Yesterday's MLB Game Picks came out in the positive. But for some reason, it sure does not feel that way. The first three games of the day featured six aces in an incredible array of starting pitching. Two of those games were picked incorrectly as Tim Hudson beat Stephen Strasburg and Madison Bumgarner beat Jeff Samardzija. Then the Yankees lost and Phil Hughes got beat up pretty good and the picks were suddenly, 1-4. Fortunately, only two other games were incorrect the rest of the day. But one of those was the Game of the Day, so that feature is on a two game losing streak.
The amount of key injuries around baseball are sad. They are depriving us of some great players. Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Reyes, Zack Greinke, Johnny Cueto, Yoenis Cespedes and more. It seems every day brings bad news. Not only do these injuries effect picking games, but it deprives the fans of genuine and entertaining talent.
But to use the ultimate cliche, the show must go on. Here are Sunday's picks:
- The Phillies over the Marlins: Sure, there is all kinds of concerns about Roy Halladay, who starts today. And there should be. But this is the Marlins they are playing. And while the Marlins were correctly picked to win yesterday, those wins will become few and far in between. Kevin Slowey will make even the Phillies lineup look good.
- The Nationals over the Braves: These two teams are like Ali and Frazier fights. They are both such good teams. It is too bad for them that they are in the same division. The Braves have taken the first two and both those picks were wrong. Do I learn? Nah. Gio Gonzalez over Paul Maholm.
- The Reds over the Pirates: Here is how I see this game. Obscure prospect, Phil Irwin, gets his Major League debut for the Pirates. He has good control and a decent strikeout rate in the minors. He pitches five innings of really nice baseball and matches Mat Latos, who finally has a good game. Then the bullpen blows the game for the Pirates. How is that for a literal pick?
- The Rays over the Red Sox: Can you tell that I really like Alex Cobb? I must to pick him over a very stingy Clay Buchholz so far this season. The combination of Buchholz and Lester could take the Red Sox all the way to the division title the way they are pitching. But Cobb wins today.
- The Twins over the Mets: Remember again that bad teams do win once in a while. The Twins will win sixty times, so the picks have to choose them wisely. Dillon Gee gives the Twins lineup a chance and Kevin Correia throws enough "at-em" balls to keep the Twins in the game. Bullpens will decide it.
- The Blue Jays over the Royals: I have no idea what to do with the Blue Jays' rotation anymore. Before the season, I thought they were perhaps the best in baseball. They have been terrible. Dickey gave some hope yesterday. Will Brandon Morrow pick up the torch? We will see. Ervin Santana will go for the Royals and the only real drama there will be how many homers he allows.
- The Cardinals over the Brewers: Can you say sweep, boys and girls? Jaime Garcia always has a good chance to win at home and Marco Estrada will surprise you once in a while. But it will not be today.
- The Giants over the Cubs: No, I am never picking Edwin Jackson again. Ever. Never. Ever. So, of course, he will win today. Picking Tim Lincecum for the Giants is no picnic either.
- The Angels over the Astros: In the battle for last place (Angel fans never expected to hear that), the Angels should get the better of a C.J. Wilson / Phil Humber match up. Neither starter is a solid pick though. Good luck with this one, William.
- The Tigers over the Athletics: Losing Cespedes is a big blow for this A's team. They still have some decent hitters though. But then again, Anibal Sanchez has started well for the Tigers this season. Jarrod Parker is always tough at home though. Ugh!
- The Padres over the Rockies: I hate to make this pick, but I do not trust Jorge De La Rosa and Clayton Richard only has a chance to win at home. So there you go.
- The Diamondbacks over the Dodgers: This is another game where I have no idea what to do. Josh Beckett and Trevor Cahill have both started the season with problems. Beckett is over the hill? Still capable of a good game? Trevor Cahill was jettisoned by the A's because they had better pitchers? And do? Gosh.
- The Rangers over the Mariners: I picked against Nick Tepesch in his debut and he did great. I picked twice against Brandon Maurer and will continue to do so as he is not ready for prime time for the Mariners. Rangers.
- The Yankees over the Orioles: Hiroki Kuroda and Wei-Yin Chen have done this dance before and will do it again. Either team could win depending on how the ball bounces. Two very equal teams right now. Picking the Yankees at home.
And the Game of the Day!
- The White Sox over Indians: The Indians' lineup has picked up over the last few games, but again, the rotation is the problem. Today you have another start by Brett Myers and those kinds of starts are going to kill this team. Jake Peavy should get the win in this one.
Yesterday: 9-6
Last week: 57-32
Month: 104-62
Games of the Day: 9-4
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