MLB Opening Week

SEA (-113) @ TEX
The Mariners RUINED the Rangers last night as Ol' Rob Cano and dem boyz put up a 10 spot on the lowly Texas bullpen. Tonight the bats will stay hot against an extremely shaky Colby Lewis.

HOU @ NYY (UNDER 7)
Tow bad ass pitchers to start this one means a real lack of runs. The Yanks will be lucky to put up 2 runs today. Take the under and hope the Blastros keep their bats subdued.

WAS (-1.5) @ ATL
The Nats have big Stras on the mound today and though he hasn't turned into the greatest pitcher ever as anticipated, you can count on his big ass to go 6 or 7 innings today and keep the runs low while Bryce Harper swags his way to 3 RBI.

MLB Opening Day

Opening Day!

It's opening day for all you retirees, morbidly obese, and weird uncles. Yeah today marks the day that all other sports fans die a little inside as we hit the lowpoint in all of the athletic seasons. The good news is, we have gambling to make things interesting. While baseball has promised to "speed up" the game this year we all know it really doesn't matter. Is baseball the most loathed "sport" here at Dirty Picks? Yeah, probably. But in all fairness, it's not that bad! Hell you get to sit outside, drink overpriced beer and hot dogs all day! While your fat ass is increasing your caloric intake beyond anything the human body is capable of, catch some rayz and get a tan! Lord knows you haven't been outside in weeks! Today, I would reccomend loading up on bets! Put in at least 15 and just ride it out, we'll do our best to stay involved in baseball this year, but I can't promise anything. Here is our Opening Day slate:

NYY U8
TOR +1.5
DET -1.5
COL +1.5
BOS -115
PIT +1.5
LAD -1.5
SEA -1.5
OAK -1.5

Throwback Thursday Picks

Bases with Sugar

ALDS

DETROIT TIGERS vs BALTIMORE OREOS

Before I dive into the nitty gritty of this series let’s get something straight: Miguel Cabrera signed a deal worth $292 MILLION this year. He absolutely, positively, beyond any fucking doubt, cares about the money.  This bullshit about him saying he doesn’t want his playoff bonus because he just wants a ring, it’s just that, bullshit. OH THANKS MIGGY!!! Thanks for taking a pay cut AT THE END OF THE SEASON when it couldn’t matter any less. If you’re all about “putting a ring on it” Miggy, why didn’t you NOT sign the biggest contract in the history of baseball and tell the Tigers’ brass to go get another super star? Ohhh that’s right, because you do care about the money.  If anything, Miggy doesn’t want the playoff bonus because he’s having a hard time counting the money he has coming in already. 

Series Pick: Detroit -145

The Tigers are in the midst of a 4 year long quest to achieve World Series glory.  Truthfully, it’s been longer than that.  2006 the Tigers made it to the World Series only to have champion status take out from under them.  However, this squad, this core group has been a force in the MLB for the last 4 years.  They reached the World Series in 2012 only to get out matched by San Francisco.  They’re sick of sitting in the dugout watching the other guy’s pop bottles and celebrate.  I’m not ready to claim that Detroit will win it all this year, but I am ready to say they will wipe out the Baltimore Oreo’s before they even realize what’s happening.

GAME 1:

DETROIT (-114) @ BALTIMORE

First things first, Scherzer is on the mound for the Tigers.  Honestly, just that is enough to get my bet. If gambling is all about playing the odds, then the odds heavily favor the Tigers tonight.  Scherzer is a beast on the mound with playoff experience.  On top of that let’s see if the big guy, Miggy, can show everyone why he “just wants a ring”.

Kansas City Royals vs Los Angeles Angels

Series Pick: Kansas City +160

Yep. That’s right. No typo here. I’m picking the Wild Card winning Kansas City Royals to knock out the best team in baseball.  I know you’re sitting there sayin’: whattttttttt you’re crazy.  I think something happened against Oakland 2 nights ago.  Everyone watched as a beaten Kansas City team mounted one of the most captivating comebacks in the modern era.  They’re a team on a mission and I’m putting my money on them in this one.  LA is solid though.  I think if KC is going to win it will go 5 games.

Game 1:

Kansas City (+165) @ Los Angeles   

Kansas City needs game 1 badly if they want a chance in this series.  They will look to ride the emotion into this one and continue to roll after their extra innings win the other night. They’ve had their backs to the wall for about a month now.  They’ve been in a playoff mindset for much longer than the Angels.  LA coasted through the end of the year with absolutely no worry what so ever about missing playoffs.  KC has the edge in the mental game because of that I think but it won’t last long. Which is what makes game 1 vital for KC.

At the end of the day, a baseball pick is about as trustworthy as Vladimir Putin.  A playoff baseball pick is even worse.  Take these with a grain of salt.  I’ll leave you with a direct quote from the man who changed the game of baseball:

“My shit doesn’t work in the playoffs.  My job is to get us to the playoffs.  What happens after that is fucking luck.” – Billy Beane

REAL SPORT

Well friends, we've reached that point of the year. The WORST part of the sports year. Yes, worse than that weird point after the NBA playoffs where we only have baseball and tennis on, dying for a D2 college football game to come on. Anyways. Now, the MLB playoffs are in full swing (you know this because you read Sugar's extremely biased pick) and all these fucking, douche nugget, non athletic white guy baseball fans are coming out of the wood work. I swear to God, if I see another "ONLY IN BASEBALL" or "YA DON'T GET THIS ANYWHERE ELSE BUT BASEBALL" quote, I'll fucking explode on someone. You want sports moments that you can't replicate? Well, here's a fucking list:

• March Fucking Madness: Only in college basketball do we get to see this freak fest of upsets, close games and buzzer beaters from players that are there for 4 years or less in one month. So many different styles of play, David v Goliath battles and crazy momentum swings. If that doesn't require you to take a cold shower, then you might be a baseball fan.

• The World, Champion's or any European Fucking soccer Cup: The World Cup is a stretch here because it's more of a comparison to the Olympics. But even the smaller cups and qualifying rounds are way better than baseball! The festivities, fan loyalty and overall talent makes soccer way more fun than an October full of bullpen calls.

• The NBA Fucking Playoffs: The NBA playoffs run a similar format to baseball, but are somehow way more entertaining! At that point, all the shitty tanking teams have been weeded out and you're getting 1 or 2 great games each night. There is always that one action packed, fun series that takes the cake and makes the playoffs worthwhile. 

• The NHL Fucking Playoffs: Have you seen the NHL playoffs?! Most underrated playoffs in sports! Just find a nice cold bar somewhere up north and you're in for 3 periods of badass fights, snipes, and dudes that have the Shards of Narsil strapped to their feet! When baseball people give me the "Throw a baseball player in any other sport and he'll compete," I always ask them to grab a baseball player and throw him on skates with a bunch of pads and a stick. Go play some hockey. See what happens. 

• The Fucking Masters: Have you ever watched the Masters? It always comes down to the last 3 holes with some random dude in the mix with a savvy legend and a rising star. It's great! Someone always melts down, sinks an insane putt/chip or has a mental meltdown and goes all PeeWee herman on the course! Amazing atmosphere for an amazing event. 

• The Fucking SUPER BOWL:  Seriously. I'm not getting into this. The Super Bowl is the best. Oh and I'm going to lump the College football Bowl Season in here too. 

Only thing better than playoff baseball is the playoffs in every other sport
— Sam Connolly (@SamC_40) October 2, 2014

So now that we have once again made the case that most things > baseball, let's move on to tonight's pick. Oh BY THE WAY, I can almost guarantee that tonight's NFL game gets better ratings than both these baseball games. So while you're about to fall asleep during our National Pastime's playoffs (ONLY IN BASEBALL GUYS!), remember that there is a regular season, shitty, sloppy, blowout going on in the NFL that you are wining money on. 

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-8.5) OVER 48

Vikings rookie QB and 1950s blues guitarist Teddy Bridgewater will be out today, which means the Vikes are down to their third string QB; the man they call Christian Ponder. Now I always felt that C-Pon could do a couple things to at least keep you in the game, but tonight he's going to get rocked. Clay Matthews is looking at a 5 sack game, while A-Aron Rodgers throws for 400 and gives Sam Ponder the easy eyes as he does the DX suck it sign. Easy money. 

MLB Playoffs

WICKED WILDCARD LOCK PICK

Oakland @ Kansas City (-106)

Well folks, it's that magical time of year once again. The waining moments of baseball are upon us as we wait in anticipation for the NHL season to kick off. My early picks for the Cup will be later this week so be sure to check the site soon. Back to bazeball! The Oakland A's were a force to be reckoned with half way through this season. Their pitchers were carving batters up and their bats were on point. Kansas City at that time was struggling. Flip the page to today and you see a different story. That Oakland team dropped off worse than the Detroit Lions after Barry Sanders retired; meanwhile those Royals down in KC made a legitimate push to dethrone the Tigers as division champs. Which brings us to tonight, a one game, winner takes all, playoff in Kansas City. The Royals haven't had a playoff game in like seven hundred years. I expect that place to be popping off like vegas when Johnny Fuckin Football comes town. Royals continue to roll and take down the A's tonight. Oakland will spend all summer justifying what the hell happened to them this year.

