MLB Game Picks - Saturday: May 9, 2015

The numbers were good, getting ten out of fourteen correct with one postponement. But the Pick of the Day was Matt Harvey and he got beat by Cole Hamels. And I shouldn't have picked against those plucky Twins. But overall, a good day of picking. I hope David Price isn't injured seriously. Oh. and I still can't figure the Indians out. Why are they so bad?

Saturday's picks:

• The Yankees over the Orioles: I do worry about Warren and Chase Whitley being featured back to back. They are too similar. But at this point, the Yankees are tough to pick against the way they are playing. Wei-Yin Chen will try to even the series for the O's.
• The Blue Jays over the Red Sox: Both Drew Hutchison and Joe Kelly are struggling. I like the match-up of the Blue Jay batters against Kelly's fastball.
• The Tigers over the Royals: These two teams really play tough and the margin for error is small for either team. Anibal Sanchez is really throwing well now and Jeremy Guthrie can give up three or four runs.
• The Nationals over the Braves: Bryce Harper is out of his mind right now. Doug Fister is in a groove and I'm not sure even a great performance by Julio Teheran would beat the Nats.
• The Reds over the White Sox: The two teams will play two today after yesterday's cancellation. In the first game, Johnny Cueto should beat Hector Noesi.
• The White Sox over the Reds: I'm going with young phenom, Carlos Rodon over Jason Marquis in the second game.
• The Twins over the Indians: I'm done picking the Indians and against the Twins. That combination just isn't working for me. Phil Hughes showed promise in his last start that April is over and he'll be good now. Bruce Chen lives to fight another day for the Indians.
• The Rangers over the Rays: I have a good feeling that Ross Detwiler is better than he has pitched thus far and being in a big park will help him. Matt Andriese is an unknown for me as just another young Rays pitcher.
• The Phillies over the Mets: I will not pick against Aaron Harang. I will not pick against Aaron Harang. Even though I love Jon Niese against the Phillies. Hmmm...
• The Cardinals over the Pirates: What is this fatigue thing with Carpenter? What's that all about? He is a key player for the Cards. But I still think they win as Carlos Martinez has been really good and Vance Worley shows that the Pirates are too think in their rotation.
• The Cubs over the Brewers: Travis Wood relies on contact being fielded. That is troublesome. But it often works. Kyle Lohse is pretty much the same. This might be fun for the batters today. Whatever happened to Ryan Braun?
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: I'm not sure about Clayton Kershaw at Coors Field. But I also know that Jorge De La Rosa hasn't looked good so far. It looks like Puig is going to be out a while.
• The Diamondbacks over the Padres: The Padres are so hard to read. Great offense on paper. No defense. It's such a different mold for them. I like Chase Anderson today in a match-up against Tyson Ross.
• The Angels over the Astros: As one of my favorite commenters said the other day, It's weird when Dallas pitches for Houston. And Dallas Keuchel is very good. But he has to lose some time and to Matt Shoemaker seems like the right time to pick against him.
• The Mariners over the Athletics: I like this match-up for the Mariners when they are at home. I'm not sure I like J.A. Happ being their pitcher today. But then again, Jesse Hahn hasn't been great either.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Giants over the Marlins: David Phelps has pitched really well for the Marlins but has little to show for it. I don't seem him winning a head to head with Madison Bumgarner.

Yesterday: 10-4, May: 61-49, Season: 225-214, Picks of the Day: 18-15

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: September 27, 2014

And then there were two days left. The end of the season is always wistful for me. I love the daily grind of the game. I love that there are games every day. The post season is fun, but it's erratic. Sometimes there are games and sometimes not. I love the seasonal compilation of statistics and seeing the surprises and the new faces that excel for the first time. I love when new teams surge to the limelight. I'm going to miss it after tomorrow. The post season is great, don't get me wrong. But there is nothing to me like the regular season.

