Friday, August 22, 2014

MLB Game Picks - Friday: August 22, 2014

Thursday kept the ball rolling for this old game picker as the eight games finished at 6-2. What is amazing is that five of the eight games resulted in shutouts. Holy smokes! One of the incorrect picks involved David Price against his old team. He was so fantastic. Alex Cobb (who has been amazing) was even more fantastic.
The other incorrect pick was Phil Hughes and the Minnesota Twins. He is 14-8 now. Wow! And good for him. He even beat Corey Kluber. A very nice story there.
Friday's picks:
  • The Orioles over the Cubs: This is the Friday, day game at Wrigley kind of day except that the Cubs are facing a tough Orioles team. I would think that Jake Arrieta gentille Arrieta would be pumped facing his old team. But Kevin Gausman will best him.
  • The Yankees over the White SoxJohn Danks has not pitched as well as his 9-8 record indicates. His ERA is close to five and his WHIP is close to 1.5. But the one time he did face the Yankees this season, he shut them out for eight innings. The Yankees get revenge and Shane Greene has been very steady.
  • The Indians over the AstrosCarlos Carrasco has not given up a run in his last two outings. Really. Brad Peacock is still Brad Peacock. The Indians are home where good things happen to them.
  • The Nationals over the Giants: This is a dangerous pick. Just about every winning streak this season has ended at ten games. But it's Doug Fister and I can't pick against him! Tim Hudson hasn't shut anyone down in a long, long time.
  • The Cardinals over the Phillies: I am a little worried about the Cardinals bumping Adam Wainwright up a start. Giving your big guy rest when possible seems like a better plan. Kyle Kendrick keeps plugging along for the Phillies.
  • The Blue Jays over the RaysDrew Smyly, the Emoticon, faces tough right-handed bats in Toronto. The pick all depends on how strong Marcus Stroman is in this start. The Jays win this renewed battle of the 'Ays.
  • The Braves over the Reds: This pick befuddles me a bit. Mat Latos is good...very good, but not great. Mike Minor has been pretty terrible all year, but not lately. Good golly, I have no idea.
  • The Rangers over the Royals: This is an upset pick. I think the heat and the Rangers will get to Yordano Ventura. Of course, Colby Lewis can stink up the joint with the best of them. He has to be good for this pick to work.
  • The Tigers over the TwinsTommy Milone got raked his last time out and the Tigers only got one hit yesterday. The kitties will be out for blood. Robbie Ray hasn't been as good as I expected him to be.
  • The Brewers over the Pirates: The Pirates finally got a win yesterday. With McCutchen back, does that signal good things? We'll see. Jeff Locke goes for them. Yovani Gallardo pitches at home where he is usually very good.
  • The Rockies over the Marlins: I hate picking games at Coors Field. Whatever team slugs the most wins. The Marlins could have Stanton go crazy. Or not. Franklin Morales over Henderson Alvarez. I would pick Alvarez anywhere but here.
  • The Padres over the Diamondbacks: I don't know about Odrisamer Despaigne. He looks great as often as he looks awful. He has beaten the D-backs once before this season. Josh Collmenter worries me. I'm not sure he's healthy.
  • The Athletics over the Angels: In a big series, Sonny Gray starts it off well for the A's and Hector Santiago is due to give up some runs after not giving up any in his last two outings.
  • The Dodgers over the MetsDan Haren's pitching has been an oft-discussed topic of Dodger fans. But he should be okay over the Mets who haven't hit thta much lately. Jon Niese is nice, but the Dodgers have plenty of right-hand bats.
And the Game of the Day:
  • The Mariners over the Red SoxFelix Hernandez was human in his last start. He can't do that with Ortiz and the boyz. Joe Kelly has good games and bad and it's hard to predict when each will occur.
Yesterday: 6-2, August, 164-117, Games of the Day: 78-55 (+5), Season: 1058-866

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