MLB Game Picks - Friday: May 9, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can at least say I had one good day this week. And, no, Thursday was not that day as I again fell into negative territory. There were two extra-inning games and both went the opposite way of the picks. I am keeping track of those because they irk me. In the last eight extra-inning games, I am 1-7 with the outcomes. That hurts the bottom line a lot.</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;">Houston destroyed the Tigers. <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> hit his first homer. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smylydr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Drew Smyly</a></strong> wasn't smyling. The Orioles beat the Rays again and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">David Price</a></strong>. I didn't see that coming. My biggest mistake was letting my heart get in the way by picking the White Sox. Alas, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carrosc02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Scott Carroll</a></strong> was hammered.  </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;">Maybe Friday will be better. The picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Orioles</strong> over the Astros</span>: It's not that I am very high on <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>. Rather, I am always leery of picking a pitcher coming back from the disabled list like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/feldmsc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Scott Feldman</a></strong>. The Orioles will be very familiar with their former pitcher.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Pirates</strong> over the Cardinals</span>: The Cardinals have had trouble with lefties which extends back to last year. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/liriafr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Francisco Liriano</a></strong> has taken advantage of that before. However, if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wachami01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Michael Wacha</a></strong> can hang with Liriano, then I like the Cards' bullpen better.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Blue Jays</strong> over the Angels</span>: The Blue Jays are pounding the baseball right now and I think that will cancel out the strong arm of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richaga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a></strong>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcgowdu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Dustin McGowan</a></strong> will pitch well enough to win the game.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Tigers</strong> over the Twins</span>: <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 looked good lately. But I cannot imagine him doing well against the Tigers. And even if he has another good night, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a></strong> will be better.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Indians over the <strong>Rays</strong></span>: The Rays are struggling and need to get some pitching back. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/odorija01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jake Odorizzi</a></strong> just doesn't seem like a rotation guy to me. <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> should have a good night though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Reds</strong> over the Rockies</span>: If anyone can stop a hitting streak, it is <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Johnny Cueto</a></strong>. So that is what I expect to happen. And even if he is not on top of his game, the Reds are going to score against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chacijh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jhoulys Chacin</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 Phillies</span>: The Phillies have had a really bad week. They were smoked by the Blue Jays and after being over .500, have sunk more than a couple of games under that mark now. I like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mejiaje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jenrry Mejia</a></strong> to match up well here and for <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> to not be as good as his last outing.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Braves</strong> over the Cubs</span>: The Cubs did well against the White Sox, but will face much better pitching in Atlanta. It starts tonight with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teherju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Julio Teheran</a></strong>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hammeja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jason Hammel</a></strong> is having a good season though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Rangers</strong> over the Red Sox</span>: I never feel comfortable picking <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>. But when I don't, he wins. I don't expect <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buchhcl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Clay Buchholz</a></strong> to do well in Texas.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Diamondbacks over the <strong>White Sox</strong></span>: The White Sox really miss <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=eatonad01,eatonad02&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Adam Eaton</a></strong> and they have been kind of dead since he went on the DL. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rienzan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Andre Rienzo</a></strong> is not dependable to me. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccarbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Brandon McCarthy</a></strong> is not having much fun this season either.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Brewers</strong> over the Yankees</span>: Wow, this is a tough one. <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> is always tough at home. And the Yankees have never seen him. But the Yankees are pitching <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tanakma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Masahiro Tanaka</a></strong>, so what do you do there? The Yankees lose the DH, and that hurts them. I'm going with a bullpen win for the Brewers.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Nationals over the <strong>Athletics</strong></span>: I just said earlier that I don't like picking pitchers coming off the DL and here I am picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fistedo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Doug Fister</a></strong>. Yeah, probably dumb, but I just don't like picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/milonto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tommy Milone</a></strong> and I like the Nats getting an extra bat in the lineup.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Royals over the <strong>Mariners</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maurebr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Brandon Maurer</a></strong> pitched well his last time out, but I think that was a BABIP win. He won't be as good tonight. And I think <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vargaja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jason Vargas</a></strong> will be better.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Giants over the Dodgers: The Giants are amazing. This every other year thing is amazing. How can you pick against them? Especially with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Madison Bumgarner</a></strong> on the mound? And especially with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maholpa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Paul Maholm</a></strong> pitching for the Dodgers.</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 Marlins over the <strong>Padres</strong></span>: Gosh, the Marlins are on fire...even now on the road. I don't like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan014jos,fernan015jos,fernan018jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> as much on the road, but against a weak-hitting team like the Padres? Yeah, that's an easy call. <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> has been up and down.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 4-5, May: 59-50, Games of the Day: 16-19, Season: 292-225 </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Friday: May 9, 2014

