MLB Game Picks - Monday: July 29, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">July has been such a good month. It is a shame that the month is not finishing well. Two straight negative days were the only blight on what was a great weekend around here. That being the case, the world is still a good place. Picking baseball games may be an obsession for me, but it is still just for fun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My son is correct. The only time the Yankees win is when I pick against them. Heh. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jeterde01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Derek Jeter</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/soriaal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alfonso Soriano</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suzukic01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ichiro Suzuki</a></strong> turned back the clock for a day to win the boys from the Bronx a game despite <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hugheph01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Phil Hughes</a></strong>. Elsewhere, the Diamondbacks wasted another brilliant performance by <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/corbipa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Patrick Corbin</a></strong> and lost. That was the Game of the Day, so it was a double-ouchie.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today is a short schedule Monday. Here are the picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Bay Rays over the <b>Red Sox</b></u>: <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> is 5-1 in his career at Fenway Park with a 1.96 ERA. Those numbers (SSS) are hard to pick against. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doubrfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Felix Doubront</a></strong> pitches well against weaker competition but struggles a bit against good teams.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Angels</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weaveje02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jered Weaver</a></strong> has been eye-poppingly good since returning from the disabled list. But he should be matched by <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Garza</a></strong>, who has been just as brilliant. If the two starters cancel each other out and it becomes a bullpen game, the Rangers win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the White Sox</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/danksjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">John Danks</a></strong> has not fared well the last two seasons and perhaps needs a change of scenery. I have a feeling quite a few Pale Hose players need a change of scenery. Not thrilled to be picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcallza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Zach McAllister</a></strong> here, but the Indians are clearly the better team.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Pirates </b>over the Cardinals</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 not a great pitcher. But he does give his team a chance to win with most of his outings. But tonight, he will need to be perfect because <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/liriafr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Francisco Liriano</a></strong> has been on a roll. The guy, when on, is an amazing talent.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Braves </b>over the Rockies</u>: The Braves are flying high after sweeping the Cardinals over the weekend and today they get <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> back. If he is anywhere close to being as good as when he was injured, the Braves just got better. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jorge De La Rosa</a></strong> is a good pitcher too though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Mets</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morrilo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Logan Morrison</a></strong> have both been hot in the lineup and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turneja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jacob Turner</a></strong> has lost his last two starts, but pitched well. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hefneje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Hefner</a></strong> had a hot streak going for about a month or more, but has since fallen on hard times again.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cubs </b>over the Brewers</u>: <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> is very talented. I would love to see him be a bit more consistent. The pick depends on him having a good day. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lohseky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kyle Lohse</a></strong> might still be with the Brewers to pitch his turn. If so, this pick could be in trouble as Lohse has won six straight.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Blue Jays over the <b>Athletics</b></u>: This game is a hunch. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rogeres01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Esmil Rogers</a></strong> has not won a game since June 24. But he should benefit from pitching in that ghastly ballpark. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/griffaj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">A.J. Griffin</a></strong> is usually pretty strong at home. But I am feeling the Blue Jays here.</li></ul><span style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day:</span><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Reds over the <b>Padres</b></u>: The Reds had a tough series against the Dodgers. But the Dodgers are on fire. So that is not a surprise. They should have no trouble against the Padres. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/osullse01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Sean O'Sullivan</a></strong> has a 1.88 WHIP. Enough said there. And all <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leakemi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Leake</a></strong> does is win games.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 7-8</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 7-8</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 204-143</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 878-692       I did some auditing and fixed this statistic</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 68-45  -1 </div>

MLB Game Picks - Monday: July 29, 2013

July has been such a good month. It is a shame that the month is not finishing well. Two straight negative days were the only blight on what...

+ Read more »