MLB Picks

FRIDAY NIGHT AL CENTRAL SUPERSLAM UPSET PICK 

Detroit Tigers (+104) @ Kansas City Royals 

Miguel Cabrera may be a lot of things but he ain't no god damn loser.  The Tigers have 10 games left in their season and they sit .5 games ahead of Kansas City in the AL Central Division. Why do teams pay super stars the big dollars? To win the big games. Miguel Cabrera is arguably the greatest hitter of all time. Yeah sure, the washed up has been of a pitcher we know as Verlander is on the mound tonight; but that doesn't change the fact that Miggy is teeing off in KC. In Minnesota, Detroit showed that when they need runs they produce runs. In case you missed it: top of the 9th, tied 6-6, Tigers need a win to secure the division lead. Torii Hunter went yard only to be followed up by Miggy going yard in the same exact spot; 8-6 thank you, come again Minnesota. On top of the competitive nature of Cabrera, I believe the Tigers are in playoff mode. These 3 games in Kansas City are nothing less than the first round of the playoffs. They won this series, they will play in October. Do you really want to be the guy that bets against Triple Crown Winner Miguel Cabrera when the post season is on the line?

Turrible Tuesday

I know what your first thought is when you take a look at these picks....what kind of a grown man goes around calling himself Bobby Catz??? Well come off it for a second and turn your focus back to losing next months rent payment on Euro qualifiers.

Wales (-2, -115) vs. Andorra (L)

Is Andorra seriously a country? Not to rag on the people from Andorra, but why the hell would you ever live in a place that 99% of civilization couldn't locate on a map? Well the people of Andorra are about to become very familiar with the Welsh Jesus aka Gareth Bale. Look for the Los Blancos striker to put on a clinic scoring at least 2 goals by himself and setting up countless chances for his mates, Wales knows they need the easy ones to have a shot at the Euro's and will take care of business today.

Netherlands (-1/2, -120) vs. Czech Republic (L)

The only game on this list that actually scares me a little bit. The Czech's are a good squad with some quality players that had a good showing at this past summers World Cup. You know who had a better World Cup though? The wooden shoes, weed smokin Oranje. Look for the Dutch to go up early and hold on for a 1-0 victory.

Italy (-1/2, -125) vs. Norway (WINNER!)

The Italians are notorious for playing down to their competition and this line undoubtedly suggests that Vegas expects them to do exactly that today. However if Ballotelli gets going early this could be a very long day for the Norwegians. I think Ballotelli nearly misses a goal in the first five minutes and then actually tries for the next 85 minutes scoring at least 3 goals against the hapless defenders from Norway.

Sugar's Big Ass Bases!

It's 11am here on the East Coast and I'm being told I need to get my picks in.  Apparently at some point in the last 2 days punctuality has become a pillar of our foundation here at DP.  I must have missed the meeting or, more likely, was just left out off the email recipient list for the memo. There's a lot of behind the scenes nonsense here; lots of secret xbox live meetings.  Nevertheless, since I am a punctual person by nature, I really don't have a problem with our new way of bidness.  

Since we are now fully submersed in football season I'm going to do my best to make you degenerate's a few extra dollars with some baseball lockz, that way you'll have more money to lose this Sunday making stupid bets on your favorite NFL team. 

Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia Phillies (+115)  (WINNER!)

Atlanta Braves (+130) @ Washington Natty Lights (L)

Kansas City @ Detroit (-180) (WINNER!)

LA Angels (-145) @ Texas Rangers (WINNER!)

Thursday Sneaky picks

Detroit Los Tigres -1.5 (+125) @ Cleveland

Well, last night Verlander got lit up like a Christmas tree, or "holiday tree" if you're one of "those" people. Today is a new day though and Max "Mr. Big-Dick" Scherzer will take the mound this evening.  With the season winding down the pressure is on Scherzer (and Price) to deliver for the Tigers.  I expect a solid performance from one of the best pitchers in the league and a decisive Tigers' victory.

Boston (+135) @ NY Yankees

Anytime these two teams play it's a toss up. Hell anytime a baseball game happens anywhere in America, it's a toss up. I'm rolling with the Sox because if they win I win more money. I figure there's a 50/50 chance for either team to win so why not go with the bigger pay out. 

Toronto Blow Jays (+110) @ Tampa 

I went with the Blow Jays last night and it paid off. I like making money so I'm rolling with a winner for the second night in a row.  The pitchers for both teams are nothing special; just a couple bro's tossin' a little heat and chewing some grizz.  Toronto's bats should prove to be the difference maker here and make you some money in the process.

5 TEAM PARLAY SLAMPIECE 

Here's a little 5 teamer you.  If you toss $5 on it you could win your self a cool $234.  A 5 teamer is like buying a lotto ticket.  I you don't win I don't give a shit.

Cincinnati Reds (+148) @ Baltimore

Toronto Blue Jays (+120) @ Tampa

Seattle @ Texas UNDER 8.5 (-105)

Arizona Dbags (+145) @ San Diego

LA Angels (-120) @ Minnesota

NFL Picks

6 point tease

GB at SEA (P) (UNDER 53.5) 

The NFL season is upon us and we have a monster game tonight to kick off what will inevitably be another disappointing fantasy football season for ol' BJ. Lord knows that Calvin Johnson and Alshon paired with Drew Brees should be a great combo. But no, 3 weeks in Toby Gerhart and Charlie Whitehurst will be in the MVP race and I'll be stuck with a team of o linemen somehow. 

