MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 30, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Saturday was another tepid picking day, which completed another tepid week, which nearly completed another tepid month. Bah! There were two Major League debuts by pitchers yesterday. I picked <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jordata01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Taylor Jordan</a></strong> to win. He lost because his defense played like Little League behind him. I picked <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kyle Gibson</a></strong> to lose and he won. Two more extra inning games finished the wrong way. And my zero for <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stulter01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Eric Stults</a></strong> streak continued. At least the Game of the Day Pirates continued to win.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday is my favorite baseball day of the week with all the day games. Here are the picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Padres:</u> I picked against the Marlins yesterday and they won. I picked against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a></strong> last time and he won. So I guess somebody is trying to tell me something. Did you know the Marlins have a winning record in June? I probably picked half of them wrong. <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> goes for the Padres.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mets </b>over the Nationals:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Zack Wheeler</a></strong> has one problem as a pitcher: he walks people. The Nationals have one big problem on offense: they do not walk and are twelfth in the NL in that category. That makes me want to pick Wheeler over <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>. The bullpen is the key though for the Mets.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Braves </b>over the Diamondbacks:</u> I am not thrilled with either pitcher here in <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cahiltr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Trevor Cahill</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maholpa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Paul Maholm</a></strong>. That being the case, I will go with the home team and the Braves' bullpen.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Brewers over the <b>Pirates</b>:</u> Look, I am sure that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=mortoch02,mortoch01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Charlie Morton</a></strong> is a great guy who works very hard at what he does. But he is a link to the old Pirates with his soft tosses and up and down pitching. I do not like him back in the Pirates' rotation. Going here with <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> instead.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Red Sox</b> over the Blue Jays:</u> With <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> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dempsry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ryan Dempster</a></strong> on the mound for these two teams, this could be a shoot out. Or one of those very experienced guys can have a good day. They seem even to me. So, whenever that happens, I go with the home team.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Angels over the <b>Astros</b>:</u> Early in the season, the Angels lost regularly to the Astros. That was then, this is now and the Angels are playing much better baseball. <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> is doing better as is <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>. They still aren't head and shoulders above others on their team, but their resurgence helps. <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> goes for the Astros.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>White Sox</b> over the Indians:</u> The Indians have really beat on the White Sox this entire series. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> should slow the Indians down and salvage a game for the White Sox. If <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> comes out hot though, this pick could get dicey.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Twins</b> over the Royals:</u> This is a hard game to pick. The Royals have been playing much better and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ervin Santana</a></strong> has pitched pretty well. And <strike>Chick </strike><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> is not exactly reliable. But I expect the Twins to put it together for a game and get a win in this one.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Reds over the <b>Rangers</b>:</u> I watched <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> against the Yankees and was really confused. He threw nothing but sliders and was hardly dominant. The Reds have a better lineup than the Yankees and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/latosma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mat Latos</a></strong> has been very good. So the pick is with the Reds.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Cardinals over the <b>Athletics</b>:</u> <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> has had three bad starts in a row. If he turns it around in this game at home, the pick is in trouble. I am not that big a fan of <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> either. But he finds a way to win somehow.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mariners </b>over the Cubs:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondeje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Bonderman</a></strong> is a true underdog and you always have to root for an underdog. I am not sure that means he will win, but at least he has a chance against the Cubs and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksed01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Jackson</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Giants over the <b>Rockies</b>:</u> The Rockies have won the last two of these and the Giants are really scuffling. But despite <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pomerdr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Drew Pomeranz</a></strong>'s terrific numbers in Triple-A this season, his Major League history is too much for me to overcome. I would much rather take a chance on <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Madison Bumgarner</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Dodgers </b>over the Phillies:</u> I am not a real big <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fifest01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Stephen Fife</a></strong> fan, but then again, I have never been a fan of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kyle Kendrick</a></strong> either. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirha01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hanley Ramirez</a></strong> is on fire...at least on offense. The Dodgers are playing animated baseball lately. Going with them at home.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Orioles</b> over the Yankees:</u> The Yankees have reached a new level of sadness and have lost five of their last six. Frankly, watching them every day is so disheartening because it does not look like they have any chance at all to win. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hiroki Kuroda</a></strong> gives them a chance, but <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> will come out on top.</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 Bay <b>Rays</b> over the Tigers:</u> <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> is not my favorite Rays' pitcher for reliability. But he has been winning lately. And I like him better at this point than <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> who has gone backwards lately.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 8-7</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week: 48-41</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 203-190</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 668-539</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 51-37</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 30, 2013

