MLB Predictions: May 18th 2012
Minnesota Twins vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Pick: Milwaukee Brewers -131 odds
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Free Play from Doc’s Sports. Take #972 Milwaukee Brewers over Minnesota Twins (8:10pm ET) It’s been a frustrating year for both the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins, but it’s only May and these teams are both still fighting hard for some respect. The Brewers sit at 16-22 and it’s clear that they are feeling the effects of losing slugger Prince Fielder a little bit. However, the effect hasn’t been as severe as some thought, as the Brewers are still 6th in the National League in runs scored and have some quality major league hitters. Several of their regulars, including Rickie Weeks, have gotten off to slow starts, so this offense is capable of climbing even higher once they get clicking. Starting pitching has been of the main problems in 2012, but today’s pitcher Marco Estrada can’t be blamed for that. Estrada stepped into the rotation to fill in for the injured Chris Narveson and he has performed pretty well. He doesn’t have any wins to show for it, but he has a 20-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his four starts and seems to be gaining confidence in every start. This is an audition of Estrada to possibly gain a full-time spot in the rotation for years to come, and I think he’ll take advantage of it this season.

While the Brewers have been disappointing this season, the Twins have been downright awful as they’re easily the worst team in the major leagues by a wide margin at 12-26. They are currently on pace to go finish the season at 51-111. They have the worst lineup in the league as there are probably three or four hitters that should be playing in the minor leagues right now. Their team ERA is 5.33, which is dead last. The fans are growing restless as the future doesn’t look that bright either. One player that has the fans a little bit excited is rookie starter Scott Diamond. The 25-year old southpaw has looked impressive in his first two starts of the season as he’s 2-0 without allowing an earned run yet. However, both of those starts were at home and against the Blue Jays and Angels. Today he’ll be making his first road start which is always difficult for a rookie pitcher. He’ll also have to get into the batter’s box for this one since it is interleague play in a National League park. That could throw him off of his game. I like the chances for the Brewers to finally crack the rookie today. And with as bad as the Twins offense is, it’s not going to take much to get a victory for Milwaukee.