I figured that it would be appropriate for the 4th of July to actually get a Streaking In Public done before the games I am picking actually occur. A novel concept, I know! It is going to be all about America's pastime again here on SIP, mostly because I couldn't bring myself to root for any result from the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Has there ever been a death at that event? There has to have been.
On Beat the Streak, I am taking two players from All-American, wholesome midwestern teams on either end of the standings. The Brewers stink, but Adam Lind has been good and takes on rookie Josh Smith (not to be confused with the NBA free agent) today. Smith has had control issues over his first two MLB starts, which means Lind could get an early crack at Cincinnati's 26th ranked bullpen.
For the other pick, it is the Royals' Lorenzo Cain. Cain is in line to make the All-Star team and unlike some of his fellow Royals he actually deserves it. He takes on Mike Pelfrey and the Twins this evening. Cain is 4-for-9 lifetime against the Minnesota right hander with a double and 2 RBI. I fully expect to ride my fine luck from last night to a W4 today.
On Streak for the Cash, I am playing with fire in picking the Seattle Mariners. After two wins earlier in the year from the M's on Streak, I bore witness to a dumpster fire of a start from King Felix in which Houston pounded the King to the tune of eight earned in 1/3 of an inning. Hernandez takes the bump again tonight against Kendall Graveman and the Oakland A's. I picked successfully with Oakland two days ago, but Graveman has been a bugaboo for me both on SFTC and in fantasy baseball so I am going against him. HAPPY STREAKING AND FOURTH OF JULY EVERYBODY!!!!
Image Credits: Lind/Cain BTS (mlb.com), Streak pick (espn.com)