Tonight's game features the defending champs, and my personal favorite team, the Seattle Seahawks going up against the Green Bay Packers. I could go in depth about the Fail Mary, but no one wants to talk all that when we have a great kickoff game rolling out tonight. I anticipate that the Seahawks come out hot tonight and never look back.  Percy Harvin will get in 5 great plays before he gets injured and ol A-Aron Rodgers is going to be checking it down all night. Bruce "Swangin Nutz" Irvin said he was going to pray for the Pack's backup center tonight and I don't blame him. I anticipate at least 190 combined false starts and sacks (FATSACK) as the Hawks line devours the Green Bay front. Tease this one for the under and throw some cash around on this one. 

Bases with Sugar

MLB Picks

After losing quite a few bets over the past week and a half I decided to take a step back and  (once again) reevaluate what exactly it is were doing here with baseball betting. I had to relearn a couple things if you will. The first thing I reminded myself was baseball isn't a real sport. It's merely a past time, or a hobby of sorts, to get us through the dry summer months.  Because of the lack of actual athletic ability required to play baseball, you simply can't count on a team to win more often than not. This isn't a "sport" where you can break down the skill sets of the players on each team and determine how they match up. It's just a bunch of dudes whacking a ball around spitting chew everywhere. Some times teams make the playoffs after barely finishing above .500 even though they play 162 fucking games. The point here is, I'm fuckin donezo with bullshit baseball parlays. I might throw a little 7 teamer together and toss $5 on it just like I might buy a mega millions lotto ticket in case I win; but I'm not running through parlays like a god damn idiot anymore. My bets will be focused on individual picks and more specifically, on the team people think will lose. If I bet on the team favored to lose in 10 different games I don't need to hit very many to make a profit (because the pay out is bigger). Baseball isn't a real sport so why would I bet on it like its a real sport? 

Detroit Tigers (+131) @ Cleveland (WINNER!)

Boston (+135) @ NY Yankees (WINNER!)

Philadelphia (+164) @ Atlanta (WINNER!)

Texas Rangers (+140) @ Kansas City (L)

Hump Day Lockdown

Washington Natty Ice (-1.5; EVEN) @ Philadelphia 

Doug Fister (12-4 2.38 ERA) is back on the mound for Washington tonight. He's been as solid as anyone in the league this year. I don't expect the Philies to do anything crazy tonight. The Nattys should definitely win this one by at least 2 runs. 

NY Yankees @ Detroit Tigers (-185)

Porcello shut the Yanks down last night and I fully expect Price to follow suit. The Tigers need every win they can get right now. Somehow the best roster in baseball is on the cusp of missing playoffs and has guys with names like Buck Farmer holding a regular spot in the starting rotation. Detroit should get a much needed win tonight. 

LA Dodgers (-1.5; -125) @ Arizona 

Clayton Kershaw shouldn't have a problem shutting down the Arizona Dbags.

Sunday Super Card!

MLB Picks

San Diego @ Arizona Dbags (+101) (L)

Zona is looking to keep rolling at home this afternoon against the Padres. They've looked good the last couple days at home. I think they keep rolling today in the desert.

LA Angels (+123) @ Oakland (WINNER!)

No way the Angles lose again to the A's. I expect the bats on LA to take over tonight and give them a big road win in Oakland. 

NFL Picks

SD vs. SAN FRAN (-6, -105) (WINNER!)
You know who is really good Christian fella? That Phillip Rivers, he might as well be Mormon, he has like 15 kids and leads the teams in prayer on and off the field. You know who doesn’t give a fuck that Rivers is basically a Mormon? The 49ers!! The Niners are going to steamroll the Chargers tonight as they prepare to enter the regular season, and there is literally nothing San Diego can do about it. Seriously name one player on the Chargers D besides maybe Eric Weddle, or Manti Teo and his fake girlfriend. Waiting….yeah that’s what I thought, good luck with that! Niners win this game in the first half and coast to a second half victory.

CIN (+3, -115) vs. AZ (WINNER!)
The Bengals are actually pretty scary this year. I know that Dalton gets all kinds of flack because he’s not an elite QB, but gets paid like one…but the dude can complete passes. Of course it doesn’t hurt when his Wr’s look like the starting lineup you would kill for in a fantasy draft, but still he gets them the ball. They have all kinds of weapons and should be able to move the ball pretty well against an overrated Cardinals defense. This one should be close throughout, with Cincy pulling away in the last quarter.

MLB picks

Kansas City Royals (-118) @ Texas Rangers (WINNER!)

