Game Picks - Monday: August 6, 2012

Sunday was not a bad day at 9-6. The big surprise of the day was Miguel Gonzalez keeping up David Price holding the Rays scoreless in his outing and allowed the Orioles the opportunity to win the game in extra innings. The unfortunate thing there was picking David Price as the Game of the Day. Bummer. The huge mistake of the picking day was picking against A.J. Burnett. How could the picks not pick A.J. Burnett? Probably all those times watching him in a Yankee uniform. But man, you have to give it up for the season he is having.

Only four teams are off today so there are thirteen games on the schedule. Not bad. Here is how they should go:

• The Diamondbacks over the Pirates: Two reasons for this pick. First, Wade Miley has been outstanding and he should be even better pitching in Pittsburgh. Secondly, Erik Bedard has lost twelve games this season. That is a lot of losses. And in his last ten starts, he has failed to pitch past the fifth inning in half of them.
• The Braves over the Phillies: Every time Ben Sheets gets a start, you have to hold your breath that it won't be his last one. But as long as he can hold his health together, he has a chance to win. He is that good. Vance Worley is good too, but his Phillies can't hit like the Braves can.
• The Twins over the Indians: The Indians just came off a devastating weekend against the Tigers and Sunday's loss was the worst one of them all. Zach McAllister has been terrific. But Scott Diamond has been good too and the Twins are hitting better than the Indians right now.
• The Yankees over the Tigers: Justin Verlander hasn't been a lock against the Yankees. The only reservation here is that the Yankees are missing some offensive pieces. But the feeling here is that Ivan Nova will have a good game in a big ballpark. He is certainly due for one after several disappointing starts.
• The Orioles over the Mariners: The Mariners are playing pretty well except against the Yankees. But the offense is still suspect. Jason Vargas has been very good. But Chris Tillman will out-pitch him for the win.
• The Rangers over the Red Sox: As noted before, Yu Darvish has long not been an automatic pick in this feature. Frankly, he has been all over the place. But in this game, AaRon Cook gets the start for the Red Sox and the Rangers should nail him hard and often.
• The Nationals over the Astros: It's hard not to feel badly for the Astros and their fans. They were rediculed in Atlanta yesterday and that should never happen. But the sad fact is they will keep losing. Dallas Keuchel has not been good since June and Edwin Jackson should have little trouble getting the win.
• The Brewers over the Reds: This pick might be a surprise to you, especially after the Brewers were dismantled by the Cardinals over the weekend. But the Brewers go home for this one and Yovani Gallardo is usually good there. Plus, Bronson Arroyo has been surprisingly effective. A real bad start seems due for him.
• The White Sox over the Royals: Chris Sale has had some rest and as long as he isn't really rusty and wild, he should win this one. His only obstacle is the BABIP of Luis Mendoza who had his pitches hit at people in his last effective start.
• The Cardinals over the Giants: Matt Cain has been a little flat since his no-hitter, but he is still an awesome pitcher. The Cardinals, though, have the best offense in the NL, especially at home. Jake Westbrook has to have a decent outing though.
• The Padres over the Cubs: The Padres ruined two picks over the weekend, so they might as well be picked against the Cubs. Eric Stults gets the start after the current reincarnation of Kip Wells feel by the wayside. Travis Wood could be very good in Petco though. Hmm...
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: When was the last time Chris Capuano won for the Dodgers. It seems like a long time. So either he is due, or he is regressing to his season a year ago with the Mets.Counting on the former for this pick. Drew Pomeranz should be better in Chavez Ravine than at Coors though.

And the Game of the Day!

• The Angels over the Athletics: In the immortal words of Marlin on Finding Nemo when that big ugly fish lighted up, "Good feeling, gone." The A's are starting to crack a bit after such a fantastic run and their young pitchers are not holding up. Jarrod Parker should get hit by the Angels and Jered Weaver should make that lineup look silly. But again, "should," is the operative word.

Yesterday: 9-6

Week: 9-6

Month: 41-30

Season: 883-716

Games of the Day: 66-51