MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: July 30, 2014

Considering the picks yesterday started with a 6-0 run, I'm not very proud to have ended up the day with a 9-6 record. Even the Game of the Day did not make me proud even though it was correct. After all, the usually vaunted Yankee bullpen gave up seven runs in three innings to nearly blow the game. But when David Robertson gave up a well-struck fly ball in the ninth with the bases loaded to win it to record a save (after giving up two runs) he couldn't have been proud and I wasn't proud the feature was correct. Sheesh.

Oh, about the Marlins. They are surging. Now there is talk they are in the Jon Lester race. I was given this well-deserved message by a fellow Twitter writer:

@FlagrantFan Marlins on fire #OpenYoEyes
— Real_American (@99WarNickels) July 30, 2014

Wednesday's picks:

• The Rays over the Brewers: Can you pick against the Rays right now? Can you pick against David Price right now? I don't think so on either count. Oh, Yovani Gallardo might pitch well, but the Rays seem invincible at the moment.
• The Mets over the Phillies: Zack Wheeler and Kyle Kendrick both only have five wins in their 21 starts (each). That's about as equal as they get. Wheeler has really pitched well for two months. Kendrick has maybe a good game here or there.
• The Reds over the Diamondbacks: Alfredo Simon has struggled after the All Star Break and has lost two straight. Can he put it back together or again? Wade Miley was pitching much better until his last start. Tough call here. I am going with the Reds at home.
• The Nationals over the Marlins: Hey, Real American...I truly am a slow learner. Tanner Roark has been like a metronome his last three starts: Seven innings, one run, five or six strikeouts. He's my guy. Brad Hand pitched well his last time out. Is he as good as Roark. I don't think so. But can he be for this start? Real American is all over me.
• The Athletics over the Astros: This isn't so much a pick for Jason Hammel. I am never truly comfortable picking him. The fact is that Dallas Keuchel (rhymes with Michael) might be traded before this game starts.
• The Pirates over the Giants: I hate this pick and this game. Charlie Morton is one reason. I never like picking him. Tim Lincecum is about as consistent as the direction of a Barry Sanders run. Who the heck knows.
• The Angels over the Orioles: The Orioles are on a magical run. No doubt this pick is flying in the face of fortune. But it is based on the pitching line. When Garrett Richards gave up seven hits in his seven innings last time out, it was the first time since May 15 that he allowed more hits than innings pitched. He is a super talent. Kevin Gausman is talented too. He needs more command.
• The Mariners over the Indians: Man, is this a tough pick. Corey Kluber is great. Felix Hernandez is great in spades. One of them is going to win 1-0 or 2-1 or something.
• The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: Mark Buehrle might be the weak link of this pitching staff now after carrying them earlier in the season. He has lost his last six decisions covering nine games. Though in full disclosure, the Jays did win three of those no decision games. He also has a career WHIP against the Red Sox of nearly 1.5. Brandon Workman has a workman-like effort and wins.
• The Rockies over the Cubs: Two terrible teams. Two pitchers not having pretty seasons. But Brett Anderson does have the benefit of two good starts in a row. Travis Wood only has one in a row. Gosh, why did I start doing this?
• The Yankees over the Rangers: Colby Lewis pitched a good game against the Yankees the last time out. But Mark Teixeira wasn't in the lineup and Brett Gardner wasn't unconscious. It all depends on Hiroki Kuroda who has been hit or miss this season.
• The Royals over the Twins: You need to be Elijah to figure out the Royals. I know I can't and I have given up trying. Danny Duffy has been very good his last three starts. But that doesn't mean anything with the Royals. Phil Hughes sounds like a bad fit against the Royals' offense, but he could throw a complete game victory too. I don't know.
• The Dodgers over the Braves: Alex Wood has had a decent season for being an afterthought in the rotation. Zack Greinke should win this game, however.
• The Padres over the Cardinals: Jesse Hahn chaka hahn is my guy. So I have to pick him. It helps that he faces Joe Kelly who Cardinal fans are starting to see is not the rotation stud they thought he was.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Tigers over the White Sox: I correctly picked the White Sox yesterday as jumping all over Sanchez. But they won't do the same against Max Scherzer. Can you imagine the frenzy when he is a free agent this winter? Hector Noesi can only dream about those untold millions.

Yesterday: 9-6, July: 199-156, Games of the Day: 62-49, Season: 882-731