Well, that could not have gone any worse. Out of nine picks, at least the only game that turned out to be correct was the Game of the Day. Everything else was just awful. Perhaps I was on dope yesterday as one comment suggested. Speaking of which, can't anyone disagree with a written piece these days without throwing an insult in there for good measure? My favorite one lately is that I have never watched baseball. Well, okay then.
Here's the thing. It was a weird night. I mean, the Astros shut out the Red Sox. Seriously!? The Yankees looked like the worst team in baseball against one of the worst teams in baseball. The Indians took a 2-0 lead into the top of the ninth and the closer promptly gave up four runs. The Brewers had a lead against the Giants after a predicted (I might add) great performance by young Tyler Thornburg. But in the bottom of the eighth, promptly left their heart in Juan Francisco (of all people). Stephen Strasburg again pitched brilliantly, but just like always, the Nationals could not score any runs for him.
Oh well, we will just call yesterday a market correction, or in baseball terms, a regression to the mean. Tuesday's picks:
- The Braves over the Nationals: I am going against the flow of life here in that Julio Teheran has not won back to back starts all season and I am predicting he does so today. Gio Gonzalez is a left-handed ace, but the Braves have plenty of right-handed power to offset it.
- The Cubs over the Phillies: Edwin Jackson has actually been quite good lately. If he keeps that up, he can shut down the anemic Phillies. Kyle Kendrick got blasted in his last start but faced an equally anemic Cubs.
- The Tigers over the Indians: The Indians had their chance and blew it. They face Justin Verlander tonight and after his last start, it appeared he got himself back on track. The only way this pick could go wrong is if Justin Masterson has a really brilliant effort, which is not beyond the realm of possibility.
- The Pirates over the Marlins: Henderson Alvarez has been quite good for the Marlins and has won his last two starts. But Jeff Locke is terrific and should give the hometown Pirates a win they need while the Cards battle the Dodgers.
- The Rockies over the Mets: Tyler Chatwood was just roached his last start, but otherwise has pitched well all season. I think he shuts down the Mets. Henrry Mejia will give up at least two runs, which should be enough for a Rockies win.
- The Reds over the Athletics: Dan Straily has been very good at home and just so-so on the road. Mat Latos is a power arm that hardly ever loses. This pick has to be the Reds and the A's lose a precious bat in the lineup too.
- The Red Sox over the Astros: Ugh. Knuckleballing Steven Wright against Jordan Lyles. What do you do with that hot mess? I had a step-brother named, Steven Wright, so I will pick him. Frankly, I think the Red Sox will win something like 10-7.
- The Royals over the Twins: The Twins actually have a chance in this one. Andrew Albers is a Canadian pitcher who has had a terrific year for the Triple-A Rochester team. He is a typical low walk, not-much-strikeouts Twins pitcher though. James Shields goes for the Royals and sways the pick.
- The White Sox over the Yankees: Perhaps I am waving the white flag on this Yankees team. They have been brutal to watch this season. Hiroki Kuroda has been the one shining knight and has been nearly flawless over his last several starts. But he cannot keep throwing up zeroes, can he? Besides, he is facing Chris Sale who should dominate.
- The Dodgers over the Cardinals: Joe Kelly has become a bit of a hero in St. Louis. The fans seem to rally behind him and the kid does have his moments like his last outing. But come on, he is facing Clayton Kershaw.
- The Rays over the Diamondbacks: I went back and forth on this one. Wade Miley has been much better in his last three starts. In fact, he has been great...sort of. He still walks too many batters and the Rays find ways to make you pay for base runners. Jeremy Hellickson goes for the Rays.
- The Rangers over the Angels: It is possible that Garrett Richards pitches a big game. He has the talent to do so. But that is a 40/60 proposition and that is not good enough when Yu Darvish is pitching for the Rangers.
- The Orioles over the Padres: The Orioles lose a bat but that is okay since the DH has not been a big part of their offense. Bud Norris had a good start to his Oriole career, but he is still Bud Norris, which is a bit frightening. Edinson Volquez goes for the Friars.
- The Mariners over the Blue Jays: Felix Hernandez has been terrific in the last month. He is pitching at home in front of the King's Corner. And Josh Johnson has been in a sad, sad state all season. His woes have been so baffling, it makes you scratch your head.
And the Game of the Day:
- The Giants over the Brewers: Matt Cain may not be having a Cain-like season, but you still cannot pick against him at home very often and be smart about it. Wily Peralta has been a train wreck this past month.
Yesterday: 1-8
Week: 11-13
Month: 40-25
Season: 943-738
Games of the Day: 74-47
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