MLB Game Picks - Thursday: September 25, 2014

<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At one point during last night, the picks were sitting at 3-7 and I was thinking, "Uhhh...." and then (thankfully) all the rest of the games went the picks' way and I finished dead even at 7-7 with one cancellation. Normally, I wouldn't be happy with such a record, but considering where the day was, I'll take it.</span></div><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So what if the last game of <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jeterde01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jeterde01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Derek Jeter</a></strong>'s career at home in Yankee Stadium is rained out today? That will bite. The game won't be made up either as it would not affect the outcome of anything. The weather isn't looking good.</span></div><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But let's look at that game and the rest of the picks today:</span></div><ul style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Brewers over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Reds</strong></span>: I picked against Lohse last night and regretted it. If I pick against <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gallayo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gallayo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Yovani Gallardo</a></strong> today, I know I'll regret it too. The Brewers are the better team, but both teams have nothing to play for. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holmbda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holmbda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">David Holmberg</a></strong> goes for the Reds.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Nationals</strong> over the Mets</span>: The two teams will play two today to make up for the rain out yesterday. But it does change the pitching lines. I'll take <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treinbl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treinbl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Blake Treinen</a></strong> in the first game. The kid looks impressive. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/geedi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/geedi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Dillon Gee</a></strong> goes for the Mets.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Mets over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Nationals</strong></span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Zack Wheeler</a></strong> will probably face a lineup of irregulars. So that influences the pick. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Gio Gonzalez</a></strong> will audition for the playoffs though and he will want to do well.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Blue Jays</strong> over the Mariners</span>: The M's sure blew it for the wild card. I mean, they were right there. Starting relief pitchers like <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilheto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilheto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Tom Wilhelmsen</a></strong> is certainly confusing. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/norrida01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/norrida01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Daniel Norris</a></strong> had a big year in the minors. A lefty, Norris has a big arm and some control problems.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Marlins</strong> over the Phillies</span>: This pick did not work out yesterday. That darned Kendrick did it to me again. I still like <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/koehlto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/koehlto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Tom Koehler</a></strong> over <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buchada01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buchada01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">David Buchanan</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Yankees</strong> over the Orioles</span>: If the game is played, the Yankees have to win on Derek Jeter's last day in New York, right? Any other outcome is unacceptable. If the game is cancelled, the Yankees will have to refund all those tickets. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Hiroki Kuroda</a></strong> could be making his last start for the Yankees. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a></strong> goes for the Orioles. If I were the O's, I would rest the kid for the playoffs.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Tigers</strong> over the Twins</span>: The Tigers still need to clinch the division. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a></strong> will get the job done. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maytr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maytr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Trevor May</a></strong> or may not have a good game. Ha! I kill me.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Red Sox</strong> over the Rays</span>: My favorite prospect, <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cecchga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cecchga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Garin Cecchini</a></strong>, hit his first Big League home yesterday and I want him to go five for five tonight. I want him at third base for the Red Sox. Make it happen. Love this kid. Oh, the game. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/webstal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/webstal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Allen Webster</a></strong> over <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hellije01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hellije01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jeremy Hellickson</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Rangers</strong> over the Athletics</span>: The A's can pretty much coast as everyone else gave them the wild card by default. But it's not like they have earned it. And they won't clinch it today. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lewisco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lewisco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Colby Lewis</a></strong> over <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hammeja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hammeja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jason Hammel</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Royals over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">White Sox</strong></span>: Big Game <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shielja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shielja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">James Shields</a></strong> really makes his living against so-so teams, not the really big games. He should beat <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jose Quintana</a></strong> because as good as Quintana is, he just doesn't catch any breaks.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Giants</strong> over the Padres</span>: The wild card is your consolation prize, Giants. Enjoy it. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/petityu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/petityu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Yusmeiro Petit</a></strong> over <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cashnan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cashnan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Andrew Cashner</a></strong>.</span></li></ul><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Game of the Day:</span></div><ul style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Pirates over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Braves</strong></span>: The Braves won yesterday, which threw me all off. Whut? But I'm pretty sure the Pirates will come back today. They are still not eliminated for the division title and have something to gun at. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haleda02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haleda02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">David Hale</a></strong> goes for the Braves. Meh. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Edinson Volquez</a></strong> goes for the Pirates.</span></li></ul><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 7-7, Sept.: 197-135, Games of the Day: 102-65 (+2), Season: 1327-1069</span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: September 25, 2014

At one point during last night, the picks were sitting at 3-7 and I was thinking, "Uhhh...." and then (thankfully) all the rest of...

