MLB Game Picks - Saturday: April 18, 2015

Finally. I broke through the mire to post a good day of Game Picks. What a relief after two weeks of futility. It would have been even better if Corey Kluber could have held on and let those pesky Twins tie the game and eventually win it in extra innings. And it would have been better if the Blue Jays hadn't brought in Brett Cecil. But no matter, it was a good day and I'm so very relieved.

Saturday's picks:

• The Nationals over the Phillies: Aaron Harang confronts me again. The guy just fills me with dread. Jordan Zimmermann should win. Shouldn't he?
• The Blue Jays over the Braves: R.A. Dickey was bashed up good in his last start. I am hesitant to pick him in this one. And Alex Wood is a pretty good pitcher for the Braves. At the end of the day, the Blue Jays can just bash the baseball and that's what I'm thinking will happen.
• The White Sox over the Tigers: Anibal Sanchez is a good pitcher who got beat badly his last time out. But I'm thinking that is a fluke. However, on the other team is a guy named Chris Sale who is very hard to pick against.
• The Twins over the Indians: The Twins have had a good week of baseball. You might not have noticed, but they slowed the mighty KC train and won that series and now have won the first against the Indians. Phil Hughes will keep it going and Danny Salazar will continue to make us scratch our heads.
• The Cardinals over the Reds: Homer Bailey starts for the Reds after starting the season hurting. Carlos Martinez pitched well in his last start but didn't factor in a decision. I think he'll pitch well again today.
• The Cubs over the Padres: This pick didn't work out yesterday but I'll try it again today. First, Kyle Hendricks is much better than what happened his first start. Secondly, this is the day Chicago falls in love with the bat of Kris Bryant. Tyson Ross, of course, will try to prove otherwise.
• The Orioles over the Red Sox: Clay Buchholz was reviled after his start against the Yankees. He looked terrible and acted worse. And while I'm piling on, make the guy wash his hair for heaven's sake.  It's disgusting. Chris Tillman has to be mighty good to hold back this Red Sox lineup.
• The Pirates over the Brewers: I'm not real confident on this pick. With Kyle Lohse, anything can happen and Jeff Locke never seems like a lock.
• The Angels over the Astros: I really wanted to pick Dallas Keuchel as I think the guy is really good. But the Astros have not played well and C.J. Wilson should have a good day.
• The Mets over the Marlins: Mat Latos will try to improve on his 17+ ERA, but even if he is much better today, Jacob deGrom is one talented young pitcher. Of course, Giancarlo Stanton could always hit like three homers...
• The Yankees over the Bay Rays: The Alex Rodriguez story is so fun right now. Until the next shew drops, I'm having a blast watching him cause curmudgeons to gnash their teeth. Masahiro Tanaka over Jake Odorizzi.
• The Royals over the Athletics: If Yordano Ventura is on, the A's will be able to do little with him. Jesse Hahn was not good in his one loss but his good pitching last year is still in the memory bank.
• The Giants over the Diamondbacks: I keep wanting to call, Chris Heston, "Charlton."  But what I will call him is a good looking young pitcher who has pitched well in both his games. Rubby De La Rosa has started really well. I'm not sure he is the real deal.
• The Rockies over the Dodgers: I'm going for a bit of an upset here. Puig has a hamstring problem and that changes things. Zack Greinke is reliably great, but I think he will be out-pitched by Jordan Lyles. Yeah, Jordan Lyles.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Mariners over the Rangers: The M's are kind of scuffling right now and need a big performance by Felix Hernandez. Colby Lewis has been strangely effective. I still can't really believe it or in it.

Yesterday: 11-4, Season: 73-81, Picks of the Day: 4-8

MLB Game Picks - Friday: April 17, 2015

I am simply terrible. I don't know what else to say. I can't pick anything thus far this season. There were six games yesterday. I got five of them wrong. The picks are now fifteen games under .500. The Pick of the Day, which is supposed to be my strongest possibility of being correct is 3-8 for the season. Even the Yankees have to be feeling better about themselves than I am.  It's just amazing. By now, reading my daily output must like some morbid obsession. Heh. Oh my.

Let's try Friday. Kris Bryant will be playing. A new era begins? Let's hope a new success streak begins here too.

