MLB Game Picks - Thursday: June 18, 2015

Another 10-5 day with another Pick of the Day incorrect! Doggone it! Talk about going 29-15 the last three days and not being able to enjoy it! How could Clayton Kershaw lose on me! Oh well. Those are the breaks.

Friday's Picks:

• The Orioles over the Phillies: The Phillies have a chance in this one as Bud Norris has not been pitching well. But even if this is a high scoring game, I expect the Orioles to win it. Sean O'Sullivan goes for the Phils.
• The Cardinals over the Twins: The Twins finally won last night but have been in a tailspin. They face Jaime Garcia who has been pitching great. Mike Pelfrey will probably not fare well here.
• The Rockies over the Astros: The last few times I've picked Collin McHugh, he has let me down. I will probably turn him around by picking against him. Heh. David Hale goes for the Rockies.
• The Athletics over the Padres: Unless the A's blew their wad last night in scoring all those runs, they should win this one. Kendall Graveman has been pitching well and is opposed by Ian Kennedy.
• The Diamondbacks over the Angels: I had a feeling that Allen Webster would thrive outside of Boston. And I could be right. I am picking him tonight over C.J. Wilson.
• The Yankees over the Marlins: I am probably a fool for picking the Yanks in a game that CC Sabathia starts. But Dan Jennings did not inspire me with his managerial moves last night. How can you not pinch hit for that catcher last night!? Mat Latos goes for the Fish.
• The Rays over the Nationals: The Nats are one big confusing team to me this year. Doug Fister is back from the DL. But I don't trust that. Besides Chris Archer is going for the Rays and expecting them to lose is futile these days.
• The Braves over the Red Sox: So yeah, the Red Sox were supposed to be pretty good and the Braves were supposed to be really bad this year. How has that worked out so far? Shelby Miller over Clay Buchholz.
• The Indians over the Cubs: You know...I am really over the position player pitching thing. Teams have never carried more pitchers than they do these days. There should never be a reason to put position players on the mound. It's ridiculous. Anyway, Danny Salazar over Jason Hammel.
• The Tigers over the Reds: Justin Verlander looked good in his first start. He had is velocity back too. He should go deeper into this game making it easier for me to take him over Mike Leake.
• The Royals over the Brewers: The Royals are simply the better team here and that makes me pick them even though Jeremy Guthrie is pitching for them. Jimmy Nelson goes for the Brewers.
• The Pirates over the White Sox: The White Sox are losing regularly these days and Jeff Samardzija is not getting much help. He won't tonight either with Gerrit Cole going for the Pirates.
• The Mariners over the Giants: The Mariners aren't getting much for offense. But if they pitch, they have a chance. I like Mike Montgomery a lot. So he is the pick over Ryan Vogelsong.
• The Dodgers over the Rangers: I'm still smarting from last night with this pick. The only thing having me pick against the very hot Rangers is that they are starting Anthony Ranaudo. Zack Greinke goes for the Dodgers.

And the Pick of the Day (come on now!)

• The Blue Jays over the Mets: I have a sick feeling that the Blue Jays offense is going to whack Bartolo Colon into submission. R.A. Dickey is usually just fine at home in the dome.

Yesterday: 10-5, June: 126-110, Season: 504-459, Picks of the Day: 37-34

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: June 13, 2015

With a 10-5 final tally yesterday, I had a good day except, the Pick of the Day was wrong again as the Diamondbacks beat Madison Bumgarner, 1-0. Sheesh. Of the four other wrong picks, one was Felix Hernandez not making it out of the first inning against the Astros. Say what!? Michael Pineda was totally gruesome against the Orioles. And, of course, I again could not count on Jordan Zimmermann. I am wondering about the health of Pineda and Hernandez too as that is the second time in his last four outings that he has been pulverized.

