Game Picks - Tuesday: September 4, 2012

Remember that old Batman television show? Remember how in the fight scenes, they always had those comic strip call outs that said, "Oof," and "Wham!"? Imagine how fun it would be if all those call outs accompanied every single incorrect pick from Labor Day. It would be epic! And it would take the sting off of one of the worst picking days in Game Picks history. Only four picks were correct. That's right, four. It took the Dodgers eleven innings to make that pick correct. The Braves behind the amazing Kris Medlen was a correct pick (and the Game of the Day pick). The Rangers behind Yu Darvish and a gazillion homers off of Bruce Chen was correct and Ricky Nolasco and the Marlins came in a winner. Everything else? Wrong. Nice try. Boink! Kappow!

What are you going to do? As mom would have asked, "Did you do your best?" Yes, Mom. "Then that's all you can do." Right, Mom. Oh well. Perhaps Tuesday will be better. The picks:

• The Tigers over the Indians: Are not the Tigers the most frustrating team of 2012? They sweep the White Sox to get a share of first place and then lose to the Indians. Doh! Rick Porcello over Justin Masterson, whose last name is starting to become a bit of an oxymoron.
• The Pirates over the Astros: The Pirates are sinking fast and it might be too late to right the ship. Whoa! Lots of cliches in that sentence. Anyway, Wandy Rodriguez beats his old team and Jordan Lyles again pitches quality innings for nor real benefit.
• The Orioles over the Blue Jays: You win, Orioles. After weeks and months of treating you like some guy that crashed the party, it is time to admit that you are the party. Zach Britton over Carlos Villanueva. Another thing to finally realize. As bad as the Red Sox have been, the Blue Jays have been worse.
• The Braves over the Rockies: Tommy Hanson, to be frank, has stunk up the joint since his return from the DL. But he can give up four or five and win this one as the Braves should score against Drew Pomeranz and whatever relievers pitch after his 75 pitches are done. And no, this picker cannot help himself by picking a fight over that stupid Rockies' plan any chance he can get.
• The Marlins over the Brewers: Shaun Marcum has not been impressive since his stint on the DL. Wade LeBlanc isn't sweet peaches and cream either, but that is the pick.
• The Rays over the Yankees: Sweet mother, the Yankees can't seem to catch a break or get themselves straightened out. Timing is everything and they sure picked a bad time to tank. Freddy Garcia? Ugh. Nope. Going with Alex Cobb.
• The Reds over the Phillies: The Phillies might come in over .500 yet this season. Kyle Kendrick has been pretty darned good in the rotation. But Mat Latos has stud stuff and can shut down any lineup.
• The Twins over the White Sox: Jose Quintana seems to be running out of gas. Is it just this guy's observation, but does anyone try to protect the arms of Hispanic pitchers? Anyway, Scott Diamond got himself suspended. Scott Diamond? That mild-mannered guy? Anyway, he wins.
• The Rangers over the Royals: There is some slight hesitation making this pick due to the fact that Jeremy Guthrie can pitch (on occasion). But, nah. The Texas Rangers will win behind Matt Harrison.
• The Mets over the Cardinals: Matt Harvey has only a start or three left before he is shut down for the season. Boy, has he been good. Let's see how he does with a big boy lineup though. Jaime Garcia goes for the Cards. He hasn't set the world on fire since coming back from the DL.
• The Angels over the Athletics: This was the pick that should have been made yesterday and wasn't. Okay. Got it. Zack Greinke over Jarrod Parker.
• The Red Sox over the Mariners: Losing streak and win streaks suck for a game picker. Will the streak keep going? Will it end? How long to ride the bandwagon? Hate them! Jon Lester breaks up the losing streak with a good effort and Blake Beavan keeps the M's in the game until late.
• The Dodgers over the Padres: Eric Stults is one hot pitcher. But he is facing Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw has to be the pick, especially after the gut wrenching loss the Padres had yesterday.
• The Giants over the Diamondbacks: It is so hard to pick against man-crush, Ian Kennedy. And Kennedy was masterful over the Dodgers in his last outing. But the Giants almost always win in games started by Ryan Vogelsong.

And the Game of the Day!

• The Nationals over the Cubs: Is anyone else tired of the Stephen Strasburg debate? How about the fact that with less than a month to go, the Nats are six and a half games clear of the Braves? How about celebrating the rest of the team a little bit? Edwin Jackson over Chris Rusin.

Yesterday: 4-11  Wham!

Week: 13-17    Crash!

Month: 19-27   Oof!

Season: 1107-884

Games of the Day: 93-63