The picks:

• The Tigers over the White Sox: This seems straightforward. David Price should be dominant and Jeff Samardzija keeps doing bad pitching. At this point, I'm wondering of Samardzija should have stayed in the bullpen all along.
• The Cubs over the Padres: This could be a big day in Chicago. Or it could be a balloon deflating. One just never knows. The pitching match-up is Jason Hammel at home against James Shields. Which way will the wind blow at Wrigley?
• The Pirates over the Brewers: These two teams have really struggled offensively. And both Jimmy Nelson of the Brewers and Jeff Locke won their first starts. That makes this a hard call. Which team will score three or more runs? I'm going with the Pirates.
• The Blue Jays over the Braves: If you've noticed, I'm going with a lot of home teams. I think that's been a big part of my problem--thinking that the away team will win often. The Jays came off a bad series against the Rays and need to bounce back. Drew Hutchison is a very good young pitcher. But then again, so is Julio Teheran.
• The Red Sox over the Orioles: Now, all of these home team picks is making me nervous. If Joe Kelly pitches against the O's like he did the Yankees, he'll be golden. Because either way, I think the Red Sox will rain all over Ubaldo Jimenez.
• The Marlins over the Mets: I know Bartolo Colon is the ninth wonder of the world. But his entire history is a couple of great performances and a big clunker. I'm feeling clunker today. It doesn't help that David Wright is on the DL. David Phelps returns to the Big Apple.
• The Yankees over the Rays: Tropicana has been a graveyard for the Yankees over the years. But it's different now with a new manager and all those pitching nemesis gone. Nate Karns is inexperienced. My only qualm about this pick is Adam Warren starting for the Yankees.
• The Indians over the Twins: Yeesh, now I've gone with three straight visiting teams. That said, Corey Kluber really should be better than Mike Pelfrey, right? The Twins did have a good series against the Royals...
• The Angels over the Astros: Oh, come on. Now that's four straight visiting team picks. Lord help me. I have no faith in Roberto Hernandez. None. Nada. I have a little more faith in Jered Weaver.
• The Royals over Athletics: Do I really think that Jeremy Guthrie has more of a chance than Sonny Gray? No. But the Royals are the real deal. Gotta pick them to bounce back after a tough series against the Twins.
• The Cardinals over the Reds: Have the Cardinals faced any pitcher more than Johnny Cueto? I can't imagine it. Normally, I would go with Cueto. But Michael Wacha is back looking studly and I have to go with the redbirds at home.
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: Clayton Kershaw hasn't won a game yet. What's with that? I'd say he corrects that today and has a good day at home and beats the Rockies fronted by Kyle Kendrick.
• The Rangers over the Mariners: I have this fixation with Yovani Gallardo. I guess I always think he is better than he really is. But I think he'll do well in Safeco and be better than J.A. Happ.
• The Diamondbacks over the Giants: First, Jake Peavy is a homer waiting to happen. Secondly, Josh Collmenter is bound to win one here soon. Third...I can't remember my third point...

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Nationals over the Phillies: This is how this game should turn out. After all, Max Scherzer is as advertised for the Nats. And Sean O'Sullivan has a career ERA of 5.84. But that's been the problem thus far. Nothing goes as planned.

Yesterday: 1-5, Season: 62-77, Picks of the Day: 3-8

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: April 16, 2015

Wednesday was another terrible day of Game Picking. This April is killing me. I'm ready to throw in the towel, to be honest. I know, at least, that it can't get much worse and can only get better from here. But, at this point, throwing a dart at a dartboard would be more effective than I have been to this point.

Thursday is a short schedule, so let's take a brief look:

• The Royals over the Twins: The Royals finally lost yesterday and I knew sooner or later it had to happen. But now that we have that out of the way, I can concentrate on the match-ups and what should happen. While Tommy Milone won his first outing and was one of the few early Twins bright spots, I still think the Royals will win even if Jason Vargas doesn't have a great day.
• The Brewers over the Cardinals: Mike Fiers was awful in his first start and that is hard to jive with what he did last year once he got in the rotation. This pick looks for him to bounce back against the Cardinals and for John Lackey to have a spitting bad day.
• The Nationals over the Phillies: Cole Hamels is still with the Phillies and as such, always has a chance to throw a gem. If Doug Fister is his usual self, he should limit any Phillies damage with a lot of ground balls and strikes.
• The Blue Jays over the Bay Rays: The Rays have held their own this series and have a pretty good start to their season considering who they lost and what they have left. Chris Archer is certainly capable of pitching well. Aaron Sanchez got beat up badly in his first start. I'm banking on him settling down and pitching well today.
• The Marlins over the Mets: The Mets have started well and the Fish have been disappointing. The difference today for me is Jarred Cosart who really is a bulldog. Dillon Gee, on the other hand, has been lost for quite a while.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Giants over the Diamondbacks: Archie Bradley has already beaten Clayton Kershaw and today attempts to take down Madison Bumgarner. How about those two opponents in his first two starts! I still don't trust Bradley's command and the Giants should eek out a win.

