MLB Game Picks - Thursday: August 28, 2014

Holy cow am I on a losing streak! Wednesday was the fourth straight negative day and this one was really negative. At one point, I was 0-6 and then 1-8. How can you be that wrong that often? What the heck happened in Philadelphia to the Nationals? The Yankees....the Yankees got nine straight hits off of David Price. Whuh!? The Brewers' bullpen blows a lead and then loses in extras. Liam Hendriks only gives up four base runners in seven innings!? Adam Wainwright lost again!? Man. What a tough day.

This gig isn't fun when you have days (and a week) like this.

Thursday's picks:

• The Cubs over the Reds: Dylan Axelrod had a good first outing after getting recalled by the Reds. That makes this pick more challenging. Jake Arrieta gentille arrieta is a better pick if he can get some offense behind him.
• The Yankees over the Tigers: This pick all depends on how well Hiroki Kuroda pitches. The Yankees' bullpen should be in good shape for this one so if the team from the Bronx can do some damage on Kyle Lobstein, they should win.
• The Giants over the Rockies: Yusmeiro Petit has not allowed a hit or a walk in his last 12.1 innings of work covering five relief outings. Can that translate to a start? Time will tell. Jordan Lyles has pitched decently for the struggling Rockies.
• The Orioles over the Rays: The Rays are better now that they have Wil Myers back. That deepens their lineup. I think, though, that the Orioles will hit Jeremy Hellickson more than the Rays will hit Bud Norris.
• The Indians over the White Sox: Adam Eaton changes how the White Sox look. That said, Carlos Carrasco has filled in very nicely for the Indians in the rotation and should give them a chance to win over John Danks.
• The Royals over the Twins: Tommy Milone has gotten his shoes shined in his last three outings. I mean, he hasn't been able to get anyone out. I will take Jeremy Guthrie instead, though with reservations.
• The Astros over the Rangers: Nick Tepesch had been doing much better until he ran into the Royals. So now I'm not sure about him. Collin McHugh is a strikeout machine that doesn't go deep enough often enough in games. The Astros' bullpen is messy if that happens today.
• The Angels over the Athletics: Sonny Gray was as much of a lock as there was earlier in the season. Now he is a big question mark. Has he hit a wall? Is his arm tired? Have batters found something on him? In order for this pick to work, C.J. Wilson has to have a good day.

And the Game of the Day:

• That Braves over the Mets: Mike Minor has been a different pitcher in his last two outings and should be a lot more challenging for the Mets than the last time they saw him on July 1. Jon Niese is a good pitcher, so this game will be close.

Yesterday: 5-10, August: 201-166, Games of the Day: 81-58 (+2), Season: 1095-915

MLB Game Picks - Friday: August 22, 2014

Thursday kept the ball rolling for this old game picker as the eight games finished at 6-2. What is amazing is that five of the eight games resulted in shutouts. Holy smokes! One of the incorrect picks involved David Price against his old team. He was so fantastic. Alex Cobb (who has been amazing) was even more fantastic.

The other incorrect pick was Phil Hughes and the Minnesota Twins. He is 14-8 now. Wow! And good for him. He even beat Corey Kluber. A very nice story there.

Friday's picks:

