: Will take Hughes over Eaton on any given day.
• Indians over the Tigers: Carmona showed some good signs last time out. Like him over Jackson.
• Rangers over the White Sox: Is the Fan really picking Millwood to win. Crazy! And against John Danks? Nuts?
• Reds over the Cardinals: Harang is due for a good start. Lohse was beat up last time out and doesn't look healthy to this viewer.
• Mariners over the Twins: King Felix over Liriano. Two years ago, this would have been really exciting. Now, Liriano looks ordinary.
• Marlins over the Rockies: Josh Johnson has become one of the best pitchers in the league.
• Nationals over the Diamondbacks: Again!? Like this Lannon kid.
• Royals over the Angels: Will not pick against Greinke until he falters. He is the feel good story of the year.

Yesterday: 12-3
Week: 49-39