MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: June 17, 2015

Yesterday looked so good. Despite being totally wrong about the Yankees / Marlins game (ahem), I finished at 10-5. But that dang Pick of the Day did me in again. I have struggled mightily with that this year, more so than any other year. And the Tigers had the lead too. They simply couldn't hold it.

Wednesday's picks:

• The Orioles over the Phillies: While I have some reservations on Ubaldo Jimenez, I have more about Kevin Correia against the Orioles lineup right now. I hope he knows how to duck.
• The Yankees over the Marlins: The Yankees are different animals at home than on the road. They are nearly a .600 team at home. My one concern is Michael Pineda. I have questions about his health right now and he hasn't looked good. Jose Urena goes for the Marlins.
• The Nationals over the Bay Rays: The series moves to Washington and they clubbed the Rays yesterday. I know. I am picking Jordan Zimmermann again. Woe is me. The Nats win behind him and against Matt Andriese.
• The Blue Jays over the Mets: The Blue Jays get their DH back and that should help. Drew Hutchison should be better than Jon Niese.
• The Braves over the Red Sox: Joe Kelly has been gruesome. He is the Red Sox' Eovaldi. Alex Wood is solid and the Red Sox lose the DH.
• The Indians over the Cubs: This game seems about even, so I ma going with the home team. It will be Shaun Marcum against Tsuyoshi Wada.
• The Reds over the Tigers: David Price has been so good. But he might be out-gunned by Johnny Cueto tonight. Todd Frazier is going bananas at the plate.
• The Brewers over the Royals: I can't see anything good coming out of a Joe Blanton start and Mike Fiers has been much better of late.
• The Pirates over the White Sox: The Pirates don't have to worry about which outfielder to start today because they have the DH. Jeff Locke should be better than John Danks, which isn't hard to do.
• The Cardinals over the Twins: The Twins' slide continues as the St. Louis Hackers...I mean Cardinals prevail with Carlos Martinez on the mound. Tommy Milone goes for the Twins. That's quite the story in St. Louis...and quite embarrassing.
• The Astros over the Rockies:  I don't know what to do with this one. The last time I picked against Brett Oberholtzer, he threw a gem. But he is pitching in Coors. At the same time, Kyle Kendrick has been dreadful at home, just dreadful.
• The Diamondbacks over the Angels: I just have a feeling the D-backs will get to Hector Santiago. Chase Anderson is usually solid.
• The Athletics over the Padres: I am pretty sure that Jesse Chavez, who has come on strong lately, will be better than Odrisamer Despaigne.
• The Mariners over the Giants: Madison Bumgarner usually comes up big against another ace. He's had the best of the duels with Kershaw, for example. But he is in the home of Felix Hernandez. One swing might determine the outcome of this game.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Dodgers over the Rangers: Clayton Kershaw is back in beast mode and my feeling is that Yasiel Puig will have a big day against Wandy Rodriguez.

Yesterday: 10-5, June: 116-105, Season: 494-454, Picks of the Day: 37-33

MLB Game Picks - Friday: June 5, 2015

Beware of short schedules. They can hurt you and yesterday's hurt me. I had a terrible picking day and not very much went correctly. The Picks of the Day are definitely in a slump and the month of June just took a decided hit. The sun is shining here this morning, however, and it is hard to get too upset. Besides, there is always another day.

Friday's picks:

