Those stupid Cardinals. Despite great picks like the Astros and Ian Kennedy over Clayton Kershaw, the picks foundered around the .500 mark all day. The Red Sox won as predicted, but the Bay Rays did not. That's how the day went. The stupid St. Louis Cardinals was the swing game between over .500 and below it. They had Adam Wainwright on the mound, their ace. They had the early lead. And they...could...not...win! Argggghhhh! They have easily--along with the Tigers--been the most frustrating pick all season. And unfortunately, picking the Pirates has been an exercise in futility. It looks like they are falling off and hard.
And so we move to Wednesday, which is usually getaway day in baseball. But apparently, no one is getting away because there is only one day game and that doesn't start until late afternoon (on the East Coast anyway). Wednesday's picks:
- The Phillies over the Marlins: The Phillies actually have a shot at this wildcard thing. They got rid of so many people...dumped them really...and they are right there as the Pirates and Cardinals stumble. Cliff Lee can at least earn some of that contract tonight with a good performance. Josh Johnson would be a consideration before the season started, but what a disappointment he has been.
- The Cardinals over the Padres: Okay, this is a double reverse pick. Kyle Lohse is pitching and the Cardinals usually win with him pitching. But Clayton Richard is pitching at home where he always pitches well for the Padres. So the Padres should win. But that would be too easy a pick when it comes to the Cardinals, so the pick goes in a double reverse to the Cardinals. Geez. The things this picker has to do...
- The Bay Rays over the Orioles: Alex Cobb wins whenever he pitches. Don't ask this picker how. But he does. Miguel Gonzalez has really good control, which takes away the Rays' patience game. This will be low scoring with the Rays somehow finding a way to win.
- The Mariners over the Blue Jays: What ailment has befallen Ricky Romero? He has to be pitching hurt, right? Something is not right with him as he has not won all summer and has been mostly flat out awful. The only way the Blue Jays win tonight is if Kevin Millwood falters badly.
- The Yankees over the Red Sox: This picker knew the Red Sox would win yesterday. They are the worst team in the American League, but when it comes to the Yankees, they will play like they have to save their lives. And what's with the Yankees allowing the only two batters (Pedroia and Ellsbury) to do all that damage. The Yankees might want to work around those two? Eh? The only reason for this pick is Aaron Cook, who is awful. But David Phelps doesn't exactly thrill the senses either. Oy.
- The Reds over the Pirates: The Pirates are done. Toast. A.J. Burnett is reverting to form as a regression was inevitable. Homer Bailey strikes out ten and wins.
- The Nationals over the Mets: Matt Harvey has great stuff. And next year will benefit from his experiences this season. The Nats are simply too tough a team, especially with Bryce Harper hot. John Lannon will make us sing, "Imagine if this were Strasburg...it isn't hard to do..."
- The Cubs over the Astros: Two of the worst teams continue a series. Ho hum. Fernando Abad goes for the Astros. Pitching Fernando is Abad idea. Tyler Wood is not much better for the Cubs. But it is their turn to win.
- The Brewers over the Braves: Never in a million years expected the Brewers to beat the Braves yesterday. But this is another team, like the Phillies, that is making a late charge. Yovani Gallardo has been awesome at home as always and Paul Maholm is very vulnerable for the Braves.
- The Tigers over the White Sox: As confusing a team as the Tigers are, this game has to go to them based on solid logic. Gavin Floyd has always pitched well against the Tigers, but he has had elbow problems and is just coming off the DL. That does not scream success. Max Scherzer might have better stuff at times than Verlander. If Scherzer throws strikes, the White Sox have no chance.
- The Royals over the Twins: Luke Hochevar is totally a picker's nightmare. He is capable of being very good and then being just as awful. But it won't really matter because P.J. Walters starts for the Twins and the Royals should score often in this one. If Hochevar is on, this won't be close. If not, the Royals still win.
- The Rockies over the Giants: This pick feels on the stupid side, but it also feels right. Don't ask what that means. Jeff Francis knows what it is like to pitch in Coors. He does it all the time. And he sometimes does well if he can hit the edges. Tim Lincecum walks a tightrope with his fastball command and his slider won't slide as much at Coors.
- The Diamondbacks over the Dodgers: There is so much more faith in this corner for Trevor Cahill than there is for Aaron Harang. And that is the sole basis for this pick.
- The Athletics over the Angels: A.J. Griffin hasn't lost a ballgame. And it's not like he's getting lucky. The kid has been great. Ervin Santana has been much better than his terrible first half. But he gives up homers and that's what the A's like to hit.
And the Game of the Day!
- The Rangers over the Indians: If the Indians played the Rangers a hundred times, they might win ten games. Ryan Dempster deserves this pennant race. Happy for the guy. Jeanmar Gomez pitches for the Indians. Adrian Beltre is amazingly hot right now.
Yesterday: 7-8
Week: 23-18
Month: 74-77
Season: 1160-934
Games of the Day: 90-63
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