MLB Game Picks - Friday: June 27, 2014

<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday was a positive day for the Game Picks but things looked even rosier in the beginning. After the early games, the picks stood at 6-1. However, all three late games came up short. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beckejo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beckejo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Josh Beckett</a></strong><span style="font-size: small;"> out-dueled </span><strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a></strong><span style="font-size: small;"> and it could have gone either way, just as I said in the picks. </span><strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leakemi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leakemi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Mike Leake</a></strong><span style="font-size: small;"> was better than </span><strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vogelry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vogelry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Ryan Vogelsong</a></strong><span style="font-size: small;"> and the Cubs took care of the Nationals in the gloaming.</span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are Friday'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;"><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;">Orioles</strong> over the Rays</span>: The O's and Rays play two games today and I'm pretty sure the O's will pick up the first one. <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> is a much better prospect than <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colomal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colomal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Alex Colome</a></strong>. Of course, nothing is that easy in baseball, but Colome does not have command.</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 Nationals over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Cubs</strong></span>: Of course, this pick did not work out yesterday and the Nationals never seem to win the games they should. But I do like <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roarkta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roarkta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Tanner Roark</a></strong> better than <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" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jason Hammel</a></strong> before Hammel gets traded.</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 Braves over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Phillies</strong></span>: The Phillies are playing tough and getting late heroics from its aging stars. But <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Kyle Kendrick</a></strong> is still who he is and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teherju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teherju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Julio Teheran</a></strong> is too good if he is on. If Teheran isn't on, all bets are off.</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;">Pirates</strong> over the Mets</span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cumptbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cumptbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Brandon Cumpton</a></strong> and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/degroja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/degroja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jacob deGrom</a></strong> are two good looking pitchers. Both pitched really well their last times out. I like Cumpton a little more and thus the pick here.</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;">Orioles</strong> over the Rays</span>: Yeah, I'm going with a sweep here. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tillmch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tillmch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Chris Tillman</a></strong> is not an ace. But he wins his share of games. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/odorija01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/odorija01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jake Odorizzi</a></strong> is still in the rotation for some reason. Perhaps I am too hard on the guy.</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 White Sox</span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dicker.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dicker.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">R.A. Dickey</a></strong> will either pitch well or <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=abreujo02,abreu-007jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=abreujo02,abreu-007jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jose Abreu</a></strong> and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dunnad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dunnad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Adam Dunn</a></strong> will pound him. There usually isn't much of an in between. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/danksjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/danksjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">John Danks</a></strong> has had a decent comeback season. But the Jays' offense is loaded. Of course, Danks does neutralize <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Adam Lind</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 Athletics over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Marlins</strong></span>: The A's do lose the DH here, but <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/desclan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/desclan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Anthony DeSclafani</a></strong> has been getting beat up in the Majors. I am going with <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chaveje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chaveje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jesse Chavez</a></strong> and the visiting A's.</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 Twins</span>: I wrote <a data-mce-href="http://passion4baseball.blogspot.com/2014/06/swimming-against-strikeout-tide.html" href="http://passion4baseball.blogspot.com/2014/06/swimming-against-strikeout-tide.html" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">yesterday</a> about <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Kevin Correia</a></strong> not striking people out. That means, with his stuff, he throws batting practice. The only way he ends up with a decent game is when a lot of At-em balls are hit. <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> does not excite me either, but I'll take my chances with him.</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 Angels over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Royals</strong></span>: What did I tell you about the Angels? Now that they have Pujols, Trout and Hamilton all in the lineup, look out. The Royals jumped a game and a half over the Tigers and ever since have stumbled and are now four back. <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> over <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vargaja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vargaja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jason Vargas</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;">Brewers</strong> over the Rockies:</span> You know the drill by now. I always pick <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> at home. He is pretty much a lock there. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/matzety01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/matzety01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Tyler Matzek</a></strong> lost to this same Brewers team at Coors his last time out.</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 Tigers over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Astros</strong></span>: Ugh. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a></strong>. What is happening here? He is now 6-7 and getting raked. I keep picking him like he is the same guy. But he isn't. But I cannot help myself.</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;">Padres</strong> over the Diamondbacks</span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccarbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccarbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Brandon McCarthy</a></strong> is 1-10. Would you pick the guy to win? Nope. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rossty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rossty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Tyson Ross</a></strong> at least has a chance to win once in a while and takes advantage of it. Something is going to happen in Arizona soon.</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;">Mariners</strong> over the Indians</span>: Every time I shake my head and predict <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=youngch03,youngch04&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=youngch03,youngch04&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Chris Young</a></strong> to lose, he doesn't. He is especially hard to beat at home even though he never strikes anyone out. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a></strong> goes for the Indians who are a long way from home here.</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;">Dodgers</strong> over the Cardinals</span>: <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryuhy01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryuhy01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Hyun-jin Ryu</a></strong> is a lefty. The Cardinals don't like lefties. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=martica04,martica03,martica02,martin019car,martin015car&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=martica04,martica03,martica02,martin019car,martin015car&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Carlos Martinez</a></strong> is the wild card and could come up big. But that is a long shot.</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 Reds</span>: This is a big time match-up between two of the best pitchers in the National League not named Kershaw. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Madison Bumgarner</a></strong> and <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Johnny Cueto</a></strong> are both really good. This will be like the Wainwright - Beckett match-up where anything can happen.</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 Red Sox over the <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;">Yankees</strong></span>: All I need to know are two things. First, is <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nunovi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nunovi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Vidal Nuno</a></strong> pitching? Yes. Loss. Secondly, is Nuno pitching at home? Yes. Big time loss. <strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Brandon Workman</a></strong> just needs to be decent here.</span></li></ul><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 6-4, June: 193-162, Games of the Day: 43-40, Season: 647-543</span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Friday: June 27, 2014

