Game Picks - Friday: September 18, 2009

One needs to be careful of those semi-off days like Monday and Thursday when only a few games are on tap. Those days always seem to be extra dangerous. For example, Josh Beckett is usually a lock at home, but the Angels found a way to ding him for three runs and won off of Billy Wagner in the ninth inning. Didn't see that coming. Masterson shows flashes of brilliance, but walks too many batters and Oakland wins with another rookie pitcher. Bobby Jenks blows his sixth save of the season which also blows that pick out of the water. And finally, Jay Bruce (remember him?) gets a big hit for the suddenly high-flying Reds to beat the Marlins despite a 4-4 night by Coughlin. Yup, those short schedules can be dangerous. At least Greinke won his game.

Friday means we are back to a full schedule of games. Not that it's any easier, mind you. But at least there are more chances. Here's how the Fan sees what's coming up today:

• The Padres over the Pirates: Okay, so the first pick isn't easy. Perhaps this pick will be right and the Fan will get an early stocking Stauffer.
• The Red Sox over the Orioles: Another game that isn't easy to pick. Guthrie has actually started to look like the best Orioles' pitcher lately and the Red Sox are starting Buckholz.
• The Mets over the Nationals: Well, that's three iffy games in a row, eh?
• The Marlins over the Reds: Homer Bailey has looked better of late, but the Fan likes this Vanden Hurk kid.
• The Phillies over the Braves: Two teams struggling on offense. Hudson hasn't thrown a real good game since he's come back. That may be the difference.
• The Bay Rays over the Blue Jays: Shields has pitched better than his record.
• The Astros over the Brewers: Ugh! Two more rookie pitchers going at it. Come on!
• The Angels over the Rangers: Kazmir for the Angels and the Rangers don't like lefties much. The party is over.
• The Twins over the Tigers: Here come the Twins. The Tigers stumbling around have given this wacky team new life.
• The White Sox over the Royals: Buehrle should beat Hochever, right?
• The Cubs over the Cardinals: Ted Lilly has had a fantastic year and nobody knows about it.
• The Rockies over the Diamondbacks: Sticking with Marquis even though he has struggled of late.
• The Athletics over the Indians: The Indians look as bad at the end of the season as they did at the beginning. Not good.
• The Dodgers over the Giants: The honeymoon still isn't over for Padilla as the Dodgers put another nail in the Giants' coffin.
• The Yankees over the Mariners: Jorge Posada is serving his suspension, so A. J. Burnett has no excuse not to win.

Yesterday: 4-5
Week: 30-23
Month: 119-100