MLB Game Picks - Sunday: May 4, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday reversed the day from Friday. After only getting five correct on the latter, only five were incorrect for the former. Even so, the Game of the Day feature was wrong again, which is infuriating. <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> was great but gave up three solo homers. And on the other side, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vogelry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Ryan Vogelsong</a></strong> had command issues, but was aided by two double-plays and a caught stealing. Another pick was aided this time from the Blue Jays' total inability to put a game away. That team's bullpen is a total disaster right now.</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;">That brings us to Sunday, the best baseball day of the week. The picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Indians</strong> over the White Sox</span>: <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> has been good thus far, but I have to go with <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> at home. The White Sox will 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>'s energy while he is on the disabled list.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Yankees</strong> over the Bay Rays</span>: This game could go either way. Both teams should have their better relief pitchers back. A lot will depend on how the starters do. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bedarer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Erik Bedard</a></strong> and <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> are hard to trust either way. I'm going with the home team.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Marlins</strong> over the Dodgers</span>: I am worried over always depending on <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan015jos,fernan018jos,fernan008jos,fernan014jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> to be perfect at home. On some days, he won't. On the other hand, the Dodgers are starting <del>Barney</del> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fifest01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Stephen Fife</a></strong>, which doesn't make me want to pick them.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Athletics over the <strong>Red Sox</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">John Lackey</a></strong> has had two brilliant starts in a row. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a></strong> is my guy! I have to go with my guy, right? It is a stupid reason to make a pick, but it's not as if I have these magic scientific formulas with this daily column.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Braves</strong> over the Giants</span>: This is how messed up my mind gets after weeks of doing this in the unpredictable game we call baseball. I figure <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> is a lock over <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> and will strike out a dozen Braves. But then I start to thinking about Wainwright and the Cards and the last time I called a lock and remember this as a trap. Oy. Does anyone want to do this for me for a few weeks?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Pirates</strong> over the Blue Jays</span>: Are the Blue Jays a mess right now, or what? <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> is the starter today, but he would solve some problems if he were in the bullpen. On the other hand, <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> could give up at least four homers today with his history.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Twins</strong> over the Orioles</span>: Heaven help me, I am picking <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> to win at home. The big ballpark should help him and the fact that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=gonzami03,gonzami04,gonzal010mig&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Miguel Gonzalez</a></strong> is as unpredictable as him should help too.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Tigers over the <strong>Royals</strong></span>: <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> has pitched somewhat well against the Tigers in his career, winning two of his three decisions. But I just can't get myself to go there with <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> on the mound for the Tigers.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Astros</strong> over the Mariners</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mchugco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Collin McHugh</a></strong> has been brilliant in his first two starts, but the key is if the Astros can score anything. <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> can be had. But this is far from a lock pick.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Angels</strong> over the Rangers</span>: I never seem to get it right when <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> is pitching. Hey! Did yu know that Darvish's real first name is Sefat? I am going with the Angels and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/skaggty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tyler Skaggs</a></strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Padres</strong> over the Diamondbacks</span>: The Dbacks are playing better lately. But I like <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> at home over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Wade Miley</a></strong> in this one. It all depends on if the Padres can score.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Reds</strong> over the Brewers</span>: I like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lohseky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Kyle Lohse</a></strong> better at home than in a band box like the one in Cincinnati. On the other hand, I know that it's almost midnight and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simonal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Simon</a></strong> is going to turn back into a pumpkin. Both pitchers have great records, so it could go either way.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Mets over the <strong>Rockies</strong></span>: Yeah, this might be dumb. I just don't like picking guys who are making their first starts of the season like <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> is for the Rockies. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/geedi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Dillon Gee</a></strong> is very good, but will he be at Coors?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Cardinals over the <strong>Cubs</strong></span>: Both <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a></strong> and <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> are 4-1. Hammel will be a nice flip for the Cubs at the trade deadline. The Cards aren't scoring and Cardinal Nation is in an uproar. But the fans should relax. The Cards will be fine. Wait and see.</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 Nationals over the <strong>Phillies</strong>: Every sensibility would figure that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Gio Gonzalez</a></strong> should be better than <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>. But, again, after doing this for so long, such sensibility are rubbed raw by the nature of the game.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 10-5, Month: 23-18, Games of the Day: 14-16, Season: 256-192 </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Sunday: May 4, 2014

Saturday reversed the day from Friday. After only getting five correct on the latter, only five were incorrect for the former. Even so, the ...

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MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: April 29, 2014

