Streak for the Cash Picks, July 28

Michael Phelps (left) and Ryan Lochte race to the finishin the 2012 U.S. Olympic swimming team trials at the CenturyLink Center. Matt Ryerson-US PRESSWIRE

A global diverse Streak for the Cash board awaits us this last Saturday of the month. Things get under way early in Russia with the Premier League at 8:30. Then the eyes of streakers and the rest of the world will turn to London as they will so often over the next weeks for women’s basketball, soccer, and an American duo in a men’s swimming showdown. Later in the day there’s baseball, an International Club Friendly in Tampa, and some ATP tennis to close out the day.

Yesterday, my picks started well but stumbled to the finish going 1-3. I’m on an L1 starting today but am ready for some green today as we close in on the end of the month.

Picks for July 28

8:30- CSKA Moscow win: Both teams have only played one game in the just-underway Russian Premier League. Moscow won 1-0 while Amkar fell 2-0 but don’t base much on just a single game. The reason why I think Moscow is the pick is based on last year’s performance when Moscow finished third and qualified for the Europa League and Amkar finished 10th. In their last six meetings CSKA has held Amkar goalless and they’ll look to get the win on the road in this one. They have the offensive weapons to score so even giving the draw doesn’t scare me that much. Confidence Meter: 6

July 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

1:05- Chicago Cubs: Jeff Samardzija goes for the Cubs at home against the Cardinals Joe Kelly. Samardzija has been stellar this year as long as the calendar didn’t say June. He’s been excellent in July and the Cubs offense is hitting better lately thanks to Anthony Rizzo and a rejuvenated Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs are above .500 at Wrigley and behind Samardzija and Rizzo I feel like they can overcome the Cards and the red-hot Matt Holliday. Confidence Meter: 5 (out of 10)

2:30- Ryan Lochte – This isn’t 2008. Michael Phelps is not the favorite here. Phelps is sure to leave London with some medals probably some gold, but Lochte beat him in the trials in this event and is the overall favorite to take home the gold. Phelps is second favorite so don’t put a long streak on this, but Lochte makes more sense. FYI-NBC is not showing this live so if you’re waiting to watch it later pick elsewhere. Confidence Meter: 5

7:05- Oakland A’s: It’s just not smart to pick against these guys this month. Oakland is 17-3 after their comback win over Baltimore last night. Bartolo Colon continues to defy critics and pitch well. He’ll be opposed by Tommy Hunter as the A’s try to keep rolling. Confidence Meter: 6

10:10- 5 games or fewer: Tennis for the nightcap with Rajeev Ram facing Sam Querrey in the Semis of the Farmers Classic. Querrey is the two-time champ here but sat out last year with an elbow injury. His big serve has helped him dominate his hometown event. He won the last match 6-2, 3-1 before his competition retired. I think he’ll roll into the semifinals over the unheralded (but still solid) American player best known as a doubles specialist. Confidence Meter: 3

Results from July

Overall Picks: 70-48

Picks with Confidence over 5: 26-20

Current Personal Streak: