MLB Game Picks - Sunday: September 29, 2013

The penultimate day of the 2013 MLB regular season ended the last full week of picking with a thud. After a great week of picking, the bottom fell out with only five correct picks. But, you know what? I will take that since my Game of the Day and Andy Pettitte won his final regular season start of his long and wonderful career. Watching that unfold in Houston was the most amazing experience. And those who say that it was Houston, after all, and the horrible Astros, has no respect for the game. They are still a big league team with big league hitters and you still have to get them out. It was the perfect last hurrah for a great pitcher.

The regular season ends today. Or will it? The American League Wild Card is nuts. If the Indians win, they are in. If they lose and both the Rays and Rangers win, then we have a three-way tie and there will be tie-breaker games before the play-in game. If the Rays and Rangers both win or both lose, and the Indians win, then there will be a tie-breaker game between the Rays and Rangers. Crazy!

Sunday's picks:

• The Rays over the Blue Jays: The last battle of the Ays for the season and it could not be a bigger game. The Rays have to win unless the Rangers also lose. But they will go all out to win. Matt Moore is their big stud alongside David Price. He will take his 16-4 record and try to get the W for the Rays. Todd Redmond will try to deny the Rays. Should be exciting!
• The Tigers over the Marlins: Of all the division winners, the Tigers sure can look awful at times. And they have finished the season so nonchalantly that anything can happen in this game. Justin Verlander is starting. I have no idea why or how long he will go. Henderson Alvarez goes for the Fish.
• The Mets over the Brewers: Jonathon Niese has had a really good finish to his season. A win today would set him up nicely with good feelings for next year. Terry Collins got a contract extension, which I guess is a good thing. Wily Peralta goes for the Brewers. Both teams go home empty-handed.
• The Pirates over the Reds: I picked the Reds in the first two games and was wrong as the Pirates took care of business in Cincinnati. This game is meaningless and both teams know it. As such, they are pitching two pitchers who will probably not factor in the post-season. Brandon Cumpton is better than Greg Reynolds, so that is the direction I am heading.
• The Orioles over the Red Sox: A meaningless game for both teams, but tell that to Buck Showalter. He likes to beat the good teams. Chris Tillman has not pitched well to end his season. John Lackey never gets run support. I am surprised he is starting.
• The Braves over the Phillies: Once again, I am surprised in this meaningless game that Julio Teheran is starting. Perhaps he does not factor in the team's plans for the NLDS. Anyway, the Braves win by beating Zach Minor.
• The Indians over the Twins: Can the Indians finish a historic run to end their season? I believe they will. A lot will depend on how sharp Ubaldo Jimenez is. Scott Diamond is probably the best of the Twins' crap pitchers. A win and the Indians are in. Incredible.
• The White Sox over the Royals: Jose Quintana is the White Sox one good luck charm. They win a lot when he pitches. Bruce Chen is not nearly as good on the road as he is at home. The season ends on a high note for the lowly White Sox. But they should still clean house after it's over. Word is that they are not. Dumb.
• The Yankees over the Astros: David Huff, or Hassle-Huff for those of you who have been following along, gets the start for the Yankees as Kuroda is done as well. Erik Bedard starts for the Astros and he has had a miserable season. Just miserable.
• The Cardinals over the Cubs: Jake Westbrook is getting a "thank you for past services" start for the Cardinals. And it is pretty telling how good the Cards are that Westbrook is the odd man out in the post season but could be a fourth starter on many teams. Jeff Samardzija never really put it together this season like I thought he would.
• The Rangers over the Angels: This game is no lock. For one thing, Yu Darvish is never a lock. He is a great pitcher, but wins are never guaranteed. I know because I have been picking him all year. Plus, Jason Vargas has been brilliant of late. Rangers have to win.
• The Padres over the Giants: I have no idea who is going to win this game. Tyson Ross has been pretty good of late and the Giants have nothing to play for. Guillermo Moscoso is coming out of the bullpen to pitch for the Giants. Who knows.
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: Hyun-jin Ryu tries to win his last tune-up before the playoffs. Jeff Francis, the definition of the "crafty lefty" tries to better him.
• The Athletics over the Mariners: Eric Wedge is managing his last game and going out without leaving any words on the table. Good for him. The M's stand for Mess. Besides, I have to go with Sonny Gray. He's my guy. Erasmo Ramirez has been good for the Mariners though.

