Weather continues to play havoc with the Major League Baseball schedule. Three more games were postponed yesterday. The game in Boston was not weather related and there is not much you could do with that situation other than to call it. But the weather also knocked out the Twins - White Sox game and the Dodgers - Orioles game.
A couple of picks from yesterday were sort of brilliant. The solid outing by Lucas Harrell to win a game for the Astros against the Indians was spot on. Matt Harvey out-pitching Stephen Strasburg was called correctly. And even the Phillies over the Cardinals behind Roy Halladay was a good pick.
But there were surprises that--along with the postponements--helped hold success in check. I remember switching the Yankees pick and that was stupid. The Marlins defeating the Reds was a surprise. And Wandy Rodriguez blanking the Braves for a 6-0 Pirates win was a surprise. The picks ended up over .500 for the first time in three days. But it was not by much.
So I need a good day to finish out the week. Saturday's picks:
- The Dodgers over the Orioles: This is the make-up game from yesterday and I still think Hyun-Jin Ryu beats Jason Hammel.
- The Blue Jays over the Yankees: Hiroki Kuroda has pitched twice in Rogers Center and neither went well. The Yankees' lineup against left-handed pitchers is pathetic. So give this one to Mark Buehrle and the Blue Jays.
- The Reds over the Marlins: How can you pick the Marlins to win two games in a row? Oh, I'm sure it will happen at some point in the season. But still. Bronson Arroyo should be savvy enough to hold the weak Marlins' offense down and Wade LeBlanc is not having fun pitching for Miami.
- The Angels over the Tigers: Yeah. This is the Angels waking up against a good team like the Tigers. Rick Porcello runs into trouble while Garrett Richards has a good day.
- The White Sox over the Twins: This is the same pitching line that was supposed to go yesterday. Why these two teams are not playing a double-header today is beyond me. But anyway, Jake Peavy still is the pick over Vance Worley.
- The Nationals over the Mets: Gio Gonzalez had a baffling and awful start his last time out. His body language was not good either. I hope he is okay. If he is, he should do well against the Mets who do better against right-hand pitching. Jeremy Hefner often looks overwhelmed in the majors.
- The Braves over the Pirates: James McDonald could harness his great stuff and have a big game. But you have to go with his standard, non-command performance. And how can you pick against Paul Maholm, who baffles and wins every time he pitches?
- The Dodgers over the Orioles: Yes, this pick means predicting the Dodgers sweep two from a very tough Orioles team, which seems to be asking a bit much. And Josh Beckett on the mound back against an AL East team is a bit disconcerting. But Wei-Yin Chen was not very impressive against the Yankees in his last start either. And sooner or later, Matt Kemp is going to jump out of his fog.
- The Cardinals over the Phillies: The Phillies have trouble with power pitchers and Lance Lynn would certainly qualify. The only question if Lynn pitches well is how long he can go and if the bullpen will hold the lead. Cliff Lee goes for the Phillies and had a rough start his last time out after two brilliant outings. I think the Cards hit him.
- The Brewers over the Cubs: Some dude named, Hiram Burgos, is making his Major League debut against the Cubs today. All I know about the guy that he is from Puerto Rico, is kind of short and has decent control in the minors. Other than that, who knows. But picking Edwin Jackson to win is sort of against my religion.
- The Astros over the Indians: Yes, I am going to pick the Astros again. Crazy right? Phil Humber was pretty good his first time out. Scott Kazmir starts for the Indians. Kazmir spurs all kinds of shivers and spookiness on my insides after his last couple of years in the majors. Do not get me wrong, it would be cool if he could resurrect his career. But would you expect it?
- The Athletics over the Bay Rays: Jeremy Hellickson is usually okay at home. But I simply never feel him with any confidence. Jarrod Parker is more likely to have a good day for the A's in the battle of the long-A sounds.
- The Rangers over the Mariners: Two unproven pitchers in this one complicate the pick. Will Nick Tepesch fare better than the M's Brandon Maurer? I do not have the foggiest idea. We will find out together.
- The Rockies over the Diamondbacks: The Rockies are hitting well and pitching much better this year. Jorge de la Rosa has a very good WHIP for his three starts and seems a better pick here at home than going with Trevor Cahill. Cahill simply has not found success since leaving the A's.
- The Giants over the Padres: Take Clayton Richard out of Petco and you always have a problem. I never pick him on the road. Then again, picking Tim Lincecum is never a bargain. How many guys will he walk today?
And the Game of the Day!
- The Red Sox over the Royals: The folks of Boston deserve this win. Let us hope they are boisterous and full of smiles today. Clay Buchholz over James Shields. David Ortiz returns for the Red Sox. I wonder if they were better off without him.
Yesterday: 7-5
Week: 39-33
Month: 143-95
Games of the Day: 13-6
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