I'm sure the Royals will continue rolling tonight and build on their lead in the division. The Royals have been on fire the past month while the Tigers are crashing like it's going out of style. Royals should have no problem taking care of the Rangers tonight. 

Seattle Mariners (EVEN) @ Boston (WINNER!)

Seattle's been rolling lately also. Boston's been looking shittier than the 2008 Lions. I expect the Mariners from out west to win another on the road tonight in Boston. 

Atlanta Braves (-130) @ Cinci (L)

I went with the Braves last night and it paid off. I'm doubling down here and rolling it again. 

NFL Picks

NO (+2, -105) vs. INDY (WINNER!)
Man Indy is in trouble if anything happens to Luck. This team is devoid of talent at literally every single position that doesn’t include someone with the last name Luck. The back-ups are terrible,  and the owner is even worse.  Look for Drew Brees and company to take an early lead in this game and for them to hold on in the second half.

TB (+3, -105) vs. Buffalo (WINNER!)
The shit battle!! If you absolutely hate football this is the game to watch!! Both of these teams are going to have very long injury plagued seasons in their respective divisions, but expect the Bucs to pull one out tonight. Also rookie WR Mike Evans is a crazy person, seriously look up his recent incident outside of a nightclub and think that this guy is the key to the Bucs offense!! Bucs are terrible, Bills are worse, put your money on the Bucs.

Rams (+2) vs. Cleveland (WINNER!)
The Rams have a filthy defensive line. I mean just absolutely filthy. With stalwart defensive ends Robert Quinn and Chris long coupled with a pair of defensive tackle studs and you have arguably the best d-line in the league (though them boys in green might have a few things to say in New York). Cleveland just made Hoyer the starter too despite a very lackluster preseason. I think that Johnny Football really presses tonight in a last ditch effort to impress and struggles mightily against this talented St.Louis front. St. Louis wins easy.

Denver (-7) vs. Houston   (L)
Oh god Houston, this line is not nearly high enough. The Broncos are going to treat this game like a dress rehearsal much like the Pats did last night in their pasting of the Panthers. This is not good news for the Texans. Literally the only good thing for a Texans fan to take out of this game is that Clowney might pressure Manning a couple of times and force him into a few early mistakes. However, Peyton is a 25 year grown ass man pro and will adjust and adjust and adjust some more until he torches this D for 200 yards and 3td’s at half. Denver wins this game by half.

Saturday Pay Day!

Well we took a nice well deserved break for All-Star week or whatever the hell baseball calls it and now we're here for the big fish!! The MLB was kind enough to schedule an easy week of winning for us, so let's go ahead and dominate this shit and get back to pretending baseball is an intense, physical sport.

CLE at DET (-185) (Game 2)
The old double header. Nothing says, "My sport is the least physically taxing since snooker" like playing two games in a row with no ramifications. Mr. Big D himself, Max Scherzer will be on the mound so you can probably expect a shut out. Speaking of Mr. Big D, it's sad how the former title holder Justin Verlander has completely fallen off the map. Has the trade deadline passed yet? The Tigs need to move on from the past, and Kate Upton needs to find another man.

LAD (-144) at STL 
Classic trap game here. You think you have it all figured out with Greinke pitching, then the Spurs of the MLB come in and light his ass up for 9 runs in 2 innings. I don't care. You can't bet against a potential CY Young winner after the All Star Break.

BAL at OAK (-141)
This game is buried so deep, you might have already turned a profit by the time it rolls around. I hate betting against the Oreos and it might become one of my gambling laws. Oakland can't be stopped though. So let's see how it plays out.

Sunday Final Funday

2014 World Cup Final

Germany (+120) vs Argentina (WINNER!)

Sugar: Here it is folks; the moment we’ve all been waiting for.  If you take a peak back to the Dirty Picks World Cup Draft you’ll notice one thing: both of these teams were selected by yours truly.  Germany was my first pick (2^ndoverall), while Argentina (after dropping significantly in the draft) I picked up with my third pick (8^th overall). You’ve watched the games up to this point right? What do you think is going to happen?  Just in case you’re one of those assholes that didn’t watch a minute of World Cup action until the final game today, I’ll tell you what is going to happen: Germany is going to roll through Argentina like the ’39 Nazi’s rolled through Poland. This German squad, like I said a month ago, is loaded from back to front with world class talent.  They’re mean, they’re skilled, and they don’t give a fuck.  Because this is the final game and the World Cup is on the line I won’t entirely count out Argentina.  The positive side of ‘Tina is that they are the most skilled offensive team since the 2002 Red Wings.  On paper these bastards should be able to score 9 goals a game.  But guess what? It hasn’t happened yet and it sure as hell ain’t happening against the Germans today.  The saying goes, “Defense wins championships”.  Well, the Germans have the best defense in the world right now combined with one of the best offenses as well.  Basically, all of this boils down to one thing: Germany shit kicking Argentina in front of the entire soccer world.  It’s Germany’s time ladies and gentlemen.  After all, being World Cup Champions is the only thing they have left to go for after losing back to back World Wars.  So slam a beer or two, tune in and witness the 2014 World Cup Champions claim their trophy, and thank God for your grandparents’ ability to kick some serious ass when called upon.  #murica 

Sunday MLB Picks

PIT @ CIN (-160)  (WINNER!)