Thursday was a positive day for the Game Picks but things looked even rosier in the beginning. After the early games, the picks stood at 6-1...

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MLB Game Picks - Thursday: April 24, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's tally the damage. The Tigers pick was going well until they gave up an eighth inning grand slam. The Rockies were tied with the Giants and in extra innings when they too gave up a grand slam. The Angels had a lead going into the ninth and Frieri does what he does best and gave up four runs to lose it. The Cubs were winning, 5-2 on their Wrigley birthday party bash. They gave up five runs in the ninth. Poof. By my count, that is at least four games which if it wasn't for relief pitching would have given me eleven correct picks. But I did not get eleven correct picks.</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 still refuse to believe <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> is this good.</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;">There are eleven games on the schedule tonight. Imagine all the things that could happen this time! </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;">The picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Indians</strong> over the Royals</span>: I rarely pick <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chenbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Bruce Chen</a></strong> on the road. At home, yeah. Road, no. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a></strong> is a solid MLB pitcher.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Pirates</strong> over the Reds</span>: The Pirates need a win here. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cumptbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Brandon Cumpton</a></strong> is back from the minors and I'm not sure why he did not make the team in the first place. He is solid with excellent control. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cingrto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tony Cingrani</a></strong> has that silly streak of five or less hits, but if he gives up four runs in four innings, does it all become meaningless?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Tigers</strong> over the White Sox</span>: It seems once again that the Tigers are going to toy with the AL Central all year. They never win as often as they seem like they should. Look for a good outing by <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> and a low scoring game with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jose Quintana</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Rays</strong> over the Twins</span>: This pick was wrong yesterday. So, it is hard to be confident, especially with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bedarer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Erik Bedard</a></strong> on the mound. I just never know what to expect from <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nolasri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Ricky Nolasco</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Cardinals over the <strong>Mets</strong></span>: A steady diet of <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> fastballs does not sound like a good thing for the Mets. They should wreak Shrek. <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 already 4-0. But we have seen this before, haven't we?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Cubs</strong> over the Diamondbacks</span>: Keep <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stroppe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Pedro Strop</a></strong> out of this game and we're cool. <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> is never fun to pick.  <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bolsimi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mike Bolsinger</a></strong> has strikeouts, but not much else going for him.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Nationals</strong> over the Padres</span>: I do feel pretty good about this pick. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmejo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jordan Zimmermann</a></strong> should be fine at home and beat the Padres and <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>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Blue Jays</strong> over the Orioles</span>: Yeah, it did not work out yesterday. But I do like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hutchdr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Drew Hutchison</a></strong> today much better than I like <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>. Norris always finds a way to lose a game.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Athletics over the <strong>Astros</strong></span>: Poor <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/oberhbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Brett Oberholtzer</a></strong>. He keeps pitching great and will end up 0-17 or something. Scoll Kazmir has his best Led Zeppelin vibe going on right now. Wo-0h wo-oh.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Dodgers</strong> over the Phillies</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harenda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Dan Haren</a></strong> is 3-0, which is pretty scary. Why? Because you don't expect him to be 3-0 and expect it to continue. The other option is picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Kyle Kendrick</a></strong>. Not a bad pick, but the Dodgers should win.</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>Red Sox</strong> over the Yankees: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sabatc.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">CC Sabathia</a></strong> NEVER pitches well at Fenway. They kill him every time. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doubrfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Felix Doubront</a></strong> has to be Dr. Jekyll today instead of Mr. Hyde for the Red Sox to win.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 7-8, Games of the Day: 10-10, Season: 183-136</span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: April 24, 2014