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MLB Game Picks - Saturday: June 7, 2014

<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday was a good day and a rare one this season. The final tally was good <em style="border: none; line-height: 1.5;">and</em><span style="font-size: small;"> the Game of the Day was correct. I'm almost back to .500 on the latter feature. The only blemishes of the day were somewhat stupid in hindsight.</span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did I really pick the Rockies again the way they have been playing? The Pirates absolutely bombed <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lohseky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lohseky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Kyle Lohse</a></strong> and the Brewers. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hugheph01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hugheph01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Phil Hughes</a></strong> had stayed away from the dinger bug that plagued his Yankee career until yesterday when he gave up three of them to the Astros. In fairness, two of them were hit on really good pitches.</span></div><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday's picks:</span></div><ul style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Blue Jays</strong> over the Cardinals</span>: I keep having to pinch myself on the Toronto Blue Jays. The Cardinals are the third straight series against supposed top contenders and they haven't lost a single game. And nobody exemplifies the season for the Blue Jays like <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehrma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehrma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Mark Buehrle</a></strong>. His hits per inning, homers per nine and ERA are just screaming for regression if you look at his career numbers. But it never seems to come. The Cardinals struggle against lefties too. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millesh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millesh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Shelby Miller</a></strong> could have a big game and foul this pick up.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Twins</strong> over the Astros</span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Kyle Gibson</a></strong> is much better at home. In fact, the splits are pretty amazing. It shows two different pitchers. The question then is if <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/feldmsc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/feldmsc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Scott Feldman</a></strong> is going to shut down what is a paltry Twins' offense. This could go either way.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Indians over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Rangers</strong></span>: It took a gritty <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong> to finally beat the Indians who have been surging of late. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tepesni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tepesni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Nick Tepesch</a></strong> will look very friendly after that. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tomlijo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tomlijo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Josh Tomlin</a></strong> has to pitch well for this pick not to blow up.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Cubs</strong> over the Marlins</span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a></strong> had his worst outing of the season his last time out. But he should bounce back from that at home. The Marlins road / home split is still pretty amazing (22-11 home, 11-18 on the road) and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wolfra02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wolfra02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Randy Wolf</a></strong> doesn't fill me with confidence.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Brewers over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Pirates</strong></span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Matt Garza</a></strong> should fare much better than Kyle Lohse did and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Edinson Volquez</a></strong> is still Edinson Volquez.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Dodgers over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Rockies</strong></span>: I keep picking the Rockies and they have lost four straight. So this is a reaction pick and it will probably go the other way. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a></strong>'s success at Coors will tell the tale. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chacijh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chacijh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jhoulys Chacin</a></strong> has not won yet this season.