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mediocrity is my name. Monday again included a Game of the Day that turned out wrong. What's up with you, <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>? The Cardinals had a 3-0 lead that disappeared while they left thirteen men on base and lost. Oakland blanked the Rangers and I did not see that happening at all. This has been discouraging. Very, very discouraging.</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;">But today is another day and it has to get better. A month from now, the Games of the Day will have a nice and healthy record and things will feel better. And heck, it might even be warm here in Maine by then.</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;">Tuesday's picks: </span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Mets over the <strong>Phillies</strong></span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=,niesejo01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jon Niese</a></strong> has pitched two straight good games against two tough teams. So I am going with him over the Phillies and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Cole Hamels</a></strong> who never seems to get helped out by his team.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Orioles</strong> over the Pirates</span>: The Pirates are off to a really disappointing start this season. Last season seems like a long time ago. I'm going with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tillmch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Tillman</a></strong> over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=mortoch02,mortoch01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Charlie Morton</a></strong> (who is 0-3).</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Yankees</strong> over the Mariners</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canoro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Robinson Cano</a></strong> returns to New York and will probably hit well in his old haunt. But the Yankees will run <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=youngch03,youngch04&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Chris Young</a></strong>'s pitch count up and get him to leave the game early and then the Mariners have a problem. <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> has to pitch well though. Seager is really hot for the M's.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Marlins</strong> over the Braves</span>: I have to go with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan015jos,fernan014jos,fernan008jos,fernan018jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> at home against the Braves. He should strike out like 14 tonight with that Atlanta lineup. <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 good though and the Marlins have to score a few.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Cubs over the <strong>Reds</strong></span>: I still think <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a></strong> will out pitch <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simonal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Simon</a></strong>. Their game was rained out yesterday.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Rangers</strong> over the Athletics</span>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kazmisc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Scott Kazmir</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a></strong> are a combined 7-0. One of them has to lose. I'll stubbornly keep picking the Rangers and my man, Perez.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Tigers over the <strong>White Sox</strong></span>: <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> is not the lock he used to be. But he should be better than Jose Quintanta. Verlander better be careful to Abreu though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Dodgers over the <strong>Twins</strong></span>: Some of the bloom has come off of <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>'s rose recently and the Dodgers get an extra bat in the lineup, which helps them more than it helps the Twins. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a></strong> comes back to the AL Central.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Royals</strong> over the Blue Jays</span>: I never know what either of these teams are going to do. So that makes picking their games together a nightmare. I will go with <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> over <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> and cross my fingers I guessed right.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Nationals over the <strong>Astros</strong></span>: Jerred Cozart has been pretty solid except for one of his starts. But I think <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Gio Gonzalez</a></strong> will have a good game with a ten-spot at least for strikeouts. The Nats losing <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a></strong> for three months does not help though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Cardinals</strong> over the Brewers</span>: The good news for the Cardinals is that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/craigal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Allen Craig</a></strong> is coming around. The good news is that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a></strong> is 4-1. The bad news for the Cardinals is that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lohseky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Kyle Lohse</a></strong> is coming home and knows how to pitch in St. Louis.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rockies over the <strong>Diamondbacks</strong></span>. Mike Bolsinger had his first good outing of the season his last time out. But it was against the Cubs. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chatwty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Tyler Chatwood</a></strong> has shown signs of figuring life out.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Angels</strong> over the Indians</span>: A lot will depend in this game on how sharp <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weaveje02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Jered Weaver</a></strong> is. With his 87 MPH fastball, he has to be pinpoint. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a></strong> is one of the best of the Indians' pitchers, but Trout and Pujols are tough to beat.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The <strong>Giants</strong> over the Padres</span>: This pick did not turn out so well yesterday. And <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cainma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Matt Cain</a></strong> is not nearly as good (on paper) as Bumgarner. So why pick them? I still think they are a better team than the Padres, that's why. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stulter01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Eric Stults</a></strong> goes for the Friars.</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;"><u>The <strong>Red Sox</strong> over the Rays</u>: If <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">John Lackey</a></strong> pitches like he did against the Yankees, this should be a walk for the Red Sox, especially with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bedarer01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" target="_blank">Erik Bedard</a></strong> pitching for the Rays.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday: 3-3, Games of the Day: 11-14, Season: 215-168 </span></div>

MLB Game Picks - Tuesday: April 29, 2014

Mediocrity is my name. Monday again included a Game of the Day that turned out wrong. What's up with you, Madison Bumgarner ? The Cardi...

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Jose Fernandez's conservative projections