Saturday was another tepid picking day, which completed another tepid week, which nearly completed another tepid month. Bah! There were two ...

+ Read more »

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: June 12, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">The picks took another beanball to the head last night. Oh, wait. That was the Dodgers. Which ironically, was one of the few correct picks of the day. I do not think players should be thrown at with baseballs, so I can barely stomach <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> throwing at a Diamondback player to retaliate for Puig getting hit in the nose with a pitch. But at least I can understand it and Greinke hit the guy where it could do no damage (even though that does not excuse it). But then <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kenneia01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ian Kennedy</a></strong> threw a pitch at Greinke's head (and succeeded) and that has no place in baseball at all, and in my mind is a criminal act with a deadly weapon. Kennedy, long one of my favorite players, should be suspended for weeks for that act. All you have to do is look at what <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> has gone through to know that was the worst thing Kennedy could have done and inexcusable. Color it any way you want, but that was brutal, I do not care whose fan you are or what you say to excuse it. You never, ever, ever should throw at a player's head.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, it was another awful picking night in what has been an awful week and now even the month is in the red. Does anyone want to buy this feature from me? I obviously suck at it after four years of doing this. Sheesh. Maybe it is time for another opposite day. An opposite day is where I pick every team I think should lose to win to reverse gears. Nah. I cannot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wednesday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Angels over the <b>Orioles</b>:</u> Maybe this is an opposite pick. Maybe I cannot believe what I see for stats from <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hammeja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jason Hammel</a></strong>. Maybe I think <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> is the best Angels' pitcher. Maybe I have nothing to lose. Maybe <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a></strong> should be batting third so there might be someone on base when he hits a homer (29 of his 46 career shots are solos).</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Tigers over the <b>Royals</b>:</u> I would pick <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shielja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">James Shields</a></strong> on just about any other occasion except pitching against <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>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Reds over the <b>Cubs</b>:</u> So I picked the Cubs twice in this series. Shame on me. So I learn my lesson the hard way and pick the Reds. But now watch <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> beat <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>. I am ready for it emotionally. It will happen.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Braves of the <b>Padres</b>: </u>So now I have picked four straight home teams to lose. And I have that sinking feeling. But geez, the Braves should beat the Padres. The Braves should hit ten homers off of <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>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maholpa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Paul Maholm</a></strong> should be even better in a big ballpark. Should. Oh, crap.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Pirates </b>over the Giants:</u> Some of that Giants' mystique has been missing in recent weeks. And the only guy winning consistently is <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>. So I might as well pick against him, right? But there is a reason. <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 awesome. Ugh.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Bay <b>Rays </b>over the Red Sox:</u> Come on, man, give me an easy one will ya!? <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/archech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Archer</a></strong> is the kind of pitcher the Red Sox should eat for lunch. High homer rate. High walk rate. Young, inexperienced guy. All good so far. But then they start <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aceveal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Aceves</a></strong>, who could be awesome or awful depending on how the non-existent wind in that dome blows.