September has been really good to me. My correct percentage is over 60% for the month and that almost never happens. And yesterday's 12-4 certainly helped. Even though one of those four incorrect picks (the Mets because Jon Niese had to leave early) was the Game of the Day, that still cannot dampen so much that was positive.

The only other three games that were incorrect were the Twins kicking some Tiger booty. Rick Porcello has really lost it late in the season. The Red Sox game against the Yankees featured a lineup that was unrecognizable. It was like a Spring Training game. So that wrong pick is no surprise. And for some stupid reason, I picked the Rangers to win. Anyway, it was a great day.

Saturday's picks:

• The Red Sox over the Yankees: There will be more of the regular lineups on the field for this game I think. Derek Jeter will be at DH to say goodbye. The pitching line is a good one of Masahiro Tanaka against Joe Kelly, two pitchers these teams will be counting on next season. Tanaka will not go deep into the game, giving the Red Sox the edge.
• The Pirates over the Reds: I can see Francisco Liriano having a bit of a harder time today. The Reds best remaining players are right-handed batters. But the Pirates' only chance is to win, so they must. Alfredo Simon will try to prevent it.
• The Nationals over the Marlins: I called these two teams' double-header perfectly yesterday. I am not sure why Stephen Strasburg is starting today. I figured he would frontline the playoff series. But maybe he will only go a couple of innings as a tuneup. Nathan Eovaldi goes for the Marlins.
• The Giants over the Padres: Eric Stults was put on this earth to teach me humility. I am sure of that. I haven't picked more than a handful of his starts correctly. I think he will be beaten today by Jake Peavy. But that means the Padres will probably win.
• The Blue Jays over the Orioles: The playoff seeding has been established. So the Orioles will probably rest people. Wei-Yin Chen won't go deep in the game. The Blue Jays just want to go up there and bash the baseball. J.A. Happ is the happy beneficiary.
• The Indians over the Rays: Did you know that Colome was the real name of Columbus? Anyway, Alex Colome will probably not beat Carlos Carrasco or the Indians at home today.
• The Phillies over the Braves: Pretend September was a sinkhole. Pretend the Braves were a corvette being swallowed by a sinkhole. A lovely pitching line of A.J. Burnett against Aaron Harang in this one just livens things up all the more.
• The Brewers over the Cubs: Tsuyoshi Wada is not a bad pitcher for the Cubs. He knows what he is doing. But I think this game belongs to Wily Peralta at home. Peralta has had one of the most overlooked seasons of the year.
• The Mets over the Astros: Rafael Montero has been bouncing back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen. But every time he starts he does well. Sam Deduno is a Twins castoff, so what does that tell you?
• The Royals over the White Sox: The Royals will probably be eliminated from the division today because the Tigers are going to win. But the Royals will win today anyway behind Danny Duffy. John Danks gets the start for the White Sox. I do hope that Paul Konerko has some nice moments though. He deserves them.
• The Rangers over the Athletics: I know I chided myself for this pick yesterday, but Derek Holland has been spectacular since he returned. I think he will out-perform Jeff Samardzija.
• The Cardinals over the Diamondbacks: There is no let up for the Cardinals as the Pirates are keeping them honest. Lance Lynn has had a terrific season and should win the game over Wade Miley.
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: Eddie Butler allows the batters to put the ball in play and when that happens, things can happen. The Dodgers should have a good day despite whatever Dan Haren does.
• The Mariners over the Angels: The Mariners' only chance is to win. But I don't think it will make much difference. They will fall short. James Paxton over C.J. Wilson who should not go deep in this one.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Tigers over the Twins: Ricky Nolasco has been about as bad for the Twins as any move made by a team this season. He has easily been the worst starter in baseball. It's brutal. Kyle Lobstein should win.

Yesterday: 12-4, Sept.: 217-143, Games of the Day: 103-66 (-1), Season: 1347-1077

MLB Game Picks - Friday: September 12, 2014

I was one blown save away from a perfect picking day. When Chris Young hit his three-run blast in the bottom of the ninth off of Jake McGee to win the game for the New York Yankees, a dream 11-0 day went out the window. That was also the Game of the Day pick. And you know what? How can I be upset about that?

