Sunday, September 22, 2013

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: September 22, 2013

Yesterday was another really fine picking day, the second in a row. I am 22-7 in the last two days. This reminds me of playing with my golf partner. Years ago, I was much better than him and now things have reversed. But we have this one inside joke that I always seem to earn the box (the guy with the lowest score on a hole hits first at the next tee box) on the last hole of the day.

Speaking of that golf partner, it looks like we will be rained out today, which is a shame because he is moving to Massachusetts on Thursday. His job has moved and he must move with it. We have been playing together for a dozen years. With today being Mariano Rivera Day at Yankee Stadium and with Andy Pettitte saying goodbye too, it is going to be an emotional day. I hope they show Mo's ceremony on MLB Network or something. There are a lot of memories in this paragraph.

Life must go on and the picks just keep on coming:

  • The Indians over the Astros: The Tribe is doing what it is supposed to do and is taking advantage of their weak schedule down the stretch. What an unlikely turn of events. Corey Kluber over Erik Bedard.
  • The Yankees over the Giants: The Yankees HAVE to win during Andy Pettitte's last Yankee Stadium start and on Mariano Rivera Day. They just have to. The only problem is that Yusmeiro Petit has been lights out for the Giants. So even with a Pettitte / Petit coolness, it could spoil the party.
  • The Tigers over the White Sox: That had to be the White Sox most embarrassing lost of the season yesterday, right? Chris Sale must be livid. The Tigers need to clinch and then can relax. Anibal Sanchez over Erik Johnson.
  • The Pirates over the Reds: Yesterday's game was thrilling and I was thrilled for the Pittsburgh fans. Today is another tough one. Jeff Locke has not been a lock lately and Bronson Arroyo has to have all his trickery going. This is a toss up.
  • The Nationals over the Marlins (twice): The Nats and Marlins play two today with their rain out yesterday. The Nats will win both games. Dan Haren beats Tom Koehler in the first game and Stephen Strasburg beats Brian Flynn in the second.
  • The Phillies over the Mets: I really kind of think that the Mets will win this game, but I am afraid to be wrong because Cliff Lee is pitching. It's not like Lee is unbeatable. But he does give the Phillies their best chance to win. Carlos Torres goes for the Mets.
  • The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: The Red Sox had their little hangover yesterday, but get back down to winning today. Felix Doubront should be good against the Blue Jays who have lost a lot of players to injury and the Red Sox have a lot of hitters that can get to R.A. Dickey.
  • The Orioles over the Bay Rays: The Rays must feel pretty good about their position to give a start and a Major League debut to Enny Romero at this point in the season. He looks like he is stingy in hits and homers in the minors but has control issues. He is not a rated prospect. This pick goes with Scott Feldman.
  • The Royals over the Rangers: The Royals will keep fighting their losing battle for the wild card, just like the Yankees. But it is over in my opinion. James Shields will out-duel Alexi Ogando.
  • The Braves over the Cubs: The Braves should not have a problem with the Cubs here. Julio Teheran has had a good season and probably only goes five innings today. Edwin Jackson is Edwin Jackson.
  • The Angels over the Mariners: C.J. Wilson has quietly put together his best season. It is too bad hardly anyone noticed. He beats the M's today despite the appearance of Felix Hernandez coming back from an injury.
  • The Athletics over the Twins: It is Sonny Gray Day. Well, it's his turn to pitch anyway. I wonder if he pitches in the post season. The only real thing to say about Cole De Vries is that his last name rhymes with, "he tries."
  • The Diamondbacks over the Rockies: I picked against the D-backs yesterday because of their whining and it was one of my few wrong picks. I am somewhat concerned about Patrick Corbin pitching at Coors, but he is the pick over Juan Nicasio.
  • The Dodgers over the Padres: Did you see Puig's homer yesterday? Holy cow. I am loathe to pick against Andrew Cashner the way he is finishing his season. But the Dodgers have Zack Greinke. But will it just be a tuneup for Greinke? hmm...

And the Game of the Day:
  • The Cardinals over the Brewers: Wily Peralta has had a terrible second half. Joe Kelly has been great for the Cardinals. The Cardinals inch closer to the division title.

Yesterday: 10-4
Last week: 62-36
Month: 165-128
Season: 1307-1023
Games of the Day: 99-69

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