• The Orioles over the Cubs: This is the Friday, day game at Wrigley kind of day except that the Cubs are facing a tough Orioles team. I would think that Jake Arrieta gentille Arrieta would be pumped facing his old team. But Kevin Gausman will best him.
• The Yankees over the White Sox: John Danks has not pitched as well as his 9-8 record indicates. His ERA is close to five and his WHIP is close to 1.5. But the one time he did face the Yankees this season, he shut them out for eight innings. The Yankees get revenge and Shane Greene has been very steady.
• The Indians over the Astros: Carlos Carrasco has not given up a run in his last two outings. Really. Brad Peacock is still Brad Peacock. The Indians are home where good things happen to them.
• The Nationals over the Giants: This is a dangerous pick. Just about every winning streak this season has ended at ten games. But it's Doug Fister and I can't pick against him! Tim Hudson hasn't shut anyone down in a long, long time.
• The Cardinals over the Phillies: I am a little worried about the Cardinals bumping Adam Wainwright up a start. Giving your big guy rest when possible seems like a better plan. Kyle Kendrick keeps plugging along for the Phillies.
• The Blue Jays over the Rays: Drew Smyly, the Emoticon, faces tough right-handed bats in Toronto. The pick all depends on how strong Marcus Stroman is in this start. The Jays win this renewed battle of the 'Ays.
• The Braves over the Reds: This pick befuddles me a bit. Mat Latos is good...very good, but not great. Mike Minor has been pretty terrible all year, but not lately. Good golly, I have no idea.
• The Rangers over the Royals: This is an upset pick. I think the heat and the Rangers will get to Yordano Ventura. Of course, Colby Lewis can stink up the joint with the best of them. He has to be good for this pick to work.
• The Tigers over the Twins: Tommy Milone got raked his last time out and the Tigers only got one hit yesterday. The kitties will be out for blood. Robbie Ray hasn't been as good as I expected him to be.
• The Brewers over the Pirates: The Pirates finally got a win yesterday. With McCutchen back, does that signal good things? We'll see. Jeff Locke goes for them. Yovani Gallardo pitches at home where he is usually very good.
• The Rockies over the Marlins: I hate picking games at Coors Field. Whatever team slugs the most wins. The Marlins could have Stanton go crazy. Or not. Franklin Morales over Henderson Alvarez. I would pick Alvarez anywhere but here.
• The Padres over the Diamondbacks: I don't know about Odrisamer Despaigne. He looks great as often as he looks awful. He has beaten the D-backs once before this season. Josh Collmenter worries me. I'm not sure he's healthy.
• The Athletics over the Angels: In a big series, Sonny Gray starts it off well for the A's and Hector Santiago is due to give up some runs after not giving up any in his last two outings.
• The Dodgers over the Mets: Dan Haren's pitching has been an oft-discussed topic of Dodger fans. But he should be okay over the Mets who haven't hit thta much lately. Jon Niese is nice, but the Dodgers have plenty of right-hand bats.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Mariners over the Red Sox: Felix Hernandez was human in his last start. He can't do that with Ortiz and the boyz. Joe Kelly has good games and bad and it's hard to predict when each will occur.

Yesterday: 6-2, August, 164-117, Games of the Day: 78-55 (+5), Season: 1058-866

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

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: July 27, 2014

I am writing this on Saturday night because we are heading on the road for a five hour drive at six in the morning to pick up a puppy. Scary stuff! So there will not be results in this post from Saturday. I can tell you that after four completed games, I'm already down 1-3, so that doesn't bode well. The only correct pick was the Blue Jays win.

Here are Sunday's picks:

• The Yankees over the Blue Jays: J.A. Happ has had a remarkably good season. That said, the Yankees are very familiar with him. On the other hand, Shane Greene is a bit of an unknown for the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays broke the Yankee Stadium streak. But it lasts only a game.
• The Nationals over the Reds: This pick was wrong on Saturday as the Reds won, 1-0 behind Cueto. Mat Latos has been good for the Reds and his WHIP is much better than his results. The Reds, however, are not hitting and Doug Fister can shut them down.
• The Phillies over the Diamondbacks: It's not like I want to pick Roberto Hernandez to win. Ugh. No. But at the same time, I have watched a lot of Vidal Nuno this season and I certainly cannot pick him to win. Not many good options here.
• The Bay Rays over the Red Sox: Trading Jake Peavy told me all I wanted to know about where the Red Sox think they are. Allen Webster will probably be okay, but Chris Archer is the pick here.
• The White Sox over the Twins: This is another one where I pick the lesser of two evils...kind of like a Presidential election. Yohan Pino has been decent and fairly consistent. But he is nothing special really. Scott Carroll has been much better on the road than at home.
• The Royals over the Indians: Bruce Chen is such a smile machine. How does he get anyone out? But at home, something just happens. I'll never figure it out. Danny Salazar was fairly impressive in his first start back from the minors.
• The Astros over the Marlins. Tom Koehler didn't get it done for me, so I am hoping Collin McHugh does better. Jacob Turner was better his last time out, so this could be way wrong too.
• The Mets over the Brewers: Sometimes my picks are colored by my fan-heart falling for players that I root for. Jacob deGrom has become like that for me. So I am picking him to win. Will it be right? Well, I don't care. You take me as I am in this daily walk. Jimmy Nelson goes for the Brewers.
• The Tigers over the Angels: Hector Santiago pitched well his last time out. But he cannot be counted on to go more than five innings. That gives Rick Porcello more of an edge.
• The Orioles over the Mariners: Roenis Elias pitched well against Mets. But the Orioles are not the Mets. And the last time I picked against Miguel Gonzalez, he made me look silly.
• The Pirates over the Rockies: Who the heck knows what will happen in this game. Edinson Volquez and Franklin Morales are not exactly trustworthy. And at Coors Field, color that in spades. SO I don't know!
• The Braves over the Padres: Has there been a bigger disappointment than Mike Minor this season? I don't think so. And yet, I keep picking him. I might as well keep at it until it's right. Eric Stults has an outside chance at losing 20 games this season.
• The Athletics over the Rangers: Okay, Miles Mikolas pitched very well against the Yankees. But the team from the Bronx makes a habit out of making mediocre pitchers look really good. The A's are not such a team. Scott Kazmir all the way.
• The Dodgers over the Giants: What makes Jake Peavy think that he will get more run support in San Francisco than in Boston? I think he will pitch well. But Hyun-jin Ryu will pitch better.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Cardinals over the Cubs: Kyle Hendricks was quite impressive in his last start. And Adam Wainwright was quite a disappointment in his last one. But Wainwright has been at this a long time and the edge has to go to the ace.