Saturday's picks:

• The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: This pick assumes a couple of things. First, it assumes that the Red Sox get to R.A. Dickey. I have run into trouble predicting that before. Secondly, it assumes that Clay Buchholz is back to form and will pitch well. Lastly, it assumes that winning streaks have to end some time.
• The Rangers over the Twins: The Twins are starting to come back to earth and the Rangers are really playing well. Colby Lewis and Mike Pelfrey seems like a draw of starting pitchers, so the better offense and home team should win.
• The Indians over the Tigers: At long last, Justin Verlander again takes the mound for the Tigers. He will not go deep in the game and the Tigers' bullpen is suspect. Plus, Carlos Carrasco has the ability to shut down the Tigers.
• The Mets over the Braves: It all depends on Jacob deGrom. If he is good, the Mets win. if not, then Shelby Lewis is also a very good pitcher. How are the Mets winning? Did you see their lineup last night? It's a head scratcher.
• The Rays over the White Sox: I can never trust Jeff Samardzija and Chris Archer has become one of the best pitchers in the AL. The Rays continue to win with mirrors while the White Sox continue to flounder around.
• The Rockies over the Marlins: David Hale has been surprisingly efficient in this his latest MLB incarnation. Mat Latos is just off the injury list and those things always bother me because of pitch limits and rust.
• The Cardinals over the Royals: I don't know why the Cardinals always go back to the same guy when someone gets hurt. But Tyler Lyons again gets the call. Even if Lyons is moderately successful, I think the Cards win as they get to Jeremy Guthrie because they are willing to go to the opposite field. But if Lyons totally sucks, look out.
• The Astros over the Mariners: Mike Montgomery has pitched two great games for the Mariners and has nothing to show for it. It would be great for him to get his first MLB win. But I think he will again be thwarted as Collin McHugh shuts down the Mariners.
• The Brewers over the Nationals: It would be nice for the Nats if someone besides Bryce Harper would start swinging the bat. If the Nats lose, they fall to .500. Not good. Joe Ross goes for the Nats and Jimmy Nelson for the Brewers.
• The Diamondbacks over the Giants: I have always been a big believer in Allen Webster. He is getting his chance for the D-backs tonight and I think he can thrive in a less pressure situation than Boston. He has to keep the walks down though. Ryan Vogelsong is always pretty tough at home.
• The Cubs over the Reds: I like Kyle Hendricks and I like the Cubs chances against Mike Leake. So that's the pick.
• The Orioles over the Yankees: The Yankees have handled Bud Norris in the past. But I don't trust CC Sabathia against a good lineup like the Orioles.
• The Angels over the Athletics: Kendall Graveman has pitched better of late and should be solid tonight. But the fact remains that the A's do not hit lefties well and C.J. Wilson is certainly that. The A's sink deeper into the AL West hole.
• The Dodgers over the Padres: Zack Greinke has had two sub par outings in a row, but I'm guessing he'll break out of that tonight. Ian Kennedy is just not somebody I feel comfortable picking...ever.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Pirates over the Phillies: Both bullpens will be a little gassed, so it will be important for the starters to go deep. I think Gerrit Cole becomes a ten-game winner in this one with Sean O'Sullivan getting the short end.

Yesterday: 10-5, June: 83-76, Season: 461-429, Picks of the Day: 35-31 (-2)

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 7, 2015

Saturday was a pretty good picking day as most, if not all of the aces picked up their wins.  I guess I really need to pay attention to the Padres as they are putting it together right now. Other teams are scuffling like the Mets and the Reds. All these trends need to be followed when doing this day after day.

Can someone tell me why you would bring Vance Worley into a game with that game on the line?

Sunday's picks:

• The Yankees over the Angels: C.J. Wilson has good days and bad days. If he has a good one, that will break this pick. But the Yankees are hot and the Angels are not and hence the pick.
• The Astros over the Blue Jays: The Blue Jays have just destroyed the Astros the last two days. Will it continue with Collin McHugh? I don't think so. How R.A. Dickey fares will be a big factor too.
• The Indians over the Orioles: The O's are really scuffling right now. When they pitch, they don't hit. When they hit, they don't pitch. Carlos Carrasco is consistently good and Bud Norris is not. Nick Swisher is hot for Cleveland.
• The Reds over the Padres: This pick has been wrong every day, William. So why are you making it? But...but...but...Johnny Cueto is pitching! Oh, okay then, carry on. Odrisamer Despaigne goes for the Padres.
• The Red Sox over the Athletics: Clay Buchholz has emerged from a long, dark day and into the light. Kendall Graveman should get knocked around a bit by the Red Sox offense.
• The Giants over the Phillies: Madison Bumgarner once again puts the Giants back on balance and makes those behind him better. Ryan Vogelsong is today's guy and I don't think the Giants will struggle to hit Sean O'Sullivan.
• The Tigers over the White Sox: Jeff Samardzija is so confusing. Is he good? If so, then why does he get banged around so badly on a semi-regular basis? I just can't trust him. Not that trusting Alfredo Simon is any more comforting.
• The Brewers over the Twins: Mike Fiers is my pick here. The guy came to life in his last start and pitched the way he did last year. If he continues there, there is no way the Twins win. That is unless Mike Pelfrey is just as good and it becomes a bullpen battle.
• The Royals over the Rangers: The Rangers have made me look foolish in this series and the pitching match-up of Jeremy Guthrie versus Colby Lewis makes me cringe. The Royals are the better team though.
• The Nationals over the Cubs: I got this wrong yesterday...doubly wrong because I called the Cubs, the Phillies. Yeah, nice one, William! Jordan Zimmermann has been awesome lately, and is especially good after a team loss. Kyle Hendricks is a good pitcher for the Cubs too.
• The Marlins over the Rockies: Despite the loss, Jose Urena was pretty good in his last outing for the Marlins. So I pick him and his team because Kyle Kendrick at home in Coors gives me the willies.
• The Diamondbacks over the Mets: The Mets' offense has gone to sleep. As such, Josh Collmenter has a chance against Jacob deGrom even though I like deGrom a lot.
• The Mariners over the Rays: Mike Montgomery was pretty impressive against the Yankees and he pitches against the team that gave his career new life, and, of course, taught him the change-up. Chris Archer loses a close one.
• The Cardinals over the Dodgers: Lance Lynn will shut down the Dodgers and will get a few runs against Zack Greinke.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Pirates over the Braves: Despite the stupid managerial move yesterday, I'll stick with the Pirates in this one because of Gerrit Cole. The pitcher is 8-2 after all. Alex Wood toils for the Braves.

Yesterday: 9-6, June: 44-38, Season: 422-391, Picks of the Day: 33-27 (+2)

MLB Game Picks - Monday: June 1, 2015

The month of May ended with a slight whimper as the final day produced a boring 8-7 result. The AL East continues to be as mediocre as my picking, the Nationals got swept. A way-three-dimensional, forty-two year old pitcher won his eighth game. Josh Hamilton had a good thing happen to him. And the Twins continue to win. It's a crazy game.

A new month is a fresh slate. Monday's picks:

• The Nationals over the Blue Jays: It happens a lot that a good team getting swept usually means trouble for the next opponent. Since  the Blue Jays are already struggling, that doesn't bode well for them. Jordan Zimmermann is coming off of three straight good starts and R.A. Dickey is always an adventure.
•  The Cubs over the Marlins: I really miss Jose Fernandez. I hope he comes back soon and at a semblance of his old self. I bet the Marlins do too when they have to shuttle guys like Jose Urena out there instead. Jason Hammel goes for the Cubs.
• The Red Sox over the Twins: Lost in all this losing by his team, Clay Buchholz has quietly gotten better and that should continue tonight. Mike Pelfrey was supposedly squeezed out of the rotation during Spring Training and now looks like one of their best pitchers.
• The Orioles over the Astros: The one thing you know here is that Brett Oberholtzer is going to give up a lot of hits. How many of those base runners score will make the difference in the outcome. Ubaldo Jimenez goes for the O's.
• The Cardinals over the Brewers: The last time I picked against Jaime Garcia, he won. But I'm still not a believer. But I do believe in his team and they just keep winning. Mike Fiers goes for the Brewers who have to be dragging today.
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: I hate when Clayton Kershaw has to pitch in Coors Field. Anything can happen there. But then again, Kyle Kendrick isn't having any fun there either.
• The Diamondbacks over the Braves: The Braves had a whooshing comeback yesterday against the Giants, which was impressive. I'm going with the D-backs though because I like Archie Bradley a lot. Alex Wood is decent though.
• The Angels over the Rays: The Rays are playing well and Alex Colome has been good for the five innings he can pitch. The answer for me is Garrett Richards who is as overpowering as a pitcher can be.
• The Mets over the Padres: Jacob deGrom has been fairly consistent if you throw out his start against the Yankees. He'll also benefit from a big ballpark. Andrew Cashner finally won a game and can be overpowering. So we'll see.
• The Mariners over the Yankees: A very interesting game as Michael Pineda returns to his original home in Seattle. Too bad he has to go up against Felix Hernandez, who has been unbeatable. The Yankees can't seem to win on the road. Edge: King Felix.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Pirates over the Giants: The Giants have lost two in a row. Whut!? Ryan Vogelsong is 4-2 despite (or in spite) of me picking against him every time. He just seems like a rally waiting to happen. On the other hand, good things happen for the Pirates when Gerrit Cole pitches.