MLB Game Picks - Friday: July 5, 2012

<div style="text-align: justify;">Two things yesterday kept it from being a great day and caused it to become just a decent day. The first was <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamiljo03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Josh Hamilton</a></strong>'s home run in the ninth inning. I would have let <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a></strong> finish the game. But hindsight is always 20/20. The second was that crazy game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks. My pick in that game had multiple chances to win and after fifteen innings (of course it was extra innings!) could not. Still, it was a very enjoyable day of baseball with day games galore.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is only one day game today as the Cubs play their traditional home day game on Friday. Here are Friday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cubs </b>over the Pirates:</u> So let's go with those Cubbies then with <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> on the mound. He can shut down the Pirates' lineup and perhaps score two or three runs off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/liriafr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Francisco Liriano</a></strong> to squeak out a win. It is a stretch, but the Pirates will be tested before this year is out.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Phillies </b>over the Braves:</u> The Braves are so unpredictable. With a lineup that is either hit or miss and a pitching staff that cannot seem to put back to back good efforts on the board, how do you pick them? Today, against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=leecl02,leecl01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cliff Lee</a></strong>, the team has neutral splits against right-handed or left-handed starters. They will either hit four homers off Lee and have a laugher, or Lee will strike out eleven Braves and win the game. You choose. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsoti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Hudson</a></strong> goes for the Braves.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Yankees </b>over the Orioles:</u> It all depends on <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/novaiv01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ivan Nova</a></strong>. As usual, you never know what will happen in a Nova or a Hughes start. The bullpen for the Yankees is a bit taxed, but <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wellsve01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Vernon Wells</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hafnetr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Travis Hafner</a></strong> look back from the dead. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=gonzami03,gonzal010mig,gonzal009mig,gonzal003mig,gonzal006mig&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Miguel Gonzalez</a></strong> goes for the Orioles.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the Tigers:</u> It seems logical to pick <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/masteju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Justin Masterson</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a></strong>, especially with the game being played in Cleveland. But since when did logic have anything to do with the outcome of baseball games?</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Blue Jays</b> over the Twins:</u> How many times has <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehrma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mark Buehrle</a></strong> pitched against the Twins in his career? A bunch. How about 51 times? Yeah. His winning percentage in those games is .587. You have to go with that. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Correia</a></strong> goes for the Twins who were just swept in four games by the Yankees.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Bay <b>Rays</b> over the White Sox:</u> The Rays are definitely not the same team without <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/longoev01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Evan Longoria</a></strong>. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hellije01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Hellickson</a></strong> has done nothing but win lately and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/axelrdy01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dylan Axelrod</a></strong> is just okay as a starter.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Reds </b>over the Mariners:</u> If I picked <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leakemi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Leake</a></strong> yesterday over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cainma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Cain</a></strong> and the Giants, then I certainly should pick him over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haranaa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Aaron Harang</a></strong> of the Mariners, right? The Mariners lose a bat against the NL team and the Mariners cannot afford to lose bats.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Astros:</u> I just noticed that I have not picked a road victory yet. That is kind of scary. Home field does make a difference, but you also have to go with the team you think should win. The Rangers should beat the Astros just about every time. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tepesni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Nick Tepesch</a></strong> is not that great. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harrelu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Lucas Harrell</a></strong> is not that bad.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Athletics over the <b>Royals</b>:</u> And no, I did not pick this game this way just because it was a road team. Heh. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/milonto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tommy Milone</a></strong> is unpredictable. He is certainly not untouchable. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/daviswa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wade Davis</a></strong> should be a relief pitcher as he has never been that great a starter.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Marlins over the <b>Cardinals</b>:</u> Okay, hear me out. The Cardinals have hit a little rough patch. <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 their weakest pitcher. The Marlins have been hot. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morrilo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Logan Morrison</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a></strong> have made a huge difference. And finally, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turneja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jacob Turner</a></strong> has given up two runs and just walked two batters in his last sixteen innings.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Mets over the <b>Brewers</b>:</u> I am not keen on picking this one as you have two raw pitchers in Zack Wheeler and Johnny Hellweg. Wheeler has at least shown flashes of brilliance. Hellweg was blasted in his big league debut his last outing.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Diamondbacks </b>over the Rockies:</u> In everything that I look at, it seems that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/skaggty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Skaggs</a></strong> has simply been unlucky thus far this year both in the minors and in the majors. His peripherals are good and the Diamondbacks would be stupid to trade him for <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gallayo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Yovani Gallardo</a></strong> which is the rumors I am hearing. I am taking Skaggs over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jorge De La Rosa</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Angels </b>over the Red Sox:</u> What!? The Red Sox are not at Fenway? Not only are they not at home, but the Red Sox flew across country after their game yesterday and have little rest going into this series. Plus, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doubrfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Felix Doubront</a></strong> is their must vulnerable pitcher. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsocj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">C.J. Wilson</a></strong> better have a good tame, though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Giants </b>over the Dodgers:</u> The Giants had a horrible road trip and have played poorly. That said, Matt Cain at home is always a good pick. <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> beat the Giants the last time these two teams met, but that was in Dodgers Stadium.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><u>The <b>Nationals </b>over the Padres: </u>The Padres have lost six straight and have negated that little hot streak they had. The Nationals look like they are sputtering toward making a run. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gio Gonzalez</a></strong> has tobe the pick here over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cashnan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Andrew Cashner</a></strong>.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 8-6</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 38-28</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 31-21</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 708-567</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 56-37</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Friday: July 5, 2012

Two things yesterday kept it from being a great day and caused it to become just a decent day. The first was Josh Hamilton 's home run ...

+ Read more »

