MLB Game Picks - Monday: May 26, 2014

First of all, an observance of Memorial Day and a heartfelt thank you to the men and women who have served this country and have allowed us to continue to write whatever we want and however we want to write it. A special thought goes to those who lost their lives doing so. May this day not be about picnics and fireworks...nor even just baseball, but instead may this country reflect on where we've been and the brave souls who got us here. And to my dad, my hero, who served as a radio man in the bombers that helped us win World War II. Your medals are right beside me, Dad, whenever I write.

There were a lot of games yesterday and it was a struggle just to finish with a 9-7 record. May has really been difficult for me in picking and I'm sort of glad it is almost over.

A full schedule of games is to be played today and ten of them will be day games. It's a good family day to go to the ballpark. Here is what they might see:

• The Braves over the Red Sox: The law of averages say that the losing streak of the Red Sox has to end some time. It's getting to the tipping point of that law. But, and this is a big but, the Braves are good, the Red Sox are pitching Clay Buchholz, who has been hammered this season and the Red Sox lose the DH. Ervin Santana is the sole saving thought for the Red Sox.
• The Mets over the Pirates: Both teams are pitching interesting young pitchers, both of whom have pitched well but have nothing to show for it. One of them has to win. Jacob deGrom over Brandon Cumpton.
• The Nationals over the Marlins: Nathan Eovaldi seems to be doing as little as possible with his big time stuff. I'm not sure why that is. But it is especially apparent on the road. I'm going with Tanner Roark in this one.
• The Brewers over the Orioles: If you have followed along, you know I like Kyle Lohse at home and Chris Tillman is a little banged up for the Orioles. Plus, the Orioles lose the DH, which means Nelson Cruz--who has been a one-man wrecking crew--has to play the field.
• The White Sox over the Indians: I am torn on this one. Jose Quintana has been a lot better than his record and has pitched really well at home. The White Sox really miss Jose Abreu but having been playing fairly well. Josh Tomlin can have very good days too. Torn.
• The Rangers over the Twins: The Rangers have come alive and are really smacking the ball. They face a Kevin Correia who is prone to being smacked around. That's not a good combination for the Twins. Nick Tepesch is my only concern with this pick.
• The Giants over the Cubs: Yusmeiro Petit had one good start and one really bad one and the rest of his work has been out of the bullpen. He is home today. Jeff Samardzija is snake bit thus far this season as he leads baseball with his ERA and yet cannot buy a win.
• The Athletics over the Tigers: The Tigers have been scuffling a bit and their starting pitching hasn't been good. Drew Smyly, the Emoticon, has been inconsistent. I have continued to pick against Tommy Milone like this was last year when he was terrible. But he keeps pitching well. I am a slow learner.
• The Angels over the Mariners: I really like Tyler Skaggs and he should have a good day in that big ballpark. Chris Young is coming down to earth in his last two starts. Though at six foot, eleven inches, it is a long way to the earth for the Mariners' pitcher.
• The Phillies over the Rockies: The Phillies were no-hit yesterday so they might be a bit riled up.  Kyle Kendrick is too experienced a pitcher to remain without a win and Jhoulys Chacin has not lit it up for the Rockies thus far.
• The Blue Jays over the Bay Rays: The Rays are coming off a beat down on the Red Sox but the Blue Jays have been on a serious roll. This series will be a test at how good they really are. Drew Hutchison over Erik Bedard.
• The Reds over the Dodgers: I'm a little nervous that I have picked all home teams thus far instead of one. Maybe that is the psychological reason for this pick. Or perhaps it is because Johnny Cueto has been unbelievably good and should at least counteract Hyun-jin Ryu. Cueto has beaten quite a few very good pitchers thus far this year.
• The Royals over the Astros: Yordano Ventura's fastball against George Springer's quick bat will be an interesting match-up. Otherwise, the Royals should hit Scott Feldman for a few runs at least.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: Tyson Ross has quietly put together a very good season. It all depends on if his offense can give him some runs. He's given up one earned run in each of his last two starts but one was a loss and one was a win. So it goes for him. Brandon McCarthy has been similarly snake bit his last two starts. This is a toss up.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Cardinals over the Yankees: Michael Wacha has big time stuff. The Yankees are an older team that doesn't react well against big time stuff. Plus, Chase Whitley has not been able to go deep in games and as much as I like him, he's no Wacha.

Yesterday: 9-7, May: 182-160, Games of the Day: 25-26, Season; 415-332