Game Picks - Tuesday: August 7, 2012

Yesterday was one of the better Mondays this summer for the Game Picks. There were only four incorrect picks out of thirteen. One was the Yankees as Ivan Nova again could not give that team a decent showing. Justin Verlander gave up two unearned runs and if Nova could have done his job, the outcome would have been different. The same could be said for Yu Darvish. Wasn't he supposed to be this wunderkind? Heck, give this picker Scott Feldman any day over Darvish. The Rockies pitched a combined shutout on the Dodgers. Now how odd is that? Drew Pomeranz pitched well in his 75 pitches and wasn't allowed to get the victory. That has to suck. The last incorrect pick was a superb outing by Erik Bedard. Frankly, this picker didn't think he had it in him. Big win for him and the Pirates as the brilliant pick of the Brewers over the Reds came in aces.

Back to a full schedule on Tuesday. Too bad there isn't a day game in the bunch. Here are Tuesday's picks:

• The Pirates over the Diamondbacks: Patrick Corbin pitched six shutout innings against the Dodgers his last time out. Can he repeat that effort? Doubts abound here. Jeff Karstens has had a nice little run for himself winning five in a row. The last time he pitched against the D-backs, he hurt his shoulder. Let's hope he gets through this start okay.
• The Braves over the Phillies: Mike Minor has been outstanding since the start of July. Cole Hamels has been good too, but the Phillies can't score lately. Well, they gave away 22% of their offense, so that explains a lot and Ruiz is hurt. So give the Braves the nod here.
• The Twins over the Indians: Sam Deduno has done nothing but win since he joined the Twins' rotation. The Twins are killing the ball right now. Corey Kluber does not look ready for prime time. At least he didn't in his first start.
• The Yankees over the Tigers: Yeah, you're right. This is a wishful thinking pick. Phil Hughes has beaten the Tigers this season and Rick Porcello limited the Yankees to one run on June 2. Frankly, this is one of those up in the air picks that either team could win depending on which pitcher is hot.
• The Mariners over the Orioles: The Yankees really messed Zach Britton up his last outing. Will he recover? Will he go back permanently into Buck Showalter's doghouse? Meanwhile, Blake Beavan has won four in a row and every one of those picks were wrong here. This picker learns eventually.
• The Mets over the Marlins: Jon Niese owns the Marlins. Wade LeBlanc always finds a home in a big ballpark. That is one smart kid. Think about it. Comerica to Petco and now to the new Marlins Stadium.
• The Red Sox over the Rangers: Welcome to the AL, Mr. Ryan Dempster. Meet Mr. Oswalt. Yeah, he found out too. Jon Lester looks better of late. Of course, if the Rangers' bats ever reappear, they could change the outcome of this one.
• The Bay Rays over the Blue Jays: In another chapter of the Ays series, James Shields should be strong after a great last start. J.A. Happ wasted away in the bullpen for a couple of weeks for the Blue Jays. Dumb. Evan Longoria is back for this one. The Rays' offense can use him.
• The Nationals over the Astros: Ross Detwiler is making the most of his opportunity and should have little trouble with the Astros. Jordan Lyles is going out there every fifth day and doing his best. What more can you ask of the poor kid in a bad situation?
• The Reds over the Brewers: Johnny Cueto is the difference in this game. Mike Fiers has been outstanding. But Cueto is a Cy Young Award candidate.
• The White Sox over the Royals: Said it once and will say it one more time: The Royals chose really poorly when they chose this manager. The team has no spark. No life. No hope. Jake Peavy over Bruce Chen.
• The Cardinals over the Giants: Lance Lynn has had a second wind lately and is back to being sharp for the Cardinals. All he has to be is adequate tonight as his offense should tee off on Barry Zito.
• The Padres over the Cubs: The Padres are starting Ross Ohlendorf. Well, okay. He can be serviceable at times. The Cubs are getting a major league debut from Brook Raley. Who knows what to expect there. These are the kinds of picks that cause insomnia.
• The Rockies over the Dodgers: The Rockies win two in a row? Could happen if Alex White throws like he did in his last outing. And let's fall face facts: Aaron Harang simply isn't very good--a fact he has hidden by choosing wisely for his home parks.

And the Game of the Day!

• The Angels over the Athletics: It was fun, A's. And it was a nice run. The Angels are taking over and C.J. Wilson will beat Bartolo Colon.

Yesterday: 9-4

Week: 18-10

Month: 50-34

Season: 892-720

Games of the Day: 67-51