<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="color: black; line-height: 1.5;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan015jos,fernan014jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan015jos,fernan014jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.flagrantfan.com" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong>'s rookie season, as a 20 year old starting pitcher, started out as an interesting conversation piece. He had a couple of spectacular starts offset by some so-so starts, generally depending on whether he was home or away at the time. By the end of 2013, he was the talk of baseball writers and won the Rookie of the Year honors. Despite how he finished 2013, projection systems are taking a conservative approach to how Fernandez will perform in 2014.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">First, let's look at the projection systems' numbers and then a discussion of them will follow:</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">System, IP, K/9, B/9, ERA, FIP, WAR</div><ul style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">ZiPS: 154, 9.53, 3.16, 2.57, 2.87, 4.5</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">Oliver: 118, 9.67, 3.27, 2.74, 2.86, 2.6</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">Steamer: 192, 10.01, 3.35, 3.35, 3.05, 3.8</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">Fans: 201, 9.72, 2.87, 2.83, 2.97, 4.2</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">PECOTA: 186, 9.77, N/A, 2.44, N/A, 4.6</li></ul><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">If we average them all out, here is a list of how the projected numbers stack up to his 2013 numbers:</div><ul style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">IP - 170, less than 2013</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">K/9 - 9.75, higher than 2013</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">B/9 - 3.16, higher than 2013</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">ERA - 2.79, higher than 2013</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">FIP - 2.94, higher than 2013</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">WAR - 3.94, lower than 2013.</li></ul><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">As you can see, the average of the five projection systems paint a picture of a pitcher not as successful as last season. Two of the five systems projected his WAR at equal to 2013 or higher. They all projected more strikeouts per nine but higher ERA and FIP numbers.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">The projections are, in fact, conservative. Is there a good reason to be? Well, sure. So many things can happen to a pitcher. There are pulled muscles, blisters, line drives hitting them like tiny dodge balls, sore shoulders and elbows and just plain bad luck. And consider that of the 79 pitchers who qualified for the ERA title last season, only 46% of them, or 36 of them pitched 200 innings or more. Pitching is a tough gig.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">But what if Jose Fernandez stays healthy and pitches 200 innings or more? What can we tell from last year? What we did see was a pitcher who gained mastery and unbelievable numbers as the season progressed.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">In his first ten starts covering April and May, Fernandez went 2-3 with a 3.78 ERA with a 1.204 WHIP. Here is how he did each month after that:</div><ul style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">Jun: 2-1, 1.67, 0.928</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">Jul: 3-1, 2.08, 0.857</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">Aug: 3-1, 1.15, 0.846</li><li style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;">Sep: 2-0, 0.64, 0.786</li></ul><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">Unbelievable, eh? He was getting better as the season went along. As you may or may not know, during the season, I pick the games every day to predict which team will win or won't win. In the first half, if Jose Fernandez was at home, I would pick the Marlins to win. If the Marlins were on the road, I would pick them to lose if Fernandez was pitching. After the first half, I always picked him to win. It did not matter if he was home or on the road.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">This is a special pitcher who just happens to be heading into his Year 21 pitching. There is something exciting about him and when he pitches, he is the kind of pitcher that everyone wants to watch. The only thing that can derail him is some sort of injury and you really have to root against that happening with all of the fibers in your body if you are a baseball fan.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">It is easy to understand the computer models being conservative. Things happen to pitchers. So much that actually occurs in the game are out of their control. His fielders have to field, his batters have to get ahead in the game to keep him on the mound and his catcher has to frame and block pitches well.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">But there is a lot in his control. Even as a freshman pitcher, he got batters to swing at 31% of his pitches out of the strike zone. I think his walks will come down significantly. I think he has adapted to pitching on the road and getting batters to hit less fly balls on the road (which the records show he did). For gosh sakes, he led the league with only 5.3 hits per nine innings! That is remarkable.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">If he stays healthy--and man, I hope he does--I see no reason why his ERA cannot again finish under 2.50, his winning percentage stay above 60% and his strikeout to walk ratio to improve. I see no reason why he cannot go 200 innings at least and yet keep his WHIP under 1.00.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">I cannot wait to see what he does because pitchers like him do not come around very often. If Jose Fernandez does not finish with 6 WAR or higher, I will be totally shocked and disappointed.</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

Jose Fernandez's conservative projections

Jose Fernandez 's rookie season, as a 20 year old starting pitcher, started out as an interesting conversation piece. He had a couple of...

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The awards season is over - How did I do?

<div style="text-align: justify;">Now that the MVPs have been announced and Twitter has been through a day of name-calling ("Stupid" and "Moron" the most common), we have our full slate of awards for the season. I wanted to take a second to look back at my choices and see how I came out next to the BBWAA and the BBA. So I took a look at <a href="http://passion4baseball.blogspot.com/2013/10/bba-post-season-awards-2013.html" target="_blank">my picks</a> and all in all, there was not a whole lot of disagreement.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://baseballbloggersalliance.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">BBA</a> differed from the BBWAA in two areas. The BBA had <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=farrejo03,farrejo02,farrel010joh&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">John Farrell</a></strong> for its best manager in the American League for 2013 and had <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> as the best player in the American League. I differed from both organizations on two accounts each, which is sort of weird.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/puigya01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Yasiel Puig</a></strong> as my rookie in the National League and I had Mike Trout as the best AL player. But my manager picks both agreed with the BBWAA manager picks. Both the BBWAA and BBA had <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan015jos,fernan014jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> as the NL's best rookie so there was a disconnect for me with both organizations. I differed on Trout with the BBWAA and on Farrell with the BBA.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was some division caused by the NL rookie voting, but nothing like the vitriol caused by the Trout versus <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a></strong> camps. The passion displayed by both sides is really heated and frankly, I find the name-calling distasteful. There is some disconnect out there on how to rate players that many have dubbed an old-school versus new-school debate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That is unfortunate because it is divisive. Yes, Trout has not received the ultimate recognition but he did win the Silver Slugger Award and came in second in the BBWAA voting, so that is hardly sheep dip. I believe he is the best player in the American League for the second season in a row. But the fact is that 99.8% of those who voted in either organization do so because they write about a sport they love. There are simply some who disagree on how to value players and what is important in doing so.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is one area of agreement and that is that Miguel Cabrera is the best offensive player of this generation. He might even be the best hitter I have seen in my lifetime. So the arguments have been about the best pure hitter in baseball versus the best all-around player in the game today. I worry a bit about Cabrera's rise in slugging since 2010 because of the times we live in and I have not forgotten his alcohol-related incidents earlier in his career. I still consider those egregious and thought he got a pass by baseball.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But those are side issues and do not take away the greatness of his offensive exploits. I find the argument an interesting one on how to value Cabrera versus Trout. I just hate the name calling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have our awards and we have our winners. They are etched in stone for the rest of baseball immortality. Debates about the winners have been going on forever. The tone is just different. I am glad my choices were made and stick with them and am somewhat pleased that I was dead on in most of them. Of course, neither the BBA or the BBWAA have come around to adopting the <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=meyerda02,meyerda01,meyer-004dan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dan Meyer</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davieky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kyle Davies</a></strong> Awards. That is there problem. Heh. </div>

The awards season is over - How did I do?

Now that the MVPs have been announced and Twitter has been through a day of name-calling ("Stupid" and "Moron" the most ...