The Game of the Day:

• The Nationals over the Diamondbacks: I want this. I want Davey Johnson to go out with a win. He has a good chance with Tanner Roark on the mound. The kid has been awesome. Wade Miley will try to spoil the party.

Yesterday: 5-10  Ugh

Last week: 57-40

Month: 222-168

Season: 1364-1063

Games of the Day: 105-70

MLB Game Picks - Friday: August 16, 2013

Yesterday was such a meh day. The Yankees could not sweep the Angels as the bullpen added to Phil Hughes' damage. Kyle Lohse did not beat the Reds, though he did pitch well. Tony Cingrani simply pitched better. But the worst incorrect pick was the Nationals, who had that game won until Mr. Untuck unraveled and pooched the lead.

The day did end up in the positive. Sonny Gray was indeed spectacular as was Zack Wheeler. The Cardinals had an inning against A.J. Burnett that reminded me of that pitcher's Yankee days. I suppose any positive day is a good day.

Back to a full schedule on this Friday as the summer continues to slip away. Friday's picks:

• The Tigers over the Royals: These two teams play two games today. I think they will split with the Tigers winning the first game and the Royals taking the second. Justin Verlander goes against Danny Duffy in the first game.
• The Cardinals over the Cubs: I hate depending on Jake Westbrook for a win. But I must in this one as the Cardinals should roll over the Cubs. Jake Arrieta goes for the Cubbies.
• The Pirates over the Diamondbacks: This match-up is home specific. I think each respective team wins in their home park. Gerrit Cole goes for the Pirates and Brandon McCarthy for the D-Backs. I do root for McCarthy because of where he has been and his Twitter presence. But I don't think he does today.
• The Orioles over the Rockies: If there is a pitcher named, Chen, then usually I am picking him this year. Wei-Yin Chen is the one involved here and I do think he will be better in Baltimore than Juan Nicasio. But this could be a slugfest too.
• The Dodgers over the Phillies: The Phillies have Cliff Lee on the mound and that always means they have a chance to win. But he is countered by Zack Greinke who should be just as good. The Dodgers win late.
• The Royals over the Tigers: Big Game James Shields needs to be up to his name today to win the second game. He has a good chance since the Tigers are starting Jose Alvarez who has started four games this season and hardly looks reliable.
• The Red Sox over the Yankees: If this was the Andy Pettitte of old instead of the old Andy Pettitte, the Yankees would be a viable pick here. No doubt that new acquisition, Mark Reynolds, will get a start for the Yankees, probably at first. I am fine with that, but Girardi will stick Vernon Wells into the fifth hole and ruin everything. Felix Doubront with the win. I had a dream that Granderson's legs were bothering him. Weird.
• The Marlins over the Giants: Gosh am I torn on this one. Nathan Eovaldi has always seemed like a 4-A pitcher to me. But he was great in his last outing and has pitched against the Giants before. Chad Gaudin still does not seem real to me.
• The Bay Rays over the Blue Jays: Another gripping chapter in the battle of the Ays. I am not a big fan of Jeremy Hellickson. To me he is Phil Hughes with a bigger park and better defense. But he will win today and the Rays will be patient on that R.A. Dickey knuckleball.
• The Braves over the Nationals: Alex Wood if he could but he can so he will. Heh. The Braves put some more port side blasts in the good ship Nationals. Taylor Jordan has allowed four runs in his last two starts (each) and that sounds about right for tonight.
• The Rangers over the Mariners: I am not so quick to pick Hisashi Iwakuma outside of this home park in Seattle. In fact, I think the Rangers get to him often today. That will allow Derek Holland to pitch his game and get the win.
• The White Sox over the Twins: I am not overly enthusiastic about either Jose Quintana or Kevin Correia. But one of them has to win the game.
• The Indians over the Athletics: Justin Masterson had an off game his last time out and I think he will bounce back and handcuff the A's. A.J. Griffin is pretty tough himself, especially in Oakland. But I see an Indians' win in this one.
• The Angels over the Astros: It is bad enough that Brad Peacock always loses in his starts. But now he loses when he comes in as a last resort in extra-inning games too. Poor guy. Jerome Williams has to have his sinker working though to win.
• The Padres over the Mets: I am going to take the Padres because they are the home team and because I think Ian Kennedy will do well in Petco Park. Jonathon Niese should be decent too in his second start back from the DL.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Reds over the Brewers: Tom Gorzelanny has made the most of his meager talent to stay in the big leagues a long time. But there is no way I think he can win this game. Mike Leake should get the job done and the Reds should win their sixth in a row.

