Once again, the picks labored yesterday (pun intended and Happy Labor Day). It was a struggle to get to nine correct picks for the day. The new month is still a pick in the red. Two cataclysmic blown saves occurred. One helped the picks (Papelbon) and one hurt the picks (Putz). Or was it the other way around? Can't remember. Anyway, at least Justin Verlander made the Game of the Day correct and put the picks over the top. We officially have a dog race in the AL Central. The AL East is mighty tight as well as the Yankees are missing a third of their regular lineup and keep losing.
It is nice to have a Monday holiday as that means today is like a bonus Sunday with a bunch of day games. Nice! Here are today's Labor Day picks:
- The Cubs over the Nationals: Let's start with an upset pick. Jeff Samardzija can shut down any lineup if he is on and Ross Detwiler has not had good success (SSS) against the Cubs. This might be an incredibly stupid pick, but this picker is feeling it.
- The Tigers over the Indians: The Tigers better not let down after their big sweep in Chicago. Fortunately, they are playing a team that is flatter than a coin left on the railroad track in the Cleveland Indians. Anibal Sanchez faces Corey Kluber, who hasn't won a game yet.
- The Blue Jays over the Orioles: Another upset pick. Uh oh. Joe Saunders makes his first start for the O's and that does not excite this picker at all. J.A. Happ could have a good outing here and hold the Orioles down and win a battle of baseball birds.
- The Marlins over the Brewers: Oh great. Two of the hardest teams to predict are playing each other. Mommy! Ricky Nolasco should be the difference here as two of his three starts recently have been complete games. But Mike Fiers has been good too. Ugh.
- The Yankees over the Rays: Completely biased and helpless pick. James Shields either pitches a gem against the Yankees historically, or he gets hit hard early. There is no in between. C.C. Sabathia has not been a shut down ace for most of this season. A-Rod might be back today.
- The Reds over the Phillies: Johnny Cueto is gunning for the Cy Young Award this season and this pick is based on that pitcher. If he lives up to that billing, he should beat Tyler Cloyd who is making his second major league start.
- The Pirates over the Astros: This is an interesting game. Edgar Gonzalez has been a bit of a sensation in the Mexican Leagues and easily handled his one Triple-A start. And Jeff Locke is a fireball thrower who is a hope for the Pirates' future. Very fascinating!
- The Rangers over the Royals: If this match up of Yu Darvish versus Bruce Chen were to come up a hundred times during the year, the pick would always be the Rangers. But again, anything can happen in a game and usually does.
- The Mets over the Cardinals: Another upset pick! Colin McHugh was spectacular in his Mets' debut. Can he repeat it against a great hitting team? Can Joe Kelly continue to avoid disaster with his WHIP? We'll find out today.
- The Athletics over the Angels: There was in internal debate on this one as it could go either way. Tommy Milone has been good and had a good outing last time out. C.J. Wilson just won for the first time in eleven tries and still gave up three runs in six innings. Who knows.
- The Diamondbacks over the Giants: Barry Zito simply cannot be trusted. Patrick Corbin was great until his manager left him in one inning too many last time out.
- The Red Sox over the Mariners: There have been some rumors floating around that Valentine will be fired today. It would not be surprising, but it still isn't his fault. The team is what is is and the results are deserved with this team's current talent level. Despite what happens, Clay Buchholz should win this game with a great effort over Jason Vargas.
- The Twins over the White Sox: Heavens! Another upset pick. The White Sox are starting a rookie, Hector Santiago and the Twins will go with Samuel Deduno. Deduno at least has some frame of reference to go by and it hasn't been half bad. The White Sox need to rebound after that series, but it might not be today.
- The Dodgers over the Padres: The Padres have been hot and newcomers like Andrew Werner have been one of the reasons. For this pick to be correct, Joe Blanton needs to hold the Padres to a run, which is quite doable. Don't you want to call Andrew, "Pop Werner," whenever you see his name?
And the Game of the Day!
- The Braves over the Rockies: Kris Medlen has been outstanding for the Braves and should not have trouble with the away-from-home version of the Rockies. Tyler Chatwood might be decent for his 75 pitches, and then what?
Yesterday: 9-6
Week: 9-6
Month: 15-16
Season: 1103-873
Games of the Day: 82-63
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