MLB Game Picks - Monday: April 20, 2015

Sunday was not as good as the two prior days, but at least I was (barely) over .500 for the day. That's a far cry better than what I was doing last week. Former Yankees, Shane Greene and Brandon McCarthy continued to shine. And those Yankees swept a series at Tropicana Field for the first time in ten years. But a lot more went wrong such as Jon Lester not winning again.

Today is a short schedule as well as the annual Patriots Day Game at Fenway Park. Here are the picks:

• The Orioles over the Red Sox: I just can't pick the Red Sox when Justin Masterson pitches. Instead, I will go to Wei-Yin Chen. I know he is a Yankee killer, but no so much with Boston. We'll see.
• The Pirates over the Cubs: The Pirates are starting to hit a little bit and they will need to against Jake Arrieta gentille Arrieta, who can be tough. A.J. Burnett should never be counted upon, but he does have a good game now and then.
• The Yankees over the Tigers: Either CC Sabathia will get killed in the first three innings against the Tigers or he'll have an okay day and the Yankees will score freely on Alfredo Simon. One of the two will happen, but I don't know which.
• The Indians over the White Sox: I'm picking too many visiting teams here, but I need to go with what makes sense. What makes sense is that Trevor Bauer has been outstanding and John Danks has not been outstanding for a long time.
• The Royals over the Twins: The Royals were beaten pretty good by the Twins last week and will try to even that score. Edinson Volquez will attempt to do his part and pitch well and Kyle Gibson won't beat the Royals twice in a row.
• The Padres over the Rockies: Jorge De La Rosa takes his four-name act back to the mound for the first time this season after starting on the DL. That always makes me uncomfortable. The Padres have some mashers who might have fun at Coors. The wild card is Odrisamer Despaigne.
• The Angels over the Athletics: I always have to pick Matt Shoemaker. He has always been there for me. Kendall Graveman is still too wild for my tastes and until he has better command, I don't trust him.
• The Mariners over the Astros: Hisashi Iwakuma is very good at home usually so I will take the M's. Randall Asher Wojciechowski is not only tough to spell, but tough to discern on how he will pitch.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Reds over the Brewers: The Reds just got swept by the Cardinals...again. They will be hunting for bear and the Brewers are ripe for the picking these days. Anthony DeSclafani over Wily Peralta.

Yesterday: 8-7, Season: 91-95, Picks of the Day: 6-8

MLB Game Picks - Friday: September 26, 2014

What a baseball day! The Giants clinched a wild card berth with the Brewers total collapse official. The Royals had a thrilling comeback win to ensure a tension-packed weekend to either determine the AL Central or the pecking order of the wild card game. And biggest of all, Derek Jeter had the walk-off hit in his last ever appearance in pinstripes.

As for the picks, they started out zero for four. The Brewers had a game that typified their season. They got out to an early lead and Yovani Gallardo was pitching effortlessly. Then he lost it and the game got away. Say goodnight, Brewers. Then I got both ends of the Nationals - Mets double-header wrong. And the Mariners finally beat the Blue Jays. Zero for four. Uh oh.

But I did not get another pick incorrectly for the rest of the day and ended Thursday at 8-4. Nice comeback, kid.

Three days to go. Today's picks:

• The Nationals over the Marlins: Holy cow! The Nationals played two yesterday and will play two again today. It's a good thing they have expanded rosters. I think they will split like yesterday, but I got the order wrong yesterday. Doug Fister should shine in his final tuneup before the post season. He will only go five or six innings, but it should be enough over Jarred Cosart.
• The Marlins over the Nationals: Who knows what will happen this game. Andrew Heaney gets the start for the Marlins. He has the most hype of any prospect in the Marlins' system, but hasn't had much fun in the Majors thus far. He faces Taylor Hill making his first MLB start. Since Hill is a BABIP kind of pitcher, I'm going with Heaney.
• The Phillies over the Braves: What will this off-season hold for the Braves? We already know part of the answer as Wren was fired as the GM. Will we see a complete house cleaning in management and coaching? It will be interesting to watch. In the meantime, the Braves have to play three more games and I imagine they are a dispirited bunch. Jerome Williams has been good for the Phillies and Ervin Santana hasn't won a game in a while.
• The Indians over the Rays: There is a lot going on in this game. If Corey Kluber pitches well, he is my CYA pick. If he doesn't, then I will have to look at it much more closely. But I think he will against the offensively-challenged Rays. Chris Archer gets the Rays' call. What the heck happened to him in the second half?
• The Blue Jays over the Orioles: I can't imagine Chris Tillman pitching very long into this game since Showalter has already said he is the Game One pitcher for him against the Tigers in the ALDS. Drew Hutchison is unpredictable, but when he is good, wow.
• The Tigers over the Twins: The Tigers have to win one more game, perhaps two. Rick Porcello has struggled down the stretch. Anthony Swarzak, however, won't hinder their offense at all.
• The Red Sox over the Yankees: Chris Capuano has been dreadful and a start should go to someone else. Plus, the Yankees should be emotionally drained after yesterday. The only caveat is how well Steven Wright will pitch. He is highly regarded for the Red Sox' system.
• The Pirates over the Reds: Finally! I can pick a visiting team! The Pirates are still alive for the division title and need to win two to have home field in the wild car. All that said, they will be motivated. Vance Worley over Mike Leake.
• The Rangers over the Athletics: It is amazing that the A's found themselves in this position. They are highly fortunate that the Mariners could not sieze the moment. I just feel like the Rangers are rolling and would like nothing better than to knock the A's around to end the season. Nick Tepesch over Scott Kazmir.
• The Cubs over the Brewers: Jimmy Nelson has just been so-so for the Brewers this season. The Cubs have a chance with him. The Cubs will give Eric Jokisch his first MLB start. The young pitcher has excellent control and that is half the battle.
• The Royals over the White Sox: The Royals' only chance for the division is to win out and hope the Tigers fall, which won't happen. But they have to give it a go. It's too bad they have to pitch Jeremy Guthrie to start it off. But if they score on Hector Noesi, they can make it happen.
• The Cardinals over the Diamondbacks: Trevor Cahill should not be much of an obstacle for the Cardinals. Michael Wacha most likely will not figure into the Cards' post season plans, so it would be nice for him to finish the season on a high note.
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: The Dodgers don't have much to play for, but have the depth to win anyway, especially at home against the Rockies. Roberto Hernandez over Jordan Lyles.
• The Mariners over the Angels: The M's are totally at the mercy of what Oakland does this weekend. They have to win all three and hope. I don't think Hisashi Iwakuma is healthy. There is something wrong there. But if I am wrong, he will pitch well at home and Jered Weaver is not going to go very deep in this game.
• The Padres over the Giants: The Giants have clinched the wild card and can ease up a bit. I just don't think Ryan Vogelsong has much left to offer the Giants' rotation. Ian Kennedy has had a nice second half to his season.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Mets over the Astros: Jon Niese is very overlooked as a quality MLB starter. He should win his last start of the year working against the Astros. Brad Peacock goes for the Astros.

Yesterday: 8-4, Sept.: 205-139, Games of the Day: 103-65 (+3), Season: 1335-1073

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: September 10, 2014

Have you ever noticed that my picks are always more successful west of the Mississippi than they are east of it? For example, I started yesterday with the east coast and was 1-3 before my supper digested. I built that up to 5-5 and then did not get another game wrong the rest of the day. Weird. Maybe in the east, the teams are more on par and play closer games and in the west, there are more differences between the teams. Whatever it is, the west gave me a good night.

I did pick Collin McHugh and Houston to beat the Mariners. That was a nice pick. I was unfortunately correct about the Tigers though Joe Nathan made it interesting as he always does.. I did not see the Phillies beating the Pirates though.

Wednesday's picks:

• The Orioles over the Red Sox: Brandon Workman wants to start and not be in the bullpen. He hasn't exactly made a case for himself. Wei-Yin Chen has a great record but it hasn't changed much in a while. I just pick the Orioles every night and that seems to work pretty well.
• The Nationals over the Braves: Here we go again...picking Stephen Strasburg against the Braves. Hey, he has to have a good outing against them some time...even if it's just lucky or something. Aaron Harang goes for the Braves.
• The Indians over the Twins: This pick did not work out yesterday. Mr. T.J. House has put it together, however, and has two really good outings in a row. Kyle Gibson wins more than he loses, but you got me as to how.
• The Pirates over the Phillies: I told you in the past that Jerome Williams' magic only lasts for a couple of starts with each new team. Then he turns into the guy his team wants to DFA. That's just his history. Vance Worley isn't grooving much better these days...
• The Rays over the Yankees: Jake Odorizzi over Chris Capuano. I don't want to talk about it.
• The Blue Jays over the Cubs: Hmm...which great young pitcher will pitch better, Drew Hutchison or Kyle Hendricks? That's a tough one. I turned it around to which team is better able to hit against each pitcher. There was my answer.
• The Tigers over the Royals: Poof. I knew this series would go down just like it did. Let's see if I'm right through the end. Rick Porcello needs to be better than he has been lately. James Shields is "Big Game" except when it comes to the Tigers.
• The Mets over the Rockies: Location is everything. If Rafael Montero wasn't pitching in vast Citi Field, I wouldn't pick him. But since he is with his fly ball tendencies, he can get away with that and get his first big league win. Tyler Matzek grimly takes the ball every fifth day...
• The Cardinals over the Reds: Despite a bad loss last night in which the Cardinal twitter universe spewed all over manager, Mike Matheny, I am predicting a good game from John Lackey and a bad one from Alfredo Simon.
• The Angels over the Rangers: Until Derek Holland came back and with Darvish out, Nick Tepesch was the best of the Rangers' young starters. That still wasn't saying much. Matt Shoemaker is a machine. Does he have a flaw?
• The Marlins over the Brewers: The Brewers can't do anything right and are sinking like a mafia swimmer. Wily Peralta has had a good season and maybe he can stop the bleeding. I wouldn't count on it. Jarred Cosart has been really good for the Marlins.
• The Mariners over the Astros: Nick Tropeano is from West Islip, NY, so you have to say his name right. Turn your hand up and tough your thumb to your forefinger and say, "Nick Trop-ee-AH-no." The young man, making his MLB debut, has impressive numbers for the PCL (a hitter's league) and good control. Too bad he goes against Hisashi Iwakuma at home. Sorry about that.
• The Dodgers over the Padres: Dan Haren and Ian Kennedy both confuse and confound me, so I'll just pick the home team.
• The Diamondbacks over the Giants: Josh Collmenter has really impressed me this season. Nice job, sir. Ryan Vogelsong has a very nice wife.