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Reds</strong> over the Phillies</span>: I got this seriously wrong yesterday. But <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=hernaro01,carmofa01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=hernaro01,carmofa01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Roberto Hernandez</a></strong> is no <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Cole Hamels</a></strong>. And <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simonal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simonal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Alfredo Simon</a></strong> continues to surprise. Is <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Joey Votto</a></strong> ever coming back?</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Rays</strong> over the Mariners</span>: The Rays finally got off the bench yesterday and ended their losing streak. I like <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Alex Cobb</a></strong> over <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eliasro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eliasro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Roenis Elias</a></strong> in this one.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Tigers</strong> over the Red Sox</span>: Thing about it...as good as <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a></strong> has pitched, his record is still at .500 for the season. The Tigers and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a></strong> are going to get well at the Red Sox' expense.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Yankees over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Royals</strong></span>: The Royals' no-patience approach at the plate helps a guy like <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phelpda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phelpda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">David Phelps</a></strong> just like it helped Whitley last night. The only question then is what kind of night <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duffyda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duffyda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Danny Duffy</a></strong> will have. A lot will depend on whether the Yankees can push up Duffy's pitch count early.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Athletics over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Orioles</strong></span>: I love me some <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a></strong>. The guy has been my good luck charm for two seasons now. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a></strong> has great stuff. It's a question of if he can put it together.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The White Sox over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Angels</strong></span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> is simply unbelievable. The guy is a beast despite disappearing when he stands sideways. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shoemma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shoemma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Matt Shoemaker</a></strong> has been serviceable, but he won't be able to match zeroes with Sale.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Giants</strong> over the Mets</span>: The Giants will hit two homers off of <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Bartolo Colon</a></strong> and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsoti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsoti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Tim Hudson</a></strong> will do his thing against the struggling offense of the Mets.</span></li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Nationals over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Padres</strong></span>: The Nats are starting to fire it up. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treinbl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treinbl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Blake Treinen</a></strong> has too good an ERA to have an 0-2 record. And <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cashnan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cashnan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Andrew Cashner</a></strong> is back to start after missing a couple of starts.</span></li></ul><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Game of the Day:</span></div><ul style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: underline;">The Braves over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Diamondbacks</strong></span>: Check this out for a statistic: The Braves' OPS is 210 points higher against left-handed pitching than the other way around. Isn't that amazing? <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Wade Miley</a></strong> throws with his left hand. Not good. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lasteto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lasteto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Tommy La Stella</a></strong> has made himself at home in the big leagues thus far hasn't he? <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Ervin Santana</a></strong> with the win.</span></li></ul><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 10-5, June: 43-36, Games of the Day: 31-32, Season: 499-413</span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: June 7, 2014

