Game Picks - Sunday: May 16, 2010

What a difference two games make. This picker was sleepy last night and went to bed early. The last check upon the games seemed to show a positive day, which was much needed after a week of sucktitude. Ten wins seemed to be in the bag. So imagine the surprise this morning to see that the normally reliable Okijama blew a save for Boston and in one of the massive all time blown saves ever, the Orioles--after riding a brilliant performance from Matusz (as predicted) to a 2-0 lead--gave up eight runs in the top of the ninth to completely annihilate that pick. So instead of 10-6 and decency, the day ended 8-8 and added to the woe that is May. Can you say, ARGH! Well, if you can't, the Fan can.

Come on Sunday. Come ON! Help the Fan out here:

• The Red Sox over the Tigers: Apparently the Fan doesn't learn his lessons very well. Lackey versus Galerraga. Should be a hit festival with the Red Sox coming out ahead. Austin Jackson has hit the inevitable speed bump lately.
• The Yankees over the Twins: Why is Mitre starting? But in either case, the Twins seem completely stymied at Yankee Stadium.
• The Rangers over the Blue Jays: The Fan keeps picking against the Blue Jays and they keep winning. The law of averages says...
• The Marlins over the Mets: Niese has been nice but with Nolasco, the Mets will say, "uncle."
• The Cardinals over the Reds: Arroyo was brilliant against the Pirates last time out. The Cardinals are not the Pirates.
• The Diamondbacks over the Braves: The Braves are confusing. Can't figure them out. Perhaps Mr. Haran will.
• The Indians over the Orioles: Okay, Orioles. Stop playing with the Fan. His mind is getting fried.
• The Mariners over the Bay Rays: Classic pitcher's duel with Lee versus Garza. Both are ace-calibre pitchers. One of them has to win.
• The White Sox over the Royals: Ned Yost is no better than Hillman. Hochever was great for six innings. But Yost let him pitch seven innings. Ball game.
• The Pirates over the Cubs: The Cubs can't beat the Pirates. They just can't.
• The Nationals over the Rockies: Rule #1 states that you never pick a pitcher making his first start off the disabled list. Francis makes his first start of the year for the Rockies.
• The A's over the Angels: Mr. Cahill has been superb lately.
• The Dodgers over the Padres: The Dodgers are starting to come on. Billingsley will build on what has started to become a good season for him.
• The Giants over the Astros: The Astros hit Zito pretty good. But don't think it will be enough.

And in the GAME OF THE DAY

• The Phillies over the Brewers: Can't in a million years see the Brewers winning this game.

Yesterday: 8-8 [sigh]
Week: 47-43 [another sigh]
Month: 104-97 [groan]
Season: 304-222 [thank goodness for April]
Games of the Day: 14-15 finally got a win here yesterday