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MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: September 11, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Tuesday was just another crappy day of picking in what has been a fairly crappy month. It is a good thing that I have had four months to watch these teams to be able to tell what they are going to do. It is a good thing that I have been watching four decades worth of baseball games to get a feel for how this works. It is a good thing that I have been doing this column for four years so I know what I'm doing. Ha!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mean, look at the Reds. They beat the Cardinals three out of four and then swept the Dodgers to get within a game and a half of the division lead. Now they have had their hats handed to them twice in a row against the Cubs. I can see losing a close game, 2-0, against a very good <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>. But 9-1?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the A's are grinding it out for the division title. The Rangers have been slipping and the A's have a chance to bury them. But then they lose to the Twins? Geez, Louise.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All I can do is keep plugging along. Wednesday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the Royals</u>: <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> has become quite a story hasn't he? There is nothing like a good comeback story. How can you not root for him? Well, if you are a Royals fan, you can't. <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> seems to need to be perfect in order to be good. He has not been perfect lately. He is always capable though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Pirates</u>: The Pirates have had their way in this series thus far after taking the first two games. And as one of my Twitter buds, @juniusworth tells me, "the Rangers suck in day games." Which is what they play today. But two things: First, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burnea.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">A.J. Burnett</a></strong> pitching in Texas seems like a loss waiting to happen. And secondly, <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> is going to fight for this win.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Giants </b>over the Rockies</u>: Can you pick against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/petityu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Yusmeiro Petit</a></strong> at this point? Not until his good pitching streak is over at least. He almost got a no-hitter his last time out. Will that take something out of him for this one? Hmm... <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nicasju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Nicasio</a></strong> goes for the Rockies.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Yankees over the <b>Orioles</b></u>: Because I don't know if <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/feldmsc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Scott Feldman</a></strong> can hold down the Yankees for a second straight time and even though I do not have much faith in <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pettian01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Andy Pettitte</a></strong>, he at least has the possibility that he could pitch well. But the bullpen at the end for the Yankees is dicey at this point.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Padres </b>over the Phillies</u>: When is the last time that <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> won a ballgame? It seems like forever. So he is due for a win against a weak-hitting Phillies team. <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> could put a monkey wrench into this pick though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Angels over the <b>Blue Jays</b></u>: I don't know who will win this game. This is a battle of two teams that drive me crazy. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dicker.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">R.A. Dickey</a></strong> goes against <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> in a game of initials gone wild. I'm feeling the Angels.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Braves</u>: I have been telling you all season that <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan014jos,fernan008jos,fernan015jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> is a lock at home in Miami right? Well, until proven otherwise, try beating him there with his 1.18 home ERA. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/minormi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Minor</a></strong> can match him and make it a bullpen game and then this pick will be in trouble.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rays </b>over the Red Sox</u>: Okay, now that <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> is back, can someone tell me why <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> is still in the rotation for the Red Sox? <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alex Cobb</a></strong> is better than Dempster by enough of a degree that the Red Sox better offense than the Rays should be overcome.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mets </b>over the Nationals</u>: <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>'s season has been an awful sandwich. He started the season awful. They pitched three or four hopeful starts and now has gone back to awful. <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> should have an opening to win this game then.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Tigers over the <b>White Sox</b></u>: Sometimes I think the Tigers just toy with us. Oh, we'll score ten runs for two straight games and then none for a couple. We will keep them guessing. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Anibal Sanchez</a></strong> over <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>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The A's over the <b>Twins</b></u>: I bought into <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a></strong> immediately and he rewarded my picks. Until he didn't twice in a row and I picked against him and he won. Then I jumped back on his bandwagon and he lost. Aaaahhh!!! Surely, he can be <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> can't he? Please don't call me Shirley.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cardinals </b>over the Brewers:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a></strong> has everyone mad at him. First, he would put up this maddening crooked number in the fourth or fifth inning of every game and deflate a victory into a defeat. Then in his last outing, he avoided a crooked number and gave up a single run in every inning he pitched. Either way, he is not popular in St. Louis. But he wins today over <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/estrama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Marco Estrada</a></strong>. Take that, haters.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Dodgers </b>over the Diamondbacks</u>: This match-up between <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 <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> has happened before and Ryu came out on top. He is certainly tough to beat at home. Plus, it appeas that Corbin has hit a wall. Dead arm?</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mariners </b>over the Astros</u>: I have no idea. When two teams this bad play each other, anything can happen. The Astros took the first two. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peacobr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brad Peacock</a></strong> has been decent his last couple of times. But I am picking <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maurebr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Maurer</a></strong> to have a good start after a season of learning stuff.</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>Reds </b>over the Cubs</u>: Well...this pick has been wrong for two days in a row, so why should you listen to me? Understandable. But I really feel that despite a big arm from <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>, the Reds should win behind <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>.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 7-8</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 22-19</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 72-66</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 1214-961</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 90-67</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Wednesday: September 11, 2013

Tuesday was just another crappy day of picking in what has been a fairly crappy month. It is a good thing that I have had four months to wat...

