Game Picks - Tuesday: May 18, 2010

That was a little better. It was nice to finish fairly well in the win column after a disastrous Sunday. But to get there, Papelban had to Papelbomb, which is about as rare as the two political parties agreeing on anything. The Cubs won again, which bodes well. The Royals won which at least bodes differently. The Cardinals hit, which hasn't happened in a while. The Rangers won against a division rival. It was an interesting day in baseball.

Wednesday will feature yet another chapter in the Red Sox - Yankees saga along with a full slate of games. Here we go:

• The Reds over the Brewers: The Reds are a team worth studying. Stay tuned because it is time. The Brewers are floundering. Parra is starting tonight which isn't helpful and thus part of the problem.
• The Twins over the Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are better than most teams. They aren't better than Minnesota. Pavano over Marcum.
• The White Sox over the Tigers: This is one of those games where your mind plays tricks on you. Garcia has been picked against a half dozen times and won most of them. Porcello seems to be struggling. Flip it. Flip it good.
• The Marlins over the Diamondbacks: The outcome seems obvious in this one. Josh Johnson against Billy Buckner, making his first start of 2010. So then why is the obvious so scary?
• The Bay Rays over the Indians: Price versus Huff? Forgettaboutit.
• The Phillies over the Pirates: Halladay. Yes. So many obvious picks so far. Frightening.
• The Yankees over the Red Sox: Beckett will put it together some time. But it might not matter up against Sabathia.
• The Mets over the Braves: Giving the pick to Johan Santana, which hasn't been as easy to do as in the past.
• The Rockies over the Cubs: Oh dear...what to do. Chacin was brilliant for two starts and rather unbrilliant last time. Carlos Silva has been a huge surprise, but each game seems to get less and less effective.
• The Angels over the Rangers: Weaver has been really good. He'll be the difference.
• The Cardinals over the Nationals: The Nationals are coming to earth a bit. Facing Carpenter won't help.
• The Padres over the Giants: Good match up with Latos versus Sanchez. Going with Latos who throws more strikes.
• The Mariners over the Athletics: Can't figure out what's wrong with King Feliz, but he should beat Sheets.
• The Astros over the Dodgers: Still saying this winning streak has to end some time.

And the GAME OF THE DAY!

• The Royals over the Orioles: Greinke versus Millwood. In a vacuum-sealed, perfect world, the Royals should win.

Yesterday: 9-5 (a game was rained out)
Week: 14-17
Month: 118-112
Season: 218-237
Games of the Day: 16-15