Yesterday: 6-4

Week: 41-25

Month: 122-77

Season: 1025-790

Games of the Day: 78-53    +1

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: July 24, 2013

The picks came out on top yesterday by two games. But it was a convoluted day. The Yankees came back on closer, Joe Nathan, to win that game. I should have stuck with Jose Fernandez. And yet, I correctly picked the Astros to win and for Carlos Torres to shut down the Braves. There was some brilliance there parked in between some dung heaps.

Another full slate of games and I am late this morning. So here are Wednesday's picks:

• The Athletics over the Astros: This day game features A.J. Griffin and Bud Norris. Norris is a very frustrating guy and any team that is considering him for trade possibilities should think twice. It is fitting that he is pitching against a guy named, A.J., because he reminds me a lot of a young A.J. Burnett.
• The Angels over the Twins: As embarrassing as that loss was last night, the Angels should rebound with a win by Jered Weaver. He is that good a pitcher. Mike Pelfrey won his last game, but he is no match for Weaver.
• The Indians over the Mariners: I want to go with Joe Saunders at home just because his rare good outings keep some contenders thinking that he can help them. Ha! But I like Scott Kazmir in this one in that big ballpark. I like underdog stories and I root for Kazmir. So sue me.
• The Nationals over the Pirates: I am still in shock about the Nationals' season. It simply confounds me. Stephen Strasburg is all but forgotten this season because his record is 5-7. He team rarely supports him. He usually pitches well. Take today for example, he faces Francisco Liriano who will probably shut his team out. But I will take Strasburg on principle.
• The Braves over the Mets: Jeremy Hefner was creamed in his last outing. I mean, he was tattooed. But he will bounce back today with a good outing. Unfortunately for him, Tim Hudson will be better. But I would not be surprised if the results were the opposite.
• The Red Sox over the Bay Rays: At this point, Matt Moore is more reliable than David Price. I think the Red Sox get to Price and Felix Doubront has a good enough day to keep the Red Sox as the best team in the American League.
• The Rangers over the Yankees: Andy Pettitte has not been sharp for a long time. He has been decent. But not sharp. Matt Garza is going to make a difference for the Rangers. He has been in this position before pitching for a contender. It was a great pickup.
• The Royals over the Orioles: Woo  boy. What am I thinking? I am thinking that I am tired of picking against Ervin Santana and him throwing gems for the last month. That is what I am thinking. Wei-Yin Chen is a worthy pitcher. But Santana has been exceptional of late.
• The Tigers over the White Sox: Anibal Sanchez is better than John Danks. The Tigers proved they can win without Miguel Cabrera. The White Sox are a bad team.
• The Brewers over the Padres: The Brewers have to be a mess inside right now. The Braun thing must be really hard to deal with. Not to mention that the Braun thing has lost them their best hitter. But I am picking them tonight because Kyle Lohse has been on a roll. That and I have no faith in Sean O'Sullivan despite his wonderful Irish name.
• The Cardinals over the Phillies: I really have no faith in Jake Westbrook. But then again, I have no faith in John Lannon. So when you have no faith in either pitcher, you pick the better team--especially when they are home.
• The Rockies over the Marlins: I keep waiting for the Rockies to bust out in their home park. Perhaps tonight will be the night. Jacob Turner has been good for the Marlins though. Hmm... Okay, with Jorge De La Rosa on the mound, I am still going that way.
• The Cubs over the Diamondbacks: I am really, really torn over this one and have gone back and forth. I am going to go back to my initial instinct and pick the Cubs. It is based on Jeff Samardzija building on his great last appearance and how badly Ian Kennedy has pitched this season.
• The Reds over the Giants: Someone pinch me when it comes to how well Chad Gaudin has been pitching for the Giants. Seriously!? Chad Gaudin!? But there it is. Two earned runs in his last 23+ innings. Amazing. So why am I picking Mike Leake instead? Because I am still not a believer.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Dodgers over the Blue Jays: Yeah. Put the Blue Jays in the same category as the Nationals. The Dodgers have been kicking their butts all week. Why should today be any different? Ricky Nolasco over Esmil Rogers.