Yesterday was a good day and a rare one this season. The final tally was good  and  the Game of the Day was correct. I'm almost back to ...

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MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: May 28, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I should be happy. I reversed a 5-10 day on Monday to go 10-4 on Tuesday. But that darned Game of the Day feature is driving me crazy. For a reminder, the Game of the Day is the pick that seems the easiest of the day or the one I feel the most confident about. Last year, that feature was correct 60% of the time and was 35 correct picks over .500. That still wasn't great for being that confident a pick, but this year, the feature is simply terrible.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take yesterday for example. I had <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong> and the Texas Rangers. Reasonable, right? But what is announced around six o'clock in the evening? Darvish has a sore neck and might be going on the disabled list. Poof goes the pick, the Twins win and the stupid feature is back to three games under water. Grrr.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday's picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Pirates over the <strong>Mets</strong></span>: I don't like this pick because <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=mortoch02,mortoch01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Charlie Morton</a></strong> is pitching for the Pirates. But he is doing so in a good pitchers park at Citi Field. Plus, a fastball pitcher like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Bartolo Colon</a></strong> pitching to fastball happy Pittsburgh doesn't seem favorable.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Royals</strong> over the Astros</span>: The Royals need a kick in the pants and they won't get it from the manager they have now. But they should still win behind <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duffyda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Danny Duffy</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cosarja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jarred Cosart</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Giants</strong> over the Cubs</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/linceti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tim Lincecum</a></strong> has been pitching fairly well and the Giants are rolling. They should roll over the Cubs and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksed01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Edwin Jackson</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rockies over the <strong>Phillies</strong>:</span> A lot of attention has been placed on the Rockies and the team's non-Coors offense and rightly so. But the Phillies are no great shakes on offense home or away. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></strong> is pitching really well. Look for the Rockies' road offense to get a boost off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=hernaro01,carmofa01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Roberto Hernandez</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Nationals</strong> over the Marlins</span>: This is the same pitching line that was supposed to happen yesterday but couldn't because of the rain. And I still think <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treinbl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Blake Treinen</a></strong> comes out better than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alvarhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Henderson Alvarez</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Bay Rays over the <strong>Blue Jays</strong></span>: The battle of the ays continues and I think the Blue Jays finally lose a game here. Yes, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hendrli01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Liam Hendriks</a></strong> won his first start. But he is still Liam Hendriks. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/archech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Archer</a></strong> has had some command issues, but he hasn't given up an earned run in his last two starts.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Red Sox</strong> over the Braves</span>: Talk about any meme you want. The Red Sox have woken up. They will pounce on <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/floydga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Gavin Floyd</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">John Lackey</a></strong> will win a game at Fenway most of the time.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Brewers</strong> over the Orioles</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gallayo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Yovani Gallardo</a></strong> had the pinch hit game winner on Tuesday night, so I have to pick him to win today, right? He is good at home anyway and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/norribu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Bud Norris</a></strong> is not a guy I ever have confidence in.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>White Sox</strong> over the Indians</span>: The Indians are banged up. There is no <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/swishni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Nick Swisher</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaca01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Carlos Santana</a></strong>. My only problem here is the pitching match-up which is like picking the worst of two negatives. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/noesihe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Hector Noesi</a></strong> versus <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/housetj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">T.J. House</a></strong>. Yikes!</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Twins</strong> over the Rangers</span>: Maybe this is one too many incarnations for <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/saundjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Joe Saunders</a></strong>. Maybe he'll make me look like a chump and pitch a good game. Maybe it won't matter because <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Kyle Gibson</a></strong> is pretty good, especially at home.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Cardinals</strong> over the Yankees</span>: The Yankees look really tired. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teixema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mark Teixeira</a></strong>'s bat is missed in the lineup. They struggle over power arms like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millesh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Shelby Miller</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Hiroki Kuroda</a></strong> has no stamina left. This has Cardinal win all over it.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Padres over the <strong>Diamondbacks</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chase Anderson</a></strong> has been fairly productive so far for the D-backs. But I have always liked <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/staufti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tim Stauffer</a></strong> and it looks like the latter is back to where he needs to be. I have to go that way.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Athletics</strong> over the Tigers</span>: The two teams have split the series so far. And a lefty like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kazmisc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Scott Kazmir</a></strong> doesn't have the match-up advantage over the Tigers' lineup like he has other times. But I still like the A's here over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Anibal Sanchez</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Mariners</strong> over the Angels</span>: This is a great pitching match-up with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernafe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Felix Hernandez</a></strong> going against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsocj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">C.J. Wilson</a></strong>. On the one hand, I like lefties against the Mariners. But it's just too hard to pick against King Felix.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Game of the Day: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Dodgers</strong> over the Reds</span>: Anytime you have <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Clayton Kershaw</a></strong> on the mound, you have to give the Dodgers the nod. Make it a home game and even more so. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/baileho02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Homer Bailey</a></strong> could have a great game and spoil the party, but I still think the Dodgers win.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 10-4, May: 197-174, Games of the Day: 25-28, Season: 430-346 </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: May 28, 2014

I should be happy. I reversed a 5-10 day on Monday to go 10-4 on Tuesday. But that darned Game of the Day feature is driving me crazy. For a...