Yesterday: 8-7, May final: 211-188, Season: 378-353, Picks of the Day: (29-25)

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: May 27, 2015

I did not have a bad day yesterday. The Cubs over the Nats was a brilliant pick. There were three games that went into extras and two went for me, one against. That matched my output for the day. I did not expect the Red Sox to lose again or the Astros to win again. But both did. Overall, not a bad day.

Wednesday's picks:

• The Indians over the Rangers: This pick was wrong yesterday showing that I just don't get the Indians. Today, Carlos Carrasco is pitching and he is very good. Will that matter? What has gotten into Colby Lewis this year? Is he really this good?
• The Reds over the Rockies: Where are the stars for the Rockies? Why are they OPSing in the 600s? So weird. Mike Leake strikes me better than Kyle Kendrick does.
• The Pirates over the Marlins: Brad Hand is starting for the Marlins. He has appeared in relief a dozen and a half times. I never know what to do with such things. My mind is cleared up some by seeing Gerrit Cole starting for the other side.
• The Blue Jays over the White Sox: This one sounds like a wreck in the making. Marco Estrada versus Jeff Samardzija. The latter has the bigger talent, for sure. But the Blue Jays can hit! I don't know.
• The Yankees over the Royals: Big Chris Young goes for the Royals. Will he again bamboozle the Yankees like the last time? Will the Yankees adjust? Can Michael Pineda bounce back from a really ugly start? We'll find out together.
• The Twins over the Red Sox: Phil Hughes used to get battered by the Red Sox when he was a Yankee. But pitching at home in Minnesota should help today. Rick Porcello is up and down and hard to count on. Is David Ortiz big poopied out?
• The Mets over the Phillies: I haven't picked a visiting team yet. Oh my. I have to go with Noah Syndergaard over Sean O'Sullivan though, right?
• The Mariners over the Rays: Felix Hernandez has never won a game at Tropicana Field. I think that changes today even though he has a tough opponent in Chris Archer.
• The Brewers over the Giants: The Brewers have cooled off a bit and the Giants keep winning. I think that will hit a bump tonight as Ryan Vogelsong should be more to the Brewers' liking than Bumgarner was. A lot will depend on how Mike Fiers pitches.
• The Tigers over the Athletics: There is a lot to think about in this game. Kyle Ryan has been called up to start for the Tigers. He hasn't been faring well in the minors thus far this season and he will not strike out guys. He has decent control though and most importantly, he is a lefty. The A's do not hit lefties at all. That makes me go with him over Scott Kazmir. The one caveat is that Ryan will not go deep in the game and the Tigers' bullpen is a frightening place.
• The Astros over the Orioles: Picking against the Astros has seemed like a futile thing to do. Collin McHugh is one of my favorite young pitchers. If Ubaldo Jimenez has a good outing, things could change, but I'll go with the Astros.
• The Nationals over the Cubs: The Cubs slowed down the Nats yesterday and Jon Lester goes today, which is the good news. The bad news is that Max Scherzer goes for the Nationals. Did you see where Bryant's homer went yesterday!? Wow.
• The Cardinals over the Diamondbacks: Lance Lynn should come up big in this one and I think he will. Josh Collmenter gives the Cards a different look, but he will bend a little at least.
• The Angels over the Padres: This pick didn't go well yesterday and neither team hit at all until the Padres broke out for four runs in extras. It might be low scoring today too as Garrett Richards faces Andrew Cashner.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Dodgers over the Braves: Zack Greinke should do what he does, which is win as a Dodger and Alex Wood should allow a couple of runs at least to give the Dodgers the edge in a close game.

Yesterday: 9-6, May: 179-156, Season: 343-321, Picks of the Day: 28-21