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: June 22, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Oh, man. Back in the crapper I go. After a successful week that followed a prolonged slump, the picks went into the dumpster last night. The day started off just fine with a 3-1 start. But the lone wrong pick of those four was <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kazmisc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Scott Kazmir</a></strong> pitching a brilliant game against the Twins. From then on, Led Zeppelin started playing and Robert Plant was singing Kazmir. Whoa, whoa. And the most fitting loss was <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cole Hamels</a></strong> whose team scored three runs for him in the second inning and never scored again. That, of course, was the Game of the Day and Hamels is now 2-11. Unfreaking amazing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whelp, all I can do is keep picking because the schedule remains relentless as baseball day follows baseball day. Here are Saturday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Rockies over the <b>Nationals</b>:</u> The Rockies have lost eight of their last ten games and their last five in a row. You tell me if that is a coincidence that it all started by losing <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tulowtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Troy Tulowitzki</a></strong>. But I think they snap out of it today against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harenda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dan Haren</a></strong>, who has not been fooling very many people so far this year. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chacijh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jhoulys Chacin</a></strong> will have to have a good day though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Yankees </b>over the Bay Rays:</u> See? No <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wellsve01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Vernon Wells</a></strong> in the lineup and the Yanks score six runs. Simple. Against another right-handed pitcher in Alex Colombe, maybe Wells will sit again. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/almonzo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Zoilo Almonte</a></strong>! <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sabatc.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">CC Sabathia</a></strong> better come up big though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Blue Jays</b> over the Orioles:</u> I cannot lie. I love <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wangch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chien-Ming Wang</a></strong>. I always have. And I am just thrilled that he has pitched very well in his two starts back in the majors. I wish it was for the Yankees instead of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hugheph01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Phil Hughes</a></strong>, but what are you going to do. The Orioles' lineup could wreck him. But I have to pick him. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=gonzami03,gonzal009mig,gonzal010mig,gonzal006mig,gonzal003mig&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Miguel Gonzalez</a></strong> goes for the Orioles.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The White Sox over the <b>Royals</b>:</u> A long time ago, I <a href="http://passion4baseball.blogspot.com/search?q=davis%2C+hughes" target="_blank">wrote</a> that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/daviswa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wade Davis</a></strong> and Phil Hughes could be brothers. They are the same pitcher. Going with <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> instead.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cubs </b>over the Astros: </u>Two down teams. One of them has to win. Which one will it be? The Astros lose a bat. The Astros cannot afford to lose a bat. I kind of like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Travis Wood</a></strong> in a he-tries-hard-and-was-well-coached kind of way. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/norribu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bud Norris</a></strong>? I just do not know what to make of the guy.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Marlins over the <b>Giants</b>:</u> What has happened to the Giants? They have kind of fallen off the table a bit. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zitoba01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Barry Zito</a></strong> is always capable of bamboozling the other team for six innings. He is just as capable of getting whiplash as <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a></strong> hits a smash. So let's go with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turneja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jacob Turner</a></strong> again. He has been pitching well.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Mets over the <b>Phillies</b>:</u> I have picked against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/geedi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dillon Gee</a></strong> for the past month and he has been throwing like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maddugr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Greg Maddux</a></strong>. What is up with that? So I will go back to picking him and then he will go back the other way. I would like him over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pettijo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Pettibone</a></strong> anyway.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Braves over the <b>Brewers</b>:</u> The Braves' offense is so frustrating. There are so many strikeouts and it all depends on the night for them. They can score a ten spot or just as easily get shut out. At least the Brewers are giving them a hand today--<strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/handdo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Donovan Hand</a></strong> that is. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsoti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Hudson</a></strong> with the win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Tigers </b>over the Red Sox:</u> Yeah, this pick did not work out well yesterday. And it is scary picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a></strong>. Not that he is not terrific. He is. But he cannot win all of his games can he? He has not lost yet. But with Buchholz out, the Red Sox are starting <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/webstal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Allen Webster</a></strong>, who still has not shown he can get Major League hitters out. That said, he will pitch a shutout today. Just watch.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Diamondbacks </b>over the Reds:</u> Here we go again. Another pitcher with a spotless record in <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/corbipa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Patrick Corbin</a></strong>. Sheesh. I love the guy and even his no-decisions are the bomb. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leakemi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Leake</a></strong> has been pitching well though and the Reds are a good team.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Dodgers over the <b>Padres</b>:</u> The Padres are the hottest team in baseball. The Dodgers not. So why this pick? I think <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a></strong> shuts the Padres down and the Dodgers score just enough off of a rejuvenated <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/volqued01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edinson Volquez</a></strong> to win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the Twins:</u> I have been riding the <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a></strong> wave and will keep doing so until the bubble burst. And his name is still fun to say in The Muppets' chef voice. Besides, I am not a big fan of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/waltepj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">P.J. Walters</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Angels </b>over the Pirates:</u> I hate this series. Both teams seem capable of winning. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willije01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jerome Williams</a></strong> has really been the Angels' best pitcher all season. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/liriafr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Francisco Liriano</a></strong> has cooled off after a hot start to his season. Tough one.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Athletics over the <b>Mariners</b>:</u> This one should be safe. The only games <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haranaa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Aaron Harang</a></strong> pitches well are against the Yankees. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/straida01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dan Straily</a></strong> has to be the pick here.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><u>The <b>Cardinals </b>over the Rangers:</u> This pick looks too easy. And that is frightening. I think the Cardinals eat <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a></strong> for breakfast and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millesh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Shelby Miller</a></strong> strikes out ten Rangers. Tell me this is not a setup.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 5-10</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 47-39</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 147-142</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 610-491</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 46-34</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: June 22, 2013

Oh, man. Back in the crapper I go. After a successful week that followed a prolonged slump, the picks went into the dumpster last night. The...

+ Read more »