Game Picks - Thursday: April 22, 2010

It always seems amazing how much bullpens can play havoc on picking games. Last night was a prime example. This picker ended up having a mediocre night* though it was still above .500. But blown saves by the Marlins and the Angels and an implosion by the Rockies bullpen meant that this picker had virtually predicted the outcome exactly the way it should have been and things went exactly according to plan...until the closer or reliever came in. Turn those three games into wins and the Fan has another great night. But then again, how stupid was it to pick against Roy Halladay? So there really is no getting off the hook there.

*Posnanski asterisk: The Fan once used "Mediocre" in a prayer and his son, then a young boy, interrupted his father and asked earnestly, "What's the middle of an egg have to do with anything?"

So, anyway, Thursday is another day with a pretty good slate of games considering it's a travel day. Let's see if we can't do better today:

• The Brewers over the Pirates: Braun is absolutely killing the ball, Wolf is pitching and the Pirates are reeling. All that adds up to a Brew Crew victory.
• The Indians over the Twins: Talbot has been good so far for the Indians. Baker has been struggling for the Twins. The Indians salvage one game of the series.
• The Yankees over the Athletics: Braden has been really good but so has Sabathia. The Yankees aren't even clicking on all cylinders yet and are still 11-3.
• The Nationals over the Rockies: Yeah, the Fan knows. But after getting burned twice in row by Livan, call him sensitive to put his finger in that light socket again.
• The Mets over the Cubs: Santana versus Gorzelanny. Enough said.
• The Reds over the Dodgers: This seems like a dumb pick, but sticking with Leake over Padilla. Manny is back and is killing the ball. Hmmm...
• The Braves over the Phillies: Lowe gives up four runs a game. Moyer gives up five. That math adds up for the Braves.
• The Rangers over the Red Sox: The poor Rangers are 0 for the American League East. But Lewis will beat Buchholz.
• The Marlins over the Astros: The Fan isn't exactly excited to pick Sanchez to win for the Marlins, but would be even less excited to pick Paulino.
• The Tigers over the Angels: In Verlander we trust. In Saunders we do not.

And the GAME OF THE DAY (whose idea was this?)

• The White Sox over the Bay Rays: Peavy rises to the occasion and beats one Mr. Shields.

Yesterday: 8-7
Week: 31-22
Month: 132-74
Games of the Day: 3-3