Wednesday was another good day in what has been a good week. Ten out of the fifteen picks were correct. The Cubs pick was a little laughable. Jeff Samardzija had nothing, unfortunately. The San Diego pick was wrong, though it was a close game. The same can be said of the Toronto - Cleveland game. I split the two extra-inning games. The Dodgers gained further ground on the D-backs, which got me a wrong pick. But I cannot complain. It was a good day.
There are twelve games on the Thursday schedule as the schedule maker decided that six teams needed a day off before the four days of the All Star Break. Okay, like whatever. Heh. Here are Thursday's picks:
- The Blue Jays over the Indians: The Indians will feature the Major League debut of Danny Salazar. Salazar has a great strikeout rate in seventeen starts split between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus with a low walk rate. That is a good combination, but there is no telling how he will perform in the big show. R.A. Dickey seems the safer pick.
- The Yankees over the Royals: The Yankees should fight back to a split in this one as long as Andy Pettitte has a decent outing. The Yankees have at least a chance to score against Ervin Santana.
- The Tigers over the White Sox: The only thing that gives me pause in this pick is Chris Sale pitching for the White Sox. The tall one has a chance to shut down anyone in any given start. Anibal Sanchez will match Sale though and the Tigers will win late.
- The Red Sox over the Mariners: MLB has a TBO next to the pitcher's name in today's game. But Yahoo Sports lists the start going to Erasmo Ramirez. Ramirez had a brief look in the bigs last year and was quite decent. His numbers are good in the minors. He could hold the Red Sox in check. But Ryan Dempster will hold the Mariners to even less runs.
- The Rangers over the Orioles: Ross Wolf gets his second start of the season. He has pitched long relief the rest of the season and has done darned well for himself. His one start was successful too. My only reservation here is that he does not strike people out. He only has six strikeouts in 27+ innings. Hmm.. But I think the Rangers will hit Miguel Gonzalez.
- The Nationals over the Phillies: Ah! My guy! Jordan Zimmermann. He is going for his 13th win tonight. He should get it. His batters are finally starting to kick it in gear and should score off of Kyle Kendrick.
- The Braves over the Reds: This is a very interesting series and an interesting match-up of Mat Latos against a lineup that whiffs a lot and the great Tim Hudson. I think the game completely depends on how good Hudson is tonight. If he is on and can get through the first two innings, the Braves win. If not, this pick is bye-bye.
- The Cardinals over the Cubs: This pick is fraught with danger. First, the Cubs have been playing fairly well. Second, as bad as Edwin Jackson can be, he can also be brilliant for a game. Jackson has been better in the last few weeks. Jake Westbrook better have a good outing.
- The Brewers over the Diamondbacks: I think Ryan Braun is supposed to be back today? I am not sure. If so, he gives the Brewers more leverage against Wade Miley, the weakest of the D-backs' big three lefties. Plus, Yovani Gallardo can take advantage of the fact that Arizona is really struggling right now.
- The Dodgers over the Rockies: I hate picking the Dodgers when Chris Capuano is pitching. But I cannot in good faith pick Drew Pomeranz. At one time, Pomeranz was the prospect of prospects. But he is now 4-12 as a Major League starter with an ERA over five and a WHIP over 1.5. It is kind of sad, really.
- The Giants over the Padres: Jason Marquis has not won in a month and always has a good chance to do well at Petco. But the Giants are destined to break their losing streak and there is no better pitcher to do it for them than Madison Bumgarner, who should also enjoy Petco.
And the Game of the Day!
- The Bay Rays over the Twins: The Twins are not having a good time in the AL East. The Rays took fourteen innings to beat them yesterday. With Matt Moore facing Mike Pelfrey, the game should only go nine this time.
Yesterday: 10-5
Week: 38-20
Month: 88-52
Season: 765-598
Games of the Day: 60-39
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