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MLB Game Picks - Saturday: August 24, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday's picks could not have gotten much worse. They were terrible. Everything about what I wrote yesterday was wrong. King Felix was out-pitched by <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richaga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a></strong>. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoki01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kirk Gibson</a></strong> thought <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Heath Bell</a></strong> was a good idea in a tie game. Similarly, the Marlins went to <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quallch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chad Qualls</a></strong> and they were ahead after a great game by <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/koehlto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tom Koehler</a></strong>. Qualls quickly blew the game. I should know better than to ever think the Yankees could win in St. Pete and that wasteland dome of theirs. Everything was bad. Everything was wrong. Turn the page.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Saturday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Dodgers </b>over the Red Sox</u>: The Dodgers' victory yesterday was certainly impressive. And now the Red Sox get <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>, who is nearly impossible to beat at his home ballpark. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ortizda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Ortiz</a></strong> will probably sit. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a></strong> has been pitching well. But so did Lackey yesterday. It did not matter.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Tigers over the <b>Mets</b>:</u> Frankly, this game could go either way. Two of the best pitchers on the planet in <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> and <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> can take over the game. All it will take is two or three runs by the winning team. It depends on which ace is more ace-like today. The Tigers have the better offense.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Phillies </b>over the Diamondbacks</u>: Andrew Martin. I am picking him? Well, not really. I am picking a hot team in the Phillies and against a dumb team in the Diamondbacks. A couple of Goldschmidt homers could make this pick look silly. But that is the only thing that will. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/delgara01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Randall Delgado</a></strong> is pitching by the way.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the Twins:</u> This pick did not exactly work out yesterday. But then again, what did? I like the Indians at home with <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> on the mound. I do not like the Twins without Mauer and with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hendrli01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Liam Hendriks</a></strong> on the mound.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Rockies</u>: Just keep Qualls out of the game, okay? <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan014jos,fernan015jos,fernan008jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> is at home. I have said it before and I will say it again: He is a lock at home. The Rockies go with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/manshje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeff Manship</a></strong>. Oy.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Reds </b>over the Brewers</u>: Another pick that was bad yesterday, but I am nothing if not stubborn. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arroybr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bronson Arroyo</a></strong> has been very reliable and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peralwi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wily Peralta</a></strong> has not. I am scared of this <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/daviskh01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Khris Davis</a></strong> kid though even if his parents could not spell.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Bay <b>Rays </b>over the Yankees</u>: Okay, I learned my lesson. No more Yankee picks in St. Pete. <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> over <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>. Price better not give <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> a fastball though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Rangers over the <b>White Sox</b></u>: Another mistake I am not going to make twice. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santihe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hector Santiago</a></strong>. How did a Hispanic kid get a name like Hector anyway? <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> should win if he has his usual stuff.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Blue Jays over the <b>Astros</b></u>: How low can the Blue Jays sink? Pretty low, it seems. The Astros sure did destroy them yesterday. And <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> is making yet another comeback attempt. At least he knows what he is doing even if he cannot always do it. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peacobr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brad Peacock</a></strong> has never pitched well.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Nationals over the <b>Royals</b></u>: The Royals confuse me so much that picking their games is like throwing grass up and seeing which way the wind blows it. <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> looks bloody awful and then pitches a great game. Who knows when or why. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmejo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Zimmermann</a></strong> has lost his he-man status, but he is still the pick.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Braves over the <b>Cardinals</b></u>: I cannot remember the last time the Cardinals won a game that <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> started. He has not always pitched poorly, but they always seem to lose (at least lately). <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teherju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Julio Teheran</a></strong> is the real deal--that is if the Cards don't force him to have a bad day. Sigh.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Cubs over the <b>Padres</b></u>: I do not know anymore. <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> and <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> have probably combined to make 42 starts. I might have picked four of those starts correctly between the two of them. My tea leaves have turned into coffee grinds.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Pirates over the <b>Giants</b></u>: I just finished <a href="http://passion4baseball.blogspot.com/2013/08/pirates-win-lottery-with-francisco.html" target="_blank">writing</a> about <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>, so I better pick him, right? And it would not be a bad pick as he has been fabulous. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/linceti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Lincecum</a></strong> is still capable of a shut down game. But those odds are less than 50/50.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Mariners over the Angels</u>: Another crappy game I do not want to pick. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vargaja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jason Vargas</a></strong>? Ugh. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=ramirer01,ramirer02&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Erasmo Ramirez</a></strong>? Ugh. At least ole' Erasmo is 4-0 for some reason. Geez, anything can happen today.</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>Orioles </b>over the Athletics</u>: It is really tough to beat the Orioles at home. And it is especially tough when <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> is pitching. Poo-poo him if you want. The Orioles win when he pitches. <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> is really better at home. He is an iffy on the road.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 5-10</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 44-38</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 180-132</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 1083-845</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 82-57   -1</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: August 24, 2013

Yesterday's picks could not have gotten much worse. They were terrible. Everything about what I wrote yesterday was wrong. King Felix wa...

