MLB Game Picks - Saturday: May 2, 2015

It is a gorgeous May day here and I overslept. Oops. My picks were kind of sleepy too yesterday. It was a struggle up and down all day and I finally finished one game above the even mark, Hardly impressive. The day is calling me, so let's dive right into Saturday.

The picks:

• The Yankees over the Red Sox: Everyone in Red Sox Nation is hating on Wade Miley these days. That's not a good thing to face at home for the pitcher. Nathan Eovaldi, despite my high expectations, hasn't exactly been great either. I'll either be way right on this one or laughably wrong.
• The Twins over the White Sox: I'll be honest. I have no idea here. Who would you choose of either Hector Noesi or Ricky Nolasco. I don't want to pick either. I'll go with the Twins at home as they are playing better right now.
• The Cardinals over the Pirates: John Lackey has pitched really well so far. Francisco Liriano has had his moments against the Cardinals. It will be another close game decided late. The Cards keep winning, but the fans don't have it easy most nights.
• The Angels over the Giants: I knew the Giants would win last night and they did. I'm not so sure about tonight with Tim Hudson showing his age. Hector Santiago is hit or miss. The bottom line is that I think the Angels will hit Hudson.
• The Marlins over the Phillies: Cole Hamels is pitching well of late. But so is Dan Haren. The Marlins are on a roll and the offense is clicking. The Phillies are piling through a long season. Marlins.
• The Indians over the Blue Jays: The Indians surprised me last night. That's why predicting baseball is like holding onto a fish. Corey Kluber hasn't won a game. He sure is due. Aaron Sanchez is getting better, but is still a starter in progress.
• The Rays over the Orioles: The weird series continues with the Rays' best pitcher, Chris Archer, on the mound. Miguel Rodriguez is decent and will keep his team in the game. But Archer is throwing some serious baseball.
• The Reds over the Braves: I try to always steer clear of any game that Eric Stults is pitching. And, for some reason, Jason Marquis wins his share of games after all these years. The Braves are playing pretty well for a team that was supposed to be terrible though.
• The Tigers over the Royals: There seems to be a lot of concern about David Price in recent days. But I think he'll be just fine today and will shut down a very hot Royals' offense. Edinson Volquez has been pretty good though and could keep it close.
• The Astros over the Mariners: I love me some Collin McHugh and as long as his bullpen can help him out, I like his chances today. Nelson Cruz has been amazing though and sooner or later Taijuan Walker is going to figure it out and go nuts. Tough call...
• The Mets over the Nationals: The Mets are playing with a whole bunch of swagger right now and Jon Niese has been very good. Gio Gonzalez really needs to figure it out, but I don't think it will be today.
• The Rangers over the Athletics: Nick Martinez has given up one earned run this year. One. I keep waiting for the dam to burst. But it hasn't thus far. He is old school, pitch-to-contact kind of guy and he's getting it done. I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop though. Drew Pomeranz goes for the A's.
• The Padres over the Rockies: I am rooting so hard for Brandon Morrow. I've just latched onto the guy as a feel-good story. So this pick is biased to say the least. Jorge De La Rosa was a good pitcher last year but hasn't gotten it going thus far this year..
• The Diamondbacks over the Dodgers: This pick is probably stupid. I just don't think Scott Baker is the answer for the Dodgers. On the other hand, Jeremy Hellickson hasn't been anything to write home about either. His WHIP so far is 1.75. Ugh. It's an Ugh game.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Cubs over the Brewers: Jake Arrieta is a pretty well-kept secret. The guy is really good. Mike Fiers was really good last year, but has come up empty this season. It doesn't help that the Brewers can't hit.

Yesterday: 8-7, May: 8-7, Season: 172-172, Picks of the Day: 14-12

MLB Game Picks - Friday: May 1, 2015

Ah, May. Welcome. I love May. My son was born in May. Spring actually hits Maine in May. We usually start playing golf in May. The days are longer in May. And it also means April is gone. By April! Take care! Don't let the door hit you on the way out! April ended up one game under .500. That is awful. Terrible. And the month ended perfectly with a dismal 4-4 record yesterday. Good riddance! Now on to good times!