And the Game of the Day

• The Athletics over the White Sox: I hate to be a hound, but Chris Bassitt doesn't have the command to beat a team like the A's. Jeff Samardzija should feel at home back in Chicago.

Yesterday: 10-5, Sept.: 71-52, Games of the Day: 92-60 (+6), Season: 1201-986

MLB Game Picks - Friday: September 5, 2014

Following two 8-7 days, the tally for last night was 4-4. How uninspiring. When I looked at my picks this morning, my first thought was: "Why in the world would I have picked the Texas Rangers!?" Yes, exactly. Sometimes in life, we just make choices that don't make sense.

Friday's picks:

• The Cubs over the Pirates: The Cubs are my new obsession. I love how they have been pitching and how they have been fearless in bringing up young players. And today, I like Tsuyoshi Wada over Vance Worley.
• The White Sox over the Indians: T.J. House pitched really well in his last start which gives me pause for this pick. Also, the Indians are tough to beat at home. However, Chris Sale is the great equalizer and one of the best pitchers in the game.
• The Yankees over the Royals: The Yankees have handled James Shields pretty well over the years although he has an occasionally great game against them. If Michael Pineda is on, it won't matter what Shields does.
• The Nationals over the Phillies: Has Stephen Strasburg finally turned a corner? Is he now a reliable pick? We'll see. Jerome Williams will try to continue his hot pitching for the Phillies.
• The Tigers over the Giants: This is a tough one. The Giants will get to put the Panda at DH and get an extra bat. And Jake Peavy has pitched well for the Giants. My feeling is that Peavy will suffer a bit coming back to an AL park and having to pitch to nine hitters. Rick Porcello with the win.
• The Marlins over the Braves: Hasn't this Jarred Cosart - Aaron Harang match-up already happened like seven times this year? No, just once. And Cosart got the better of the day. I like him again at home this time.
• The Orioles over the Rays: I've said it before: Buck Showalter is the only manager that schools Joe Maddon on a regular basis. Wei-Yin Chen has been reliable and Alex Cobb has seemed more vulnerable lately. The O's seem unstoppable.
• The Mets over the Reds: It is so hard to predict the games that Bartolo Colon will be great. There is the expectation that he will be great for one game out of four. But which one? Great America Ballpark doesn't seem like the obvious choice. We'll see. Alfredo Simon will try to keep his bounce-back going. I feel a Curtis Granderson homer here.
• The Blue Jays over the Red Sox: The loss last night for the Red Sox had to have been devastating. But ballplayers are good at taking things day to day. So this all depends on Drew Hutchison and how well he pitches. Allen Webster will go for the Red Sox who should get Captain Jammypants Dustin Pedroia back tonight.
• The Mariners over the Rangers: I would really like to pick the Fabulous Scott Baker to continue his comeback in style. I learned my lesson last night picking the Rangers. Besides, I'm not picking against Hisashi Iwakuma, even if it is at Texas.
• The Brewers over the Cardinals: John Lackey is due for one of his dominant starts. And the Brewers have been terrible. My only reason for not doing the sane thing by picking the Cardinals is that Mike Fiers is pitching for the Brewers. He's my guy.
• The Rockies over the Padres: How do you pick this one? Tyler Matzek and Eric Stults are a combined 10-24. Fun. I'll go for the Rockies at home in what could be a long, long game.
• The Athletics over the Astros: I'm still disappointed that Jeff Samardzija did not go to the Red Sox. I was looking forward to the pronunciation of, "Sahmahdzah," Anyway, he will beat poor Brett Oberholtzer.
• The Diamondbacks over the Dodgers: Vidal Nuno has been surprisingly effective for the D-backs after throwing nothing but meatballs for the Yankees. He has a 3.23 ERA over his last ten starts. He hasn't won any of those starts though. Dan Haren has had a tough season.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Angels over the Twins: There are two pitchers you can't go wrong picking against. Garza is one and the other is Ricky Nolasco. To top that thought off, Matt Shoemaker is pitching. Ah yes. This can't go wrong........can it?

