MLB Game Picks - Sunday: July 7, 2013

The day started 0-2 on the picks yesterday as the Yankees beat the Orioles and the Blue Jays got pounded by the Twins. But then the rest of the day went 10-3 to finish off the week with a good day. The only three incorrect after the first two were the Red Sox (extra innings, of course), Rangers and Pirates. The Rangers losing to the Astros was again a surprise.

I head back from Portland back north to home this morning, so let's get straight to Sunday's picks:

• The Orioles over the Yankees: The Yankees have won six in a row after losing five in a row and they have had that kind of season. They never seem to do well against Jason Hammel and the Orioles hit Hiroki Kuroda the last time the two met.
• The Tigers over the Indians: The first two games of this series were not even close and today does not bode well either as Corey Kluber has not pitched well lately. Doug Fister should get enough run support to win even if he gives up four or five runs.
• The Blue Jays over the Twins: Now you may say, "William, what are you thinking? The Jays are pitching journeyman pitcher, Todd Redmond." And that would be true. But Redmond had an excellent season going in the minors with excellent control and good strikeout numbers. His first few relief appearances have been successful. Besides, the Blue Jays should hit Scott Diamond.
• The Phillies over the Braves: I have picked against Jonathan Pettibone a lot this year and at least half the time I end up wrong. So let's go with him at home to pitch a little better than Kris Medlen and a Braves' lineup that is hit or miss.
• The Nationals over the Marlins: I still like Robbie Erlin, who pitches for the Marlins today. He lost his last time out, but I just like the way he pitches. Which is bad news for Stephen Strasburg, who never gets run support. But I have to go with the big guy.
• The Bay Rays over the White Sox: David Price sure was fine upon his return his last time out. But that was against the Astros. Oh wait. The White Sox are not any better than the Astros. John Danks has had two good outings in a row with not much to show for it.
• The Mets over the Brewers: Has any pitcher shown more improvement since the start of the season than Jeremy Hefner? I do not think so. He has been terrific. Meanwhile, the Brewers are starting Tom Gorzelanny. Alrighty then.
• The Athletics over the Royals: A.J. Griffin will always seem to be a better option to me than Luis Mendoza. But every once in a while, Mendoza will have a great BABIP game and drive you crazy. Oh well. That is the pick.
• The Cardinals over the Marlins: Jose Fernandez was amazing his last time out and I have written about him in recent days. So it is hard to pick against him. But I believe he has already pitched well once before against the Cardinals and the Cardinals will figure it out, especially at home. Lance Lynn goes for the Cards and needs to avoid his one bad inning a game thing.
• The Pirates over the Cubs: A.J. Burnett returns from the disabled list so we are back to having both A.J.s pitch on the same day again. Cool. Burnett should not have any trouble and the Cubs are pitching Carlos Villanueva.
• The Rangers over the Astros: This pick is made very tentatively as the Astros have won their fair share of games against the Rangers and Angels this season. Erik Bedard goes for the Astros and Justin Grimm, whose season has been far from fairy-tale, goes for the Rangers.
• The Dodgers over the Giants: This pick feels far from a lock as well. Just because Clayton Kershaw is pitching does not mean the Dodgers will win. The only thing making the pick feel better is that Chad Gaudin is pitching for the Giants. :::former Yankee willies:::
• The Diamondbacks over the Rockies: Raise your hand if you thought this Roy Oswalt comeback would go well? Nobody? Yeah, me either. Patrick Corbin gets back on track and Oswalt takes his fourth straight loss.
• The Angels over the Red Sox: This is an interesting game. Josh Hamilton is back slugging. Trout is still on fire. Jered Weaver is still one of the best. But those Red Sox are good and John Lackey has been one of the reasons. Going with the Angels at home.

And the Game of the Day!

• The Reds over the Mariners: Joe Saunders in a small ballpark like in Cincinnati does not seem very savory. Then again, Bronson Arroyo can give up his share of dingers as well. The Reds are home and are the better team. Let's leave it there.

Yesterday: 10-5

Last week: 57-39

Month: 50-32

Season: 727-578

Games of the Day: 58-37