I can at least say I had one good day this week. And, no, Thursday was not that day as I again fell into negative territory. There were two ...

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MLB Game Picks - Thursday: April 17, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday wasn't a bad day but the Game of the Day feature is struggling so far this season. Since that feature endeavors to pick the one game that seems like a lock, that's pretty bad. I should have used either of the Yankee games it seems. And gosh, do the Diamondbacks stink or what? And my guy, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan014jos,fernan018jos,fernan015jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong>, had a 3-0 lead and was cruising along at home. What happened!?</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 twelve games on the schedule including a double-header in Minnesota since winter still held sway there yesterday. Thursday's picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Braves over the <strong>Phillies</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodal02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Alex Wood</a></strong> has been pitching well and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burnea.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">A.J. Burnett</a></strong> is about as reliable this year as spring temperatures have been on the East Coast this spring.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Tigers</strong> over the Indians</span>: The Indians did well to take yesterday's game, a big improvement over last season when they could not beat the Tigers. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a></strong> at home should beat <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salazda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Danny Salazar</a></strong> who has had command issues thus far.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Twins</strong> over the Blue Jays</span>: <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> has not been as good as his record, but he's been a good luck charm for his team thus far. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dicker.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">R.A. Dickey</a></strong> has not been effective except for that Yankees start.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Rangers</strong> over the Mariners</span>: The Rangers got a big win yesterday after eight innings of doing nothing against <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>. Today should be high scoring with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schepta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tanner Scheppers</a></strong> facing <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=ramirer02,ramirer01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Erasmo Ramirez</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 Dodgers</span>: This is a great pitching match-up on paper with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Madison Bumgarner</a></strong> against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryuhy01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Hyun-jin Ryu</a></strong>. These games always depend on with ace brings their ace-game. I am going with Bumgarner at home.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Padres</strong> over the Rockies</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moralfr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Franklin Morales</a></strong> has not been very good so far this year but might fare better in San Diego. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kenneia01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Ian Kennedy</a></strong> needs to pitch better for this pick to come home.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Brewers over the <strong>Pirates</strong></span>: I like picking <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> better at home, but he has been consistently good wherever this season. Give Pittsburgh credit, they have done a good job of rebuilding <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>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Cardinals over the <strong>Nationals</strong></span>: Both teams are hot and some of the key Cardinal batters are coming alive. But I simply like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a></strong> more than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jordata01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Taylor Jordan</a></strong> in this one.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Blue Jays over the <strong>Twins</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcgowdu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Dustin McGowan</a></strong> was great his last time out. But this is a scary pick. It is made less so by <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pelfrmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Mike Pelfrey</a></strong> pitching for the Twins.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>White Sox</strong> over the Red Sox</span>: <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> versus <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> is a great match-up on paper. Sale is dominant while Lester must be fine. The Red Sox benefit from finding out that Jammy Pants Pedroia is okay. Tough call this.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Astros</strong> over the Royals</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/feldmsc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Scott Feldman</a></strong> sure has been good thus far. That makes it hard to pick against him. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shielja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">James Shields</a></strong> is not doing much to add to his free agency paycheck.</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 Bay <strong>Rays</strong> over the Yankees: Tropicana is where the Yankees go to die. And who wouldn't in that awful place. Besides, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">David Price</a></strong> will be better than <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>.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Yesterday: 9-5, Games of the Day: 7-6, Season: 131-88</span></span>  </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Thursday: April 17, 2014

Yesterday wasn't a bad day but the Game of the Day feature is struggling so far this season. Since that feature endeavors to pick the on...

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