• The Nationals over the Cubs: It seems the National's offense should be better than it performs. Sooner or later, it should click in. As it stands, the Cubs match up well with them and today could go either way. Tanner Roark vs. Tsuyoshi Wada
• The Yankees over the Angels: Another game that could go either way and it will depend on which borderline starter will be on his game tonight, Nathan Eovaldi or Jered Weaver.
• The Giants over the Phillies: Jerome Williams has been decent of late, but I like Tim Lincecum on the road here, especially against the Phillies. The Giants have a losing streak to get over.
• The Orioles over the Indians: There are two things I keep waiting for. The first is the shoe to drop on Shaun Marcum, who has given the Indians two good starts in three attempts. The other is for the Orioles to bust out with a big offensive game.
• The Athletics over the Red Sox: This is interesting because you have two teams that struggle to hit left-handed pitching both starting lefties against each other. The battle of the computers! Scott Kazmir over Wade Miley.
• The Reds over the Padres: You can see Raisel Iglesias improving with each outing and getting his footing. I think he wins this one over Tyson Ross, a pitcher I pick less often on the road.
• The Braves over the Pirates: This is a tough call. Williams Perez has been fairly effective, which he'll have to be because the Pirates are hitting better. I just don't trust Charlie Morton.
• The White Sox over the Tigers: Kyle Ryan has already beaten the odds to pitch in the Majors considering where he was drafted. He won't go deep in the game and that is a problem because of the Tigers' bullpen. I'm going with Jose Quintana and the White Sox.
• The Twins over the Brewers: I have never benefited from picking against Kyle Gibson of the Twins. He's like my American League Aaron Harang. So I'll pick him over Kyle Lohse of the Brewers.
• The Royals over the Rangers: Hmm...You have a team that doesn't walk facing Chi Chi Gonzalez that walks too many batters. You have an Edinson Volquez against a power hitting team when a few years ago, he gave up homers left and right. But he doesn't anymore. So I guess that's the pick.
• The Rockies over the Marlins: Another tough game to pick. In this one Eddie Butler has looked good at times and bad in others. Then there is Tom Koehler having to pitch at Coors. I think this will be a Rockies rout. We'll see though.
• The Mets over the Diamondbacks: Jeremy Hellickson was supposed to pitch yesterday and was held back a day. I still think the Mets win behind Jon Niese.
• The Cardinals over the Dodgers: A lot will depend on how dominant Carlos Martinez is. Playing in big Dodgers Stadium should help him if he doesn't strike out a lot of batters. I like this kid. I'm not as confident in Brett Anderson.
• The Mariners over the Bay Rays: J.A. Happ is not a big confidence boost for me. However, I think Jake Odorizzi is the one Rays pitcher who can be had with a good night at the plate.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Blue Jays over the Astros: I have a feeling that Roberto Hernandez will not last long in his outing tonight. Meanwhile, I'm looking for a bunch of strikeouts for Aaron Sanchez.

Yesterday: 3-7, June: 28-24, Season: 406-377, Picks of the Day: 31-27

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: May 20, 2015

Tuesday was one of my worst picking days EVER! I only picked three games out of fifteen correctly. I can use the excuse that I was short on time and was basically throwing darts. But nah, I just stunk up the joint.

Wednesday's picks:

• The Astros over the Athletics: Gee, how can you pick against the Astros these days...or for the A's? The world is upside down and the Astros are leaving the park at an alarming rate. Dallas Keuchel vs. Jesse Hahn.
• The Pirates over the Twins: This pick was, of course, wrong yesterday. But I'll go with it again today. I like lefties against the Twins more than the other way around and Jeff Locke has been decent most of the time. I'm not sure how Mike Pelfrey is doing what he's doing so far. There has to be a painting in his attic.
• The Nationals over the Yankees: Dellin Betances won't be available for he Yankees after two innings yesterday. Adam Warren usually needs relief help, so that's not good. I think the Nats win big with Jordan Zimmermann on the mound.
• The Orioles over the Mariners: I like this match-up for the O's. I wouldn't be surprised if they swept the series. Wei-Yin Chen should be better than Roenis Elias.
• The Blue Jays over the Angels: This game completely depends on which Drew Hutchison shows up. If it is the good one, no problem. If not, then the Blue Jays must score a lot against Jered Weaver to not blow up this pick.
• The Brewers over the Tigers: The Brewer bats have woken up in a big way and I think they will get to Shane Greene. Then it will depend on how much dipsy doo Kyle Lohse has tonight.
• The Marlins over the Diamondbacks: Another former Yankee pitcher, David Phelps, goes in Miami. I like him in a big ballpark. Chase Anderson is still chasing his first win of the season.
• The Cardinals over the Mets: Bartolo Colon is either brilliant or terrible. He is more often brilliant, but it is knowing when the clunkers are going to come. He had one last time out and I think he has another one tonight. Carlos Martinez could learn from him though.
• The Bay Rays over the Braves: Raise your hand if you've ever heard of Williams Perez. Yeah, my hand is definitely not up. The Venezuelan is making his first MLB start. Let's hope it goes better than his relief work. I'll go with Jake Odorizzi.
• The Red Sox over the Rangers: I have no faith in Joe Kelly at this point. But at least he is a known quantity. Phil Klein, on the other hand, has 18 MLB appearances, all in relief. He is the Rangers' starter. That doesn't look like a good option to me.
• The Royals over the Reds: Jason Marquis and Jeremy Guthrie will see who can out-crafty the other. There won't be many strikeouts here.
• The White Sox over the Indians: This pick didn't work out yesterday. But I like Carlos Rodon here and I think Ken Harrelson will be saying, "Put it on the board....Yes!" a lot tonight with Shaun Marcum on the mound.
• The Phillies over the Rockies: I don't know how Severino Gonazalez will do at Coors. Then again, I don't know how Eddie Butler will do there either. Somebody has to win the game.
• The Giants over the Dodgers: The Giants have some deal with some evil power. I know they do. The Dodgers cannot beat them in San Francisco. It is impossible. Tim Lincecum is making a strong push toward Comeback Player of the Year thus far. Brett Anderson has pitched well.

