Sunday was a good day. Not only did spring arrive in full force in Maine with a beautiful day in the high 60s (f), but the picking went well at 10-5. May has been far kinder than April ever was. It's nice to be on the plus side for a change. The extra-inning thing has even flip-flopped and the last five have gone my way, thanks in large part to the work of the Cardinals at the expense of the Pirates. You had to fee badly for the Pirates this weekend.
We've had our first manager fired. Will it make a difference in his team's performance? Let's check with Monday's picks:
- The Nationals over the Marlins: I have a feeling that this weekend against the Mets is going to propel the Nationals on a long winning arc. Their pitching is starting to settle in and when right, nobody should be able to out-pitch them. Today is Jordan Zimmermann's turn as he faces a lineup he can dominate. The Marlins go with former Yankee, David Phelps.
- The Yankees over the Blue Jays: This could be a high scoring game where any team can win. R.A. Dickey has been a disaster thus far this year. Shane Whitley could get hit had by the Blue Jays too.
- The Phillies over the Braves: I have entered the Aaron Harang zone. I have to pick him after getting burned so many times. Alex Wood is a good pitcher though and the Braves are playing well.
- The Red Sox over the Rays: Clay Buchholz really should wash his hair before starts. Or at least cut it. I cannot even watch him pitch, it is so disgusting. His pitching has been pretty disgusting too. But he faces a weak hitting team and the Red Sox should be mad about getting swept. Jake Odorizzi goes for the Rays.
- The Cardinals over the Cubs: When was the last time the Cardinals played on the road? It seems like they play every game at home. It makes a huge difference. Carlos Martinez has been terrific and has made the most of his opportunity. Travis Wood is a good innings eater.
- The Twins over the Athletics: Phil Hughes has reverted to 2013 Yankees mode. He should pull out of it tonight and join the party as the Twins keep winning. Jesse Hahn will try to prove me way wrong.
- The Astros over the Rangers: Ten in a row for the Astros. The longer the streak, the harder it is to pick for the team as the law of averages weighs heavier and heavier. The thing that prevents me from picking the Rangers is Dallas Keuchel. The guy is a good pitcher. And Ross Detwiler is zero for Texas so far.
- The Rockies over the Diamondbacks: Anything can happen this game. Which can be said at any game at Coors Field. Tyler Matzek seems to do okay at Coors, so he is the choice over Josh Collmenter.
- The Angels over the Mariners: Yes, Felix Hernandez is pitching, so I'm crazy right? Not exactly. Of all the teams King Felix pitches against, he is the most vulnerable against the Angels. He has given up more homers against the Angels than any team and only his ERA against Toronto is worse than his career ERA against the Angels. Plus, Matt Shoemaker is good.
- The Giants over the Padres: If Tyson Ross was pitching at home, I would give him a chance against the Giants. But facing Madison Bumgarner and his history pitching in San Francisco is not conducive to picking Mr. Ross here.
And the Pick of the Day:
- The Dodgers over the Brewers: I am deeply surprised by the choice the Brewers made in their newest manager. They fired a guy and then hired someone with no experience? Whuh? And once again, it was not a minority candidate. Very strange. Did they even do a token interview? Anyway, the new managers faces Clayton Kershaw. Good luck with that. Kyle Lohse will try to keep up.
Yesterday: 10-5, May: 27-18, Season: 191-183, Picks of the Day: 15-13
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