Okay, two things are clear after yesterday. First, these picks every day will go without the video. The audience has spoken. Understood. And it's okay. It was just an idea. Secondly, the only pick that was incorrect yesterday is the one that this picker wanted correct more than anything. Oh well. But there was an 80 percent correct rate and the Game of the Day was correct again. Life goes on.
Back to a full slate of games today and the picks go on as well. Friday's picks:
- The Pirates over the Cubs: Feisty would be better for the Cubs on the field if it meant more competitive play. What does throwing at people do? A.J. Burnett should win this one. Travis Wood goes for the Cubs.
- The Nationals over the Marlins: The penultimate start of the year for Stephen Strasburg. Enjoy it. Jacob Turner goes for the Marlins.
- The Orioles over the Yankees: Yes, this picker has given up. Better to be pleasantly surprised than consistently disappointed. Wei-Yin Chen goes for the O's and Phil Hughes pitches for the Yankees.
- The Braves over the Mets: So the Mets have six pitchers for a rotation, but not six guys who can hit in the lineup. Got it. Jon Niese is perpetually perplexing. Ooo! That was nice to say with the two "P" sounds. Paul Maholm has pitched well against the Mets if not against anyone else.
- The Reds over the Astros: Lucas Harrell deserves more Rookie of the Year mentions than he has gotten. He leads all rookies in innings pitched and strikeouts. And he has a quarter of the Astros' wins. Unfortunaely, his team won't beat the Reds wether or not Homer Bailey is any good tonight.
- The Bay Rays over the Rangers. Jeremy Hellickson has been very solid of late and Derek Holland has not pitched well against the Rays. The Rangers are in cruise control while the Rays are scratching and clawing.
- The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: This picker keeps picking Felix Doubront despite the fact that he hasn't had a good start in like forever. But, Henderson Alvarez has been putrid for the Blue Jays over an extended period of time and can't survive to pitch into the sixth inning.
- The Twins over the Indians: A battle of disappointing teams and a battle of nothing pitchers. This pick is unscientifically given to Liam Hendriks to finally win a game as the law of averages says he should. Jeanmar Gomez will get crushed by the Twins' offense.
- The Royals over the White Sox: Still not feeling Francisco Liriano, especially when he threw 100 pitches in four innings the other day. Sheesh. Not that Luis Mendoza is always fun to pick either. The Royals have been playing better, but losing late. We'll see.
- The Cardinals over the Brewers: The Cards are in the driver's seat for the wild card but they have to win some games. Fortunately, their starter, Kyle Lohse is 14-2 and even his last outing wasn't his fault since his defense behind him was full of holes. Yovani Gallardo got rocked his last time out and is not as safe a bet on the road as he is at home.
- The Padres over the Diamondbacks: A real tough call here. Tyler Skaggs has been good, but usually only goes five innings. It's a crap shoot after he leaves the game. And fireballing, Andrew Cashner, goes for the Padres after coming off the disabled list from a lat muscle problem. He won't go more than five innings either.
- The Tigers over the Angels: Two up and down teams play each other. Which one will be which tonight? The pick has to go with Max Scherzer whose stuff has been unbelievable lately. He has been more exciting to watch than Verlander of late. The Angels go with Ervin Santana who is still trying to salvage his season.
- The Mariners over the Athletics: This is a really tough game to pick. Felix Hernandez is traditionally strong against the A's. But these are not the same A's. King Felix is at home and should thrive there. But he team can't hit very well and A.J. Griffin has been terrific this season. Tough, tough call.
- The Giants over the Dodgers: The Dodgers really need this game. But Tim Lincecum will probably pitch well and the Giants will get to Josh Beckett. Mind you, there is not a lot of confidence to this pick.
And the Game of the Day!
- The Phillies over the Rockies: Cliff Lee is the forgotten pitcher. He is still very good and his last few starts attest. But that still is a lot of money given to a guy who is 4-7. Jeff Francis goes for the Rockies and occasionally, his slop can get people out.
Yesterday: 4-1
Week: 33-32
Month: 39-42
Season: 1127-899
Games of the Day: 86-63
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