Yesterday: 9-7

Week: 36-24

Month: 163-110

Season: 840-646

Games of the Day: 65-43

MLB Game Picks - Friday: July 19, 2013

And on the fifth day, he said, "Let there be baseball," and then there was baseball. The All Star Break is finally over and once again, the grand game of baseball gets back into the swing of things on a relentless pace that will not end until the end of October.

I kept a four year tradition of picking the All Star Game incorrectly. Hey, if you are only going to have one game to pick in a four day span, you might as well get it wrong. Home field advantage in the World Series can make a huge difference though, so the American League gets the nod this year.

Just to make sure today is not like some opening day like feel, every team is in action and they are all night games. I am back in the saddle and these are your Friday picks:

• The Nationals over the Dodgers: This is a big game for both teams. Both would like to make a charge in the second half and get where they were predicted to get by the end. Ricky Nolasco has been good for the Dodgers. And I am sure he feels like he has a new life. Stephen Strasburg will need to come up big in the second half for the Nats. Going with the home team.
• The Bay Rays over the Blue Jays: Another round in the battle of the Ays. The Blue Jays will have a big say in who is going to win the AL East and wild cards. And they are not going to be easy to beat at home. But on any given day, you have to pick David Price over Esmil Rogers.
• The Red Sox over the Yankees: Why do the Yankees have to wait until Monday to get A-Rod back? I will never understand how long these rehab things take. Will Jeter be back tonight? No word on that yet. With those questions unanswered, the fact remains that lefties are fatal for the current Yankees. Felix Doubront over Andy Pettitte.
• The Mets over the Phillies: The Phillies still think they have playoff aspirations. I will believe it when I see it. Other than Domenic Brown, what is there? Jeremy Hefner over Kyle Kendrick.
• The Reds over the Pirates: A very interesting match-up. Mike Leake is unpredictable but has been more good than bad. Francisco Liriano has been very good but the memories of his meltdowns are hard to forget. I am going with the Reds at home.
• The Rangers over the Orioles: Wei-Yin Chen came back from the disabled list with a very effective game last time out. So this pick might end up paying for it if the Rangers cannot score. But Derek Holland is also capable of shutting down the Orioles too. Another interesting game.
• The Braves over the White Sox: The Braves get an extra hitter (is Gattis back?) and have Tim Hudson on the mound. John Danks has looked pretty good since coming back, but his mates have to score. Hudson is the deciding factor.
• The Tigers over the Royals: I would normally always pick Anibal Sanchez over Ervin Santana. But if this game stays close, the Royals have the better bullpen. It probably won't stay close.
• The Brewers over the Marlins: Jacob Turner has been very good for the Marlins and looks like he might be on his way to fulfilling his promise. But I like the old pro, Kyle Lohse at home in Milwaukee too much to pick against him.
• The Astros over the Mariners: The last two times I have picked against Joe Saunders, I have paid for it. But I am a stubborn coot. Not that I like Bud Norris that much better, but at home, he has a chance and Houston has a bigger right-field porch than left.
• The Cardinals over the Padres: Jason Marquis has not won a game in a month and four days. But the Cardinals' old friend has not pitched badly. His team has not scored for him. Jake Westbrook at least gives the Padres a fighting chance. But I still like the Cardinals at home.
• The Rockies over the Cubs: Jeff Samardzija did not look good at all in his last start. He got rocked in fact. Following up that performance at Coors Field does not make me feel at all like that will go well either. Jorge De La Rosa knows how to pitch at Coors.
• The Angels over the Athletics: A.J. Griffin, like the A's has been on a bit of a roll. But I would have to think twice or three times before picking against Jered Weaver at home. The Angels' ace has been awfully quiet this summer. I think he will be loud in the second half.
• The Giants over the Diamondbacks: Chad Gaudin. I am picking Chad Gaudin? Oy. But he is at home and the Diamondbacks are pitching Ian Kennedy who has not looked good at all. Kennedy does have a bit of a history having big second halves though.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Indians over the Twins: I went with Scott Kazmir in his last outing and he rewarded me for the pick. So I am sticking with him this outing too. The Twins counter with Mike Pelfrey who needs a whole lot of "at em" balls to succeed.

