Monday, August 04, 2014

MLB Game Picks - Monday: October 4, 2014

Mediocrity continues with another 8-7 day. The Astros surprised me all weekend. Scott Kazmir lost. The most laughable incorrect pick was the White Sox. What the heck was that!? They did not have a relief pitcher that could get anyone out no matter who they put out there. After Jose Quintana threw too many pitches through five, but had a 3-1 lead when he left, the White Sox bullpen gave up 15 runs with 23 base runners in four innings. Nice. Way to make me look totally stupid.
In one of the slowest days since the All Star Break, Monday only features seven games. That makes little room for error today. The picks:
  • The Giants over the Mets: This first one is a tough call. Dillon Gee has really struggled in his last three starts. But he is a much better pitcher than that. Tim Hudson is one of the best pitchers of his generation, but can have a bad game occasionally at his age. Tough one.
  • The Nationals over the Orioles: This is a make-up game from earlier in the season. And two good, young pitchers are matched up. I've rarely gone wrong picking Tanner Roark this season, but the Orioles' lineup and Kevin Gausman make it difficult to be confident about any pick here.
  • The Indians over the RedsCorey Kluber has been terrific and Alfredo Simon has been fading. But the Reds have gotten hot and get an extra bat in the lineup. This isn't easy today! I like the Indians better without Asdrubal Cabrera.
  • The Tigers over the Yankees: The Yankees' lineup has gotten deeper with the additions and Brandon McCarthy has been really good. But Max Scherzer is hard to beat and Miguel Cabrera loves Yankee Stadium III.
  • The White Sox over the Rangers: How can I go back to the White Sox well after Sunday's debacle? It was just a game. I have no faith in either starter today. Hector Noesi goes for the White Sox and Nick Martinez for the Rangers. It's hard to understand the Rangers throwing Martinez out there game after game with his results. I don't get it.
  • The Rays over the Athletics: All of these games are tough today! Alex Cobb has been unbelievable his last two outings. I mean big-time great. I am worried about the A's offense without Cespedes. His OBP might have been low, but his presence in the middle of the lineup just made a difference. Jeff Samardzija goes for the A's.
And the Game of the Day:
  • The Dodgers over the Angels: I love Garrett Richards. But he has faced two tough teams in a row and he did not hold up against either. This will be his third one in a row and I think Zack Greinke will best him. The Angels losing the DH hurts them less than most since they have a weakness there anyway.
Yesterday: 8-7, August: 23-22, Games of the Day: 65-51 (-1), Season: 917-769

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