Friday's picks:

• The Cubs over the Brewers: Jon Lester still hasn't won a game for the Cubs. That doesn't bother me much. I would think it bothers the Cubs fans. He faces Wily Peralta who also hasn't won a game this season. Either one of them will finally win a game, or the relievers will win because...you know...the NL is the thinking person's baseball.
• The Orioles over the Rays: The Orioles are the home team. But they are playing the game in Tampa. That will be weird. And once again, they will be playing without a crowd. That was low, wasn't it? Chris Tillman over Alex Colombe. Will the O's wear their home unis? Will the Rays wear their road unis?
• The Red Sox over the Yankees: The Red Sox always kill CC Sabathia. Unfortunately, that used to be a novelty. Now everyone kills Sabathia. Justin Masterson has been better of late. I'll have to watch the game on NESN, so I hope I get to see Daniel Nahver play.
• The Marlins over the Phillies: Both Florida teams are in the same state today. I bet the Cubs have a bigger attendance than the combined Florida games. Tom Koehler and Jerome Williams square up.
• The Mets over the Nationals: In a great match-up, Max Scherzer faces Matt Harvey. Both pitchers cancel each other out and then the bullpens take over. Advantage: Mets.
• The Reds over the Braves: The Reds win the battle of funny-named pitchers. Anthony DeSclafani goes against Mike Foltynewicz. Oh come on now. How am I going to remember that? It's not like I am Babe Ruth and can call everyone, "Kid."
• The Rangers over the Athletics: Everything tells me that the A's should win this game. That is why I don't trust it. This is my anti-self pick. Colby Lewis and Scott Kazmir are the pitchers.
• The Twins over the White Sox: It is far obvious that I cannot figure these two teams out right now. Heck, if Chris Sale gets pounded by the Twins, what will happen with Jose Quintana? Kyle Gibson goes for the Twins.
• The Royals over the Tigers: Big statement last night by the Royals. They kicked booty. Remember when they could never beat the Tigers? But wait, Chris Young is starting for the Royals. Uh oh. But before I get all panicky and listen to all his naysayers, the guy is 66-52 in his career. He does something right. Kyle Lobstein goes for the Tigers.
• The Mariners over the Astros. Ugh! What do I do with this game? Sam Deduno against Roenis Elias!? Heaven help me.
• The Cardinals over the Pirates: The Pirates don't seem to be all that peppy so far I don't know what to make of them. A.J. Burnett doesn't help me figure that out. I guess I'll go with Lance Lynn and the Cards at home.
• The Dodgers over the Diamondbacks. The D-backs are playing some decent ball. And Rubby De La Rosa has been good. The Dodgers have Carlos Frias going for them and he has started one game in the Majors. Seems easy. Seems like a trap. Seeing the trap and leaping over it.
• The Rockies over the Padres: I am not comfortable going with Ian Kennedy just coming off the disabled list. Eddie Butler walks as many people as he strikes out. But he does okay otherwise. Maybe I'm over-thinking this...
• The Giants over the Angels: Charlton Chris Heston got rocked his last time out. But that was in Coors, so we'll give him a pass.  C.J. Wilson goes for the Angels. The Angels lose the DH, but they also lose the game.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Blue Jays over the Indians: I thought Carlos Carrasco was a sure thing and then he got bombed last time. Heck, Chris Sale got bombed last night. Who saw that coming? Anyway, Mark Buehrle continues to bamboozle.

Yesterday: 4-4, April: 164-165, Picks of the Day: 14-11

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: April 30, 2015

The Game Picks had another good day yesterday to give me a shot at finished this awful month in the black instead of the red. The only thing that annoys me is that I never pick the Yankees as the Pick of the Day and I did and they lost. Not only did they lose, but they lost in extra-innings. I am now 0-9 in the last nine games that have gone into extra frames. That's amazing.

Thursday's picks:

• The Cardinals over the Phillies: Tim Cooney, a former third-round draft pick for the Cards in 2012, makes his MLB debut tonight against the Phillies. He is a left-hander with good control. Not a combination you see a lot. He faces David Buchanan.
• The Angels over the Athletics: Yes, I will take Garrett Richards over Jesse Chavez pretty much all the time.
• The Braves over the Reds: The Reds will be very familiar with Shelby Miller from his days as a Cardinal. That said, I'm not a big believer in Mike Leake and think the Braves should win this one. Of course, I'm still thinking of the Braves of past years and not the new reality.
• The Mets over the Nationals: I just can't pick Stephen Strasburg anymore. It never works out for me. And I like him too. So maybe he'll win when I don't pick him. Jacob deGrom goes for the Mets and hopes to put that Yankees game behind him.
• The White Sox over the Twins: Chris Sale is amazing. What a great pitcher! Trevor May has been pitching better. But I have to go with Sale.
• The Tigers over the Royals: These series will be huge all season. The Royals are at home and Danny Duffy has great stuff. It doesn't always translate to wins though. Alfredo Simon is 4-0 and will be someone the Royals are not familiar with. Going with the Tigers.
• The Astros over the Mariners: James Paxton is not having a good season thus far. The Astros are surprisingly good so far this season. Scott Feldman is a liability. I'm just going to ride the Astros for a while.