I had called the double-header sweep by Cleveland. I had called the Red Sox win. I had called Cueto's gem over the Cardinals. I had gotten it all. And then that homer. But I don't care. I'm happy.

The only thing I'm not happy about was what happened to Giancarlo Stanton and Chase Headley. Both got hit in the face by fastballs. I really hope that both will be okay. That was very, very scary.

Friday's picks:

• The Yankees over the Orioles: These two teams play two games today and this will be a tough task for the Yankees. The Orioles are starting two of their regular rotation guys and the Yankees will have to use an untested rookie in the second game. Besides that, the Yankees are missing lots of players due to being banged up. The Yankees have their best chance in the first game as Brandon McCarthy faces Kevin Gausman.
• The Orioles over the Yankees: I really like Bryan Mitchell and I think he is going to be a good pitcher. But this is a lot to ask of a guy making his first MLB start. Bud Norris goes for the O's.
• The Pirates over the Cubs: Tsuyoshi Wada has been great for the Cubs and the 33-year-old Japanese star knows how to pitch. I just think that Gerrit Cole and the Pirates the way they are playing will be too much for the Cubs to overcome.
• The Phillies over the Marlins: Without Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup for the Marlins, they have little to work with. Plus, Cole Hamels is very, very good. Henderson Alvarez does have flashes of brilliance, but what support will he get?
• The Tigers over the Indians: David Price is way due for a win and though Carlos Carrasco has pitched really well for the Indians, I can't see him matching Price if Price is on his game.
• The Nationals over the Mets: There is some bad blood brewing in this series already. Dillon Gee looked good against the Reds, but the Reds are struggling. Gio Gonzalez had a good start his last time out too.
• The Rangers over the Braves: If Derek Holland pitches like he did his first two starts, then the Braves won't touch him. But that is the only way the Rangers win the game. Otherwise, this pick could go up in flames with Alex Wood going for the Braves.
• The Royals over the Red Sox: Yordano Ventura has to pitch well for this pick to come in. Otherwise, Allen Webster and the Red Sox could prevail for the second straight game.
• The Brewers over the Reds: I always like picking Kyle Lohse at home. He traditionally does better in those cases. Mat Latos can come up big, but I don't see it happening today.
• The Twins over the White Sox: The one thing I can be sure about is that Phil Hughes will probably not walk anyone and Jose Quintana just never gets a break. Both of these pitchers have been really good all season.
• The Cardinals over the Rockies: The Cardinals have stumbled again and if ever they needed a stopping kind of win it is from Adam Wainwright today. Jorge De La Rosa is the Rockies' best starter.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: Is it just me or do Vidal Nuno and Eric Stults always seem to face each other? How do you pick a winner out of those two guys? I'm going with the Padres, but I have no good reason.
• The Angels over the Astros: The Angels hardly ever lose these days and are clicking really well. Brett Oberholtzer should get some props for taking the ball every fifth day and giving it his best. I don't see him beating the Angels and C.J. Wilson today.
• The Mariners over the Athletics: This is the Mariners' chance to knock off the A's while the A's are really vulnerable. James Paxton has been terrific and Jason Hammel can be had.
• The Giants over the Dodgers: This is a tough one as two tough lefty pitchers square off. I am giving the edge to Madison Bumgarner over Hyun-jin Ryu because he has been at the top of his game in the last month.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Blue Jays over the Rays: The Rays will start Nate Karns who they got in the Loboton trade with the Nationals. Karns made three unimpressive starts last year for the Nats and has not had a good season in Triple-A. I'm going with J.A. Happ even though he looks out of gas lately.

