MLB Game Picks - Friday: May 2, 2014

The Boston Red Sox sure wanted to get those two games in yesterday. The Rays were sure upset about it. Perhaps the sweep of the two games by the Rays is a fitting end to the proceedings. I figured the Red Sox would win one of them, so that was part of the three incorrect picks for the day. Roenis Elias hamstrung the Yankees for the second one and the Dodgers coming back and beating the Twins in extra innings was the other.

But in the large scheme of things, three incorrect picks out of eleven isn't too bad. I was right about the Orioles taking both games against the Pirates but am sad about it. I was hoping the Pirates would be able to sustain last year's success. It's not going to happen.

Friday's picks:

• The Cardinals over the Cubs: Would anyone pick against Adam Wainwright right now? The only caveat here is that he is pitching at Wrigley. But if he pitches like he has been, his sixth win should happen. Travis Wood continues to toil in vain.
• The Indians over the White Sox: Danny Salazar has not put it together thus far. The strikeouts are there but so have been the high pitch counts and the walks. I think he'll have a promising game against the White Sox and the Indians hit John Danks around.
• The Rays over the Yankees: David Price is too tough for the Yankees tonight and Vidal Nuno falls apart a little bit against the Rays who won two games yesterday and that might start a roll for them.
• The Blue Jays over the Pirates: The Pirates are so down and though I like Gerrit Cole, he is a bit homer prone thus far and the Blue Jays can hit homers. Brandon Morrow cannot walk eight guys again though.
• The Phillies over the Nationals: I always root for Stephen Strasburg. But he often lets me down in games like this. Cliff Lee is a worthy opponent. And the Phillies are at home.
• The Marlins over the Dodgers: Tom Koehler has won both of his home starts with very good performances. It's the road he has trouble with. Josh Beckett returns to his roots, but you never know how he will pitch.
• The Reds over the Brewers: I have gone back and forth on this one. I like Wily Peralta better than Mike Leake. But I also like the Reds at home better than the Brewers on the road. Crappers.
• The Athletics over the Red Sox: Dan Straily has only had one bad start out of five. On the other hand, Clay Buchholz has only had one decent start. If Buchholz discovers his old self, this pick is in trouble.
• The Braves over the Giants: I am also really torn on this one. Tim Lincecum is unpredictable. And Mike Minor is making his first start of the year. While that could be a boost to the Braves, I hate picking such scenarios.
• The Orioles over the Twins: Ubaldo Jimenez has to win a game sooner or later. It might be this one as he gets away from the AL East to visit his old haunts in the AL Central. Ricky Nolasco has been hit or miss.
• The Tigers over the Royals: Really tough call here. Both Rick Porcello and James Shields have been off to good starts. Shields might be Scherzer's replacement next year.
• The Mets over the Rockies: If Carlos Gonzalez is out of the lineup, that makes a difference. Zack Wheeler has the stuff to overcome Coors. Jorge De La Rosa still has too many names.
• The Angels over the Rangers: Hector Santiago is due for a win and has pitched with some bad luck leading to his 0-4 record. The Rangers are a bit down on their luck and I am still not convinced about Colby Lewis.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: Bronson Arroyo has a better chance to win at a big field like in San Diego. But Andrew Cashner is really good too. I'm going with the Padres.

And the Game of the Day

• The Mariners over the Astros: The M's just beat the Yankees two straight and have Felix Hernandez on the mound. That should equal another win for them. Brad Peacock looked promising in Spring Training, but has not put it together in the season yet.

Yesterday: 8-3, Games of the Day: 14-14, May: 8-3, Season: 241-177