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MLB Game Picks - Monday: August 19, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Did <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> throw at <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=rodrial01,rodrig011ale&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alex Rodriguez</a></strong> on purpose? Of course he did. If he got suspended because of the act (which he won't because the tensions did not escalate), I am sure he would be glad that he had the appeals process in place. I can certainly understand not liking what A-Rod has done to the game. But the big complaint from players is that he is playing under the appeals process. Excuse me, union members, but that was a hard won victory for the union in the agreement process with MLB. If Marvin Miller is not turning in his grave, I would be surprised.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The point is that the Red Sox and my pick would have been okay if Dempster had not made it personal. Elsewhere, bullpens and lack of runs cost <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> and <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> wins after pitching brilliantly...again...and cost me picks...again. The only ray of sunshine of a cloudy day of picks was picking the end of the Dodgers' winning streak.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Monday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Mets over the <b>Twins</b></u>: <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>, like most Twins' pitchers does not strike batters out. That makes him have to be really fine with his pitching. His last four games were not really fine. <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>, on the other hand, is pitching great but cannot get help from his mates. Tough pick.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Rockies over the <b>Phillies</b></u>: Talk about tough picks. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/manshje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeff Manship</a></strong> against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martiet01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ethan Martin</a></strong>? How do I pick that? I am going with the Rockies because they have a better offense. But it is a total crap shoot on this one.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Orioles </b>over the Rays</u>: I do not understand people making fun of <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>'s won-loss record. I understand that such is not the best way to evaluate a pitcher. But Tillman has given up more than three runs just twice in his last ten starts. Anyway, it is tough to pick against <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>, but I like the Orioles at home.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Reds </b>over the Diamondbacks</u>: This game is pretty significant in terms of playoff implications. The Reds, of course, would like to win the division, but they hold a small lead over the D-backs in wildcard terms. I like the Reds at home and the way they are playing lately. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arroybr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bronson Arroyo</a></strong> versus <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/delgara01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Randall Delgado</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Dodgers</u>; <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan014jos,fernan008jos,fernan015jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> has had an amazing season. But if you really want to be amazed, check out his home numbers. He is untouchable at home. <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> has been great too and will pitch well. But Fernandez will be dominant.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Rangers </b>over the Astros</u>:  <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> has done exactly what the Rangers wanted him to do when they traded for him. He should be fine today. <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> has hung in there and taken his lumps every five days. Poor guy.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Nationals over the <b>Cubs</b></u>: The sad truth is that the Nats currently are not that much better than the Cubs. I still can't get over their season. But <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmejo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Zimmermann</a></strong> is still my guy and even though I like <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> too, I have to go with Jordan.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Cardinals over the <b>Brewers</b></u>: The Cardinals are confusing 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> is confusing. How good are they? I don't really know at this point. Milwaukee has never seemed that great a place for them to go either. But the Brewers are going nowhere and <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/estrama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Marco Estrada</a></strong> is blah.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Angels </b>over the Indians</u>: We can pretty much count the Indians out now, right? Right. And though I like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salazda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Danny Salazar</a></strong>, I like <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> at home even better.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Pirates over the <b>Padres</b></u>: This pick does not make me feel comfortable. <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 unbelievable and the Padres' offense is not there. But <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> has the kind of stuff to shut down the Pirates too. Going with the better team, but I am nervous.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Red Sox over the <b>Giants</b>:</u> After watching the Red Sox a lot, there are some holes on this team. Middle relief is one. Starting pitching is another. But they should win tonight even though they flew all day to get to San Francisco. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a></strong> goes against <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/linceti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Lincecum</a></strong>.</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>Athletics </b>over the Mariners</u>: The Mariners have not been an easy team to play lately. They certainly took it to the Rangers over the weekend. The A's are the weirdest good team ever though and they will win. <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> will be okay. <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> will be okay. The A's win.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 7-8</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 7-8</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 143-102</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 1046-815</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 79-55  -1</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Monday: August 19, 2013

Did Ryan Dempster throw at Alex Rodriguez on purpose? Of course he did. If he got suspended because of the act (which he won't becau...

