Yesterday was one of the best picking days in the history of this site. And it would have been perfect if not for two slights on pitchers that had great performances. Both Jeanmar Gomez of the Indians and Edwin Jackson of the Cardinals deserve apologies for being slighted here yesterday. Those were the only two incorrect picks. The only real lucky pick was the Orioles coming back on the Blue Jays and winning in extra innings. The rest were like this picker saw them. What a day!
How is a picker to follow that! Well, you can't. But the picks must go on:
Last day of August!
- The Tigers over the Royals: Felipe Paulino has been solid for the Royals. This pick is more about Rick Porcello and his ability to force the good young bats of the Royals to pound the ball into the ground.
- The White Sox over the Twins: Scott Diamond was a victim of poor managing from Gardenhire in his last outing as he was allowed to pitch one inning too many. He's not bad. But Jake Peavy should shut down what meager offense the Twins can offer.
- The Dodgers over the Padres: It took most of the season to get there, but Ted Lilly has finally found his happy place. He should beat the Padres and Wade LeBlanc.
- The Giants over the Cubs: If the Giants can't beat Rodrigo Lopez with their own Madison Bumgarner on the mound, then this season is toast anyway.
- The Indians over the Athletics: Rick Harden isn't as bad as his last start and Ubaldo Jimenez isn't as bad as his season indicates. Indians win a squeaker.
- The Blue Jays over the Orioles: There is a lot going on in this game even though it's sort of meaningless. Jo-Jo Reyes faces the team that dumped him and he faces the pitcher that took his place: Henderson Alvarez. Alvarez hasn't quite put it together yet for the Blue Jays but does tonight.
- The Mets over the Marlins: Chris Capuano threw his best game of the year last outing and it's really not a fluke. He can be really good and it's too bad his story is lost in a tough Mets' season. Meanwhile, Chris Volstad has been a disaster. What happened to him?
- The Red Sox over the Yankees: Josh Beckett is hard to figure in his career against the Yankees. He's either been absolutely unhittable or he gets lit up like a boy scout bonfire. He doesn't have to be great today to beat Phil Hughes.
- The Phillies over the Reds: Poor Dontrelle Willis. He's pitching his heart out keeping his team in the game while hitting the snot out of the ball at the plate and he can't buy a win. Cliff Lee keeps it that way. Look for John Mayberry, Jr. to do something grand today.
- The Braves over the Nationals: John Lannon was pretty good his last start, but still lost. Derek Lowe was pretty good his last start and still lost. One of them has to win.
- The Pirates over the Astros: J.A. Happ has been the most unsuccessful starting pitcher in baseball this season. John McDonald, meanwhile, is an emerging star.
- The Bay Rays over the Rangers: This pick is a nod to James Shields, who really has had an excellent season despite his 12-10 record. His fate tonight will depend on how well Alexi Ogando pitches for the Rangers and lately he's been vulnerable.
- The Brewers over the Cardinals: In a battle of two pretty good fifth starters, Jake Westbrook should give up slightly more runs than Randy Wolf. The Brewers are at home.
- The Diamondbacks over the Rockies: Esmil Rogers pitched a really good game his last time out but Jim Tracy left him in there one inning too many and it unraveled. Joss Collmenter must pitch well and not walk anyone to win.
And the Game of the Day!
- The Mariners over the Angels: Felix Hernandez must be excellent, but there is no reason why he can't be. Dan Haren looked gassed in Texas in his last outing. Close game.
Yesterday: 13-2 Woot!
Week: 28-13
Month: 238-167
Season: 1112-908
Games of the Day: 93-55
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