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MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: May 27, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a wonderful weekend with my wife and enjoyed myself. While I was doing so, the game picks were withering on the vine (cliche alert). Yesterday was awful. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a></strong> won a game. The Red Sox won a game. The Yankees beat the Cardinals. None of which I picked to happen. The latter was the game of the day, which is back to two games under .500. And that is just a little of what went wrong. Multiply those things by five and you have my day. Awful. But at least I had a wonderful weekend.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of people still come to read these daily picks. At this point, it must be out of morbid curiosity. Well, here comes some more. Tuesday's picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Phillies</strong> over the Rockies</span>: One of the few things I was correct about yesterday was the no-hitter waking the Phillies up. They totaled the Rockies yesterday and will beat them again today behind <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Cole Hamels</a></strong>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jorge De La Rosa</a></strong> will be on the short end.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Nationals</strong> over the Marlins</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treinbl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Blake Treinen</a></strong> has had one good start and one bad start for the Nats. He should get his first win today. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alvarhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Henderson Alvarez</a></strong> is much better at home and a big risk to pick away from Miami. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a></strong> is the bomb though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Blue Jays</strong> over the Bay Rays</span>: It's hard to pick against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehrma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mark Buehrle</a></strong> this year. After all, the guy is 8-1. I keep waiting for him to regress and that worries me. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Alex Cobb</a></strong> picked up where he left off in his first start off the DL.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Red Sox over the <strong>Braves</strong></span>: The Red Sox are officially over the hump now with their win yesterday. Now that dark cloud is gone, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a></strong> can come in and shut down the Braves and the Red Sox can tee off on <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haranaa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Aaron Harang</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Mets</strong> over the Pirates</span>: The Pirates need to get <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Edinson Volquez</a></strong> out of their rotation. He is just not good enough to justify going back to that well over and over. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=,niesejo01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jon Niese</a></strong>, on the other hand, is a very solid starter.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Brewers</strong> over the Orioles</span>: The Orioles surprised me by winning yesterday and they did not have <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davisch02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Davis</a></strong> in the lineup (paternity leave). I don't often pick <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Matt Garza</a></strong> but I am going to here over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chenwe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Wei-Yin Chen</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>White Sox</strong> over the Indians</span>: It's hard to believe that the White Sox are closer to the top of the division than the Indians. The Indians have to count as a major disappointment thus far. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/masteju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Justin Masterson</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Astros over the <strong>Royals</strong></span>: The Royals have me all kerfuffled. I simply cannot figure them out. I do know that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">George Springer</a></strong> is the real deal and is crunching. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guthrje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Guthrie</a></strong> should look good to Mr. Springer. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mchugco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Collin McHugh</a></strong> goes for the Astros.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Cardinals</strong> over the Yankees</span>: I won't pick this as my game of the day, but I still think that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a></strong> is going to be better than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phelpda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">David Phelps</a></strong>. The Yankees only hope is if the Cardinals' pitcher has a lynning.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Diamondbacks</strong> over the Padres</span>: If the Diamondbacks can drub <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rossty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tyson Ross</a></strong>, they can do the same to <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stulter01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Eric Stults</a></strong>. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Wade Miley</a></strong> is another guy I keep picking against like he was still bad like last year. He's not. Since I wrote about <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithse01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Seth Smith</a></strong> the other day, he's gone 2-16 with no walks.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Athletics</strong> over the Tigers</span>: Will <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a></strong> turn this Tigers' staff around, or will he continue the rotation woes with another bad start? Will it matter either way if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a></strong> does his thing?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Angels over the <strong>Mariners</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weaveje02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jered Weaver</a></strong> has been on a roll. But the Mariners beat the Angels yesterday. So I don't know. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eliasro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Roenis Elias</a></strong> goes for the M's and he has been pretty good.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Dodgers</strong> over the Reds</span>: The Dodgers' rotation is on some kind of ride right now. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a></strong> could join the party. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simonal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Simon</a></strong> has been solid all year for the Reds though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Giants</strong> over the Cubs</span>: This seems like a no-brainer with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsoti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tim Hudson</a></strong> facing <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arrieja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jake Arrieta</a></strong> gentille Arrieta. But nothing about baseball is that simple.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Game of the Day: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Rangers over the <strong>Twins</strong>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hugheph01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Phil Hughes</a></strong> has been a pleasant surprise for the Twins and is having a very good season. But he is no <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong>. I think the Rangers will win by a couple here.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 5-10, May: 187-170, Games of the Day: 25-27, Season: 420-342 </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: May 27, 2014

I had a wonderful weekend with my wife and enjoyed myself. While I was doing so, the game picks were withering on the vine (cliche alert). Y...