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MLB Game Picks - Saturday: July 13, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">The biggest golf tournament of the season in these parts takes place today, so here I am at five o'clock in the morning to make sure I bring you the game picks. Dedication! Oy, I am tired.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday was not that bad of a day as the picks went 8-6 with a postponement in Philadelphia. One of the incorrect picks was the Game of the Day as <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> was out-pitched by young <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cosart001jar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jarred Cosart</a></strong>, who won his Major League debut. Nice going, kid! It was the first hit for the Game of the Day in quite some time, so I cannot quibble.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are sixteen games on the schedule with a double-header in Philly. Here are Saturday's picks:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Yankees </b>over the Twins:</u> The Yankees better hope <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> has a good day with the scouts watching so they can trade him in a few days. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dedunsa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Sam Deduno</a></strong> pitched well for the Twins against the Yankees last time out. But the Yankees are at home.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Phillies </b>over the White Sox:</u> I still think <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> beats <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> even though the Phillies struggle slightly against lefties.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Braves </b>over the Reds:</u> I was right about <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/baileho02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Homer Bailey</a></strong> struggling after a no-hitter. It always happens for some reason. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/minormi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Minor</a></strong> better be very good for the Braves though.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Orioles </b>over the Blue Jays:</u> <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> is a scary proposition against Bautista and Encarnacion. But I would rather pick him than <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/redmoto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Todd Redmond</a></strong>. Yes, Redmond was okay in his first start. But there is a reason he is the Blue Jays' eighth option as a starting pitcher.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Bay <b>Rays </b>over the Astros:</u> Okay, so the Rays could not beat the Astros with David Price on the mound. So how are they going to beat the Astros with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=hernaro01,carmofa01&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Roberto Hernandez</a></strong> on the mound? That would be because <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keuchda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dallas Keuchel</a></strong> starts for the Astros.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Indians </b>over the Royals:</u> <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> is hanging in there, is he not? Good for him. I think he wins today against the Royals despite the fact that the Yankees fixed <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guthrje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jeremy Guthrie</a></strong>. Again, if you have a struggling pitcher, send him up against the Yankees.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Pirates</b> over the Mets:</u> The Mets are starting <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=torreca01,torres008car&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Carlos Torres</a></strong>, who has not started a game in the Majors since 2010. That said, if the season is any guide, he will be great. But I cannot pick a guy with his kind of record who has not started in the bigs in that long. I will go with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burnea.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">A.J. Burnett</a></strong> at home.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Cardinals </b>over the Cubs:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a></strong> avoided that one bad inning in his last start, so perhaps he is over that little problem. He has a tough task today as <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> is throwing well and will get traded here soon.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Tigers </b>over the Rangers:</u> I can hear a groundswell of analytic writers rooting hard against <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> because they hate the wins stat and all Max Scherzer has done is win. That makes him tough to pick against for awards when fWAR and other stats say differently. While I love the new numbers and the new stats, I still think a win is a win. And Scherzer wins again. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hollade01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Derek Holland</a></strong> with a tough luck loss.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Nationals:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan015jos,fernan014jos,fernan008jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> has been just about perfect at home this season. And that is where he pitches today. <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> seems like his arm and his career are about toasted at this point, which is too bad. At one time, he was a tough hombre.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Phillies </b>over the White Sox:</u> Yes, I am predicting a sweep with the Phillies getting over the .500 hump for the first time in a long time. Not that it will be easy. John Lannon has to pitch a good game. That is asking a lot. But if he does, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santihe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Hector Santiago</a></strong> is one of those fringe pitchers that seem to hang around for not logical reason.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Red Sox over the <b>Athletics</b>:</u> The Red Sox never lose...except when <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a></strong> pitches. Which is weird to say as you would think that he would be the anchor. He has been, but in the bad connotation of that word. But he wins today and <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>, who is usually good at home, gives up just enough for the Red Sox to win again.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mariners</b> over the Angels</u>: <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernafe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Felix Hernandez</a></strong> is no longer the same Felix Hernandez. He isn't and I think there is something wrong with him. But he will keep taking the ball and he is savvy enough to still win. <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> is darn good though. I predict that Weaver plunks <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/ibanera01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Raul Ibanez</a></strong>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Brewers over the <b>Diamondbacks</b>:</u> <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> finds a way. I have been fascinated by him for quite some time. He is simply a guy who pitches better than his talent. That's all there is to it. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/delgara01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Randall Delgado</a></strong> could learn from him.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Giants over the <b>Padres</b>:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/linceti01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Lincecum</a></strong> struck out eleven batters his last outing. That was impressive. Is he back? Are the Giants back after winning a couple in a row? That is what I am thinking. <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> goes for the Padres.</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>Dodgers </b>over the Rockies:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chatwty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Chatwood</a></strong> is pretty good, especially on the road away from Coors. And he has a nice pitchers' park today. The only problem is that he is facing <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>, who is going to pitch better. The Dodgers continue to roll.</li></ul><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 8-6</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 52-32</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Month: 102-64</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 779-610</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 61-40</div></div>

MLB Game Picks - Saturday: July 13, 2013

The biggest golf tournament of the season in these parts takes place today, so here I am at five o'clock in the morning to make sure I b...

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MLB Game Picks - Monday: July 1, 2013

<div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Canada Day to my friends north of the border. And Happy Birthday to my first wife, a lovely lady and mother to my children. June went by in a blur. But I guess that is what all older people say.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am excited about a new month though because May and June were so ordinary and blah when it came to picking games. Both months just scraped by a bit over .500 and the season's tally is still riding a hot April with no help from the last two months. Yesterday ended the month in typical fashion at 8-7. I am so tired of being just barely adequate at picking these things.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what has the new month to offer? A fresh slate. More of a crystallizing of what teams are good and which are not. The best weather of Northern Maine. And, with any kind of luck, better picking. Let's get it started with Monday, July 1:</div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Blue Jays</b> over the Tigers:</u> <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dicker.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">R.A. Dickey</a></strong> has pitched three good outings in a row. The Blue Jays are at home and despite a tough series against the Red Sox are playing much better ball. The Tigers go with <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=alvarjo01,alvarjo02&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Alvarez</a></strong>, a fill in starter, which gives the Jays an even better chance at winning.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Nationals </b>over the Brewers:</u> The Nationals came out of their hitting slump yesterday and isn't <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> coming back today? On top of all that, my man, <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmejo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Zimmermann</a></strong> is pitching. <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> is nothing to sneeze at for the Brewers however.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Mets </b>over the Diamondbacks:</u> The Mets seem a lot more versatile without Duda and Davis and are playing a bit more of an exciting game. Not that they are great or anything. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/marcush01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Shaun Marcum</a></strong> got his first win and the pick is for him to win again. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wade Miley</a></strong> has not been able to come close to his form of last season.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Marlins </b>over the Padres:</u> I just <a href="http://passion4baseball.blogspot.com/2013/06/jose-fernandez-thus-far.html" target="_blank">wrote</a> about <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan014jos,fernan015jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> over the weekend, so it would be stupid of me to pick against him. I like him especially at home where he has not lost and has great peripherals. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/marquja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jason Marquis</a></strong> has been great all year but got whacked last time out.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The <b>Reds </b>over the Giants:</u> I just noticed that I have not picked an away team yet. That is kind of scary. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arroybr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bronson Arroyo</a></strong> is no stopper and has to be really on to win. But even if he is not on, the Reds should be able to score a lot off of <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kickhmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Kickham</a></strong>, who has not impressed in his short career so far.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><u>The Yankees over the <b>Twins</b>:</u> I have picked against the Yankees for six straight days and that has worked out nicely, although it makes me sad. But I like <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pettian01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Andy Pettitte</a></strong> against the Twins and he has a history of handling Mauer pretty well. <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diamosc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Scott Diamond</a></strong> is yet another lefty and the Yankees hate lefties. But Diamond is not a high-quality lefty, so that gives them a chance at least.</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>Bay Rays</b> over the Astros:</u> I will take <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moorema02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Matt Moore</a></strong> at home just about against anyone. Against Houston, yeah. Besides, even 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>, I do not think <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keuchda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dallas Keuchel</a></strong> will be much of an obstacle for the Rays.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday: 8-7</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Week: 8-7</div><div style="text-align: justify;">June: 211-197</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Season: 676-546</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Games of the Day: 52-37 </div>

MLB Game Picks - Monday: July 1, 2013

Happy Canada Day to my friends north of the border. And Happy Birthday to my first wife, a lovely lady and mother to my children. June went ...