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Brewers:</u> Egads. Is this Alfredo night, or what? This time it is <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/figaral01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Figaro</a></strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Figaro</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Figaro</span> pitching for the Brewers. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sloweke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Slowey</a></strong> benefits perhaps from <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> being back in the Marlins' lineup.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Indians:</u> The Indians have had a good series at the Rangers' expense. But sooner or later, you would think the Rangers would explode at home. While I am not a big fan of picking the Rangers to win when <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 pitching, the thought is that the Rangers hit <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> at home.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Twins </b>over the Phillies:</u> So the Phillies could not beat the Twins with Hamels on the mound. Are they going to win with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cloydty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Cloyd</a></strong> and his 4.91 K/9 rate? It does not seem likely except that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pelfrmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Pelfrey</a></strong> is pitching for the Twins. Oy.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>White Sox</b> over the Blue Jays:</u> This pick went south yesterday late in the game when the Blue Jays pulled it out with a White Sox' blown save. Perhaps a save will not be in the offing with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> on the mound against <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>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rockies </b>over the Nationals:</u> The Nationals were supposed to be in the World Series this year. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a></strong> is wearing a brace on his knee. Strasburg has a pulled muscle. And the Nats are reduced to starting <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ohlenro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ross Ohlendorf</a></strong>. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. <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> should take advantage.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Yankees over the <b>Athletics</b>:</u> <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> pitches better outside of Yankee Stadium and the A's lost Cespedes to yet another leg muscle injury. <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>, though, will have a wimpy Yankees' offense to deal with. I will be in bed by the time this pick goes wrong.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Dodgers </b>over the Diamondbacks:</u> Yes, <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> is 9-0 and deservedly so. He has been that good. But he goes against <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> in this one and that should be the difference  with the Dodgers at home. Hopefully, the bean ball wars are over.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mariners </b>over the Astros:</u> The Astros made <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> look like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/seaveto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tom Seaver</a></strong> last night. So <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondeje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Bonderman</a></strong> should look like a <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/youngcy01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cy Young</a></strong> Award candidate. Meanwhile, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></strong> is 3-1 so far this season, so I could look like a dope again.</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 Cardinals over the <b>Mets</b>:</u> <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> has been pretty good lately. But he is facing the Cardinals. The awesome <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> is pitching for the Cardinals and is facing the Mets. Now that is a pick I can at least feel good about. That makes one today.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 6-9</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 16-25  Isn't that pretty</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 74-75  man oh man</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 537-425</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 42-28</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: June 12, 2013