-160 seems a little nutz here considering the Pirates are going to keep this close, but I see no way the Reds lose tomorrow. Besides baseball's only black baseball player and reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates haven't had a ton of success against the Reds who have been hot over the last month. Most of my picks are just safe and parlayable if you're into that kind of thing. This is one of those picks.

Detroit Tigers (-135) vs Kansas City Royals (L)
I'm sure a lot of you sports betters on are the "Verlander's washed" up train.  This one is not on board.  I don't think Verlander's issue is physical so much as it is mental.  He slumped this year there's no doubt about that.  But I can also say that he has looked better the last couple starts he's had.  This is either a sign that he's coming back around or it's just a blip on the radar in the world of Justin Verlander's unravelling.  Nevertheless, if Verlander steps in and starts getting rocked he will be out before he knows it.  The Tigers have shown they have the bats to come from behind and win so I'm not too worried.  Tigers roll tonight and keep the streak going. 

NBA Summer League 

Since most of you reading this are going to be looking for easy ways to win back your money after Argentina shocks Germany in the World Cup this afternoon, I figured I would toss you a couple of summer league locks.

CAVS vs. SPURS (-2.5) (L)

This choice is very simple, one of these teams has a future NBA All-star and the other is based in Ohio. That's right, don't let all of this Andrew Wiggins hype fool you, the real star here is Kyle Anderson running the show for the Spurs. Look for him to drop his usual 9 pts, 8 rebs, and 7 assist kind of night as the Spurs try to beat LeBron's team once more this summer.

BULLS vs. Nuggets (+2.5) (L)

Did you see the highlights of Garry Harris dropping thirty last night? This dude looks madder than 2 billy goats in a turf battle that he got drafted so late to the Nuggets and is putting the rest of the league on notice. Sure the Bulls summer league team probably plays great defense and takes this game a little too seriously, but I am not quite ready to back McBuckets against the rising Gary Harris.

Soooooper Saturday!

MLB Picks

WAS (-1.5) vs PHI (OVER 7) (WINNERx2)

The Natties REALLY let me down yesterday! They probably killed a bunch of parlays as well, when Joel Zimmerman went out early with an injury. Well today Steven "Seven Scoops" Strasburg takes the hill and I think the Natties will back him up with some runs. Is it just me or has Strasburg not seemed awesome this year. Not bad, just not Strasburgian? Oh well, either way, he gives up 3 runs and the Nats score 5. 

Detroit Tigers (+117) @ Kansas City Royals (WINNER!)

The Tiger's hottest pitcher this season, Rick Porcello, is in tonight. The Tigers followed their 16-4 blowout win 2 nights ago with a close 2-1 victory last night.  The close score might have some sports betters wondering if it's time for Los Tigres to head into another 3-4 game slump; I'm not one of those people.  The Tigers have taken a commanding 6.5 game lead in the division over 2nd place Kansas City.  They're riding a 5 game win streak heading into tonight.  What's even more comforting for me as a sports better is the way the Tigers have been winning.  They've had 2 wins where their bats took the game out of the other teams hands and a couple close wins where good pitching and solid defense was called upon and responded well.  Right now the Tigers look like they can win any type of game you want to throw at them.  Against the Dodgers they fell behind 0-5 after just 2 innings; not only did they respond but they responded with a vengeance, scoring 14 unanswered runs.  I fully expect the Tigers to continue rolling tonight and increase their lead in the division. 

Friday Fist Pump Picks!

Major League Baseball

WAS (-140) at PHI (L)

Here's a stat for you. Washington's run differential this year is +56. Philly? -42. In the grandest of schemes, run differential isn't a huge deal, but in this game, it will be. Philly can't hit for shit and the Natties are trying to turn things around with B. Harper back in the lineup. This should be an easy one to throw in a dumb ass parlay. 

CWS (+170) at CLE (OVER 8) (L) (WINNER!) 

That's right, ML Sox play. The Chi Sox are a VERY up and down team. I mean, within one game they can go from a dominant, hard hitting powerhouse to a Triple A slum lord by the ninth inning. But former Mariner Hector Noesi has a little confidence going right now and the Caucasian Sox should be able to pull this one off in a high scoring affair. If Noesi blows it in the 4th inning at least you'll hit the over.

Detroit Tigers (-120) @ Kansas City Royals (WINNER!)

