Pick Recap - June 30; Night Game Profiles - July 1

Before we get to previewing tonight's MLB action, I thought it was necessary to take a look back on yesterday's predictions and critique our work.

The Good:

White Sox Spank Cleveland - We got a great payout on this +170 moneyline. As predicted, the Sox good career numbers against Cliff Lee proved prophetic as they knocked the lefty silly. A nice change of pace for the Indians as it wasn't the bullpen that got lit up.

Tampa Bay Shuts Down Toronto - Matt Garza was his typical dominant self against the Canadians. We even nailed the final score, 4-1. Rays paid on a -122 moneyline.

Texas Throttles Anaheim - We didn't believe in Joe Saunders yesterday and he proved us right.

The Not-So-Good:

SF at St. Louis - Chris Carpenter pitched the way we expected Jason Marquis to pitch.

Detroit at Oakland - The offenses couldn't put big hits together in key situations and ran the bases like little leaguers, leaving us a run shy on the over/under.

Boston at Baltimore - Epic collapse by Sox pen. Can't say we didn't enjoy this, even though it cost us money.

Colorado at LA - Jason Marquis pitched the way we expected Chris Carpenter to pitch.

Mets at Milwaukee - That's what we get for putting any sort of faith in the Metrosexuals.

Overall: 3-5 is an embarrassing way to start but it gives us a place from which to climb.


ON TO TONIGHT'S ACTION

Chicago at Cleveland - Nothing has changed since yesterday. Cleveland is still atrocious. The bullpen will have an opportunity to assume its role as punching bag. Sox also showed that they like to face lefties with their beatdown of Cliff Lee last night. Take Chicago -104 and hope Jose Contreras doesn't implode. Sox win 8-3.

Chicago at Pittsburgh - Battle of two pitchers with very little in the way of track records. Most batters will be seeing these guys for the very first time. With that in mind, I'll take the better team (though that might be a point for a spirited debate). Cubs prevail 6-3 at -137.

LAA at Texas - Nice pitching matchup in the big rubber game between #1 and #2 in the AL West. This one will be tight throughout but I like the way that Weaver's been throwing and his career numbers at the Ballpark in Arlington are impressive. Angels take it 4-3 at -110.

San Francisco at St. Louis - I learned my lesson yesterday dissing that juggernaut Giants offense. More importantly, Matt Cain takes the hill for SF. Good enough for me, especially at a +129 moneyline. Giants take down the Cards again, 4-1.