Blown saves played a big part in action yesterday that affected at least three games. They cost the Tigers, Cardinals and Orioles wins. The latter two helped the picks out and the most former cost a pick. That two to one ratio held true for the day and ten out of the fifteen picks were correct. There were two other blown saves during the contests, but both of those teams that blew saves still won the game.
The Yankees suffered yet another injury and another loss to open the season, 0-2. They are in danger of getting swept in their first series just like last year. Last year, they were able to recover and win 95 games. That scenario really seems a remote possibility this year.
It is "Getaway Day" in Major League Baseball. There are eleven games on the schedule today and eight of them are day games. Awesome. The picks:
- The Reds over the Angels: This is not really a pick for Bronson Arroyo as he will either give up homers or have a decent game. This is an unsteady gaze at Joe Blanton starting for the Angels. On the one hand, he, from the National League, will know the Reds. But they will know him too.
- The Pirates over the Cubs: James McDonald has a big league arm and high school command. If he ever figures out the latter, he'll be dangerous. He should be able to hold the Cubs down a bit and allow Travis Wood to get the win.
- The Tigers over the Twins: Rick Porcello was dangled on the trade block all winter. The Tigers will be glad they kept him. Mike Pelfery had some nice moments for the Mets. But there weren't enough of them.
- The Mets over the Padres: The Mets are going to wish the Padres stuck around a little longer. Today they face Eric Stultz, who doesn't strike out a lot of batters, walks a few too many and is good for a WHIP of around 1.5. That sounds promising. Dillon Gee goes for the Mets.
- The Royals over the White Sox: The Royals should get a win today behind Arlo...ahem..Jeremy Guthrie. Gavin Floyd goes for the White Sox and did not have a good year in 2012. The Royals better hope Floyd is not due for a rebound.
- The Orioles over the Bay Rays: This one could get to the bullpens early as Roberto Hernandez goes for the Rays against Miguel Gonzalez. Then again, Gonzalez was quite the surprise last season while the Rays seem quite capable of picking pitchers up and turning them around. So who knows.
- The Athletics over the Mariners: Brandon continues to be the most popular name in baseball as another one in Brandon Maurer joins the ranks for the Mariners today. They are quite high on him, but frankly, I don't see why. The pick instead goes to A.J. Griffin, who had a nice debut season last year.
- The Nationals over the Marlins: Another day for the Nats and another stud pitcher on the mound in Jordan Zimmermann. Man, what a rotation. The Marlins, meanwhile, counter with Wade LeBlanc, whose only shot is being a lefty and neutralizing lefties like Harper, Span and LaRoche. It still won't be enough.
- The Yankees over the Red Sox: Unless Andy Pettitte gets hit with a baseball too, he has at least a chance to give the Yankees a win today over the Red Sox and newcomer, Ryan Dempster. It's not like Dempster is a slouch. He is not. But at least there is a chance.
- The Blue Jays over the Indians: This is where the rotation gets sketchy for the Indians. Brett Myers just isn't a good starting pitcher and got belted all spring. Francona will give him a couple of starts before seeing that it is not going to work. The Blue Jays have Mark Buehrle on the mound and his success will depend on where his ground balls end up going.
And the Game of the Day!
- The Braves over the Phillies: Obviously, there is no way that Kris Medlen can top or even duplicate what he did last year for the Braves. And he looked vulnerable this spring despite still racking up strikeouts and a low walk total. But he will beat the Phillies and Cliff Lee will give up a dinger or two to all those right-handed hitters on the Braves.
Yesterday: 10-5
Week: 20-15
Month: 20-15
Games of the Day: 3-0
No comments:
Post a Comment