Big Al's Free Pick Of The Day - Sunday, April 13, 2008

At 2:05pm ET our complimentary selection is on the Houston Astros over the Florida Marlins. Just when you thought you'd seen every possible name for a baseball player, enter Marlins starting pitcher Burke Badenhop. The 25 year-old righthander who gets the call in this afternoon affair in Houston was part of the big deal that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers during the offseason. Badenhop has put in his first major league work already this season (a hitless inning in relief against the Nationals) but other than that he has never pitched above the AA level at the minors. Judging from his minor league stats, Badenhop is definitely a control pitcher and doesn't throw very hard. He surrendered just 94 walks in over 400 innings pitched since 2005 and his strikeout totals are certainly nothing to write home about, even though the vast majority of his innings pitched were at the single 'A' level. Houston's pitching has not been very good, but one of the bright spots on the mound has been left-handed starter Wandy Rodriguez. Rodriguez pitched very well and was on the mound in two of his team's victories (against two very good major league clubs in St. Louis and San Diego). The first three series this year for Houston have been against the Padres, Cubs, and Cards, all tough competition. Rodriguez and his team are no doubt looking forward to today's home game against a team like Florida and a young, inexperienced rookie, something that should help get their sleeping bats going.

Take the Astros.

As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

Click here to view more of Big Al's Daily Free Picks...