MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: June 3, 2015

Man! There were a lot of games yesterday. When all was said and done, I finished at 11-6 for the day. I picked three of the four games of the double-headers correctly.  The Pick of the Day was wrong (again) as Noah Syndergaard got roughed around by the Padres...a development I obviously did not expect. My best picks of the day were the Indians over the Royals and Clay Buchholz beating the Twins.

Sixteen more games on tap for tonight! The picks:

• The Red Sox over the Twins: I really like this Eduardo Rodriguez kid. He has poise and no fear and I think he will survive better today better than Phil Hughes does in Fenway Park.
• The Red Sox over the Twins: Yes, I am picking a sweep. I think the Red Sox will hit Trevor May and Rick Porcello will pitch well. The fire the manager talk will settle down for a day or so (unfortunately) .
• The Cardinals over the Brewers: Judging by how this week is going, the Cardinals will either win, 1-0 or love 1-0. I like John Lackey at home in St. Louis, but also think that Jimmy Nelson will pitch well.
• The Braves over the Diamondbacks: I have come to like Mike Foltynewicz because I learned how to spell his name without looking early on. He hasn't pitched poorly either. Rubby De La Rosa goes for the D-backs. Caution: The D-backs have had their way so far this series.
• The Yankees over the Mariners: If the Yankees' middle relief can hold up and bridge Masahiro Tanaka to the late inning guys, the Yankees should take care of the rest with just enough offense against Taijuan Walker.
• The Giants over the Pirates: The Giants will salvage one game of this series with a win today behind Tim Hudson. Francisco Liriano won his last outing, but so cannot be counted upon. The Pirates are hot as a team though.
• The Blue Jays over the Nationals: Taylor and Tyler seem to be the new cool names in baseball. I'm not sure they have overtaken the Brandons, but it seems close when combining those variations. There will be one less if Taylor Jordan doesn't pitch better than he did last time. Mark Buehrle goes for the Jays.
• The Athletics over the Tigers: It's Sonny Gray Day! That's all I've got to say. Come what may from Anibal Sanchez's day, the A's win will be this picking day's halfway.
• The Cubs over the Marlins: Christian Yelich is in a terrible slump and Giancarlo Stanton is on a bit of a strikeout jag. Both of those facts could be exploited by Jon Lester today. Dan Haren has leveled off after a big start to the season.
• The White Sox over the Rangers: The Rangers are extremely hot right now and Nick Martinez has pitched well all season. But I just cannot pick against Chris Sale who is capable of no hitting a team on any given day.
• The Astros over the Orioles: I have no idea who is going to win this game. None. Lance McCullers has pitched really well, but doesn't go deep in the game. Miguel Gonzalez is good sometimes and not sometimes. I have no idea.
• The Indians over the Royals: This is risky picking the Indians to beat the Royals twice in a row. But if Corey Kluber is dominant and the Indians get to Jason Vargas, it could happen.
• The Dodgers over the Rockies: I have been riding Mike Bolsinger so far for his young career and I will continue to do so here. I am, however, afraid of him pitching at Coors. Chad Bettis, meanwhile, almost pitched a no-hitter his last time out. Hmmm
• The Padres over the Mets: I would be hesitant to pick Dillon Gee at this point to win any game. But add James Shields to the mix  and my hesitancy goes even higher.
• The Angels over the Rays: Nate Karns has had a pretty solid start to his MLB career. But I can't pick him against the Angels' offense. He is not Chris Archer, after all. Hector Santiago goes for the Angels.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Phillies over the Reds: Mike Leake has leaked a lot lately after a fine start to the season. I think it was because I jumped on him for my fantasy team. It was all downhill from there. Cole Hamels goes for the Phils.

Yesterday: 11-6, June: 16-10, Season: 394-363, Picks of the Day: 30-26

MLB Game Picks - Friday: May 29, 2015

Short schedules always frighten me because this is little margin for error. Therefore, I am happy to finish at 5-3. Of the three incorrect picks, on one, I am kicking myself. On the other, I am kicking the manager and the other was a battle between two good pitchers and I picked the wrong one.

The latter I don't mind. But I KNEW I should pick the Red Sox yesterday. I had a strong feeling that Eduardo Rodriguez was the real deal. Heck, I even picked him up on my fantasy team. Dumb. 

As for kicking the manager, the Yankees NEVER should have lost that game last night. With the game on the line, Joe Girardi brought in David Carpenter.

Why is that a bad thing? Because the A's have a .767 OPS against right-handed pitching but only a team .611 OPS against left-handed pitching. David Carpenter is right-handed. The Yankees have four left-handed relievers and one of them, Chasen Shreve, was very effective after Carpenter gave up the winning runs (inherited runners Sabathia put on base). Stupid.