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MLB Game Picks - Thursday: May 22, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8-7. Don't start that stuff again! At least it was better than the drubbing I took on Tuesday. I am sad about the Game of the Week as that feature had battled its way back to .500 only to fall below it again as the Orioles lost to the Pirates. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tillmch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Tillman</a></strong> got shelled inexplicably.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you noticed a lot of aces not getting the job done lately? Verlander lost this week. Scherzer was hit hard. Strasburg did not get a win. Kershaw was shelled. Price lost. Tanaka lost. What's going on here?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I should be happy with the 8-7 day since after seven games, the picks were sitting at 2-5. Right? Thursday's picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Marlins</strong> over the Phillies</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alvarhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Henderson Alvarez</a></strong> has a 2.33 ERA at home with a 4.0 K/BB ratio. On the road, his ERA is 4.88 with a 1.9 K/BB ratio. I'll stay with him at home over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Cole Hamels</a></strong> who continues his hard luck ways.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rangers over the <strong>Tigers</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong> has become even more nasty this year as he has cut down on his walks. He has only pitched once at Comerica and pitched quite well there. So I like him over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rayro02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Robbie Ray</a></strong>. I am high on Ray, but he just pitched in relief a couple of days ago.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Rockies</strong> over the Giants</span>: The only time this year that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsoti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tim Hudson</a></strong> has given up more than three runs was at Coors. Go figure. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jorge De La Rosa</a></strong> is 3-0 at home. Add the two together and this seems to be the right pick as long as Giants announcers don't keep getting in <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tulowtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Troy Tulowitzki</a></strong>'s head.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Blue Jays over the <strong>Red Sox</strong></span>: I am really torn about this one. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a></strong> is the Red Sox best pitcher but can be had--especially early. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehrma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mark Buehrle</a></strong> has been so good that it makes you worry about him regressing to his career marks.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Athletics over the <strong>Rays</strong></span>: The losses are piling up for the Rays. But at least they have <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Alex Cobb</a></strong> back today for the first time since mid-April. Will that be enough? Or will my man, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a></strong>, keep his winning ways going? I think it will be the latter.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Orioles</strong> over the Indians</span>: Today's scheduled Indians' starter, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tomlijo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Josh Tomlin</a></strong>, was forced into action last night in that long game. So who will start? Will it be an emergency call up from the minors? That gives the edge to <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chenwe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Wei-Yin Chen</a></strong>, but Chen better pitch deep into this game, something he doesn't do often.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Nationals over the <strong>Pirates</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Edinson Volquez</a></strong> is not doing much better for the Pirates than he did in Cincinnati or in San Diego. You could kind of predict that. He gave up four homers to the Yankees his last time out. Blake Treinen pitched well his last time out (his first MLB start).</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Dodgers over the <strong>Mets</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a></strong> has had a charmed existence since joining the Dodgers. I don't expect that to change today. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=,niesejo01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jon Niese</a></strong> is not a bad pitcher at all though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Braves</strong> over the Brewers</span>: Yes, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haranaa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Aaron Harang</a></strong> has come back to earth, but the Brewers are struggling and are not hitting. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Matt Garza</a></strong> may strike out nine or ten Braves and still lose.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>White Sox</strong> over the Yankees</span>: It was nice of the White Sox to bring <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> back just to face the Yankees. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phelpda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">David Phelps</a></strong> is very vulnerable as a starter in my opinion.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Padres</strong> over the Cubs</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arrieja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jake Arrieta</a></strong> gentille Arrieta gets the start for the Cubs, a fact that doesn't give me much comfort. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stulter01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Eric Stults</a></strong> hasn't exactly lit it up for the Padres either, but I'll give him the edge at home.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Mariners</strong> over the Astros</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canoro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Robinson Cano</a></strong> has been really hot lately and might be settling in nicely now in Seattle. Too bad he doesn't have much help. But the Astros are the worse team here, especially since <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">George Springer</a></strong> got hurt last night, and Joenis Elias should beat <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cosarja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jarred Cosart</a></strong>.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Game of the Day: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <strong>Cardinals</strong> over the Diamondbacks: Good luck, Tony La Russa. I think Jeff Passan is right about that move being all wet. Anyway, back to the game at hand. I'm going with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a></strong> who did not have a lynning his last time out over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Wade Miley</a></strong>.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 8-7, May: 153-132, Games of the Day: 23-24, Season: 386-304 </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: May 22, 2014

8-7. Don't start that stuff again! At least it was better than the drubbing I took on Tuesday. I am sad about the Game of the Week as th...

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