Thursday May 27th Picks

Tim Hudson

Hey there guys,

Sorry for the no post yesterday, I had a lot on my plate and did not have much time to finish putting everything up. It's a good thing too. I have been pretty awful over the last couple of days, going 13-17, though I have gone 20-10 ATS. The Red Sox v Rays and Braves v Marlins have completely baffled me thus far but I think things are going to turn around as I have added in some components to my calculation which should really help out in the end. Things are really starting to get interesting now as some division leaders, ala the Twins, Phillies, and Rays, are on losing streaks while some teams are beginning to creep up, like the Rockies, Red Sox, and everyone in the NL East. What a competitive division huh? Every team in that division is over .500 and at most 3 games back. Should be fun to watch. Anyway. Here are today's picks. As always I would love to hear what you guys think.


*for Games only; Games in COLOR are recommended games to watch; my pick are in Bold

MLB

5/27 Picks

*Game(s) of the Day*

New York Yankees (-1.5)(9.5) @ Minnesota Twins
Javier Vasquez (Proj ERA 5.04) vs. Nick Blackburn (3.69)

Preview: The Yankees, twice in the last two days, proved me wrong in my thinking that the Twins would be able to beat them, but call me persistent. I am picking the Twins again tonight. And here is why. Javier Vasquez is awful against Minnesota. Just terrible. He managed a 6.61 era against them when he pitched for the White Sox back in '08 and Justin Morneau eats his pitches for breakfast. Blackburn is on a 4 game winning streak which I think will help turn things around for the division leading Twins.

My Pick: Twins 5-4 <----- UPSET

Atlanta Braves @ Florida Marlins (-1.5)(8.0)
Tim Hudson (2.09) vs. Ricky Nolasco (5.27)

Preview: This has been a rough series for me to pick, as I have picked one very well, and one AWFUL. Lucky for me my awful pick didn't make it on to the internet (awkward whistle) anyway we will see if I can change my fortune today. I really like the Braves here. Not in a big win but I like a win. Tim Hudson has been lights out and I expect him to do the same, go 6 maybe 7 innings and keep the Marlins offense in check while allowing an inconsistent Braves offense to build a lead. I think the Marlins might be fading a bit, heading into a cold streak at the wrong time, especially in this division if Strasburg does come up in June for the Nats, but if that continues to stay true, especially against Hudson, then I don't see them being able to get it done. If they are they are going to do it on the play of 2B Dan Uggla and 3B Jorge Cantu. Aside from Hanley Ramirez these two guys don't get enough credit for getting the job done at the plate. Still, against Hudson I just don't see it happening.

My Pick: Braves 4-3 <----- UPSET

The Rest

Astros @ Brewers (-1.5)(9.0)
Brett Meyers (3.45) vs. Dave Bush (6.50)
My Pick: Astros 5-4 <----- UPSET
Why? Dave Bush is why. Bush just has not gotten the job done at home with a 6+ ERA in Milwaukee. But it's not like he's the only one. The entire team just doesn't play well at home. I mean heading into today they are 5-15. I know this is the Astros but Meyers has been pitching fantastic recently and I think Houston edges Milwaukee in the end.

Dodgers @ Cubs (-1.5)(7.5)
John Ely (3.86) vs. Ted Lilly (5.03)
My Pick: Dodgers 4-3 <----- UPSET
Why? I picked a lot of upsets today and I really like the Dodgers in this one, because despite the Cubs winning ways recently it has all fallen on the pitching. And I don't think Lilly is going to get the job done today against one of the best offenses in the Majors.

Diamondbacks (-1.5)(9.5) @ Rockies
Dan Haren (4.64) vs. Jason Hammell (5.95)
My Pick: Rockies 5-4 <----- UPSET
Why? I can understand why many people would think that the Diamondbacks are going to win this game. Dan Haren is a very good pitcher. But recently he has not been the Dan Haren of old, with a 5+ ERA this month. Against the Rockies in Colorado that is not conducive to winning baseball games. Especially when you have the worst bullpen in the majors.

Nationals @ Giants (-1.5)(8.0)
Craig Stammen (6.33) vs. Barry Zito (3.43)
My Pick: Giants 5-3
Why? The Nationals are a solid hitting team. But Zito is a very good pitcher who gets the job done at home, with a 2.91 era in San Fran. Craig Stammen? Not so good.

Cardinals @ Padres (-1.5)(7.0)
P. J. Walters (5.51) vs. Wade LeBlanc (4.10)
My Pick: Padres 4-3
Why? This score may look close but I think it will be clear that the Padres are going to win this game from the outset. They are hitting better than the Cardinals, and so far this series they are pitching better than the Cardinals. I think that happens again tonight.

Athletics (-1.5)(9.0) @ Orioles
Gio Gonzalez (4.15) vs. Brad Bergesen (4.68)
My Pick: A's 4-3
Why? I think this will be a close game, the Orioles are hitting the ball really well as of late, but the A's are a team that is building momentum and have mastered close games this season going a combine 11-3 in Xtra Inning and 1-Run games.

White Sox @ Rays (-1.5)(8.5)
Gavin Floyd (6.03) vs. Jeff Niemann (2.68)
My Pick: Rays 5-3
Why? Maybe the 4th time is a charm? The Rays have let me down the last 3 games that I have picked them, but I feel like that is going to turn around tonight. Niemann has been pitching some solid baseball as of late and even if we see the Gavin Floyd of old, the White Sox have struggled in this situation all year. I expect the Rays to get back to their winning ways.

Royals @ Red Sox (-1.5)(9.5)
Brian Bannister (5.69) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (5.26)
My Pick: Red Sox 6-4
Why? The Red Sox are THE hottest team in baseball right now after sweeping the Rays in a 3 game series they now host a Royals team, who brings some hot bats to hitter friendly Fenway. That said Dice-K has been looking better with each of his last few starts and if they Offense continues to plate runs then the BoSox may run away with this one.

Phillies (-1.5)(8.0) @ Mets
Cole Hamels (3.60) vs. Mike Pelfrey (3.49)
My Pick: Mets 4-3 <----- UPSET
Why? The Phillies have perhaps the best offense in baseball. They have been blanked the past two Nights by the Met's pitching staff. Mike Pelfrey is a solid pitcher who I believe has the potential to keep the struggling Phils lineup in check tonight. Throw in that the Mets have some of the hottest bats in baseball right now and I think they can pull off the sweep tonight.

Pirates @ Reds (-1.5)(8.5)
Charlie Morton (7.18) vs. Johnny Cueto (3.18)
My Pick: Reds 6-3
Why? Charlie Morton is AWFUL. He is 1-8 for a reason. The Reds also know that they are in sole position in first with the Cardinals struggling out west. They know that if they can win again tonight they would hold a 2 game lead in the Central. Oh yeah Johnny Cueto is also an up and coming fantastic pitcher. That too.

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Sorry these predictions have been coming up late or not at all recently but I am hoping that things will get settled down soon and I get these up on a regular basis for you guys. If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or ideas just let me know by commenting below, or just email us at wherethelandsharksare@gmail.com

Thanks for Reading

Batteman