Yesterday: 10-1, Sept: 87-61, Games of the Day: 92-62 (-2), Season: 1217-895

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: August 7, 2014

I thought August had turned a corner with that good day on Tuesday. But Wednesday fell down again to the depression level. Chris Sale lost for crying out loud. Dan Haren pitched great. Dan Haren!? Toronto beat Baltimore and the Yankees beat the Tigers with the exact same score of 5-1. I got them both wrong. I went one game too many with the Marlins.

But the worst blow was that my Sonny Gray lost badly. It was Sonny Gray Day and it went pffftt.

Thursday's picks:

• The Nationals over the Mets: Jacob deGrom is one of my favorite picks. I liked him so much I picked him up on my fantasy team. I've always liked Jordan Zimmermann too. So who to pick? Zimmermann has only given up four total runs in his last four home outings. I have to go that way.
• The Tigers over the Yankees: The Yankees have faced three former Cy Young Award winners in a row and won two of those games. And now they face Rick Porcello who has won thirteen games already. Somehow, the Yankees keep pitching these no-names and the job has gotten done. I just don't see Shane Greene being better than Porcello. It also makes a big difference when Mark Teixeira cannot play.
• The Brewers over the Giants: Is Jake Peavy snake bit or what? He doesn't deserve a 1-11 record and he won't deserve to lose today. But he will. Wily Peralta at home is a good pick.
• The Cubs over the Rockies: This pick didn't go well yesterday, so why pick the Cubs? Kyle Hendricks has been terrific in his last three starts for the Cubs, but two of them have been in big ballparks. Today he is at Coors. Yohan Flande goes for the Rockies and he has been decent at times but is 0-3. He is a lefty and the Cubs have a nice split against lefties.
• The Astros over the Phillies: Now I am going all nuts here. Collin McHugh is a strikeout pitcher going against a team that strikes out. Roberto Hernandez is due for a smack down game. The Astros haven't been hitting though. I'm probably an idiot.
• The Pirates over the Marlins: I don't like this pick either way. Brian Flynn was part of the deal that sent Anibal Sanchez to the Tigers. He has made five big league starts that haven't gone well. His control has been the problem. Edinson Volquez has a proven track record of bad pitching, but has been decent in 2014. I don't know...
• The Blue Jays over the Orioles: J.A. Happ has beaten the Orioles already this season and seems to match up well against them. Miguel Gonzalez is still the Orioles' weakest member of the rotation.
• The Reds over the Indians: Homer Bailey can be such a Jekyll and Hyde guy. You never know what to expect out of him. T.J. House had a good outing his last time out so for this pick, Bailey better be on his good side today.
• The Cardinals over the Red Sox: Adam Wainwright has been on the every other game plan lately with a great start followed by a bad start. He is due for a great one, so that's the pick. Brandon Workman goes for the Red Sox.
• The Royals over the Diamondbacks: Vidal Nuno has pitched well for the Diamondbacks with nothing to show for it. So it's hard to pick him here. My only problem with that is expecting Jeremy Guthrie to win. That isn't appealing either.
• The Dodgers over the Angels: This game really is too close to call. On the one hand, Hyun-jin Ryu can be terrific but he is a lefty and the Angels hit those well. On the other hand, C.J. Wilson has not been pitching well. I have no idea who will win this one.
• The Mariners over the White Sox: The White Sox' pitching has fallen apart lately and Scott Carroll can probably keep the White Sox in the game. But what happens after he is out of the game? If Adam Eaton is going to miss the game, which is most likely, then Roenis Elias won't have many problems facing the White Sox.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Athletics over the Twins: Jon Lester gets his second start for the A's and though the first one did not go that well, he still won the game. He will be better today against the Twins and Yohan Pino won't get in the way of a win for the A's.

