I worked in the yard all day yesterday and then had my golf league last night. So I was pooped and went to bed early. When I did, the picks were 5-0 with one postponement. I woke up this morning and of the remaining five games, only the Yankees (Game of the Day) came in correctly. Two games went into extra innings and as I have mentioned before, such games are the bane of my existence. Both extra inning games came out on the wrong side.
About the only pick that I will consider stupid was picking against the Dodgers. Zack Greinke was brilliant and the Dodgers have certainly gotten a lift from Mr. Yasiel Puig, who hit another homer yesterday, a grand slam, and drove in four of the Dodgers' five runs. Man.
There are several East Coast games to worry about today with Tropical Storm Andrea racing up the coast. Games in peril include home games by the Nationals, Red Sox and Mets. But I will blithely make the picks like they are going to be played just in case:
- The Pirates over the Cubs: Francisco Liriano has made five starts thus far this season. He has struck out 39 batters in just 29 innings. Woof. I will take that kind of pitching any day even if Travis Wood is having a very good season.
- The Nationals over the Twins: I doubt this game happens. But if it does, yesterday's postponement for the Nats means the Twins get Gio Gonzalez. A lefty against their top lefty hitters is not welcomed. Kevin Correia goes for the Twins. But again, expect a double-header on Saturday.
- The Rangers over the Blue Jays: This is a messy game to pick. Esmil Rogers gets a start for the rotation-wrecked Blue Jays. That does not fill me with glee for the Jays. But then again, Nick Tepesch reminds me if the word, "Tepid." There is a nickname for you: Tepid Tepesch.
- The Tigers over the Indians: As good as Ubaldo Jimenez has been lately, he goes against Justin Verlander. You have to go with Verlander here, especially at home.
- The Red Sox over the Angels: This game is in weather jeopardy. But we will see what happens. If it is played, Felix Doubront should be better than Tommy Hanson.
- The Orioles over the Bay Rays: I hate picking against the Rays in general and even more so at home. But Chris Archer is 1-4 in his big league career with a 5.40 ERA. He was not effective in his first start of the season. Jason Hammel at least has a chance to slow down the Rays. At the very least, it will be a high scoring game which still favors the Orioles.
- The Mets over the Marlins: Another game in weather jeopardy. But if played, young Jose Fernandez was terrific in his last start and his first season in the big leagues has been like that. Brilliant starts followed by very short ones. In other words, there is no groove from game to game. Even if he is on today, Matt Harvey is tough to match for the Mets.
- The Cardinals over the Reds: This is one of the best rivalries in the game right now. The Reds are at home, so that favors them in this series. Adam Wainwright, however, should be better than Mike Leake in this first game of the series.
- The Royals over the Astros: The Astros are playing well these days. But not well enough to overcome James Shields, who despite his 2-6 record, is still (in my mind) one of the top 20 pitchers in baseball. Jordan Lyles goes for the Astros. It seems like Lyles pitches every day for some reason.
- The White Sox over the Athletics: The A's have been red hot and have been on an amazing streak and have pulled within a half a game from the Rangers in the A.L. West. And the White Sox are a terrible team. But Chris Sale does make a difference in the outcome of this one and as long as he is healthy, of which I am not convinced, he should win at home.
- The Phillies over the Brewers: The Phightins just got out of Philly in the nick of time with that storm approaching. I do not know much about Alfredo Figaro Figaro Figaro, but I would imagine that Cliff Lee is better.
- The Rockies over the Padres: Edinson Volquez has been fairly solid this season and not nearly as bad as last season. However, he is pitching in Coors Field against a hot-hitting Rockies team. That is not a good situation. Jorge De La Rosa with the win.
- The Diamondbacks over the Giants: Again...I hate dealing with winning streaks (or losing streaks) because you never know when the law of averages bites you in the butt. Patrick Corbin is bound to lose some time. But he is so good a pitcher, that you cannot expect it on any given game. I think he wins at home in a close one over Matt Cain.
- The Dodgers over the Braves: I will not make the same mistake as yesterday. While I am not fully invested in Hyun-jin Ryu, it is hard to deny that he has had a nice beginning to his Major League career. Again, the Puig factor and the Dodgers at home sway this pick against Paul Maholm.
And the Game of the Day!
- The Yankees over the Mariners: I hate picking the same team for the Game of the Day two days in a row, but Jeremy Bonderman? Please. Hiroki Kuroda in a big ballpark? Yes. I will take me some of that. The Yankees, after a tough stretch, are rolling.
Yesterday: 6-4
Week: 35-31
Month: 45-35
Season: 507-385
Games of the Day: 41-24
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