Yesterday was such a meh day. The Yankees could not sweep the Angels as the bullpen added to Phil Hughes' damage. Kyle Lohse did not beat the Reds, though he did pitch well. Tony Cingrani simply pitched better. But the worst incorrect pick was the Nationals, who had that game won until Mr. Untuck unraveled and pooched the lead.
The day did end up in the positive. Sonny Gray was indeed spectacular as was Zack Wheeler. The Cardinals had an inning against A.J. Burnett that reminded me of that pitcher's Yankee days. I suppose any positive day is a good day.
Back to a full schedule on this Friday as the summer continues to slip away. Friday's picks:
- The Tigers over the Royals: These two teams play two games today. I think they will split with the Tigers winning the first game and the Royals taking the second. Justin Verlander goes against Danny Duffy in the first game.
- The Cardinals over the Cubs: I hate depending on Jake Westbrook for a win. But I must in this one as the Cardinals should roll over the Cubs. Jake Arrieta goes for the Cubbies.
- The Pirates over the Diamondbacks: This match-up is home specific. I think each respective team wins in their home park. Gerrit Cole goes for the Pirates and Brandon McCarthy for the D-Backs. I do root for McCarthy because of where he has been and his Twitter presence. But I don't think he does today.
- The Orioles over the Rockies: If there is a pitcher named, Chen, then usually I am picking him this year. Wei-Yin Chen is the one involved here and I do think he will be better in Baltimore than Juan Nicasio. But this could be a slugfest too.
- The Dodgers over the Phillies: The Phillies have Cliff Lee on the mound and that always means they have a chance to win. But he is countered by Zack Greinke who should be just as good. The Dodgers win late.
- The Royals over the Tigers: Big Game James Shields needs to be up to his name today to win the second game. He has a good chance since the Tigers are starting Jose Alvarez who has started four games this season and hardly looks reliable.
- The Red Sox over the Yankees: If this was the Andy Pettitte of old instead of the old Andy Pettitte, the Yankees would be a viable pick here. No doubt that new acquisition, Mark Reynolds, will get a start for the Yankees, probably at first. I am fine with that, but Girardi will stick Vernon Wells into the fifth hole and ruin everything. Felix Doubront with the win. I had a dream that Granderson's legs were bothering him. Weird.
- The Marlins over the Giants: Gosh am I torn on this one. Nathan Eovaldi has always seemed like a 4-A pitcher to me. But he was great in his last outing and has pitched against the Giants before. Chad Gaudin still does not seem real to me.
- The Bay Rays over the Blue Jays: Another gripping chapter in the battle of the Ays. I am not a big fan of Jeremy Hellickson. To me he is Phil Hughes with a bigger park and better defense. But he will win today and the Rays will be patient on that R.A. Dickey knuckleball.
- The Braves over the Nationals: Alex Wood if he could but he can so he will. Heh. The Braves put some more port side blasts in the good ship Nationals. Taylor Jordan has allowed four runs in his last two starts (each) and that sounds about right for tonight.
- The Rangers over the Mariners: I am not so quick to pick Hisashi Iwakuma outside of this home park in Seattle. In fact, I think the Rangers get to him often today. That will allow Derek Holland to pitch his game and get the win.
- The White Sox over the Twins: I am not overly enthusiastic about either Jose Quintana or Kevin Correia. But one of them has to win the game.
- The Indians over the Athletics: Justin Masterson had an off game his last time out and I think he will bounce back and handcuff the A's. A.J. Griffin is pretty tough himself, especially in Oakland. But I see an Indians' win in this one.
- The Angels over the Astros: It is bad enough that Brad Peacock always loses in his starts. But now he loses when he comes in as a last resort in extra-inning games too. Poor guy. Jerome Williams has to have his sinker working though to win.
- The Padres over the Mets: I am going to take the Padres because they are the home team and because I think Ian Kennedy will do well in Petco Park. Jonathon Niese should be decent too in his second start back from the DL.
And the Game of the Day:
- The Reds over the Brewers: Tom Gorzelanny has made the most of his meager talent to stay in the big leagues a long time. But there is no way I think he can win this game. Mike Leake should get the job done and the Reds should win their sixth in a row.
Yesterday: 6-4
Week: 41-25
Month: 122-77
Season: 1025-790
Games of the Day: 78-53 +1
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