The picks took another beanball to the head last night. Oh, wait. That was the Dodgers. Which ironically, was one of the few correct picks o...

+ Read more »

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 2, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Finally! A good day. I was right about May. I just needed to get out of that month because on the first day of June, only five picks were incorrect out of sixteen games. Those five were the Yankees...hehe...yeah, that was a good pick, the Pirates (Liriano pitched great, Leake was better), the Angels (to Houston again!?), the Cubs (all good things come to an end), and Texas (a tip of the cap to <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shielja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">James Shields</a></strong>). I will take that. I called both games of the Cards - Giants double-header. I called the Marlins over the Mets. I called <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> over the Rays. So, yeah, it was a good day.</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 <b>Indians </b>over the Bay Rays</u>: I went back and forth on this one. <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> has pitched well against weak-hitting teams and really struggled against good teams. He did beat the Rays in his first start of the season. He and <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> are pretty similar. I am going with the home team.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Mets over the <b>Marlins</b></u>: You know that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harvema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Harvey</a></strong> is going to pitch well. The only question is whether the Mets will get him any runs. Harvey has no-decisions in half of his starts. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sloweke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Slowey</a></strong> is of the "crafty" pitching variety, so this is a big contrast in pitching styles.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Reds over the <b>Pirates</b>:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gomezje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeanmar Gomez</a></strong> is giving me fits this season. He really has become a ground ball pitcher and really has not had a bad outing since he joined the Pirates' rotation. But the pick has to go to the big stud, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/latosma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mat Latos</a></strong>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Joey Votto</a></strong> has to figure into this one somehow.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Tigers over the <b>Orioles</b>:</u> This is a bit of a tough one. <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> is coming off probably his best outing as a Tiger. But the Orioles could really whack him hard. But on the other hand, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a></strong> has not been able to get Major League hitters out in his two starts.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Braves </b>over the Nationals:</u> I am not too impressed by either of the team's starters. Nathan Karns was just barely passable in his first start. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maholpa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Paul Maholm</a></strong> is a contact guy who needs the balls to be hit at somebody. The Braves have not been giving the Nats any room to breathe thus far this season, so that is the pick.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Twins </b>over the Mariners:</u> The Mariners are starting <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondeje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Bonderman</a></strong>. Holy cow! Bonderman has not pitched in the majors since 2010. Now that is a cool kind of thing. But picking him to pitch well would be another thing. <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> goes for the Twins. Jeremy Bonderman...wow...</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cardinals </b>over the Giants:</u> I thought Bonderman was a surprise until I got to this pick. The Giants are listing <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gaudich01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chad Gaudin</a></strong> as today's starter. Chad Gaudin? Yeesh. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lyonsty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Lyons</a></strong> tries to keep his stunning early success in the big leagues going.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Diamondbacks over the <b>Cubs</b>:</u> This pick is a bit troubling. First, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksed01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Jackson</a></strong> has to win a game sooner or later. Second, as good as he has been, <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> has to lose a game eventually. Will these two events happen today? Unlikely.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Royals:</u> The Rangers should hit like five homers today since <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ervin Santana</a></strong> is pitching. <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 confusing. Does anybody have better stuff than him? And yet, him winning a game is never a guarantee.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Angels </b>over the Astros:</u> Hey, if I keep picking this outcome, it has to happen eventually. I am a bit stubborn that way. <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> needs to live up to his Head and Shoulders commercials. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></strong> still sounds like a country singer or some soap opera name.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The White Sox over the <b>Athletics</b>:</u> I do not know how healthy <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></strong> is. If he is healthy, he should dominate. If not, then the pick will blow up. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/parkeja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jarrod Parker</a></strong> has had a troubling season for the A's.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rockies </b>over the Dodgers:</u> I am not sure how well Hyun-Jin Ryu's stuff will translate at Coors Field. And <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 just a better option pitching in that wild place than Ryu. He is more of a know entity there.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Red Sox over the <b>Yankees</b></u>: The Red Sox are just a better team right now. Their infield defense is spectacular with Iglesias at third. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buchhcl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Clay Buchholz</a></strong> and his health are a bit of a concern. The only way this pick goes awry is if Buchholz is not healthy and if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kurodhi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hiroki Kuroda</a></strong> pitches at the top of his game.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Padres </b>over the Blue Jays</u>: <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>'s biggest problem is his command and control. But that is less of a problem against a Blue Jays' team that is undisciplined at the plate (except for Bautista and Encarnacion). Also, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ortizra02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ramon Ortiz</a></strong> starting for the Jays is just to unfathomable.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the Game of the Day!</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Phillies</b> over the Brewers:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fiersmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Fiers</a></strong> will not be able to go deep in the game as he has not pitched longer than four-plus innings all season. <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>, on the other hand, is having a great season. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/browndo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Domonic Brown</a></strong> has been killing the ball.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 11-5</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week: 55-48</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 11-5</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 473-355</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 37-23</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: June 2, 2013

Finally! A good day. I was right about May. I just needed to get out of that month because on the first day of June, only five picks were in...

+ Read more »

