MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: June 18, 2013

When you start off a picking night at 5-1 and only twelve games are on the schedule, things should go pretty well, right? Wrong. The rest of the picks went 1-5 to add up to another mediocre day of picking. Here was the best idea that happened along the way: With a tie game in the ninth and Giancarlo Stanton up, why not shake off the catcher and throw him a fastball. That was a good idea, Heath Bell. The Giants allowed the Padres 24 base runners in 13 innings pitched. Sooner or later, any team is going to cash in on that. And the Padres did. Just another night in unpredictable baseball.

My goodness! There are seventeen games on the schedule with two double-headers! Tuesday's picks:

• The Red Sox over the Bay Rays: You expect Alfredo Aceves to blow up anytime now, right? Me too. But it has not happened yet. It will sooner or later. It always does. Chris Archer goes for the Rays and the Red Sox should wait him out and win.
• The Mets over the Braves: Today is the day that Matt Harvey gets rewarded for all his good outings. He gets a few runs as the Braves start Alex Wood, who was just drafted less than a year ago from the University of Georgia. That is a fast rise. Perhaps too fast.
• The Indians over the Royals: This could go either way depending on which starter does well. Ubaldo Jimenez versus Ervin Santana. Going with the home team, Indians.
• The Dodgers over the Yankees: Phil Hughes gives up at least one homer and mostly more every time he pitches at home. The Yankees do not know Hyun-jin Ryu and are not good against left-handed pitching. Not a good way to start off a homestand after a tough West Coast trip for the Yanks.
• The Phillies over the Nationals: You would have to figure that Cliff Lee would give up less base runners and runs than Ross Detwiler. But then again, the only games the Nats have won lately have been when pitchers named, "Ross," have started.
• The Blue Jays over the Rockies: While I am not a big fan of Esmil Rogers, I am less of a fan of Jeff Francis. The Blue Jays are on a big role and last night's shutout showed how the Rockies would sag a bit without Tolowitzki.
• The Mets over the Braves: This double-header should be a doozy. Matt Harvey goes in the first game for the Mets and then Zach Wheeler goes in the second game. That is some high powered arms. The only caveat is that the Mets have to score some runs and the bullpen needs to be good. Dicey, but I have nothing to lose. Paul Maholm goes for the Braves.
• The Reds over the Pirates: The Pirates have a big series here. They can show they are here to stay. And then they put Charlie Morton on the mound. Ugh. Mat Latos has to be the pick here.
• The Red Sox over the Bay Rays: Gosh, I have predicted two double-header sweeps. Hmm... And how about Aceves and Felix Doubront pitching on the same day. Now there are some emotions for you. Again, I just think the Red Sox' lineup will overcome Jake Odorizzi.
• The Rangers over the Athletics: That was a big win for the Rangers last night. I got it wrong, but that happens (a lot). I do not see how Yu Darvish with that stuff ever loses. But he does not always win either. Jarrod Parker should get beat here.
• The Twins over the White Sox: The Twins are the better team here. But Mike Pelfrey does not exactly instill a lot of confidence. But then again, neither does Dylan Axelrod. So there you go.
• The Brewers over the Astros: Both pitchers in this game seem evenly matched. Alfredo Figaro Figaro Figaro was terrific in his last start. And Jordan Lyles is making the most of his second chance. I think the Brewers have a slightly better offense and that is the pick.
• The Cardinals over the Cubs: I do not get why Cardinal fans hate the Cubs so much. It is not like the Cubs have ever been a threat. Jeff Samardzija could always pitch lights out and has before. And then again, even if he does, Adam Wainwright will match those zeroes and the Cards win a bullpen match.
• The Diamondbacks over the Marlins: Ugh. What do you do with this game? Randall Delgado and Nathan Eovaldi, two 4-A pitchers if there ever was, make their first starts of the season tonight. How do you pick that stuff?
• The Angels over the Mariners: If you thought the above pitching line was ugly, how about this one? Jeremy Bonderman against Joe Blanton. Hehe. Yeah. That looks fun. Sometimes I hate doing this every day...
• The Giants over the Padres: Sooner or later, some team has to come along and end this Padres streak. After all, they are not that good. Andrew Cashner won the game for the Padres last night with a suicide bunt in the thirteenth inning. He kind of deserves to win here. But Matt Cain will not allow that I don't think.

And the Game of the Day!

• The Tigers over the Orioles: The Orioles made a run at the top against the Red Sox but have run out of pitching against the Tigers. Not a good thing. Justin Verlander should have a good game and Zach Britton is not a good option for the O's.

Yesterday: 6-6

Week: 14-13

Month: 114-115

Season: 577-465

Games of the Day: 45-31