Game Picks - Sunday: August 26, 2012

Saturday was more of a struggle than the previous few days. The picks came up only a game over the break even point. The Game of the Day pick was the deciding one, and of course, that was good news as that feature is on a roll now. And even though the final results were just barely in the positive, the week was one of the best of the summer and finished, 61-35. That is a 63.5 percent success rate. Not too shabby.

The new week begins with a new look Dodgers, an emaciated Red Sox, a fired up Oakland club and interesting games all over the majors. There are only fourteen games because the Republicans took over Tampa. Let's take a look at Sunday's games:

1. The Tigers over the Angels: The teams have split the first two games and this rubber game is tough to call. Ervin Santana has been better of late. Both teams have their big sluggers struggling with injuries. The game will come down to how well Max Scherzer pitches. When he is on, this guy is electric. Mike Trout went without a hit in five at bats yesterday.
2. The Yankees over the Indians: The Indians were very fortunate yesterday as the Yankees kept loading the bases and then hitting rockets right at people. Today they face one of the most enigmatic pitchers in baseball in Ubaldo Jimenez. If the Yankees are going to get him, they better do it early. Freddy Garcia has been solid if unspectacular for the Yankees.
3. The Astros over the Mets: The Astros are going to win a series! Can you believe it? They have their best pitcher, Lucas Harrell, on the mound facing the Mets' sixth starter, Jeremy Hefner. 
4. The Cardinals over the Reds: Completely relying on Adam Wainwright to be ace-like in this game. If he isn't, well, then the Cardinals will do it to this picker again. Homer Bailey was much better his last time out, but faces a really tough lineup.
5. The Royals over the Red Sox: Let's see. The Red Sox traded their best hitter. Lost their DH again, this time perhaps for the season. Suspended their former closer. Are shorthanded and have a pitcher pitching, Felix Doubront, who hasn't pitched in a couple of weeks and hasn't won since June. Hmm... Will Smith goes for the Royals.
6. The Pirates over the Brewers: The Bucs got off the schnide yesterday with a win as Jeff Karstens was superb. Perhaps that will inspire Erik Bedard who has been spotty all season. The Brewers will start Mark Rogers, who finally got a win his last time out and the bullpen didn't blow it.
7. The Orioles over the Blue Jays: It's been an exercise in futility picking against the Orioles, so it is a pretty good idea to stop beating the head against the wall. Chris Tillman has been good more often than not and Henderson Alvarez seems to have hit a wall.
8. The Phillies over the Nationals: This series, the Phillies have roused themselves as if to say, "Okay, you are the new power in the East, but we are the old champs and don't forget it." Cliff Lee over Jordan Zimmermann.
9. The White Sox over the Mariners: It was a nice run while it lasted, Mariner fans. But the Yankees woke the White Sox out of their slumber and they are now on fire. Gavin Floyd over Kevin Millwood.
10. The Rockies over the Cubs: Will the ballad of Chris Volstad continue? Will he lose his fifteen decision in a row? Will he go 0-10? There is a strong possibility it may happen. Jhoulys Chacin pitched well in his return from the DL.
11. The Dodgers over the Marlins: How good do the Dodgers have to feel about themselves right now? That lineup just got awful deep. Aaron Harang is usually solid in his big home park. Mark Buehrle might be the only thing that can spoil the party. Giancarlo Stanton is on a homer tear.
12. The Diamondbacks over the Padres: The Padres are hot and have made the D- backs look stupid. But this game should turn out differently. Joe Saunders will have a good game and Edinson Volquez will be Edinson Volquez.
13. The Braves over the Giants: The Braves showed something with their win yesterday and their ace, Tim Hudson, should enjoy pitching in San Francisco. The Giants have to be looking at the Dodgers and thinking, "No way!" Tim Lincecum has been good lately. Can the Braves get to him early?

And the Game of the Day!

• The Rangers over the Twins: The Twins looked competitive there for a while, but have again fallen on hard times. The Rangers will take full advantage and finish off the sweep. Scott Feldman has been solid in the second half with the exception of a bad start against the Yankees. Cole De Vries has not been so good.

Yesterday: 8-7

Last Week: 61-35

Month: 206-141

Season: 1048-821

Games of the Day: 79-58