Friday's picks:

• The Cubs over the Royals: The Royals lose the DH, which has been very important to their offense. Jake Arrieta gentille Arrieta will benefit from the Royals aggressive swinging and the Cubs will score a few off of Edinson Volquez.
• The Phillies over the Rockies: First, the Phillies have their best pitcher, Cole Hamels, on the mound. Secondly, Chad Bettis is not pick-worthy...at least to me. I like the Phillies at home here.
• The Orioles over the Rays: The Orioles are back home at Camden Yards and that is usually an appealing pick. Miguel Gonzalez is usually good against the AL East. The one problem I see is that Nathan Karns is pitching very well.
• The Reds over the Nationals: I'm not picking Stephen Strasburg again. Never. Ever. Again. Well...at least until he starts winning. Anthony DeSclafani goes for the Reds at home.
• The Red Sox over the Rangers: I don't feel good about either starting pitcher here between Yovani Gallardo for Texas or Steven Wright for the Red Sox. But one of the teams has to win and I'm going with the Red Sox.
• The Diamondbacks over the Brewers: The Brewers lost their hot streak and are back going in the wrong direction. Rubby De La Rosa has been a great pick up for the D-Backs. Jimmy Nelson hasn't put it together yet.
• The Astros over the White Sox: This could be a good one. Lance McCullers Jr. has been pitching well for the Astros, but Carlos Rodon is a real stud prospect for the White Sox. I go with McCullers because he has far better control at this point than Rodon who is walking way too many batters.
• The Blue Jays over the Twins: I like Mark Buehrle in this one. I think he'll have a good game. Trevor May has been inconsistent and you don't want to now be really on against the Blue Jays' offense.
• The Cardinals over the Dodgers: I hate this pick. I hate picking John Lackey for one thing. But he is capable of dominating a game. I also hate picking against Mike Bolsinger who has been terrific for the Dodgers. But this is what my gut is telling me here.
• The Angels over the Tigers: The Tigers are missing Victor Martinez in their lineup. It's still a decent lineup, but not quite the same. The two starters here are hard to pick. Hector Santiago and Anibal Sanchez have had their struggles.
• The Athletics over the Yankees: That was a big loss for the Yankees last night because they get Sonny Gray tonight. I always go with Sonny Gray. I definitely am not feeling Chris Capuano. Although, Capuano is a lefty...hmmm
• The Indians over the Mariners: Robinson Cano is hurting and not himself. Taijuan Walker has not put anything together this year and Trevor Bauer is pitching well.
• The Padres over the Pirates: James Shields just keeps on winning. It's hard to pick against that. Francisco Liriano is such a puzzle. He simply cannot be counted upon.
• The Braves over the Giants: The Braves' bats have gone silent. But they do seem to win behind Mike Foltynewicz. Tim Hudson is pitching at home, which is hard to pick against. But I'm doing it anyway.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Mets over the Marlins: Matt Harvey should bounce back from his anomalous bad outing. Dan Haren may be able to match zeroes though, if he is on.

Yesterday: 5-3, May: 190-165, Season: 357-330, Picks of the Day: 29-22

MLB Game Picks - Friday: May 1, 2015

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

Friday's picks:

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

And the Pick of the Day:

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

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

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: April 21, 2015

I went back into the deep hole yesterday after spending three days trying to climb out. At least the Pick of the Day was correct. The closer ruined me in the Cleveland / Chicago game. The Mariners let one slip away after having a good lead. Alfredo Simon was either really good or the Yankees were really bad. The Orioles were sloppy.

Oh, and Jim Palmer? Right on. David Ortiz thinks he is bigger than everyone, including Hall of Fame players. Respect, Ortiz? How about you respect parents and children with your foul mouth?  Clutch player over the years...but otherwise...an irritant.

Tuesday's picks:

• The Pirates over the Cubs: I can't quite figure out these two teams yet. Francisco Liriano has always had brilliant stuff and inconsistent results. Travis Wood is sort of like Buehrle-lite. Both have to be on to win. Flip a coin.
• The Marlins over the Phillies: Dan Haren looked good his last time out and I like his chances against the moribund offense of the Phillies. Jerome Williams still has two or three good starts in him this season.
• The Nationals over the Cardinals: I'm really torn here. I really like Lance Lynn but I also like power lefties against the Cardinals like Gio Gonzalez. I'll go with the home team.
• The Blue Jays over the Orioles: I don't think the Orioles like playing a game in the morning. They looked so flat yesterday. I like the Blue Jays' offense against Bud Norris. It's just a question of how Mark Buehrle fares.
• The Yankees over the Tigers: I actually like the Yankees better against left-handed pitching. I think they have a chance against Kyle Lobstein. And it is time for Nathan Eovaldi to show some progress.
• The Rays over the Red Sox: Chris Archer is making his fourth start already and his last two have been brilliant. Wade Miley has been iffy for the Red Sox. The Rays aren't hitting at home, so there is that...
• The Brewers over the Reds: Mike Fiers is 0-2 and has a high ERA. But I think he's been a bit unlucky as the batting average against him has been very high. His strikeouts are there. The Brewers are due for a win. Jason Marquis goes for the Reds.
• The Indians over the White Sox: Once again, in Carlos Carrasco, we have a strong starter for the Indians and then fret about the bullpen. Hector Noesi goes for the White Sox.
• The Royals over the Twins: Tommy Milone is 2-0 including a win over the Royals. The Royals will have some revenge tonight at home as long as Jason Vargas can hold down the Twins.
• The Padres over the Rockies: The Padres' offense is explosive and they went off at Coors yesterday. I think they will hit again today off of Tyler Matzek. Brandon Morrow has pitched very well and has no decisions to show for it.
• The Diamondbacks over the Rangers: The Rangers lose some offense without the DH and Chase Anderson always keeps the Diamondbacks in the game. Nick Martinez is 2-0. Can he keep that up? I don't think so.
• The Athletics over the Angels: This again is a toss up to me and all depends on the pitching. Drew Pomeranz has looked good and has only walked one batter in twelve. He was a little unlucky in his last start. Hector Santiago is always there for me to kick and yet wins his share of games. So you got me here.
• The Astros over the Mariners: Collin McHugh is a good pitcher and the Astros' offense has come alive a bit. Taijuan Walker had a great spring and has looked lost once the season started. He is quite capable of making this pick look rather stupid.
• The Giants over the Dodgers: Tim Lincecum has looked good so far with no wins to show for it and is usually solid against the Dodgers at home. Brett Anderson is a five inning pitcher and the Giants can go after the Dodgers' bullpen. The Dodgers do have a win streak though.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Mets over the Braves: I have said it over and over through the years. Jon Niese is much better than people realize. I like him at home against the Braves. Trevor Cahill is ripe in my mind at least.

Yesterday: 3-6, Season: 94-101, Picks of the Day: 7-8

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: April 15, 2015

I am back in the negative numbers again after two decent days. I should know better than to pick Stephen Strasburg. That never works out of me. And doggone if the Yankees can't hit a middling arm like Miguel Gonzalez. How about Shane Greene!

Wednesday's picks look like this:

• The Indians over the White Sox: Indians' players are dropping like flies, but I still like Trevor Bauer over John Danks.
• The Marlins over the Braves: The Braves have played above water in the early going. I don't think it will last. On top of that, I have little faith in Eric Stultz. Then again, I have no idea what Dan Haren is going to do.
• The Red Sox over the Nationals: I have no idea anymore with these two teams. Are the Red Sox this good? I thought the Nationals were supposed to be good? Wade Miley gets the not over Gio Gonzalez.
• The Rangers over the Angels: Anthony Ranaudo has taken over Derek Holland's spot for now and he has a chance to succeed. Hector Santiago doesn't thrill me very much. This could be a high scoring game.
• The Pirates over the Tigers: Francisco Liriano has to be on to beat the Tigers. That is a 50/50 proposition. The Tigers lose the DH in Pittsburgh and have Alfredo Simon on the mound. That combination makes me lean to the Pirates.
• The Yankees over the Orioles: Bud Norris isn't the craftsman that some of the other Orioles pitchers are. That means he won't take advantage of bad swings by Yankee pull hitters as often as his compadres. A lot depends on the evolution of Nate Eovaldi.
• The Blue Jays over the Bay Rays: The battle of the Ays continues and I will take Mark Buehrle over Erasmo Ramirez any day.
• The Reds over the Cubs: Travis Wood's velocity is in the Jered Weaver range and he doesn't strike anyone out. That's tough in today's market. Jason Marquis just rolls along singing his song year by year.
• The Royals over the Twins: I think most of us highly over-anticipated a better Twins club this season. As to this point, they look awful. The Royals are rolling, but that law of averages thing is staring me in the face. Edinson Volquez versus Kyle Gibson.
• The Athletics over the Astros: Drew Pomeranz and Collin McHugh both pitched really well their first times out. With the pitching seeming to cancel each other out, I have to go with the better team, and that is the A's.
• The Cardinals over the Brewers: My friend, Bob, still things I jinx the Cardinals when I pick them. I don't know how to react. I can't just pick them to lose every day, especially when I think they can win. And I still think they should have kept Allen Craig over Matt  Adams, but that's just me. Lance Lynn over Wily Peralta.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: This is an emotional pick so you are all warned. I just want Brandon Morrow to pitch well after several hurt seasons. Chase Anderson threw well his first time out.
• The Mariners over the Dodgers: Brett Anderson did well in his first start. But will that last? Will he stay healthy? The track record says no. Taijuan Walker was pounded his last time out. That isn't him though.
• The Giants over the Rockies: Tim Lincecum had a successful first start, but that was against the Padres, a team he seems to own. The Rockies are another story. That said, I'm still not all in on Tyler Matzek.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Mets over the Phillies: Jerome Williams makes about three good starts a season. The trick is to pick when they will be. Jon Niese will make it a moot point either way as the Phillies aren't hitting much anyway.

Yesterday: 6-7, Season: 55-63, Picks of the Day: 3-6.