Let's tally the damage. The Tigers pick was going well until they gave up an eighth inning grand slam. The Rockies were tied with the Gi...

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MLB Game Picks - Sunday: September 29, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">The penultimate day of the 2013 MLB regular season ended the last full week of picking with a thud. After a great week of picking, the bottom fell out with only five correct picks. But, you know what? I will take that since my Game of the Day and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pettian01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Andy Pettitte</a></strong> won his final regular season start of his long and wonderful career. Watching that unfold in Houston was the most amazing experience. And those who say that it was Houston, after all, and the horrible Astros, has no respect for the game. They are still a big league team with big league hitters and you still have to get them out. It was the perfect last hurrah for a great pitcher.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The regular season ends today. Or will it? The American League Wild Card is nuts. If the Indians win, they are in. If they lose and both the Rays and Rangers win, then we have a three-way tie and there will be tie-breaker games before the play-in game. If the Rays and Rangers both win or both lose, and the Indians win, then there will be a tie-breaker game between the Rays and Rangers. Crazy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Rays over the <b>Blue Jays</b></u>: The last battle of the Ays for the season and it could not be a bigger game. The Rays have to win unless the Rangers also lose. But they will go all out to win. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moorema02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Moore</a></strong> is their big stud alongside <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Price</a></strong>. He will take his 16-4 record and try to get the W for the Rays. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/redmoto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Todd Redmond</a></strong> will try to deny the Rays. Should be exciting!</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Tigers over the <b>Marlins</b></u>: Of all the division winners, the Tigers sure can look awful at times. And they have finished the season so nonchalantly that anything can happen in this game. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a></strong> is starting. I have no idea why or how long he will go. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alvarhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Henderson Alvarez</a></strong> goes for the Fish.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mets </b>over the Brewers</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/niesejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathon Niese</a></strong> has had a really good finish to his season. A win today would set him up nicely with good feelings for next year. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/collite99.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Terry Collins</a></strong> got a contract extension, which I guess is a good thing. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peralwi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wily Peralta</a></strong> goes for the Brewers. Both teams go home empty-handed.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Pirates over the <b>Reds</b></u>: I picked the Reds in the first two games and was wrong as the Pirates took care of business in Cincinnati. This game is meaningless and both teams know it. As such, they are pitching two pitchers who will probably not factor in the post-season. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cumptbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Cumpton</a></strong> is better than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reynogr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Greg Reynolds</a></strong>, so that is the direction I am heading.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Orioles </b>over the Red Sox</u>: A meaningless game for both teams, but tell that to <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/showabu99.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Buck Showalter</a></strong>. He likes to beat the good teams. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tillmch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Tillman</a></strong> has not pitched well to end his season. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">John Lackey</a></strong> never gets run support. I am surprised he is starting.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Braves </b>over the Phillies</u>: Once again, I am surprised in this meaningless game that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teherju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Julio Teheran</a></strong> is starting. Perhaps he does not factor in the team's plans for the NLDS. Anyway, the Braves win by beating Zach Minor.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Indians over the <b>Twins</b></u>: Can the Indians finish a historic run to end their season? I believe they will. A lot will depend on how sharp <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jimenub01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ubaldo Jimenez</a></strong> is. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diamosc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Scott Diamond</a></strong> is probably the best of the Twins' crap pitchers. A win and the Indians are in. Incredible.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>White Sox</b> over the Royals</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Quintana</a></strong> is the White Sox one good luck charm. They win a lot when he pitches. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chenbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bruce Chen</a></strong> is not nearly as good on the road as he is at home. The season ends on a high note for the lowly White Sox. But they should still clean house after it's over. Word is that they are not. Dumb.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Yankees over the <b>Astros</b></u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/huffda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Huff</a></strong>, or Hassle-Huff for those of you who have been following along, gets the start for the Yankees as Kuroda is done as well. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bedarer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Erik Bedard</a></strong> starts for the Astros and he has had a miserable season. Just miserable.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cardinals </b>over the Cubs</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/westbja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jake Westbrook</a></strong> is getting a "thank you for past services" start for the Cardinals. And it is pretty telling how good the Cards are that Westbrook is the odd man out in the post season but could be a fourth starter on many teams. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a></strong> never really put it together this season like I thought he would.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Angels</u>: This game is no lock. For one thing, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a></strong> is never a lock. He is a great pitcher, but wins are never guaranteed. I know because I have been picking him all year. Plus, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vargaja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jason Vargas</a></strong> has been brilliant of late. Rangers have to win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Padres over the <b>Giants</b></u>: I have no idea who is going to win this game. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rossty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyson Ross</a></strong> has been pretty good of late and the Giants have nothing to play for. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moscogu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Guillermo Moscoso</a></strong> is coming out of the bullpen to pitch for the Giants. Who knows.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Dodgers </b>over the Rockies</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryuhy01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hyun-jin Ryu</a></strong> tries to win his last tune-up before the playoffs. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/francje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeff Francis</a></strong>, the definition of the "crafty lefty" tries to better him.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Athletics over the <b>Mariners</b></u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wedgeer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Eric Wedge</a></strong> is managing his last game and going out without leaving any words on the table. Good for him. The M's stand for Mess. Besides, I have to go with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a></strong>. He's my guy. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=ramirer01,ramirer02&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Erasmo Ramirez</a></strong> has been good for the Mariners though.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Game of the Day:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><u>The Nationals over the Diamondbacks</u>: I want this. I want <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsda02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Davey Johnson</a></strong> to go out with a win. He has a good chance with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roarkta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tanner Roark</a></strong> on the mound. The kid has been awesome. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wade Miley</a></strong> will try to spoil the party.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 5-10  Ugh</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week: 57-40</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 222-168</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 1364-1063</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 105-70 </div>