Yesterday: 7-8, August: 43-39, Games of the Day: 67-52 (+2), Season: 937-786

MLB Game Picks - Friday: August 1, 2014

July started very strong and ended with two days just under .500. But yesterday's results were totally swallowed up by the amazement and buzz created by the trade deadline. The flurry of activity and the names of the players involved were simply amazing. Keeping track of them all will be of vital importance for me moving forward as I try to pick these games. The clear winners to me were the Athletics and the Red Sox. The latter was a seller but picked up a lot of talent in return. The former was a buyer and got their big pieces.

Let's see how it all plays out. Friday's picks:

• The Nationals over the Phillies: Much was made during the deadline of the Phillies doing diddly with their aging, overpriced team. But hey, they won yesterday. I don't think they will today with Doug Fister on the mound for the Nats. Roberto Hernandez starts for the Phillies.
• The Mariners over the Orioles: The last time Wei-Yin Chen faced the Mariners six days ago, he threw eight shutout innings. This time, the Mariners will have right-handed bats Chris Denorfia and Austin Jackson in the lineup (I think). That makes a difference. But Roenis Elias must pitch well.
• The Indians over the Rangers: Did the trade deadline signal that the Indians have given up? Maybe. But they are still better than the Rangers. Danny Salazar over Jerome Williams.
• The Tigers over the Rockies: Justin Verlander used to be the Tigers' ace. Now he is more famous for his girlfriend. He has been pitching a bit better though. The Rockies are moribund and Franklin Morales might get himself killed here.
• The Angels over the Rays: What will the Rays' demeanor be like today? What did selling Price tell them? Jeremy Hellickson is doing his normal stuff since coming back: A high FIP and WHIP and only one run allowed. How does he DO that? But he hasn't gone five innings yet. Matt Shoemaker for the win.
• The Marlins over the Reds: The Marlins didn't waste any time by putting Jarred Cosart immediately into the fire tonight as the starter. I always liked him and he should enjoy that nice fat ballpark in Miami. Mat Latos doesn't scare me nearly as much as he used to.
• The Red Sox over the Yankees: These teams will look totally different when they take the field today. I have no idea what it will feel like and how it will play out. I don't trust Chris Capuano and you know Dustin Pedroia will play over his head and Ortiz will hit one out. Anthony Ranaudo makes his debut for the Red Sox. He is going to be fun to watch.
• The Mets over the Giants: The Mets are still sort of in this thing which explains why Colon is still there. Jon Niese is a good pitcher and I am predicting he will keep the Giants' lineup in their current funk. Ryan Vogelsong will break just enough.
• The White Sox over the Twins; Logan Darnell did not exactly have a great time the last time he faced the White Sox and this time he is up against Chris Sale. Good luck with that.
• The Blue Jays over the Astros: I'm trying to remember...the Astros already won their one game of the week right? Yup. So I am all set. J.A. Happ over Collin McHugh.
• The Cardinals over the Brewers: The Cardinals have fully committed to Matt Adams and we'll see how that plays out. They did not address the offense which is been their problem. They just got more pitching. Speaking of pitching, Adam Wainwright needs to ace-up tonight against Wily Peralta.
• The Pirates over the Diamondbacks: What a surprise that the Pirates stayed pat. Would you expect anything different. With all of the D-Backs problems, they trade Gerardo Parra, one of their better players? Okay. Edinson Volquez over Vidal Nuno.
• The Braves over the Padres: I don't think the Braves are good enough and did not overly help themselves yesterday. But today is about the pitching match-up, which isn't great. But I guess I will take Mike Minor over Eric Stults.
• The Cubs over the Dodgers: Upset pick! The Dodgers did nothing in the deadline!? Strange for them. And Dan Haren is still in the rotation and he has been brutal. Hmm.. I'll take the Cubs and Kyle Hendricks, who has been pitching great.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Athletics over the Royals: It's Sonny Gray Day in Oakland and that is always one of my favorite picks. The guy is 12-3 after all. Jeremy Guthrie does not move me. But I am interested to see how the A's offense reacts without Cespedes.

Yesterday: 5-6, July Final: 211-170, Games of the Day: 64-49, Season: 894-745