The penultimate day of the 2013 MLB regular season ended the last full week of picking with a thud. After a great week of picking, the bottom fell out with only five correct picks. But, you know what? I will take that since my Game of the Day and Andy Pettitte won his final regular season start of his long and wonderful career. Watching that unfold in Houston was the most amazing experience. And those who say that it was Houston, after all, and the horrible Astros, has no respect for the game. They are still a big league team with big league hitters and you still have to get them out. It was the perfect last hurrah for a great pitcher.
The regular season ends today. Or will it? The American League Wild Card is nuts. If the Indians win, they are in. If they lose and both the Rays and Rangers win, then we have a three-way tie and there will be tie-breaker games before the play-in game. If the Rays and Rangers both win or both lose, and the Indians win, then there will be a tie-breaker game between the Rays and Rangers. Crazy!
Sunday's picks:
- The Rays over the Blue Jays: The last battle of the Ays for the season and it could not be a bigger game. The Rays have to win unless the Rangers also lose. But they will go all out to win. Matt Moore is their big stud alongside David Price. He will take his 16-4 record and try to get the W for the Rays. Todd Redmond will try to deny the Rays. Should be exciting!
- The Tigers over the Marlins: Of all the division winners, the Tigers sure can look awful at times. And they have finished the season so nonchalantly that anything can happen in this game. Justin Verlander is starting. I have no idea why or how long he will go. Henderson Alvarez goes for the Fish.
- The Mets over the Brewers: Jonathon Niese has had a really good finish to his season. A win today would set him up nicely with good feelings for next year. Terry Collins got a contract extension, which I guess is a good thing. Wily Peralta goes for the Brewers. Both teams go home empty-handed.
- The Pirates over the Reds: I picked the Reds in the first two games and was wrong as the Pirates took care of business in Cincinnati. This game is meaningless and both teams know it. As such, they are pitching two pitchers who will probably not factor in the post-season. Brandon Cumpton is better than Greg Reynolds, so that is the direction I am heading.
- The Orioles over the Red Sox: A meaningless game for both teams, but tell that to Buck Showalter. He likes to beat the good teams. Chris Tillman has not pitched well to end his season. John Lackey never gets run support. I am surprised he is starting.
- The Braves over the Phillies: Once again, I am surprised in this meaningless game that Julio Teheran is starting. Perhaps he does not factor in the team's plans for the NLDS. Anyway, the Braves win by beating Zach Minor.
- The Indians over the Twins: Can the Indians finish a historic run to end their season? I believe they will. A lot will depend on how sharp Ubaldo Jimenez is. Scott Diamond is probably the best of the Twins' crap pitchers. A win and the Indians are in. Incredible.
- The White Sox over the Royals: Jose Quintana is the White Sox one good luck charm. They win a lot when he pitches. Bruce Chen is not nearly as good on the road as he is at home. The season ends on a high note for the lowly White Sox. But they should still clean house after it's over. Word is that they are not. Dumb.
- The Yankees over the Astros: David Huff, or Hassle-Huff for those of you who have been following along, gets the start for the Yankees as Kuroda is done as well. Erik Bedard starts for the Astros and he has had a miserable season. Just miserable.
- The Cardinals over the Cubs: Jake Westbrook is getting a "thank you for past services" start for the Cardinals. And it is pretty telling how good the Cards are that Westbrook is the odd man out in the post season but could be a fourth starter on many teams. Jeff Samardzija never really put it together this season like I thought he would.
- The Rangers over the Angels: This game is no lock. For one thing, Yu Darvish is never a lock. He is a great pitcher, but wins are never guaranteed. I know because I have been picking him all year. Plus, Jason Vargas has been brilliant of late. Rangers have to win.
- The Padres over the Giants: I have no idea who is going to win this game. Tyson Ross has been pretty good of late and the Giants have nothing to play for. Guillermo Moscoso is coming out of the bullpen to pitch for the Giants. Who knows.
- The Dodgers over the Rockies: Hyun-jin Ryu tries to win his last tune-up before the playoffs. Jeff Francis, the definition of the "crafty lefty" tries to better him.
- The Athletics over the Mariners: Eric Wedge is managing his last game and going out without leaving any words on the table. Good for him. The M's stand for Mess. Besides, I have to go with Sonny Gray. He's my guy. Erasmo Ramirez has been good for the Mariners though.
The Game of the Day:
- The Nationals over the Diamondbacks: I want this. I want Davey Johnson to go out with a win. He has a good chance with Tanner Roark on the mound. The kid has been awesome. Wade Miley will try to spoil the party.
Yesterday: 5-10 Ugh
Last week: 57-40
Month: 222-168
Season: 1364-1063
Games of the Day: 105-70
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