The All Star Game: 0-1

Week: 8-8

Month: 119-79

Season: 796-615

Games of the Day: 63-40

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: July 11, 2013

Wednesday was another good day in what has been a good week. Ten out of the fifteen picks were correct. The Cubs pick was a little laughable. Jeff Samardzija had nothing, unfortunately. The San Diego pick was wrong, though it was a close game. The same can be said of the Toronto - Cleveland game. I split the two extra-inning games. The Dodgers gained further ground on the D-backs, which got me a wrong pick. But I cannot complain. It was a good day.

There are twelve games on the Thursday schedule as the schedule maker decided that six teams needed a day off before the four days of the All Star Break. Okay, like whatever. Heh. Here are Thursday's picks:

• The Blue Jays over the Indians: The Indians will feature the Major League debut of Danny Salazar. Salazar has a great strikeout rate in seventeen starts split between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus with a low walk rate. That is a good combination, but there is no telling how he will perform in the big show. R.A. Dickey seems the safer pick.
• The Yankees over the Royals: The Yankees should fight back to a split in this one as long as Andy Pettitte has a decent outing. The Yankees have at least a chance to score against Ervin Santana.
• The Tigers over the White Sox: The only thing that gives me pause in this pick is Chris Sale pitching for the White Sox. The tall one has a chance to shut down anyone in any given start. Anibal Sanchez will match Sale though and the Tigers will win late.
• The Red Sox over the Mariners: MLB has a TBO next to the pitcher's name in today's game. But Yahoo Sports lists the start going to Erasmo Ramirez. Ramirez had a brief look in the bigs last year and was quite decent. His numbers are good in the minors. He could hold the Red Sox in check. But Ryan Dempster will hold the Mariners to even less runs.
• The Rangers over the Orioles: Ross Wolf gets his second start of the season. He has pitched long relief the rest of the season and has done darned well for himself. His one start was successful too. My only reservation here is that he does not strike people out. He only has six strikeouts in 27+ innings. Hmm.. But I think the Rangers will hit Miguel Gonzalez.
• The Nationals over the Phillies: Ah! My guy! Jordan Zimmermann. He is going for his 13th win tonight. He should get it. His batters are finally starting to kick it in gear and should score off of Kyle Kendrick.
• The Braves over the Reds: This is a very interesting series and an interesting match-up of Mat Latos against a lineup that whiffs a lot and the great Tim Hudson. I think the game completely depends on how good Hudson is tonight. If he is on and can get through the first two innings, the Braves win. If not, this pick is bye-bye.
• The Cardinals over the Cubs: This pick is fraught with danger. First, the Cubs have been playing fairly well. Second, as bad as Edwin Jackson can be, he can also be brilliant for a game. Jackson has been better in the last few weeks. Jake Westbrook better have a good outing.
• The Brewers over the Diamondbacks: I think Ryan Braun is supposed to be back today? I am not sure. If so, he gives the Brewers more leverage against Wade Miley, the weakest of the D-backs' big three lefties. Plus, Yovani Gallardo can take advantage of the fact that Arizona is really struggling right now.
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: I hate picking the Dodgers when Chris Capuano is pitching. But I cannot in good faith pick Drew Pomeranz. At one time, Pomeranz was the prospect of prospects. But he is now 4-12 as a Major League starter with an ERA over five and a WHIP over 1.5. It is kind of sad, really.
• The Giants over the Padres: Jason Marquis has not won in a month and always has a good chance to do well at Petco. But the Giants are destined to break their losing streak and there is no better pitcher to do it for them than Madison Bumgarner, who should also enjoy Petco.

And the Game of the Day!

• The Bay Rays over the Twins: The Twins are not having a good time in the AL East. The Rays took fourteen innings to beat them yesterday. With Matt Moore facing Mike Pelfrey, the game should only go nine this time.

Yesterday: 10-5

Week: 38-20

Month: 88-52

Season: 765-598

Games of the Day: 60-39

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: June 25, 2013

Closers. Everyone hates the statistic. Most believe that anyone can close. But they are the bane of my existence. It is fairly easy to predict which starting pitcher is going to be effective, or more effective than the other. But then the game gets into the eighth and ninth inning and all hell breaks loose. I should have been a game picker in the days of complete games. That would have been gravy.

There were only four games last night, and as such, a 2-2 record compared to a 3-1 record does not mean a whole lot. But 3-1 would have felt better. But Cliff Lee beating the Padres was also the Game of the Day. And he beat them just as predicted...for eight innings. And then he did not. His manager tried to get a complete game out of him. That did not work, so he panicked and brought in Jonathan Papelbon in the middle of the ninth instead of the beginning. That did not work either, thanks in part to a lazy play by his catcher. And the game blew up. And the pick blew up. Never go to bed on a three-run lead.