The Pick of the Day

• The Blue Jays over the Indians: Daniel Norris was really good his last time out. So maybe he is settling into his role now. On the other hand, I think the Blue Jays' offense will be all over T.J. House.

Yesterday: 10-5, Season: 160-161, Picks of the Day: 13-11

MLB Picks - Wednesday: April 29, 2015

Thank goodness! I finally had a good night of picking! With the one postponement I went 9-5. Once again, I came out on the wrong end of the Kershaw / Bumgarner match-up. And, I didn't see the Twins and Astros winning again. But they did. Otherwise, things went really well.

William's humpday picks:

• The Reds over the Brewers: On the one hand, the Reds have Michael Lorenzen making his MLB debut on the mound. His stats in the minors don't bowl you over. On the other hand, Matt Garza is not exactly a sure thing either. I'm going with the Reds in a slugfest.
• The Tigers over the Twins: Two former Yankee pitchers go at it tonight in a match-up of Shane Greene versus Phil Hughes. That is fun in and of itself, but until Hughes gets the long ball under control, I'll go with the Tigers.
• The White Sox over the Orioles: In what will be the most surreal game of the season, these two teams will play today with no crowds and an empty stadium. I'm going with Jeff Samardzija over Ubaldo Jimenez.
• The Astros over the Padres: Okay, Astros, you win...and win...and win. And I'm tired of not getting the message. Dallas Keuchel over Andrew Cashner.
• The Royals over the Indians: I'm tired of getting this one wrong too. The Indians have not even shown up here for this series despite having their best pitchers lined up. Yordano Venture must be appealing his suspension and is pitching. I hope he behaves. Danny Salazar will face him.
• The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: R.A. Dickey has been a batting practice pitcher this season. Rick Porcello has fared only slightly better.
• The Marlins over the Mets: Bartolo Colon is 4-0. Mat Latos is 0-3. Something has to break here. It's a trap to pick the Mets based on this match-up. The Marlins love fastballs and I'm going with them.
• The Nationals over the Braves: Last night's big win for the Nats could be a turning point. At least it is something to build on. I like Jordan Zimmermann over Alex Wood.
• The Cubs over the Pirates: Gerrit Cole has been fabulous and Kyle Hendricks has not been. But the Cubs are having their way with the Pirates and will sweep tonight. This has become a fun team to watch.
• The Mariners over the Rangers: Wandy Rodriguez had a good debut for the Rangers, which is cool since nobody else wanted him. But he runs into Felix Hernandez today. Sorry about that, Wandy. King Felix has struggled in the past in Arlington though...
• The Cardinals over the Phillies: Oh no! I have to pick against Aaron Harang! That has always killed me. But logic says that the Cards are the better team and Carlos Martinez has an electric arm.
• The Diamondbacks over the Rockies: Josh Collmenter has had two good starts in a row and the Rockies have been flat lately. Jordan Lyles is capable of a good game. Tough call here.
• The Angels over the Athletics: Chaka Jesse Hahn is one of my favorites, but I also like Matt Shoemaker. I also like the Angels' offense better than the A's right now.
• The Dodgers over the Giants: Zack Greinke will need to be efficient and give the Dodgers some length. If he does that, he should win over Ryan Vogelsong. But these Giants never seem to die, do they?

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Yankees over the Rays: The Yankees are on a serious roll and have not lost to the Rays yet this season. They face Drew Smyly (The Emoticon) and have their best pitcher, Michael Pineda on the mound.

Yesterday: 9-5, Season: 150-156, Picks of the Day: 13-10

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: April 28, 2015

Three terrible days in a row have brought be back to where I was two weeks ago. I want this month to get over so badly. This is terrible. This is awful. I could pick games better if I used a dartboard.

