The smoothness of the travel day yesterday went much better than the smoothness of the picks yesterday. But I suppose if I had to choose between the two, the former is much better than the latter. Anyway, I am safely ensconced here in the Florida sun and there is a beautiful pool waiting for me. So forgive me if I get right to Sunday's picks!
- The Tigers over the Indians: The Tigers appear to be righting the ship and if Max Scherzer gets over his recent struggles and gets back on track, then all will be well with the Tigers' world. Josh Tomlin will try to hold on to the Indians slim hopes.
- The Mets over the Marlins: Anthony DeSclafani has a name the Sicilian in me loves. But his last two outings have been below par. Jon Niese is a good pitcher most of the time and should be even better in that big ballpark in Miami. The Marlins are suddenly struggling to score.
- The Reds over the Blue Jays: Johnny Cueto hasn't been as untouchable in his last few starts, but I give him a better chance of shutting down the Blue Jays than for R.A. Dickey to shut down the Reds in their home ballpark.
- The Nationals over the Braves: See!? After a hundred wrong picks of picking the Nats to beat the Braves, it was finally correct! Now let's go crazy and predict two in a row! Tanner Roark over Ervin Santana.
- The Astros over the Rays: The Rays have had their way this series and look more alive. But Dallas Keuchel might be the Astros' best pitcher and Erik Bedard is the Rays' rotation biggest weak link. That combo gives me this pick.
- The Yankees over the Orioles: Of all the teams that Masahiro Tanaka has pitched to, the Orioles seemed the most unimpressed. In fact, Adam Jones, I believe it was, flapped his gums about how he was not impressed. Perhaps he will be after today. Chris Tillman goes for the O's.
- The Twins over the White Sox: Both John Danks and Phil Hughes have been major surprises this season. Danks might foul up the Twins being a lefty. But Hughes has been really efficient and really good. Going with the Twins.
- The Royals over the Mariners: How frustrating for Royals fans! The team plays fantastic and beats up the Tigers and gets into first place and then can't beat the Mariners!? No disrespect to the Mariners, but come on. Yordano Ventura over Roenis Elias.
- The Cardinals over the Phillies: Sometimes I recognize a trap when I see it. This game has trap written all over it. Kyle Kendrick has pitched well his last couple of outings. Carlos Martinez hasn't pitched well in any role and now he is starting. The pick would be the Phillies right? Trap.
- The Cubs over the Pirates: Jason Hammel better step it up if he wants to pitch for a contender in a week or two. His last two outings have undone some of his value. Brandon Cumpton has had three decent outings in a row. So...in other words...I have no idea who is going to win this game.
- The Red Sox over the Athletics: Tommy Milone is the the weak link for the A's pitching staff. The Red Sox, such as they are, should jump on him. Jon Lester will be Jon Lester and the Red Sox will salvage one game of this series.
- The Brewers over the Rockies: Kyle Lohse will pitch his eighth road game in his last eleven starts. What's with that? He is so much better at home. And Coors is no fun. Tyler Matzek has been good and then bad. So I don't know what he'll do.
- The Giants over the Diamondbacks: Madison Bumgarner has pitched well at Chase Field in his career so he should pitch well today. Mike Bolsinger is the wild card in this one. I don't know how he will pitch against the Giants. The sane pick is the Giants.
- The Rangers over the Angels: Yu Darvish has been pretty much unbeatable at Angel Stadium. And Albert Pujols is dealing with a bad back. Matt Shoemaker has been terrific for the Angels, but can he match Darvish for zeroes? I don't see it.
And the Game of the Day:
- The Dodgers over the Padres: Eric Stults has had a miserable season. And yet, I know he is a better pitcher than he has shown. Hyun-jin Ryu is pretty much good all the time, so he has to be the pick. But still...there is this nagging...
Yesterday: 7-8, June: 154-136, Games of the Day: 40-38, Season: 607-517
No comments:
Post a Comment