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: September 29, 2013

The penultimate day of the 2013 MLB regular season ended the last full week of picking with a thud. After a great week of picking, the botto...

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Brandons still overrunning baseball

<div style="text-align: justify;">I pick the Major League games every day. As such, you notice names because of discussing the starting pitchers. The name that comes up more than any other is, "Brandon." Brandons overrun baseball. The 1980s must have been the age of Brandon. Every parent must have wanted to name their male children by that name. You would expect a lot of the names, Joe, Jim, William, Dave and other classics. You would expect a run of Hispanic names like Jose and Juan. But Brandon? Why Brandon?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cumpto001bra&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Cumpton</a></strong> makes his Major League debut today, he will be the 22nd Brandon to play in the majors in the last two seasons. Then there is the Brendan variation that includes <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryanbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brendan Ryan</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harribr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brendan Harris</a></strong> to add two more. Then there is <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/boescbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brennan Boesch</a></strong>, which may or may not be another variant. There are nine more Brandons playing in the minors, so we are not done yet. Heck, there is a Brendan Brennan in the minors playing in the White Sox system. Maybe he wins a prize.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The other name that comes up a lot is, "Jonathan." There are eleven of those. Ten if you include <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/niesejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathon Niese</a></strong> of the Mets, who must have had a bad spelling nurse when he was born. But the Brandons still have it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is a list of Brandons in the past two seasons: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=allenbr01,allen-004bra&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Allen</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bantzbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Bantz</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beachbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Beachy</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnebr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Barnes</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Belt</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/crawfbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Crawford</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dicksbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Dickson</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gomesbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Gomes</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guyerbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Guyer</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/ingebr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Inge</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hicksbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Hicks</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kintzbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Kintzler</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lairdbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Laird</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leagubr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon League</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Lyon</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccarbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon McCarthy</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maurebr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Maurer</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morrobr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Morrow</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mossbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Moss</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phillbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Phillips</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/snydebr03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Snyder</a></strong>. In addition, there is Luke Brandon Scott and Christopher Brandon Young. And today, we will have Brandon Cumpton.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That is a lot of Brandons.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But they could be dethroned in the next couple of years. I mentioned that there were eleven Jonathans with another Jonathon. But there are 19 Jonathans in the minors. So that name could take over from Brandon. But in the meantime. Brandon is king. Brandons are everywhere. </div>

Brandons still overrunning baseball

I pick the Major League games every day. As such, you notice names because of discussing the starting pitchers. The name that comes up more ...

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