Los Tigres opened their road series against Kansas City last night with a stunning  16-4 win.  That’s 3 wins in a row for the Tigers and they’ve looked better every game.  Since the Tigers seem to win 5-6 games in a row then slump for 2-3 and repeat the process, I’m jumping on this swing half way through.  Tigers continue to roll tonight on the road and win their 4^th straight. 

San Diego Padres @ LA Dodgers (-135)  (L)

I’ve mentioned this before but, LA has that Cuban guy that’s like the MJ of baseball.  On another note, the Dodgers have to be hella pissed after getting straight up embarrassed in Detroit.  As I write this pick they’re currently beating the Padres 2-1 at the end of the 7^th.  I have them winning in a parlay I threw together for the late games today so let’s hope they scratch out a win.  As for this pick, if the Dodgers win tonight (last night, if you’re reading this on Friday)  I expect them to win tomorrow (today). 

LA Angels (-160) @ Texas Rangers (WINNER!)

The Angels went into Texas and dismantled the Rangers last night.  The records of these clubs are almost exactly the opposite.  The Rangers have limped through the season,  picking up 38 wins, while the Angels are out there getting their Don Ready on and picking up 54 wins in the process. I doubt it will be another 15-6 blowout but I don’t expect this game to even be close.  I would bet the spread but the line for it isn’t up yet.

After a decent appetizer down in Orlando, the official NBA summer league kicks off tonight in Vegas. And on the night where LeBron announced he was headed back to Cleveland, his future team takes the court against the Jabari Parker led Bucks. This is one of a few appealing games even to the casual NBA fan.

TOR vs LAL (-2.5) (L) 

It's the Julius Randle show! And also a mini tryout for the rest of the Lakers roster because now that they have missed out on LeBron and Melo, it's going to be Kobe and 10 other dudes. Look for the Lakers players to try their ass off in order to make this roster, while the Toronto guys just go for highlight dunks and threes.

CAVS (-4) vs BUCKS (L) 

In easily the most anticipated match up of this league, we have the top two picks squaring off against each other. When they met in college, Wiggins got the best of Parker as his Kansas team knocked off Duke. What will be the result when they go head to head today? Wiggins wins again, mostly because his Cav's team is deeper and they just found out they signed LeBron. Look for a very loose Cavs squad to come out firing on all cylinders.

HORNETS (PK) vs WARRIORS (L)

It is going to take me a while to get used to this new Hornets name (old?). Every time I have to remind myself, oh yeah that's the Bobcats and then think about who is on that team. Well after I go through that twenty minute process, I realized that the Hornets are the deeper team and they should win this game easily, despite Vegas seeing it as a pick em. Look for future bust Noah Vonleh to struggle, but the rest of the BobHornetCatz to pick up the slack and get the easy victory.

SPURS (+1.5) vs KINGS (WINNER!)

And finally the game that I am personally the most excited about. The beginning of a new era of basketball for San Antonio led by Kyle Anderson! Now that the 6'6 PG has some NBA caliber talent around him, he is going to go off!! Do not be surprised if he manages a triple double, or a very solid 20 point and 12 assist kind of night. Spurs will win this game and probably the entire league too because they are just coached better and that's what they do. 

Thursday Picks

Major League Baseball picks 

Atlanta Braves @ NY Mets (-115) (L)

We here at Dirty Picks have come to the conclusion that the Braves don’t win.  The Mets have handed it to the Braves 3 straight games and look to complete the sweep tonight.   ATL sits 7 games back on NY in their division.  With about half the season left the Mets are making a push to compete for a post season spot. They’ve won 4 in a row and 5 of their last 6, meanwhile the Braves have lost 4 straight.  The money line should be a solid bet for tonight.

Washington Natty Ice (-120) @ Baltimore Orioles (L)

Fister held it down most the game last night until he was relieved in the 8^th inning.  Washington has traded big wins with Baltimore; losing the first game 8-2 at home and winning 6-2 at on the road last night.  Natty Ice pitcher Gio Gonzalez will be on the mound tonight.  In his last outing he pitched 7 k’s over 8 scoreless innings in a 13-0 routing of the Cubs.  On top of pitching, the Natty Ice have come together and won 9 of their last 11 games giving them the lead in the NL East.  Washington continues to roll on the road tonight.

Oakland Billy Beane’s  (-105) @ San Francisco Little Giants (WINNER!)

Scott Kazmir will be starting on the mound for the A’s; he’s 10-3 with a 2.53 ERA.  For SanFran, Tim Hudson will be the starting pitcher.  This is the 4^th consecutive match up of these two clubs.  I’m expecting Oakland to keep it low scoring and win one on the road to win the series.