Tuesday's picks:

• The Nationals over the Diamondbacks: It is hard to believe that Gio Gonzalez has only won three games. His peripherals are impressive. The strikeouts are there. The WHIP is good. But three wins out of fifteen starts? This should turn around. Trevor Cahill, on the other hand, has earned most of his losses.
• The Orioles over the Indians: Who would have thought that Chris Tillman would become the Orioles' most consistent winner as a starting pitcher? But he is 8-2. Justin Masterson is good too, but if Masterson has any flaw, it is the home run ball. The Orioles hit them prodigiously.
• The Rangers over the Yankees: Yu Darvish has only pitched against the Yankees once in his career. But boy was it a doozy. His stuff is crazy. Hiroki Kuroda will need to be nearly perfect to win this one.  He won't be.
• The Tigers over the Angels: This Angels' team took a big hit with that blown save the other day. Yeah, closers. Speaking of closers, the Tigers do not have one. But they should still win this one behind Rick Porcello and a bunch of runs off of C.J. Wilson.
• The Red Sox over the Rockies: This will either be a close game not settled until late, or Ryan Dempster will finally have a good game and the Red Sox blow out Juan Nicasio. Either way, this feels like a Red Sox win.
• The Marlins over the Twins: The Marlins have not been the roll over and die team of late. They have won their fair share of games the last two weeks. If Jose Fernandez can pitch well tonight, something he is certainly capable of doing, then the Fish could score some runs against Chick Keven Correia.
• The Rays over the Blue Jays: Matt Moore was messed up for three games. Then the Yankees' putrid lineup fixed him back up. The Blue Jays will pay for it. And the Rays will score against Mark Buehrle.
• The Braves over the Royals: Two of the most unpredictable teams right here. You never know from day to day what they will do. I like Kris Medlen better than I like Ervin Santana. Though Santana has had some good outings lately.
• The White Sox over the Mets: Great match-up of Chris Sale against Zack Wheeler. I will take experience here over Wheeler in just his second big league start. David Wright is on fire though.
• The Cardinals over the Astros: The Cards did not have a "happy flight" that its local media likes to promote. They just got swept by one Texas team and will try to take it out on the other. Jake Westbrook over Lucas Harrell, who seems to pitch every other night.
• The Reds over the Athletics: I tried this pick either way and did not like the looks of either. So I will go with my first impression. Bronson Arroyo is having a good season. Tommy Milone has a good outing and a bad one. If he has a good one, this pick is dead.
• The Padres over the Phillies: Jason Marquis is pitching like he has a beef against the world. He is a "battler" as they like to say. He is also 9-2. I will take those stats over Kyle Kendrick and the Phillies.
• The Pirates over the Mariners: Jeff Locke has given up four earned runs over his last seven starts. Yeah, give me some of that. Joe Saunders is always capable of giving up four runs in every start. Yeah, he will have his occasional gem at home.
• The Dodgers over the Giants: If the Giants' starter in this one, Mike Kickham, pitches like he did in his debut, they will Kickham back to the minors quickly. Stephen Fife does not seem that great a pick either. But at least he has a better chance to do well.

And the Game of the Day

• The Brewers over the Cubs: Kyle Lohse is going to go on a roll. It started with his last start and it will continue. You heard it here first, okay? Meanwhile, Edwin Jackson will be rolling in the Cubs' dough for three years. It will not be pretty.

Yesterday: 2-2

Week: 9-10

Month: 164-159

Season: 629-508

Games of the Day: 47-36

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: June 19, 2013

I went 4-0 in double headers yesterday including predicting the Mets would sweep the Braves. But then  I went 6-6 on everything else. Sheesh. I had three aces going in Justin Verlander, Yu Darvish and Adam Wainwright. They all lost. And Verlander was for the Game of the Day. I should start calling that feature the poop pick of the day. The Game of the Day is not the most exciting game. It is the game each day that I think is the easiest pick. It is a game that should be a slam dunk of a pick. The feature is 23-24 since May 1, when it stood at 22-8. I love my job here.

At least the 10-6 total record yesterday finally pushed the month of June back over the .500 mark.