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: July 22, 2014

All I could muster was a 6-6 record yesterday as there were several surprises for me. The Orioles beat the red-hot Angels and kept both Pujols and Trout off base. The Yankees played one of their top ten worst games all time and made a really struggling pitcher look good in the process (as usual). The Twins beat Cleveland, which I did not expect. And what was I thinking to pick the Rockies to win!? It was only late West Coast games that saved me as I was 4-6 before they finished out with expected results.

Tuesday should be a better day. We are back to a full schedule and that suits me just fine. Then again, it is a beautiful day in what has been a gorgeous July here in Maine, so nothing really is throwing me much for a loop.

Tuesday's picks:

• The Dodgers over the Pirates: I picked the Pirates yesterday and paid for it. I hate to feel that this is a reaction pick. Sometimes it feels that way. Josh Beckett has already beaten the Pirates this year and Vance Worley doesn't exactly do it for me. So maybe it is not a reaction pick.       But maybe it is.
• The Giants over the Phillies: Just about every time I have scoffed at a team starting a guy who has spent most of the year in the bullpen, I lose the pick as the reliever pitches quite well in his start. So this IS a reaction pick as Yusmeiro Petit is coming out of the bullpen to start this one. Roberto Hernandez goes for the Phillies.
• The Yankees over the Rangers: As mediocre as the Yankees are especially with Mark Teixeira sitting and with Chase Whitley pitching, I cannot pick Nick Martinez to win a game. But then again, the Yankees can make him look like Chris Sale and make five more errors. Who knows.
• The Blue Jays over the Red Sox: The Red Sox sure went boom yesterday and scored more than a baker's dozen runs. But first, Jake Peavy never gets that kind of run support and second, J.A. Happ has been throwing pretty well. I would feel better if Edwin Encarnacion wasn't still out.
• The Braves over the Marlins: The Braves are terribly inconsistent on offense. And Mike Minor has not had a good year for them at all. But Jacob Turner has really not been good either and I should think the Braves would out-slug the Marlins in this one.
• The Padres over the Cubs: What a blah game. Kyle Hendricks pitched decently in his first start at the small little Great American Ballpark. And Eric Stults has lost eleven games. But Stults has been better of late and I don't like the Cubs against lefties.
• The Reds over the Brewers: The Reds have to win after the All Star Break some time. Tonight's as good a time as any. Jimmy Nelson has started two games for the Brewers. One was great, the second was awful. I have no idea how the third will go. But I like Homer Bailey.
• The Indians over the Twins: I like and root for Yohan Pino because of how long it took him to get to the Majors and he has pitched well for the Twins. But I'm thinking that Danny Salazar is back from the minors and won't want to go back. He will be dynamic today.
• The White Sox over the Royals: I think I secretly hope that the Royals lose every game the rest of the year so they will make the changes they need to make that are so long overdue. Adam Eaton has been hot for the White Sox who have a decent offense now. Bruce Chen's shtick works better at home than on the road and Scott Carroll has been pitching well.
• The Cardinals over the Rays: Interesting series as the Rays have been red hot facing a team that needs to get it together. If the Rays beat Adam Wainwright, I'll know they are for real again. Jake Odorizzi goes for them and I don't think he'll keep up.
• The Nationals over the Rockies: I won't make the same mistake two days in a row. I am worried about Jordan Zimmermann's health here, but the Nats are going with him, so I will try to relax. Yohan Flande has given up a lot of runs in his three starts.
• The Tigers over the Diamondbacks: Chase Anderson is having a nice season and he should always win pitching in a stadium called, "Chase Field." But I don't think the D-backs will solve Rick Porcello and score enough to support Anderson.
• The Angels over the Orioles: The Orioles picked up a game on both rivals in the AL East yesterday. But Miguel Gonzalez is their weakest pitcher and that isn't good against a team like the Angels. I sure wish MLB.com would get rid of that duck-lipped picture of Hector Santiago on his player page. It drives me crazy.
• The Mets over the Mariners: This is my upset pick of the day. I really like Jacob deGrom, partly because he has a cool name. Besides, Erasmo Ramirez is never very good for long.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Athletics over the Astros: The A's have pretty much won their division already. Do they coast? I doubt it. Scott Kazmir has been awesome. Brett Oberholtzer? Not so much.

Yesterday: 6-6, July: 140-104, Games of the Day: 58-45, Season: 823-679