Wednesday Sports Picks

World Cup Semi-Finals Pick

Netherlands (P) vs Argentina (OVER 2) (P)(L)

BJ: Somehow Argentina has scratched and clawed their way to the Final Four, despite playing like an African rec league team 80% of the time. Without Messi saving their asses, the 'Tinas would have been out in the group stage, while their opponent today, have not lost a game and have looked dominant at times. The Dutch will be able to control the "attacking" 'Tinas today and should be able to counter for at least two goals. 'Tinas defense is looser than Lindsey Lohan's butthole, so I see no reason why Arjen Robben and RVP won't be able to bang a couple home. Take the Netherlands and watch a complete team send Messi and the Mexicans  Argentinians home today.

Major League Baseball Picks

BJ

MIA (+1.5) at ARI (WINNER!)

Come on! The DBacks aren't good! They're like one of the 5 worst teams in baseball! This is just one you can toss in a parlay, because I usually end up on the right side of this Marlin Misnomers. 

SD (+1.5) at COL (L) 

You know those pitchers that come up and dominate for one year and then fade away for 6 or 7 years only to come back and finish up as a set up man for the Yankees? You know, the Dontrelle Willis' and Ubaldo Jimenez's of the world? Well Colorado's starting pitcher tonight, Jair Jurrjens is one such pitcher.  Once the third best prospect in baseball, Colorado is set to be a reddeming location for the 28 year old righty. Jurrjens was once an All-Star and one of the best young pitchers in the game, but injuries have derailed all that shit. He's still not "back" yet, the 'Dres should be able to take advantage. Roll it!

Sugar

LA Dodgers @ Detroit Tigers (-115) (WINNER!)

Last night Detroit put on a hitting clinic for LA. Some guy named Greinke will be on the mound for the Dodgers tonight so Los Tigres probably won't be putting up 14 runs again. However, the best pitcher on the planet, Max Scherzer, will be on the mound for Detroit. It should be a low scoring affair but since Detroit has arguably the best hitter to ever play (Miguel Cabrerra) I'm going with the boys from Detroit here.

Washington Natty Ice (+105) @ Baltimore Oreos(WINNER!)

Doug Fister is on the mound for the Natty's tonight. He seems like a good guy, family oriented and all that, throws fast as fuck. So I'm going with the Nationals. 

Minnesota Twins @ Seattle Mariners (L)

UNDER 7.5 (-125)

This just seems to be free money every game the Mariners play. They can't score, Minnesota can't score, no one can fucking score. Definitely going under. 

MLB Thursday

Detroit (-185) vs Tampa Bay (WINNER!)

The Tigers have been rolling harder than a college freshmen at an electronic music festival lately. Scherzer's on the mound tonight so the Tigers only need 1 run to win this one because Scherzer is pitching a perfect game. Watch for Miggy to go yard at least once if not five times.  

Dodgers (-138) vs Rockies (WINNER!)

LA has that one Cuban guy who's real fuckin good. I predict a solid ass kicking handed to the Rockies by LA. LA's been heating up as of late. Look for them to continue to roll tonight. 

MLB Picks

BREWERS vs. BLUE JAYS under 9 1/2 (-130)(L)
I know that most of you pulled open our site this morning looking for "hella picks" to get you through the work day. Well, unfortunately we are doing only one pick this morning, and that is not because of a lack of want or "being scared". There aregenuinely no sexy bets this morning, I guess that is what happens when you are in the middle of the summer and all of the professional leagues are on summer vacation. Except baseball of course, but if you want to bet on baseball keep in mind that this is a game where people get paid millions to hit the ball only 1/3 of the time (if they are great) and most of the game revolves around defense and pitching. What an absolute snore fest. But seriously though, if this is your passion, then by all means try throwing some money on whatever Asian/Latino/random white guy pitcher that has the lowest ERA and hope he does not have a mental breakdown on the mound. If you are really looking to get crazy see if you can grab a couple of NBA prop bets on where some of the big name free agents are going to end up. Specifically grab the prop onLeBron going back to the Heat (though at best it is probably at (-400) or grab the Melo to the Bulls prop which is probably a riskier bet, but if he is not a complete idiot that is where he is going to end up. Happy gambling out there, and remember the only time it is appropriate to say WhizzLicking Bum Shaker is during the 4th of July weekend whenreferencing fireworks.

MLB

Free MLB Picks

Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners (-134) (L) 
Hisashi Iwakuma takes the mound against Clay Bucholz as the Mariners try to keep their hot streak alive. In reality, this pick is probably shitty. Every time the Mariners get something going, they fuck it up somehow. I just have a hard time seeing them lose to a struggling Red Sox team with 'Kuma on the mound. Bucholz has a 7.02 ERA, even the lowly Mariners should be able to dominate that matchup.

Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels (-188) (WINNER!)
The Angels are looking good tonight with Garret Richards on the mound. Richards has been dominant this month and has won his last 3 starts. He has a 2.79 ERA and will probably end up with 16+ wins. Tonight will be one of them. Oh and the have Mike Trout.