Wednesday's picks:

• The Yankees over the Dodgers: The rained out game yesterday actually gives the Yankees a better chance to win both games against the Dodgers. I would have easily picked Hyun-jin Ryu over Phil Hughes. But matching up against Hiroki Kuroda is an entirely different thing. Kuroda is good at home and is good during the daytime when this game will be played. It changes everything.
• The Orioles over the Tigers: These two teams seem really evenly matched to me. The Orioles' power is impressive. Chris Tillman has been winning consistently. Rick Porcello has been good too. This is a toss up and I hope I end up on the right end.
• The Marlins over the Diamondbacks: This pick is a bit of a stretch. Trevor Cahill has shown some signs of pitching better but is still 3-8. I am a bit concerned of how Jose Fernandez will fare in Arizona and that hot air. But Fernandez has made three straight terrific starts. So the pick slides that way.
• The Giants over the Padres: Madison Bumgarner has not been a lock so far this season. But I like him at home today against the Padres. The Giants ended the Padres' streak yesterday. Eric Stults has frustrated me all season though.
• The Indians over the Royals: What a tough loss for the Royals yesterday. They had that game under control the whole way until the end. It will not get any easier today as Justin Masterson is having a good season. I like Masterson over Luis Mendoza.
• The Yankees over the Dodgers: This is what I mean. I did not like Phil Hughes against Ryu. But I do like him against Chris Capuano. The games have to be played as there is no way for the Dodgers to get back to New York after this. Dumb scheduling.
• The Nationals over the Phillies: How do you look at these two teams? Are the Phillies now just as good as the Nationals? Or are the Nationals now as bad as the Phillies? Tough call. So is this game. Gio Gonzalez is not the same pitcher as a year ago and has been inconsistent. Kyle Kendrick, after a good start to the season, has regressed back to his FIP and has been roughed up lately.
• The Blue Jays over the Rockies: Here we go again with a winning streak where you have to wonder how long it will last. The Blue Jays have been rocking despite Jose Bautista struggling with a .591 OPS in June. I think the streak will continue for another night with Mark Buehrle against Juan Nicasio.
• The Pirates over the Reds: I am very torn on this one. I like Jeff Locke a lot. But the Pirates' offense is inconsistent and can go to sleep on you. Bronson Arroyo is tough, but he is also vulnerable to the long ball. Tough game. to pick.
• The Red Sox over the Rays: The Red Sox kicked some serious Ray booty yesterday. Jeremy Hellickson is one of those pitchers I rag on all the time. But he is capable of a good game. Ryan Dempster has been a disappointment that I still believe in. I like the Red Sox at home.
• The Rangers over the Athletics: The Rangers are at home and Tommy Milone is not unbeatable. Justin Grimm has not pitched well lately either. I am never quite convinced the A's are a good team. But they just win and win, so what do I know?
• The Twins over the White Sox: Picking Chick Kevin Correia to win a game is dicey and probably stupid. Picking against Chris Sale is probably not a good idea either. But the White Sox are a bad team and I am not convinced Sale is healthy right now.
• The Brewers over the Astros: Gosh, the Astros are really holding their own lately. Unfortunately, Kyle Lohse is a good and smart pitcher who is much better than his record. And Erik Bedard has run out of magic bullets.
• The Cardinals over the Cubs: I still think the Cardinals are better with Michael Wacha than Jake Westbrook. But Westbrook makes the most of what little stuff he has. Edwin Jackson actually pitched well in his last start. That confuses this pick just a little bit.
• The Angels over the Mariners: The Angels have a hot Albert Pujols and Mark Trumbo and the consistently great Trout. Their offense is coming around (other than Hamilton). Joe Saunders should yield a few runs and C.J. Wilson should be okay against the Mariners' spotty offense.

And the Game of the Day

• The Braves over the Mets: After Harvey and Wheeler, the Braves will welcome Shuan Marcum with open arms and big bats. Kris Medlen is still struggling to hold on to his starting role.

Yesterday: 10-6

Week: 24-19

Month: 124-121

Season: 587-471

Games of the Day: 45-32

MLB Game Picks - Friday: June 14, 2013

The picking day on Thursday finished a game over .500 and it still feels like a major victory. Granted, it was mediocre and barely acceptable, but it was the first day in the black this week. That is a victory. Of course, two games went a combined 32 innings to be wrong. Those extra inning games never help. Ever. And it seems there have been more of them than ever before. As usual, Yu Darvish was very good and could not win. The same was the case for Matt Harvey, but at least I predicted that one.