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Jose Fernandez thus far

<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the most interesting stories in baseball this season is the Miami Marlins employing a twenty year old starting pitcher from Cuba who never pitched a game above A+ ball before this season. The <strong><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=fernajo01,fernajo02,fernan008jos,fernan014jos,fernan015jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a></strong> story has been largely overlooked because of where the Marlins currently sit in the standings and the lack of national exposure the team gets. Now that we are nearing the halfway point in the season, how is Jose Fernandez doing?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The large answer is that he is doing just fine. That probably surprises some people who scoffed at the idea of putting the kid in the rotation at the start of the season. But it probably surprises a lot of people that the Marlins have played over .500 ball in June too. It is funny what happens when nobody is looking.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jose Fernandez has now made fifteen starts. Seven of those have been no-decisions. That leaves his current record at 4-4, a rather nondescript number that may also lead to few probing into his season to shrug. Fernandez had a rough April and was 0-2 after that first month with an ERA of 4.50. I remember seeing some articles and tweets wondering if he should be sent to the minors. He was not sent down.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since the end of April, Jose Fernandez has gone 4-2 and now things look a little better. He made five starts in May and went 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA. That was better. He has made five starts in June and has gone 2-1 with an ERA of 1.67. That was impressive. The progression shows in his WHIP for the three months too. In April, his WHIP was 1.292. In May it went down to 1.200. In June it is a microscopic 0.928. His overall ERA is down to 2.98 and his FIP is also impressive at 3.20. That is good pitching.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His home / road splits might make you think that his spacious home park is adding to those numbers and you may be right. In seven starts at home, he is 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA and a .231 BABIP. On the road, he has pitched eight times and is 2-4 with an ERA of 4.12 and a BABIP of .281. But I think those numbers are skewed by two bad starts on the road in April that led to both of his losses that month.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you look at his last two road starts, you will find that he pitched 13.1 innings and gave up only six hits and three runs. One of them was a fantastic start against the Cardinals in St. Louis, a tough place for any pitcher to go. His peripherals both home and away are very similar, so look for this home / road split to stabilize as the season goes along.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fangraphs.com and PitchF/X disagree with what types of pitches Fernandez throws. PitchF/X seems to indicate that he throws a curve 31.1% of the time and a slider only 0.4% of the time. Fangraphs has him throwing a curve 23.1% of the time and a slider at 8.3%. The two pitches are nearly the same speed according to both, so it is easy to see where the confusion comes in. So let's just say that Fernandez throws four and two-seam fastballs (mostly four), curves / sliders and a change-up. He may throw four pitches or he may throw five.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The important thing is that Fangraphs rates his curves at a negative value for the season and all other pitches in the positive category. PitchF/X gives positive ratings to all of his pitches. For all intents and purposes, it does not matter what Fernandez throws, he has been effective.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Currently, Jose Fernandez is averaging 94.7 MPH on his fastball. That is fourth highest in baseball among starters behind only Strasburg, Harvey and Samardzija. That is impressive. And if you look at his velocity graph, he does not go up and down from start to start. His fastball velocity from game to game is pretty darned near flat-line. That is impressive as well. He does not yet possess some of the vertical movement that those other big arms have on their fastballs, however.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unless he hits a wall and goes through the dead-arm thing, I do not see a lot of regression in his future. His strand rate is normal. His overall BABIP makes sense considering the success and arsenal of his pitches. His line drive rate is a little high at 22%, but he allows slightly more ground balls than fly balls and his fly balls do not go over the fence at a very high rate. His homers per nine inning rate is 0.64 and that is pretty consistent both in his big home ballpark and on the road.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not only do I think he is not a regression candidate, I believe he will get better. His walk rate of 3.4 walks per nine innings for the season has improved in June to 3.08. I believe that will go down even more as the season progresses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course, all of this does not negate some of the other consternation caused by Miami's decision to install such a young pitcher in the rotation in the first place. His success thus far proves he was not rushed. But the other argument is why speed up his "clock" for a team that is obviously not going anywhere in the short term.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I understand the argument and the economics involved. But it is an argument I hate. Personnel decisions should not be based on economics but on putting the best product on the field. The Marlins obviously felt that doing so meant installing a twenty year old pitcher into the rotation and I applaud this. The argument extends further in that Fernandez will become too expensive too soon and thus the Marlins will have to trade him away too soon. I do not buy that argument either and I believe that if Fernandez continues his successful pitching, the Marlins will take care of him the same way they took care of Stanton.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Obviously both Fernandez and Stanton need complimentary pieces for the Marlins to start getting somewhere. And perhaps those pieces will come in time. But I, for one, am glad that both are in the bigs because they are exciting and fun to watch. How is the Jose Fernandez experiment going thus far? In keeping with the team's name, the experiment is going swimmingly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

Jose Fernandez thus far

One of the most interesting stories in baseball this season is the Miami Marlins employing a twenty year old starting pitcher from Cuba who ...

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