Once again, I have to cheat again today as life is so busy and it won't let up. My apologies as there are no descriptions today, just the picks and the match-ups:

• Indians over the Royals: Trevor Bauer vs. Jeremy Guthrie
• The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: Clay Buchholz vs Drew Hutchison
• The White Sox over the Orioles: Jeff Samardzija vs. Ubaldo Jimenez
• The Yankees over the Rays: Chase Whitley vs Jake Odorizzi
• The Marlins over the Mets: David Phelps vs Rafael Montero
• The Nationals over the Braves: A.J. Cole vs. Julio Teheran
• The Cubs over the Pirates: Travis Wood vs. Jeff Locke
• The Mariners over the Rangers: J.A. Happ vs. Ross Detwiler
• The Tigers over the Twins: Anibal Sanchez vs. Mike Pelfrey
• The Cardinals over the Phillies: Michael Wacha vs. Severino Gonzalez
• The Diamondbacks over the Rockies: Archie Bradley vs. Kyle Kendrick
• The Athletics over the Angels: Sonny Gray vs Jered Weaver
• The Padres over the Astros: Tyson Ross vs. Roberto Hernandez
• The Dodgers over the Giants: Clayton Kershaw vs. Madison Bumgarner

The Pick of the Day:

• The Reds over the Brewers:  Johnny Cueto vs Kyle Lohse

Yesterday: 5-8, Season: 141-151, Picks of the Day: 12-10

MLB Game Picks - Monday: April 27, 2015

Confound it all! It took me two weeks to dig out of my early month hole and I finally did it and now I'm slipping right back down that slope! The extra-inning game thing is starting to really make me see red. I am now 0-8 in the last eight games that have gone into extra frames. How is that right? The Royals have gone flat. I'm a mess.

Monday's picks:

• The Indians over the Royals: Is Corey Kluber going to get going? This pick is based on what kind of pitcher he is supposed to be. Jason Vargas has always been solid no matter where he has pitched.
• The Orioles over the White Sox: Which pitcher will be worse, Hector Noesi or Ubaldo Jimenez? Good question. The Orioles will hit at least two homers.
• The Yankees over the Bay Rays: I don't think Adam Warren will last much longer in the rotation. We'll see. The Yankees have been on a roll. The Rays keep hanging around though and Nathan Karns is getting better.
• The Brewers over the Reds: I smell blood. Can the Brewers win two games in a row! Wouldn't that be something? I like Jimmy Nelson and am going with him today over Jason Marquis.
• The Marlins over the Mets: The Fish had a great weekend and can continue to do some damage in the NL East here. Giancarlo Stanton has been raking and I like Jarred Cosart's fire. Dillon Gee hasn't inspired much.
• The Nationals over the Braves: So...is there a manager crisis in Washington? What the heck is going on with this club? Doug Fister should elevate the team out of the mire today and Eric Stultz goes for the Braves.
• The Cubs over the Pirates: I keep picking against the Cubs like they are still...the Cubs. But they are not those Cubs. Jason Hammel goes against Vance Worley and I think the Cubbies will score five runs or more.
• The Rangers over the Mariners: Until Taijuan Walker gets better, I cannot count on him. I'll go with Yovani Gallardo instead. I'm not feeling real strong about the pick though.
• The Tigers over the Twins: David Price will bounce back from his start against the Yankees and Tommy Milone should not stop the Tigers attack.
• The Cardinals over the Phillies: Yes, the Adam Wainwright injury is a  blow to the Cardinals, but they will be okay. John Lackey has been pitching well and Cole Hamels has not. I don't think he's very inspired at the moment.
• The Diamondbacks over the Rockies: The Rockies will keep the rotation intact after yesterday's postponement and Tyler Matzek will go today. Chase Anderson goes for the D-Backs. This is a 50/50 pick.
• The Astros over the Padres: I have to stick with a very hot Collin McHugh even if he is going up against James Shields. The Astros will miss the DH though. Two pitchers were hurt batting this week. Can we make the DH universal please?
• The Giants over the Dodgers: The Giants always seem to win these head to head battles between these two teams. Tim Lincecum has been pretty good. Brett Anderson is iffy for me in the Dodgers' rotation which took another hit when Brandon McCarthy left his last outing.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: Watching the Red Sox without David Ortiz was kind of nice yesterday. But it was just one day. Aaron Sanchez has not pitched well and if that happens today with the Red Sox, he'll get pounded. The Jays aren't the same without Jose Bautista and it has showed. Joe Kelly goes for the Red Sox.

Yesterday: 5-10, Season: 136-143, Picks of the Day: 11-10