Yesterday was not a good day for the picks. The entire double-header in Arizona was wrong. Phil Hughes gave up only one run in seven innings and the Yankees still lost. It simply was not a good day. I can blame it on universal interleague. But I will not. I just had a bad picking day.
There are fourteen games scheduled for today, which is mighty weird for a Tuesday. I believe it is the second time this season a Tuesday has had two teams sitting it out. I do not get this scheduling. But anyway, these are the picks for today:
- The Blue Jays over the Braves: Yesterday confused me. But it should not. The Blue Jays are killing the ball right now. They just need the starting pitching to settle down and Brandon Morrow is capable of that. Paul Maholm goes for the Braves and their bullpen this year is not what it has been in the past.
- The Rockies over the Astros: The Astros took yesterday's game and that was a total surprise. Their bullpen has been pitching well. But the Rockies simply have more talent, so they have to be the pick. Jordan Lyles goes for the Astros, Jorge De La Rosa for the Rockies.
- The Nationals over the Orioles: Apparently, I did not learn my lesson yesterday. Because I am picking the same results today. But who is to tell what happens today. Kevin Gausman (Orioles) and Nate Karns (Nats) are not exactly household names. Gausman is making his second big league start. Karns his Major League debut. Sheesh. Karns has big time strikeout rates in he minors. But his control will be key in this one.
- The Tigers over the Pirates: The Tigers will be familiar with Jeanmar Gomez from his Cleveland days. The Pirates will not be as familiar with Rick Porcello. But pitchers are risky picks, but the pick has to go with the Tigers' offense. It seems like that entire lineup is batting over .300 and Jhonny Peralta has been out of his mind with 60 hits already.
- The Reds over the Indians: The battle of Ohio continues and two questions come to mind here. Does Mat Latos have a better chance at slowing down the Indians than Zach McAllister have of shutting down the Reds? Yes. Thus, the pick.
- The Bay Rays over the Marlins: The Marlins scored six runs yesterday. That is a lot for them and they still lost by four runs. Jeremy Hellickson is not invincible. But Kevin Slowey should yield enough runs for the Rays to win.
- The Mets over the Yankees: The Yankees' lack of patience really hurt them yesterday against Niese. He was walking four a game and the Yankees could not stop swinging. Getting yourself out like that is all that Matt Harvey needs with his talent. Hiroki Kuroda will be good, but the score should be similar to yesterday.
- The Red Sox over the Phillies: Cliff Lee has been on a roll. But then so has the Red Sox offense. Ryan Dempster is the wild card. He is familiar with the Phillies and they him. I do not like the Phillies' offense and if Dempster can hold the Phillies to two or three runs, the Red Sox win.
- The Brewers over the Twins: This one is not fun to pick. Scott Diamond is a pitcher I always get wrong. And the Brewers start Alfredo Figaro which reminds me of the Bugs Bunny cartoon where the singer's head gets smaller each time he sings that name. Figaro has only pitched in relief after starting for two seasons in Japan. He has good control but gives up a lot of base hits. He is the Twins kind of pitcher, so they will appreciate losing to him.
- The Cardinals over the Royals: The Cardinals have a really impressive streak of bringing up home-grown pitchers who pitch well once they get to the majors. Tyler Lyons is simply the latest one. First start? No problem. Seven innings, one run. Allen Craig, Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday will take care of Ervin Santana.
- The Giants over the Athletics: The Giants hope to Mike Kickham where it hurts. Ha! I kill me. Seriously, though, who the heck is Mike Kickham? He is a sixth round draft pick in 2010 whose minor league numbers are not all that impressive. But then again, this year, he is pitching in the PCL and that is a hitting league. The thought here is that Jarrod Parker is not that much more of a lock and if it is close, the Giants will win.
- The Dodgers over the Angels: Last time out, I predicted Joe Blanton would get his first win. He did. Today, he gets to pitch against in Dodgers Stadium where the field will help him. But, Hyun-Jin Ryu at home will be the better of the two.
- The Mariners over the Padres; I hate putting this pick in the hands of Brandon Maurer. But then again, I hate picking Edinson Volquez. Both teams have similar offenses. The home team gets the pick.
And the Game of the Day!
- The White Sox over the Cubs: Chris Sale was skipped a start, so that is always a concern. But if he is the normal Chris Sale, he should sail through the Cubs and to the win. Edwin Jackson is Edwin Jackson.
Yesterday: 7-9
Week: 17-14
Month: 206-159
Season: 435-321
Games of the Day: 35-21
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