Why we root for guys like Jeremy Bonderman

<div style="text-align: justify;">The Seattle Mariners took a flier yesterday and signed <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondeje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Bonderman</a></strong> to a minor league contract. While of itself, this is nothing to get too worked up about. Broken down pitchers are signed to such deals every year. Sometimes, like in 2011 with Garcia and Colon for the Yankees, it works out. Most of the time it does not. And to be sure, Tigers fans will probably not root overly hard for Bonderman to make it back to the majors. He became symbolic of failure to that fan base. But for the rest of us, Jeremy Bonderman was not treated very well by baseball and a successful return would be sweet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tiger fans will counter that Bonderman made quite a bit of money for his problems, and that would be correct. Bonderman was overpaid by the Tigers his last few years there. But that only seems right because of how his early career was mishandled.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The beginning starts with the Oakland A's and a prominent part in the <i>Moneyball</i> book. Bonderman supposedly was the only high school junior ever drafted in baseball. His draft by Grady Fuson is credited in the book for <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beanebi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Billy Beane</a></strong>'s famous chair throwing incident. But looking back on that draft somewhat exonerates Fuson. It really was a weak draft in 2001. The top three of Mauer, Prior and Teixeira all were terrific, but the rest of the first round was really a wash. The only case (in hindsight mind you) that Beane has here is <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wrighda03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Wright</a></strong>, taken ten picks after Bonderman. And you can probably include <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>, a college pitcher who was not taken by anyone until the middle of the second round.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But it was a mindset by the A's that Beane was supposedly so upset about and that was the odds of a high school pitcher making it were so much higher than a college pitcher or a position player. And Beane was all about the odds. Whether true or not, the A's including Bonderman in a big three team trade a year after that draft was Beane's way of getting even.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And even that was unkind to Bonderman. Sending a young pitcher to the Tigers back in those days was like sending someone to Siberia. The Tigers averaged 96.6 losses a season between 1996 and 2005. This was where Bonderman was thrown. And what is a common theme for a team that has no talent? It is the temptation of pushing talent faster than it needs to be pushed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And that is exactly what happened with Bonderman. As a nineteen year old in A+ ball in the minors, he was asked to throw 157 innings. And then, inconceivably, the Tigers brought him up the very next year to pitch at the age of twenty in the majors.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2003 Detroit Tigers were one of the all-time worst teams ever. They went 43-119 that season. Ouch. And at the age of twenty, Jeremy Bonderman was thrown into that rotation. Predictably, it did not go well. He went 6-19 in 28 starts and 33 overall appearances and pitched 162 innings. He was shut down the last week of the season so he would not reach twenty losses. Which was weird because they did not mind letting the 25 year old, Mike Moroth lose 21. But anyway, that's how it went.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The following season, now twenty-one, Bonderman improved to 11-13 with a 4.89 ERA. But his FIP was 4.27 and his xFIP was below four. The Tigers improved as well and "only" lost ninety games.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next year was even better as Bonderman went 14-13 with an ERA of 4.57 and a FIP of 3.90. The Tigers still lost 91 games.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But things came together in 2006. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leylaji99.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jim Leyland</a></strong> took over for the beleaguered <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/trammal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alan Trammell</a></strong> and the Tigers won 95 games. Bonderman, still only 23 years old, was, according to Fangraphs, the third best pitcher in baseball. He went 14-8 with a 3.29 FIP (this was still in the offensive era). He pitched the game of his life to eliminate the Yankees in the ALDS and extracted some revenge on the A's with a successful start in the ALCS. He again pitched well in the World Series against the Cardinals but the Tigers lost the series.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bonderman seemed poised to become one of the best pitchers in baseball. And indeed, he started 2007 with a bang. At the end of the first half, Bonderman was 9-1 with a 4.28 strikeout to walk ratio. But all those innings on his young arm must have caught up to him in the second half. He went only 2-8 in the second half with an ERA over seven. He had to have been hurt and sure enough, would lose much of the next two years to injury.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A much weakened pitcher showed up for the Tigers in 2010, his last season in the majors. He did make 29 starts, but was ineffective. His ERA ballooned to 5.53 and his FIP of 4.90 showed that much of it was earned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After 2010, he disappeared. And he wasn't heard from in 2011 or 2012. This year, he is attempting a comeback and he is only thirty years old. Stranger things have happened (Vogelberg, for example). And the Mariners have taken a chance on him with a Spring Training invitation. The odds are tremendously long. But wouldn't it be cool if he made it? Wouldn't that be fun?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jeremy Bonderman was not treated very well as a young pitcher. It's all speculation, of course, but that seeming abuse caught up with him in the second half of 2007 and plagued him until his last season in 2010. You have to root for a guy like Jeremy Bonderman. You just have to. </div>

Why we root for guys like Jeremy Bonderman

The Seattle Mariners took a flier yesterday and signed Jeremy Bonderman to a minor league contract. While of itself, this is nothing to ge...

+ Read more »