Yesterday: 4-4, September: 28-23, Games of the Day: 87-60 (+2), Season: 1158-957

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: August 19, 2014

There are times when I wake up in the morning and I compare the actual results to my picks and figure I must have made a pick because the final score makes sense. Then, when I look at what I picked, it's the total opposite and I can't believe I made the pick I did. For example, the Cincinnati Reds are 10-20 since the All Star Break. These days, the odds are that they are going to lose. Yet, I have picked them three games in a row (all losses). I am indeed a slow learner.

How about Adam LaRoche giving the Nationals a third straight walk-off win? Pretty incredible. And it meant an extra-inning game went my way. Imagine that.

Tuesdays picks:

• The Nationals over the Diamondbacks: This is nothing against Chase Anderson, who has pitched very well this season. But the Nationals are ridiculous right now. Of course, that means I have to count on Stephen Strasburg. Oy. At least he is home where he is better.
• The Braves over the Pirates: Francisco Liriano has pitched fairly well in his last two starts and has two losses next to his name. The Pirates are a bit lost without Andrew McCutchen. Aaron Harang is my pick. Heaven help me with that.
• The Yankees over the Astros: I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop (cliche alert!) on Chris Capuano. He is not as good as he is pitching for the Yankees. On the other hand, the Astros give the Yankees an advantage of sorts. Brett Oberholtzer goes for them.
• The Mariners over the Phillies: This pick did not work out yesterday. However, Hisashi Iwakuma has been better than Elias. The on-again, off-again offense of the Mariners has to score against A.J. Burnett. The Mariners lose the DH.
• The Angels over the Red Sox: Jered Weaver has no velocity and he seems to bend every game but doesn't break. He is like the non-level-headed, right-handed Buehrle. But he has thirteen wins. So argue with that. Allen Webster has not pitched well at all for the Red Sox but keeps getting gobs of run support. So who knows.
• The Rays over the Tigers: I have a feeling about this one that Chris Archer is going to have a big night, Max Scherzer will give up three runs and the Rays will win, 3-1. The other scenario is that the Rays' bullpen outshines the Tigers and wins that way.
• The Marlins over the Rangers: The Rangers will be highly familiar with Jarred Cosart, but the same goes for he of them. That's a big ballpark in Miami which should help him. Miles Mikolas is hanging in there.
• The Cubs over the Giants: I'm going a little Cubs crazy the last couple of weeks. I have been right more often than not. I like what Tsuyoshi Wada is doing for them and I think the Cubs can hit Ryan Vogelsong at Wrigley.
• The Orioles over the White Sox: I have such empathy for Jose Quintana. He gets nothing to show for quality pitching outing after outing. And then his bullpen is just awful. Chris Tillman seems like he does it with mirrors, but it works.
• The Twins over the Indians: I have picked against Kyle Gibson all season because he doesn't strike anyone out. He has won more often than not though and I have to give him his due. Trevor Bauer still doesn't do it for me.
• The Brewers over the Blue Jays: Should I say it? Okay: Mike Fiers is on FIRE! Heh. I kill me. Fiers at home is a good pick as long as he stays away from Bautista and Encarnacion. J.A. Happ has had a nice season and is starting to hit a bit of a wall.
• The Cardinals over the Reds: Do not pick the Reds. Do not pick the Reds. Do not pick the Reds. Okay, I think I have it. Alfredo Simon has gone from All Star pitching over his head to Alfredo Simon of the rest of his career. John Lackey gets the ball for the Cards.
• The Royals over the Rockies: I am a bit worried about this one and James Shields pitching at Coors Field. This could be a wild one. Tyler Matzek goes for the Rockies.
• The Padres over the Dodgers: I can't for the life of me understand why the Dodgers picked up Kevin Correia. They must see something I don't. Ian Kennedy has had a nice season, all things considered.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Athletics over the Mets: The A's need to get back on track and so does Scott Kazmir. Both the pitcher and the team have struggled of late. The Mets should help out there as they haven't scored at all lately. Dillon Gee hasn't been the same since going on the DL.

Yesterday: 5-3, August: 138-105, Games of the Day: 75-55 (+2), Season: 1032-854