Game Picks - Thursday: October 1, 2009

September did indeed go out with a bang. It was kind of sad to see the Braves and the Twins' hopes of playoff spots go up in flames, but that's the way it goes. You need to play good baseball all year and not just the final month of the season. The Tigers aren't a great team, but they put a better season together than the Twins. And the Rockies won when it mattered and the Braves did not. Too bad the Braves closed against the Marlins, who just might be the best team that can't seem to get the job done all season. As for the Dodgers and the Red Sox, way to back into the playoffs fellas. Both teams sure stunk up the joint in the last week of the season.

Four more days of games in the regular season. For those who have already reached the playoffs, look for more B team games. For those not in contention, there is always stat padding to be done.

Here's what Thursday looks like:

• The Reds over the Cardinals: Carpenter goes for the Cardinals, but the Fan can't seem him going beyond five innings or so in what will probably be just a tune up for the playoffs. The Reds were 18-9 in September.
• The Twins over the Tigers: In a classic game of "it's too late, darling, it's too late," the Twins have Baker going against Nate Robertson. They should win.
• The Rockies over the Brewers: The Rockies will whack around Parra and finish the job for the season.
• The Diamondbacks over the Giants: In a game worth paying to watch, Lincecum squares up against Haran. These two studs are about even, so you go with the better offense.
• The Rangers over the Angels: Millwood should win against the Angels' B team.
• The Phillies over the Astros: Paulino has been terrible and Cliff Lee needs a good start before the big show.
• The Bay Rays over the Orioles: Garza should have no problem here.
• The Braves over the Nationals: Hanson should beat Mock as the Braves try to act like it's not too late.
• The Red Sox over the Indians: Lester's five inning tune up against Carrasco should be enough to finally win the Sox a game.
• The Pirates over the Cubs: Maholm should have no trouble over the folding Cubs, especially with Samardzija starting for the Cubs.
• Oakland over Seattle: This Anderson kid is nasty. Two A-plus pitches. Just nasty.

Yesterday: 10-5
Week: 34-20
Month: 230-168 Final for September. 58%