Tuesday, August 05, 2014

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: August 5, 2014

August is stuck in the mud. Heading into the fifth day, and after a 3-4 crappy Monday, the month's tally stands at 26-26. Blech. Not only that, but the Game of the Day, which went on a roll in July, has now been wrong two days in a row and three of the last four. Come on, William! Let's get going!
Tuesday's picks;
  • The Reds over the Indians: The Tribe is on a nice roll. Johnny Cueto, however, is a tough customer for the Reds. I don't believe Josh Tomlin can keep up with him and the Reds take this one.
  • The Yankees over the Tigers: This pick might be foolish. But here is what I think will happen. David Price will try too hard to produce in his first Tigers' start and will run into a couple of homers. The big key is if Hiroki Kuroda can get the Yankees to the seventh inning.
  • The Astros over the Phillies: Possibly another stupid pick. It all depends on how well Dallas Keuchel pitches. If he does well, the Astros will score a few off of Kyle Kendrick and win the game.
  • The Marlins over the PiratesCharlie Morton has not won a start since July 2 and his ERA has gone up over that time span. Brad Hand has been doing a nice job in the rotation without the wins to show for it. I like a lefty against the Pirates right now without McCutchen in the lineup.
  • The Mets over the Nationals: You know what is kind of silly? I don't even know who is playing in the Mets' lineup these days. I know Granderson is in there. I know Wright. Duda. But who else is over there? I guess I will have to look some day. I do know that Zack Wheeler has been unbeatable lately and have him over Gio Gonzalez.
  • The Orioles over the Blue Jays: The Orioles are darned tough right now. They just might win this thing going away. Bud Norris has been steady, a word he has never had in his arsenal before. Mark Buehrle might be good here. Or, he might get himself tattooed.
  • The Padres over the TwinsPhil Hughes may have a good night. But I have to go with my boy, Chaka Jesse Hahn. He has been my go-to guy for a while now.
  • The Brewers over the GiantsJimmy Nelson is starting to settle into this Big League thing and keeps getting better with each start. His WHIP is an impressive 1.12. The Giants are offensively challenged, did not address that at the trade deadline and Tim Lincecum could be fantastic or the opposite.
  • The White Sox over the Rangers: This game features two starting pitchers I don't trust in Colby Lewis and John Danks and two bullpens I don't trust either. Ugh. Somebody has to win, so I'll go with the home team.
  • The Cardinals over the Red Sox: The Red Sox have to choose at first base between David Ortiz and Mike Napoli. Either way, without the DH, they will lose one of their two best hitters. Cespedes might make up the difference. Lance Lynn seems the better pick over Rubby De La Rosa.
  • The Rockies over the Cubs: Gosh, what a mess to pick here. Brett Anderson has not exactly lit anything up and neither has Travis Wood. Your guess is as good as mine here.
  • The Royals over the Diamondbacks: Here is a strange way to look at this game: Wade Miley is much better on the road than at home. The split is not even close. Danny Duffy, on the other hand, is much better on the road than at home. If that stays true to form, the Royals should win despite losing the DH.
  • The Athletics over the Rays: I'm not a big believer in Jason Hammel. But the same goes for The Emoticon, Drew Smyly. While I think Smyly will improve in St. Pete, he won't right away. Did you see Balfour's reaction after the walk-off loss last night? It seemed he was blaming the way the infield was set up. Not good team spirit there.
  • The Dodgers over the Angels: I have a sneaky feeling the Angels will beat Clayton Kershaw tonight. I just do. But it would be crazy against the odds to pick it that way. Hector Santiago starts for the Angles.
And the Game of the Day:
  • The Mariners over the Braves: This might be too much of a good thing and it may blow up in my face. But, gosh, you have to go with Felix Hernandez at home don't you? Alex Wood will try to ruin my day as he starts for the Braves.
Yesterday: 3-4, August: 26-26, Games of the Day: 65-52, Season: 920-773

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