Sunday was a second negative day in a row. The results weren't as bad as Saturday, but it was still below .500. A blown save by the Mets to erase another great Zack Wheeler performance didn't help. And once again, extra-inning games are the bane of my existence. There were three more yesterday and all three went against me. That is eight extra-inning games in two days and seven went against the picks. Ridiculous.
I've never really liked the Dodgers. I've liked them more with Donnie Baseball managing there (and Joe Torre before that). But I really enjoy Clayton Kershaw. What he is doing is really one of those once in a generational type things. He has been incredible. And the fact that he seems like a really good guy just adds to the joy of his accomplishments.
Monday's picks:
- The Phillies over the Mets: Jon Niese has pitched against the Phillies more times in his career than against any other team. He has a 3.03 ERA in eighteen starts against them. But that jumps to 3.84 at Citizens Bank Park. That said, I'll go with David Buchanan and the Phillies.
- The Orioles over the Yankees: Bud Norris has been quite good and frankly, quite good is all you need against this Yankee offense lately. Chris Capuano had a good outing last time out, but it's all smoke and mirrors.
- The Braves over the Dodgers: Julio Teheran has not pitched well in the last month. That said, he has to be better than Kevin Correia. How did the Dodgers get him anyway? And why?
- The Cardinals over the Marlins: This could go either way. Tom Koehler pitched well against the Reds and then got beat by the Pirates. On the other hand, Shelby Miller has been a mystery all season for the Cardinals, but has shown signs of snapping out of it.
- The Cubs over the Brewers: You have to take the shellacking Jake Arrieta gentille Arrieta received in his last outing with a grain of salt. It was at Coors Field and that kind of beating has happened to many other pitchers there. He should be better back at Wrigley. Yovani Gallardo isn't a pushover though.
- The Rays over the Rangers: The Rangers looked respectable winning their last two games over the weekend. But the Rays will have a good approach against Colby Lewis and the Emoticon, Drew Smyly ( :) ) will be adequate for the Rays.
- The Twins over the Astros: Tommy Milone was a nice pickup for the Twins despite what he might have said about his situation with the A's. He is a big upgrade over Correia and might be successful for years in Minnesota. Brad Peacock goes for the Astros.
- The Athletics over the Royals: The Royals are now a half game behind the Tigers. What a weird season. Just a while ago, I was writing about how disappointing they were and how the manager should be fired. I still don't think he is the right manager, but anyway, the team is flying. But...The A's are really good even losing Cespedes. Sonny Gray over Yordano Ventura.
- The Padres over the Rockies: Jesse Hahn was my number one guy and then Chris McBrien went ahead and picked him up on Chris' fantasy team. Chris is the opposite of King Midas: Whatever player he touches turns to crap. (C.R.A.P. - Chris ruined another player). But Hahn is going to win today because I have willed it so. Jordan Lyles has pitched surprisingly well for the Rockies.
- The Mariners over the Blue Jays: The difference for this pick for me is that Felix Hernandez is great just about every time he pitches whereas Drew Hutchison is great every other time he pitches. King Felix at home is too irresistible.
And the Game of the Day:
- The Tigers over the Pirates: It is a bigger deal for the Tigers to lose their DH than just about any American League team. That said, their offense will still be better than the Pirates' offense is right now. Justin Verlander over Jeff Locke.
Yesterday: 7-8, August: 75-65, Games of the Day: 69-53 (-2), Season: 969-812
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