And the Pick of the Day:

• The Padres over the Cubs: I really like Tyson Ross at home. I don't like him much on the road. But at home, he's usually very tough. For the Cubs, Tsuyoshi Wada comes off the DL to make this start. I never like those situations.

Yesterday: 3-12 (ouch), May: 124-108, Season: 288-273, Picks of the Day: 23-19

MLB Game Picks - Monday: May 4, 2015

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

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: July 8, 2014

Yesterday was not fun. Weather delayed our flights and we got stuck in Portland, Maine overnight and now have to drive back today up to northern Maine, a seven hour drive. Yay! And the picks showed their displeasure by finishing 7-7. But I should not complain about that. At one point they were 2-5 and the day really looked like it was heading for disaster. So a .500 day seems okay after all. Oh! And both extra-inning games yesterday turned into wrong picks. I am back on that dark road again.

I need to get these picks done quickly to get on the road, so apologies and here are today's picks:

• The Reds over the Cubs: The two teams are playing two games today. The first one features regular starters Johnny Cueto versus Travis Wood. The second game features two inexperienced pitchers. As for this one, I have to go with Cueto.
• The Nationals over the Orioles: These two teams played well into the night last night and the bullpens will be toasted. So which starter can get a longer outing? I'd have to go with Doug Fister over Bud Norris. Norris has pitched well lately.
• The Yankees over the Indians: The Yankees are weird this year playing much better on the road than at home. Add to that Masahiro Tanaka on the mound and you have to go with the Yankees. Trevor Bauer goes for the Indians.
• The Tigers over the Dodgers: The Dodgers get an extra bat in the lineup which is good for them with their crowded outfield. And Hyun-jin Ryu is a good pitcher. But I am going with Justin Verlander to build on his last start and win the game today.
• The Braves over the Mets: I like Jacob deGrom, but I don't think he's quite there yet to compete against the likes of Julio Teheran. Then again, the Braves are not the best offense in the world either. Not sure about this one.
• The Red Sox over the White Sox: The Red Sox have lost three straight and are now eleven games under .500 and in last place. Wuh? They were limited to two hits last night and that is the big problem. So you would think that if Carroll could hold them to just a hit in 6+ innings that John Danks could do even better. Instead, I am going with Brandon Workman to turn the tables.
• The Cubs over the Reds: Tsuyoshi Wada was called, "Dr. K," in his Japanese baseball days but has spent the last two and a half years in America in the minors. He gets his MLB debut tonight and I like his Triple-A numbers this year. David Holmberg is a former second round pick and is making his second big league appearance. I don't like his minor league numbers at all.
• The Royals over the Rays: Jeremy Hellickson makes his first start back after being away for a long time with injury. He wasn't that great to start with, so I'm not enthused about his chances. Jason Vargas is having a pretty good year for the Royals.
• The Astros over the Rangers: The Rangers cannot get anyone out right now. Nick Martinez has been hit badly and so I am taking Brad Peacock. Not a much better choice, I know...
• The Brewers over the Phillies: This pick did not work out last night, but Kyle Kendrick is no Cole Hamels. A lot will depend on how good Wily Peralta is in his start for the Brewers.
• The Padres over the Rockies: Tyson Ross has been much better than people think this year and was outstanding his last time out. But how good will he be at Coors? Good question. On the other hand, Franklin Morales is only going to last five innings and that's not good enough for the Rockies:
• The Diamondbacks over the Marlins: Oy vey! This pick is no fun. Brad Hand goes for the Marlins who are pretty terrible on the road this year. He's been a reliever most of the year. The Diamondbacks go with Vidal Nuno, just acquired from the Yankees, where he was terrible most of the time. But at least Nuno is stretched out. Ugh.
• The Athletics over the Giants: Madison Bumgarner will have a lot to say about this pick. The thing is, I think Sonny Gray will stick with him and if that happens and it becomes a bullpen game? Advantage A's.
• The Angels over the Blue Jays: The Jays are on a bad slide losing eight of their last ten. And now losing Edwin Encarnacion is a big blow. To win, they have to have a great effort by R.A. Dickey and I don't see it. Tyler Skaggs has to pitch well though.
• The Cardinals over the Pirates: I can't see Vance Worley beating the Cardinals. So the only shot the Pirates have here is for them to jump all over young Carlos Martinez. It's certainly possible, which makes picking baseball games as tough as it is.

And the Game of the Day:

• The Mariners over the Twins: I will remain to be seen if the Yankees wrecked Phil Hughes. Hughes had a nice bubble going with the Twins until the Yankees reminded him of what happened in the past. The wild card is Chris Young, who has been amazing at home despite no strikeouts and a FIP that is three runs above his ERA. Weirdness.

Yesterday: 7-7, July: 61-38, Games of the Day: 50-43, Season: 744-613

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 22, 2014

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