Yesterday: 6-9, Season: 61-72, Picks of the Day: 3-7   Terrible...

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: April 15, 2015

I am back in the negative numbers again after two decent days. I should know better than to pick Stephen Strasburg. That never works out of me. And doggone if the Yankees can't hit a middling arm like Miguel Gonzalez. How about Shane Greene!

Wednesday's picks look like this:

• The Indians over the White Sox: Indians' players are dropping like flies, but I still like Trevor Bauer over John Danks.
• The Marlins over the Braves: The Braves have played above water in the early going. I don't think it will last. On top of that, I have little faith in Eric Stultz. Then again, I have no idea what Dan Haren is going to do.
• The Red Sox over the Nationals: I have no idea anymore with these two teams. Are the Red Sox this good? I thought the Nationals were supposed to be good? Wade Miley gets the not over Gio Gonzalez.
• The Rangers over the Angels: Anthony Ranaudo has taken over Derek Holland's spot for now and he has a chance to succeed. Hector Santiago doesn't thrill me very much. This could be a high scoring game.
• The Pirates over the Tigers: Francisco Liriano has to be on to beat the Tigers. That is a 50/50 proposition. The Tigers lose the DH in Pittsburgh and have Alfredo Simon on the mound. That combination makes me lean to the Pirates.
• The Yankees over the Orioles: Bud Norris isn't the craftsman that some of the other Orioles pitchers are. That means he won't take advantage of bad swings by Yankee pull hitters as often as his compadres. A lot depends on the evolution of Nate Eovaldi.
• The Blue Jays over the Bay Rays: The battle of the Ays continues and I will take Mark Buehrle over Erasmo Ramirez any day.
• The Reds over the Cubs: Travis Wood's velocity is in the Jered Weaver range and he doesn't strike anyone out. That's tough in today's market. Jason Marquis just rolls along singing his song year by year.
• The Royals over the Twins: I think most of us highly over-anticipated a better Twins club this season. As to this point, they look awful. The Royals are rolling, but that law of averages thing is staring me in the face. Edinson Volquez versus Kyle Gibson.
• The Athletics over the Astros: Drew Pomeranz and Collin McHugh both pitched really well their first times out. With the pitching seeming to cancel each other out, I have to go with the better team, and that is the A's.
• The Cardinals over the Brewers: My friend, Bob, still things I jinx the Cardinals when I pick them. I don't know how to react. I can't just pick them to lose every day, especially when I think they can win. And I still think they should have kept Allen Craig over Matt  Adams, but that's just me. Lance Lynn over Wily Peralta.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: This is an emotional pick so you are all warned. I just want Brandon Morrow to pitch well after several hurt seasons. Chase Anderson threw well his first time out.
• The Mariners over the Dodgers: Brett Anderson did well in his first start. But will that last? Will he stay healthy? The track record says no. Taijuan Walker was pounded his last time out. That isn't him though.
• The Giants over the Rockies: Tim Lincecum had a successful first start, but that was against the Padres, a team he seems to own. The Rockies are another story. That said, I'm still not all in on Tyler Matzek.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Mets over the Phillies: Jerome Williams makes about three good starts a season. The trick is to pick when they will be. Jon Niese will make it a moot point either way as the Phillies aren't hitting much anyway.

Yesterday: 6-7, Season: 55-63, Picks of the Day: 3-6.

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: April 14, 2015

Yesterday wasn't a great picking day, but at least it was in the plus column. I had a comment that my count was off the other day and I had an extra incorrect pick. That's all I needed. Heh. So I adjusted my final tally.

Tuesday's picks:

• The Nationals over the Red Sox: Stephen Strasburg was not as great as I thought he would be all last year and lost his first outing this year. But I am still a big believer in the guy. Justin Masterson goes for the Red Sox.
• The Tiger over the Pirates: Shane Greene was terrific his first time out and I have an emotional attachment to him. A.J. Burnett brings out emotions in me too, but they are mostly negative.
• The Yankees over the Orioles: CC Sabathia needs to show he can pitch. I think he'll do that today. The one problem is that the Yankees extended both of their power relievers yesterday. Miguel Gonzalez goes for the Orioles.
• The Blue Jays over the Bay Rays: The Rays took the opening game in the opening Battle of the Ays for 2015. Tonight will be different. Daniel Norris is a rising star. Matt Andriese is an unknown quantity.
• The Indians over the White Sox: Jose Quintana will be a hard luck loser again as he faces a very hot Carlos Carrasco. It should be a low scoring game.
• The Marlins over the Braves: There are going to be some panic reactions in Miami if the Marlins don't start winning soon. Tom Koehler will try to get them tilted in the right direction and Trevor Cahill will try to prevent it.
• The Mets over the Phillies: The legend of Matt Harvey will continue to bloom and David Buchanan can only hope to limit the damage and keep up.
• The Angels over the Rangers: I have no idea what to expect from Drew Rucinski who is making his first MLB start. But he has a pretty big arm, so we'll see. Nick Martinez goes for the Rangers.
• The Athletics over the Astros: Brad Peacock has never been able to spread his tail feathers in the Majors. That's what sinks me for this pick. But Kendall Graveman doesn't give me good vibes either.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: I never know what to expect from Odrisamer Despaigne as he is either stellar or gets bombed. But I like him over Jeremy Hellickson. Hellickson's fly ball tendency toward the fly ball won't be as bad in San Diego though.
• The Dodgers over the Mariners: I call David Huff, "David Hassle Huff." In other words, he reminds me of the world's worst actor. At the same time, he is capable of good starts now and then. Hisashi Iwakuma goes for the Mariners.
• The Giants over the Rockies: The Rockies are on fire. I think Tim Hudson will cool them off though. Besides, Christian Bergman doesn't fill me with confidence.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Cubs over the Reds: The Cubs got a bad outing from Lester and still won the game yesterday. Jake Arrieta gentille Arrieta should be better and Anthony DeSclafani at least gives us Italians something to cheer about.

Yesterday: 8-6, Season: 49-56, Picks of the Day: 3-5

MLB Game Picks - Monday: April 13, 2015

Well, what do you know!? I actually had a good picking day and even had the Pick of the Day come in. And the Yankees actually scored a bunch of runs. What a good day! I am actually pinching myself in disbelief.

Here are Monday's picks:

• The Mets over the Phillies: Aaron Harang has made a career out of making me look foolish. In all his years of pitching, I have probably picked against him 85% of the time. And since he has won 49% of his decisions, that is a problem. And guess what? I'm picking against him again today. Jacob deGrom goes for the Mets.
• The Pirates over the Tigers: The Tigers have to lose some time and they lose the DH today. Anibal Sanchez was really good his first time out. I'm thinking Gerrit Cole will be even stronger at home.
• The Nationals over the Red Sox: The Nats and Jordan Zimmermann ruin the Red Sox home opener. The Red Sox have to be really tired today. Rick Porcello goes for the beantowners.
• The Royals over the Twins: The Royals' perfect record should not come to an end today. First, Trevor May has not proved he can pitch in the Majors and secondly, Danny Duffy should be able to hold down the Twins' limited offense.
• The Cardinals over the Brewers: Anyone who has read my stuff for a while knows my feelings about Matt Garza. I don't respect him. I don't trust him. Adam Wainwright at home is a whole different story of comfort for me.
• The Giants over the Rockies: I'm not sure what will happen with the two starting pitchers. Both Eddie Butler and Chris Heston had very good first starts and that was unexpected in both cases. I just think the Giants will win their home opener.
• The Yankees over the Orioles: Perhaps last night made me a bit giddy, but I like the Yankees against left-handed pitching and think they are better served facing Wei-Yin Chen now than at any time last year. Plus, if Michael Pineda is on, he won't give up much.
• The Blue Jays over the Bay Rays: In the first battle of the Ays this year, I give the advantage to the Blue Jays in their home opener. R.A. Dickey likes it at home and Jake Odorizzi faces a tough lineup.
• The Cubs over the Reds: Jon Lester makes his second start for the Cubs and they sure hope it gets better than the first time out. And it should. A lot will depend on the wind in Wrigley though. Mike Leake goes for the Reds. I hope the toilets work.
• The Angels over the Rangers: The only game the Angels have won is because Matt Shoemaker pitched. He pitches again today, so that should prove helpful. Ross Detwiler goes for the Rangers and that did not go so well the first time around.
• The Athletics over the Astros: It won't be a good day for Texas as both the Rangers and Astros lose. Scott Feldman goes for the 'Stros and Scott Kazmir for the A's.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: Andrew Cashner was a little unlucky in his last outing and looked good otherwise. Rubby De La Rosa was awful his first time out and still got the win. So there you go. I'm guessing a 4-1 win here for the Padres.
• The Mariners over the Dodgers: I think this game will be decided by the bullpens. I think Brandon McCarthy and James Paxton will both be great and turn it over to the pens. The Dodgers' bullpen is a mess, hence, the Mariners' pick.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Braves over the Marlins: I have serious misgivings about Mat Latos. He just doesn't seem right anymore. The Marlins have come out of the gate very slow. Shelby Miller was a great pickup for the Braves and should keep the Marlins on the downside.

Yesterday: 10-5, Season: 42-49, Picks of the Day: 2-4