Game Picks - Sunday: July 10, 2011

Yesterday was some kind of day wasn't it? Derek Jeter is of course the biggest news. Unfortunately for the Fan and his wonderful wife, we didn't get to see it because we were traveling all day. And yes, the accent should be on "all." Up at 4:30 in the morning, the car didn't pull into the yard until 9:00 P.M. last night. Ugh. Thankfully, in this day an age of digital media, we were able to relive Jeter's milestone via MLB.com and the highlights.

This picker had two days worth of picks to tally this morning and after that 2-13 start last Sunday to the week, the final tally for the week just squeaked over .500. This pick will take that. Friday was a pretty good day here with a 9-5 record, but yesterday was just mundane at 8-7. One team that was picked nearly threw a no-hitter and still lost. How's that for luck? But luck wasn't all of it. For some reason, this picker thought Charlie Furbush had a chance to win. Ha! That was stupid. And what of that White Sox/Twins series? The Fan picked the White Sox on Friday and they lost. The Fan then picked the Twins on Saturday and they lost. Nice going, eh?

And so Sunday is the start of new things. There is a new week beginning for the picks. But it's All Star week and that will take some fun out of the picking. But it also brings the picks back home, in the familiar saddle without the distractions of the warm Florida air. And thank goodness the Fan doesn't have to listen to Tommy Hutton until next year. Geez, he's awful.

Sunday's picks:

• The Yankees over the Bay Rays: James Shields will be pitching which will make his All Star appointment moot since he won't be able to pitch. C. C. Sabathia, meanwhile, won't be going to Arizona and will win his 13th.
• The Indians over the Blue Jays: As good at Jose Bautista is going doesn't compensate for the fact that the Blue Jays can't finish off their games with their bullpen. Plus Carlos Carrasco can be very good. Brett Cecil pitched a complete game last time out to avoid the bullpen, but still lost.
• The Marlins over the Astros: It seems the Marlins long drought is over. With timely hitting at last, the Marlins look different these past few days. Chris Volsdad will have to have a good game with Wandy Rodriguez on the hill for the Astros.
• The Braves over the Phillies: Derek Lowe has the uncanny ability to lift his game against big time opponents and great starting pitchers. Cole Hamels starts, which again makes his All Star selection moot.
• The Orioles over the Red Sox: You heard that right. The Orioles haven't won in forever. But their pitcher, Mitch Atkins at least has a chance facing Kyle Weiland, making his major league debut.
• The Pirates over the Cubs: This series has this picker sucking air. Seriously, how do you pick between Ramon Ortiz and Paul Maholm?
• The Nationals over the Rockies: As of the time of this writing, the Rockies hadn't announced their starter. That's not encouraging. The Nationals, meanwhile, get their last start from Jordan Zimmermann, whose innings will be cut down after the All Star break because of a team imposed innings limit.
• The Reds over the Brewers: This pick is all emotion and this picker admits it. The smart pick would be Randy Wolf of the Brewers. But the Reds are starting Dontrelle Willis and this Fan has to root for Willis as he attempts yet one more comeback.
• The White Sox over the Twins: This stinking series comes to a conclusion and maybe the Fan can get one of them right. Jake Peavy needs to stop walking people, but if he does, he should beat Anthony Swarzak.
• The Cardinals over the Diamondbacks: The Cardinals should smack Zach Duke silly and Jaime Garcia is usually really good at home.
• The Rangers over the Athletics: This picker is always fearful of picking against Trevor Cahill because he is that good at times. But with the Rangers home, the Fan is going with Matt Harrison instead.
• The Angels over the Mariners: The Angels already beat Michael Pineda. Why should they lose to Felix Hernandez? Dan Haren will be as good and then the bullpens take over.
• The Padres over the Dodgers: Tim Stauffer has been terrific while Ted Lilly is pitching like he is hurt. The Padres have to score though, not an easy thing for them.
• The Mets over the Giants: Just a feeling that Mike Pelfrey will do well against the Giants while Matt Cain will give up four runs to the Mets.

And the Game of the Day!

• The Tigers over the Royals: Again, an All Star selection will make that pick pointless as Justin Verlander starts for the Tigers. He faces Jeff Francis. Mismatch.

Friday: 9-5

Saturday: 8-7

Last Week: 52-50

Month: 69-60

Season: 723-622

Games of the Day: 64-37