After the Nationals had dispatched the Red Sox, the Tigers had lost yet another, the Phillies
had smacked Jake Arrieta around and the Bay Rays had easily bullied the Marlins, the
picks stood at 2-4 and it appeared another bad night of picking was at hand. But the rest of
the night went on an 8-1 run to finish the day in great shape. To be sure, huge comebacks
by the Diamondbacks and the Twins helped but there were some smart picks in there as
well. The picks said that the Yankees would get to Johan Santana and they did. The picks
said that Josh Tomlin would have the Cardinals hitting the ball into the dirt, and he did. The
picks weren't sure about Kevin Millwood pitching, but the pick was the Mariners over the
Dodgers and the M's won in sparkling fashion. So, yes, it was a good night for the picks.
All these same teams are back in action today with a large number of games at a weird late
afternoon start time (only a couple of them are West Coast games). Must be an MLB
Network thing perhaps. Fox has the Yankees - Mets for their Saturday evening telecast.
Here is how the games should go:
- The Twins over the Cubs: Love Jeff Samardzija, but the Cubs simply find a way to lose. Besides, Scott Diamond has been terrific for the Twins.
- The Phillies over the Orioles: The Orioles had sent Tommy Hunter to the minors but have brought him back to face the Phillies. Vance Worley should get the win if he pitches decently.
- The Giants over the Rangers: Scott Feldman? No. Not going there again. Ryan Vogelsong is the better pick. The Rangers are struggling. Melky Cabrera will probably sit though and that hurts the Giants.
- The Blue Jays over the Braves: This might be the wrong pick, but this picker is an excited member of the Drew Hutchison fan club. Tommy Hanson goes for the Braves.
- The Nationals over the Red Sox: The Red Sox know Gio Gonzalez, so that advantage for the Nats is not there, but the Red Sox are giving the start to Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is making his first start since having his elbow rebuilt. Never pick those situations.
- The Tigers over the Reds: Picking the Tigers has become as serio-tragic as the Tigers season has become. Yet this picker keeps doing it. But it is Justin Verlander. Come on. He has to win sooner or later, doesn't he? How else will that All Star commercial pay off for MLB? Bronson Arroyo was supposed to pitch yesterday but was pushed back until today.
- The White Sox over the Astros: This picker keeps cringing when Chris Sale pitches, hoping his arm doesn't fall off. But it hasn't yet, so going with him. Jordan Lyles became more than a punchline with a good outing against the Reds, so this pick is not as clear cut as it seems.
- The Brewers over the Padres: Hate these kinds of picks. Andrew Cashner makes his first start of the year and will probably go three innings. Then what? This picker does not even know who Michael Fiers is never mind picking him to win.
- The Cardinals over the Indians: Don't know what ails Justin Masterson. Really thought he was going to have a big season. He hasn't. Kyle Lohse is not a picnic either. The Cards are really struggling despite a killer lineup.
- The Pirates over the Royals: Vin Mazzaro is 2-0 since coming up from the minors, but the bad memories of him linger. Besides, the picks have gone with James McDonald all season and that has worked out just fine. Hosmer playing right field. Whuh?
- The Dodgers over the Mariners: It sounds cruel, but the Mariners should bunt often against Clayton Kershaw and make him run around a bit. But other than that, the Dodgers should win. Jason Vargas has had a decent season though.
- The Yankees over the Mets: This pick all depends on Phil Hughes. Can he win again throwing 97 fastballs? Will the Yankees hit Dillon Gee?
- The Marlins over the Bay Rays: More wishful thinking. Matt Moore hasn't yet looked like the breakout rookie. Carlos Zambrano has been very good and can hit with the best of them. Ozzie is starting to bake his players in the press again though. Not good.
- The Diamondbacks over the Athletics: Jarrod Parker has been terrific. But going with Trevor Cahill to beat his old team.
And the Game of the Day!
- The Angels over the Rockies: Jeff Francis makes his return to the majors with a start for the Rockies. Does that excite anyone? Didn't think so. Dan Haren with the win.
Yesterday: 10-5
Week: 42-38
Month: 59-51
Season: 461-392
Games of the Day: 36-27
No comments:
Post a Comment