Saturday, August 09, 2014

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: August 9, 2014

The last two baseball picking days have included twenty correct picks out of twenty-eight. That is some nice work after a week or more of barely staying above water. As good as it is, it could have been one better if the Blue Jays hadn't blown that save in the ninth inning against the Tigers.
In other incorrect picks, Stephen Strasburg remains one of the most frustrating pitchers this season. What the heck, man? I did not expect the Red Sox to beat Jered Weaver and get a good pitching performance besides. I should have expected the Royals to win and did not. But if that is all of your mistakes, I'll take that every day.
Saturday's picks:
  • The Yankees over the Indians: I really hate to pick against Corey Kluber, but the Indians and Yankees are two teams heading in opposite directions. Plus the Indians are 4-15 at the new Yankee Stadium since it was built. In order for the Yankees to win, Brandon McCarthy has to continue is hot pitching.
  • The Tigers over the Blue Jays: The Tigers really aren't hitting that well, unless it is against a closer that is. Marcus Stroman should keep the Tigers somewhat quiet. But Max Scherzer is tough to beat and I give the win to him.
  • The Cardinals over the Orioles: I hate picking against the Orioles these days. It looks like the AL East is pretty much firmly in their hands. But they are kind of throwing a game away to start Ubaldo Jimenez. Of course I'll say that and he'll throw a gem. John Lackey knows the Orioles well.
  • The Rays over the Cubs: I don't know which pitcher, Jake Odorizzi or Edwin Jackson, will pitch better. Both are inconsistent. The Rays are the better team...I think...
  • The Phillies over the Mets: Three out of the first five of these picks have featured very good pitching match-ups. This one pits Dillon Gee against Cole Hamels. Both are very good when on their games. I have to go with Hamels, the much hotter starter right now.
  • The Brewers over the Dodgers: This might seem like a stupid pick if you are reading this. After all, it is Zack Greinke against Mike Fiers. That pits a near ace against a 4-A pitcher? I don't know. Fiers has been lights out in the PCL this year, a league known for its ease of hitting. And it seems Fiers comes up once a year to pitch a great game. That's the pick.
  • The Reds over the MarlinsBrad Penny!? Are you kidding me? The expression, "A bad Penny always turns up," was coined (pun!) for him. So yeah, I'm picking Alfredo Simon to win.
  • The Royals over the Giants: The Royals have put a nice streak together and are fighting hard in leading the wild card race. I rag on them a lot. But thems the facts. James Shields over Tim Hudson.
  • The Rangers over the Astros: Do you think Yu Darvish is bored? What else would explain his random losing? Anyway, Scott Feldman has put together two really good starts. But he is a BABIP pitcher who does not strike anyone out. So his luck could turn either way.
  • The Braves over the NationalsTanner Roark's last start is kind of upsetting me. He was such a lock for my picks for so long and then he gets beat up. I don't know what to do now. Aaron Harang is not one of my favorite picks, but I have learned not to pick against him.
  • The Rockies over the Diamondbacks: Even when Trevor Cahill pitches well (which isn't often), he doesn't get a win. Jorge De La Rosa has gone on kind of a sucky streak himself. But he's the pick over Cahill.
  • The Angels over the Red SoxClay Buchholz has been awful. Maybe he will put it together today or maybe not. Either way, Garrett Richards is a tough task for any opposing pitcher to beat.
  • The Athletics over the TwinsTrevor May makes his MLB debut tonight against the A's. He was a former top prospect but stalled in the Phillies system but has put back together a nice season for the Twins' system. I still think he will lose to Jeff Samardzija, but it will be fun to see what happens.
  • The Mariners over the White SoxHector Noesi has really surprised me this season and good for him for resurrecting his career. His wins have come against mostly bad teams though and I am excited to see James Paxton back on the hill for the Mariners.
And the Game of the Day:
  • The Pirates over the Padres: The Padres are not as good against left-handed pitching and Francisco Liriano, when on, is very tough. Eric Stults just keeps on piling up the losses.
Yesterday: 10-5, August: 63-47, Games of the Day: 69-52 (+4), Season: 957-794

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