And here is a little tidbit for you. In one of those extra inning games, Travis Hafner, Kevin Youkilis and Vernon Wells were back to back to back in the lineup. They went zero for 23. That's right. Zero for 23. Just keep running them out there, Girardi. Yup.

Here are Friday's picks:

• The Orioles over the Red Sox: Like I told you yesterday, the Orioles like playing the Red Sox. It is just one of those things. Both teams will be exhausted after their long game yesterday. But the Orioles will hit Ryan Dempster more than the Red Sox will hit Chris Tillman.
• The Pirates over the Dodgers: I keep forgetting that the Pirates are a good team now. For all the years I have been doing this, the Pirates were the easy mark. They still have some problems occasionally on offense, but they are a good team. And Jeff Locke will be Barney Stephen Fife.
• The Indians over the Nationals: The Nats have run out of pitchers named, "Ross." They win with pitchers named, "Ross." They have not won often with pitchers named Gio Gonzalez. Besides, Justin Masterson is the Indians' best pitcher.
• The Mets over the Cubs: The two pitchers in this contest are a combined 2-15. Yes, those are the kinds of messes I have to deal with. I have a new theory about Edwin Jackson. He was born in Germany and in that country, most citizens get five weeks of vacation a year. Jackson takes his during the baseball season. Shaun Marcum is going to get his first win of the season.
• The Reds over the Brewers: Kyle Lohse has always pitched pretty well against the Reds. He has one of his better K/BB splits against the Reds over the years. But the feeling here is that the Brewers will find some way to screw it up and lose. Bronson Arroyo is hit or miss and when he is hit, he is hit.
• The Cardinals over the Marlins: Jake Westbrook has not pitched in a while and it is almost a bad thing he has come off the disabled list because the young pitchers have pitched better than him. And the Cardinals have Stanton back and young, Jose Fernandez, has been pitching well. Despite all that, I am going with the Cardinals.
• The Braves over the Giants: This is a tough, tough game to predict. Kris Medlen has not had a good start to the season but has not given up an earned run over his last two starts and wants to stay out of the bullpen. But the Giants are pitching Madison Bumgarner, which means with the free swingers on the Braves, he could strike out twelve of them.
• The Rangers over the Blue Jays: The Blue Jays have been on a bit of a roll. The Rangers have been in a funk. Justin Grimm has not been very good lately. Mark Buehrle is a powder-puff guy who keeps teams off balance...most of the time. When he does not, it ain't pretty. The Rangers at home are still tough to deal with.
• The White Sox over the Astros: Chris Sale was supposed to pitch the other night, but the game was rained out. The extra rest should do him good. Erik Bedard could surprise with a good game tonight. But that would indeed be a surprise.
• The Tigers over the Twins: This game is no gimme for the Tigers and the Twins have played them tough. Scott Diamond should not be able to hold Miguel Cabrera and company down. Rick Porcello has been decent for the Tigers.
• The Rockies over the Phillies: The Rockies are losing players to injuries, which is a shame. But I have a feeling they will still rock Kyle Kendrick's world today at home in Coors Field.
• The Angels over the Yankees: The Angels have at least three hitters that can do something. The Yankees cannot say that. And as long as the Yankees play Vernon Wells, I cannot pick them anymore. Despite Andy Pettitte pitching, I am going with C.J. Wilson.
• The Athletics over the Mariners: I cannot see the Mariners' offense doing anything in this game. The A's are a really good team. Tommy Milone over Joe Saunders.
• The Diamondbacks over the Padres: I can tell I am being set up here. I have picked against the Padres and picked against them and they keep on winning. Today, I think they will win behind Eric Stults. But that is a setup and I recognize it. So I am going to foil it and pick the Diamondbacks and the terrible Trevor Cahill. So there. Nice try. Gosh, I am going insane.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Bay Rays over the Royals: The Rays have been pretty sucky for a couple of weeks now. And the once unhitable Matt Moore has been getting bombed. The thinking here is that Moore rediscovers himself in this game and the struggling Rays' lineup gets a few runs off of Luis Mendoza.

Yesterday: 5-4

Week: 25-39

Month: 83-89

Season: 546-439

Games of the Day: 43-29