Game Picks - Friday: April 8, 2011

The wacky world of this early baseball season continues to confound the daily game picks. Yesterday, with Lester and Price pitching, both the Red Sox and Bay Rays figured to end their losing streaks. They both lost. Josh Johnson was again brilliant as predicted, but the Marlins kicked the ball around to the tune of three unearned runs and wasted his effort. Paul Maholm fell apart after a first great start and the Pirates lost. Well, at least the Astros DID break their losing streak.

There are only two days left in this week and the picks have to be good to at least break even this week!

• The Red Sox over the Yankees: Several factors point to a Red Sox win. First, they are finally home with their opener this afternoon. Two, they usually hit Phil Hughes pretty well and lastly, they are simply due for a win. Lackey goes for the Red Sox.
• The Tigers over the Royals: The Tigers also have their home opener today. Scherzer over Davies. Scherzer will have to be on his game though as the Tigers' bullpen is a mess.
• The Twins over the Athletics: The Twins open at home with Carl Pavano. The Athletics are struggling offensively and won't give Anderson enough runs to work with.
• The Mets over the Nationals: Zimmerman has been quiet so far, which doesn't help Zimmermann, who pitched well his first time out but still got the loss. R. A. Dickey still continues to confound oppositions.
• The Cardinals over the Giants: Both teams have struggled out of the gate. Going with Westbrook over Sanchez, but not overly filled with confidence as the Giants are home.
• The Rockies over the Pirates: Ohlendorf pitched pretty well his first start, but he can't seem to get wins. De La Rosa looks fabulous early this season.
• The Astros over the Marlins: The Marlins have to be the most unpredictable team on the planet. Nolasco starts in Houston against Wandy Rodriguez. Wandy's always been the Fan's man.
• The Orioles over the Rangers: The Rangers are due for a loss. Colby Lewis has a career ERA against the Orioles of over 6.00. Britton is a young lefty that should shut down the Rangers' attack.
• The Braves over the Phillies: Great pitching match up of Cliff Lee versus Tim Hudson. Going with Hudson at home.
• The Cubs over the Brewers: Zambrano wasn't exactly sharp his first time out. But neither was Wolf. Going with Zambrano and the Cubs.
• The Rays over the White Sox: The Fan doesn't have any choice but to keep picking the Bay Rays until they win. Shields looks much better this year. He wins over Danks in Chicago.
• The Reds over the Diamondbacks: Have to go with Wood over Kennedy. Though the Red have to lose some time this year.
• The Dodgers over the Padres: The pitching match up seems even with Lilly versus Richard. Going with the Dodgers' better offense in San Diego.
• The Blue Jays over the Angels: Riding the Drabek wave and Jose Bautista should be back in the line up tonight. Santana goes for the Angels at home.

And the Game of the Day

• The Mariners over the Indians: The Indians had to travel yesterday across the country for the game. Carrasco offers no inspiration and Vargas is a good pitcher for the Mariners.

Yesterday: 4-5
Week: 26-31
Month: 44-44
Season: 44-44
Games of the Day: 3-5