MLB: Day Three Predictions

Yesterday was a better day for me at 8-4 (14-9 overall), although if it wasn't for Detroit's bullpen, I would have done better.  I was a little surprised that Arizona was shutout 3-0 by Colorado, but the Rockies got a great pitching performance from Ubaldo Jimenez.

So, instead of going into a long winded post-game analysis on the games yesterday, let's get into my picks for today.

Washington Nationals 0-2   (Daniel Cabrera)

Florida Marlins 2-0   (Chris Volstad)

12:10pm EST - Dolphin Stadium - Miami, FL

Pre-game note:  The Marlins have racked up the offense against the Nationals, scoring 20 runs on 21 hits through two games.

Todd's pick:  20 runs on 21 hits, look for that to continue.  Marlins roll

Atlanta Braves 2-0   (Jose Vazquez)

Philadelphia Phillies 0-2   (Joe Blanton)

3:05pm EST - Citizens Bank ballpark - Philadelphia, PA

Pre-game note:  Atlanta has shown that there going to be a team to be reckoned with in 2009 through the first 2 games of the season.

Todd's pick:  The Braves have had the better pitching and I don't think that is going to end this afternoon.  Braves complete the sweep

Colorado Rockies 1-1   (Franklin Morales)

Arizona Diamondbacks 1-1   (Doug Davis)

3:40pm EST - Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

Pre-game note:  Game one was an offensive battle won by Arizona, game two was a pitching duel won by Colorado.  How will game three play out?

Todd's pick:  Pitching or offense?  I'll take Doug Davis over Franklin Moralez, Arizona gets the win

New York Yankees 0-1   (Chien Ming-Wang)

Baltimore Orioles 1-0   (Koji Uehara)

7:05pm EST - Camden Yards - Baltimore, MD

Pre-game note:  Uehara makes his Major League debut for the Baltimore Orioles.

Todd's pick:  Although I was so happy the Yankees got beat in game one, I like Wang and the Yankees in game two. 

Detroit Tigers 0-2   (Zach Miner)

Toronto Blue Jays 2-0   (Jesse Litsch)

7:07pm EST - Rogers Centre - Toronto, Canada

Pre-game note:  The Jays have found ways to win in the first two games but both have been fun to watch.  Can the Tigers salvage at least one win in this series?

Todd's pick:  Jesse Litsch is really a little of an unknown around baseball but did pitch quite well for the Jays in 2008.  Look for Litsch to get off to a good start and complete the sweep for the Jays.

Tampa Bay Rays 0-1   (Scott Kazmir)

Boston Red Sox 1-0   (Jon Lester)

7:10pm EST - Fenway Park - Boston, MA

Pre-game note:  I don't think there's a better pitching match up than Scott Kazmir and Jon Lester.  Should be one of the best games on the schedule tonight.

Todd's pick:  I like both pitchers so this is a really tough game to pick.  I like Kazmir's leadership, but Lester was outstanding for Boston last year.  I'm going to take the Rays to pick up a win.

New York Mets 1-0   (Mike Pelfrey)

Cincinnati Reds 0-1   (Edison Volquez)

7:10pm EST - Great American Ballpark - Cincinnati, OH

Pre-game note:  Surprisingly, the Mets really struggled to put up runs offensively in game one.  I like Volquez on the mound for the Reds today but Pelfrey can be equally as good.

Todd's pick:  I'll take the Reds to even the series at 1-1

Chicago Cubs 1-1   (Ted Lilly)

Houston Astros 1-1   (Brian Moehler)

8:05pm EST - Minute Maid Park - Houston, TX

Pre-game note:  Astros got a great pitching performance from Wandy Rodriguez, one I wasn't expecting.  Ted Lilly will get his first start of 2009 and looks to shut down the Astros.

Todd's pick:  The scoring hasn't been what I thought it might be (4-2, 3-2), but I think the Cubs are due for a breakout.  Cubs win easily

Cleveland Indians 0-1   (Fausto Carmona)

Texas Rangers 1-0   (Vincente Padilla)

8:05pm EST - The Ballpark at Arlington - Arlington, TX

Pre-game note:  Carmona looks to rebound from a tough 2008 season as he makes his season debut for the Indians.

Todd's pick:  I was impressed with the Rangers' offense in game one.  I'm going to take the Rangers to keep that up in game 2.

Seattle Mariners 1-1   (Carlos Silva)

Minnesota Twins 1-1 (Kevin Slowey)

8:10pm EST - Target Field - Minneapolis, MN

Pre-game note:  Carlos Silva looks to get off on the right foot after a disappointing 2008 campaign.

Todd's pick:  I like Silva against Slowey, so I'll take the Mariners

Kansas City Royals 0-1   (Zack Grienke)

Chicago White Sox 1-0   (Gavin Floyd)

8:11pm EST - US Cellular Field - Chicago, IL

Pre-game note:  The White Sox needed a late three-run HR from Jim Thome to put them over the top for the win last night. 

Todd's pick:  I like Gavin Floyd to keep the Royals off the scoreboard.  Sox win big

Pittsburgh Pirates 1-1   (Zach Duke)

St. Louis Cardinals 1-1   (Todd Wellemeyer)

8:15pm EST - Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO

Pre-game note:  Albert Pujols looks to continue his dominance against the Pirates.  He finished 3-for-4 on Monday and reached base all five times last night.

Todd's pick:  This could be a toss-up, I don't know that much about Wellemeyer but I know Duke has had his struggles as well.  I'll take the Pirates putting runs up against Wellemeyer and staying ahead for the win.

Oakland A's 1-1   (Dana Eveland)

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1-1   (Nick Adenhardt)

10:05pm EST - Edison Field - Anaheim, CA

Pre-game note:  Adenhardt makes his rookie debut with the Angels, Matt Holiday should make his return to the lineup after missing last night's game due to illness.

Todd's pick:  I like Adenhardt and his abilities, but if he comes out trying to overthrow, he could put himself in an early hole.  I'll still take the Angels, but it's going to be a close game throughout.

Los Angeles Dodgers 1-1   (Chad Billingsley)

San Diego Padres 1-1   (Walter Silva)

10:05pm EST - Petco Park - San Diego, CA

Pre-game note:  Walter Silva makes his San Diego Padres debut against Dodgers' right-hander Chad Billingsley.

Todd's pick:  It's all going to depend on San Diego's offense, but Billingsley has been strong against San Diego.  Dodgers win a close one.

Milwaukee Brewers 0-1   (Yovani Gallardo)

San Francisco Giants 1-0   (Randy Johnson)

10:15pm EST - SBC Park - San Francisco, CA

Pre-game note:  Randy Johnson makes his SBC Park and San Francisco Giants' debut tonight.

Todd's pick:  No way am I going against The Big Unit and especially not when he wants to make a good impact in his home debut.  Giants win.

Enjoy the games tonight!