Streak for the Cash Picks, August 1

It’s a new month in Streak for the Cash which means it’s time for everybody to get back in the pool which with the Olympics going on is an appropriate metaphor since the first few picks today involve a pool. With 12 total picks on the board, it looks like a solid day to start the month in the green.

Last month, I did pretty well overall with a 85-55 record in my picks. My personal streak entry went 57-23 with a winning streak of 10 being my longest. My more confident picks (more than five on the confidence meter) ended up 30-23. Come on over to our streak group and join in the fun.

Here’s my picks for today the first day of August.

Picks for August 1

10:00- US wins Gold, Silver, or Bronze: Like most people, I’m not a huge follower of synchronized diving. The expert previews say it’s the Chinese that are the clear favorites here as they are in most diving with the Russians a pretty clear #2. There’s a bunch of other countries including the US, Malaysia, the Ukraine, and Mexico that are seemingly in a tier below that. Going strictly on the odds, it would seem the Any other result is more likely. I’m going with the US to grab a medal though since it’s pretty much a toss-up and I hope that they do. Confidence Meter: 1 1/2 (out of 10).

July 29, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Hanley Ramirez (13) walks up the stairs to the dugout before the start of the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT

3:10 – Los Angeles Dodgers: I like Stephen Fife as a spot starter for today and think the Dodgers are the better team. The D-Backs are going to start Patrick Corbin who has slightly more experience with slightly worse results. I like the new-look LA lineup and hopefully the flyin’ Hawaiian can make his Dodger debut in this one. Confidence Meter: 5

3:20 – James Magnessen (Aus): Magnussen is the huge favorite here and if he loses it would be considered a huge upset. He was the fastest qualifier and is the reigning World Champion at this event. Plus, anytime you can pick a guy nicknamed “the Missile,” you have to do it. Confidence Meter: 6

5:15 – US wins by 25+: The USA Women are more dominant than the men even. They are 27.5 point favorites here and I think they’ll cover that fairly easily. Confidence Meter: 4

7:08 – Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox have a little momentum winning four in a row from the Yankees and Tigers. Probably even more importantly, they hammer Rick Porcello while Aaron Cook should be able to keep the ball on the ground and keep the hope alive for at least another day in Boston. Confidence Meter: 4

Jul 27, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) pitches during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

8:05 – Texas Rangers: The Rangers have been struggling a bit since the All-Star break but the should be able to get to Garrett Richards who starts in place of Dan Haren. Yu Darvish goes for the Rangers and he’s 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in three starts against the Angels this year. He’s also been better at home than on the road with a 7-2 record and a 3.88 ERA. I still can’t go too high on the confidence though since Trout, Trumbo, Pujols, and co. are raking. Confidence Meter: 5

9:30 – Yes 1+ Strikeout in the 8th inning: Depending on the game situation, this is usually one of the safer props. If whatever else you pick is over, make sure you pick up a good nightcap green on this one. Confidence Meter: 7