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08/24/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With eight weeks to play in the regular season, the Oakland Athletics have yet to bow out of the race in the American League West.
After taking the first two games of a four-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland lost a pair of one-run games this weekend to settle for a series split. Still, the A's (61-62) entered Tuesday in second place in the AL West, 8 1/2 games behind first-place Texas.
Mathematically speaking, the A's are still very much in contention.
Realistically speaking, they face quite an uphill battle to erase the deficit from a team that seemingly plugged every hole it had at the trade deadline. The wild card is not a viable route to the postseason, thanks to the continued high-stakes battle for AL East supremacy between the Yankees and Rays.
Nevertheless, October baseball is not out of the question for the A's. However, it's imperative they take advantage of every opportunity presented to them to gain some ground. So far, they haven't been able to capitalize on that last part.
So far in the month of August, the Rangers have sputtered along with an 8-11 record entering Monday's series opener against the AL Central-leading Twins. Still, the 8 1/2 games separating the Rangers and A's is the same margin that separated those two at the end of July.
"Everybody's going to have their missteps, and we're going to falter but by no means do we feel like we're ready to roll over," Dallas Braden told the Oakland Tribune following Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Rays.
They'll have another chance to close the gap this week when they begin a three-game series against the last-place Cleveland Indians Tuesday night. Following that series, the A's will head to Texas for a three-game set with the Rangers. After that, they'll take on the Yankees in the Bronx.
Certainly, Oakland has an opportunity to impact its own destiny during the upcoming trip. That said, playing 10 road games in 10 days -- with a pair of stops against first-place teams -- is not a very forgiving stretch. Then again, it also helps having your All-Star closer back from injury.
Andrew Bailey, out since July 20th with a strained muscle in his rib cage, was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. In 38 appearances this season, he has converted 20-of-23 save opportunities while posting a 1.56 ERA.
During Bailey's absence, manager Bob Geren relied on relievers Michael Wuertz, Craig Breslow and Jerry Blevins to close out games. Bailey's return should have a domino effect on those guys, who can go back to focusing on their normal bullpen roles.
"These guys definitely picked me up while I was gone," Bailey said. "It's been a group effort. It's always been like that down there. It's not easy closing out games, but it just shows that a lot of guys on our team can do it."
RANGERS RELYING ON PITCHING DOWN THE STRETCH
Despite a few notable injuries to their potent lineup throughout the season, the Texas Rangers still rank second in the AL in team batting average (.275), fourth in runs (609) and sixth in slugging average (.422). But if it weren't for their pitching, the Rangers likely wouldn't be enjoying the largest division lead in all of baseball at the moment.
It was the pitching that shined in Monday's showdown with the Twins, an intriguing matchup of division leaders. Rich Harden was activated from the disabled list prior to Monday's game, and he went on to pitch 6 2/3 innings of no-hit ball that required 111 pitches. Relievers Matt Harrison and Darren O'Day kept the no-hit bid intact until the ninth inning, when closer Neftali Feliz allowed a single to Joe Mauer. That hit spoiled what would have been the first combined no-hitter in club history. Still, the result was a 4-0 win for Texas.
"At times, when we have struggled to score runs, we have still been in games because our pitching staff has kept us there," Rangers owner and president and Nolan Ryan told the Star-Telegram. "And that's how you win games."
Few teams across the league can match the Rangers' blend of hitting and pitching. With All-Stars sprinkled up and down the lineup, it's easy to dismiss the team's pitching as secondary to its success. But with a staff 3.89 ERA that ranks fourth in the AL, the Rangers pitchers have made it clear they are a vital piece to what the team hopes to accomplish this season.
WHO'S ON FIRST FOR ANGELS?
Angels manager Mike Scioscia has been on a season-long quest to find someone to replace injured starter Kendry Morales at first base. On Monday, he penciled Juan Rivera in at first base for the first time in his career. It also marked the tenth different player Scioscia has used at first base this season. However, he figured there would be quite a bit of shuffling when Morales went down on May 29th.
"If you're asking me if the possibility was that we could go through a bunch of first baseman, the answer is 'Sure,'" Scioscia told the OC Register. "We knew that. You could run through 15 first basemen when you lose a guy like Kendry."
To his credit, Rivera looked pretty comfortable there on Monday, making a run- saving play in the first inning while going 2-for-4 at the plate. He had started taking grounders there recently and also played some first base during Spring Training. With Scioscia shuffling the outfield earlier this month, playing time has been sparse for Rivera, who is hitting .260 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 98 games this season.
"It's an opportunity to get some more at-bats, that's the way I see it," Rivera said through a translator. "I'm happy that they at least presented that option."
HINDSIGHT IS 20/20 FOR SEATTLE
It didn't take long this season to find out that the Seattle Mariners, a chic contender pick entering the year, were not truly ready to take that next step.
The front office took a hack for the fences, and ultimately missed. The Cliff Lee era in Seattle was short-lived. Shelling out $36 million to Chone Figgins hasn't paid off. Neither did giving extensive playing time to aging veterans. Given how things have played out, general manager Jack Zduriencik would no doubt like to have former No. 1 pick Brandon Morrow back instead of the bullpen help he got from Toronto in the offseason.
The Morrow and Lee deals cost the team some prospects, although at the moment it looks like the Mariners may have gotten a better return for Lee than what they originally gave up to get him. Justin Smoak will figure into the team's future plans at first base. Other prospects like Dustin Ackley, Mauricio Robles and Michael Pineda are also poised to contribute soon.
In hindsight, it's easy to argue the team could have waited another year, developed some prospects, and then made a move to challenge for a postseason bid. As it turned out, Zduriencik probably played his hand a year too early. But for a fan base that hasn't witnessed a playoff game in eight years, it's tough to fault him for trying.
<< Sevilla acquires Alexis from Valencia
Sevilla, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sevilla signed defender Alexis Ruano from
Valencia on Tuesday to replace Sebastien Squillaci, who is set to join English
side Arsenal.
Squillaci has yet to finalize his move to Arsenal, but is expected to
<< Lyon acquires Gourcuff from Bordeaux
Lyon, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Lyon acquired France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff
from Bordeaux on Monday night for a fee that could reach $33.5 million.
Lyon and Bordeaux agreed on the transfer for an initial fee of just under $28
million and
<< Bucs bring back Jevan Snead
Tampa, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed
quarterback Jevan Snead in light of Josh Freeman's injury over the weekend.
Snead was originally signed as an undrafted free agent in April after a
standou
<< Oregon State OL Thomas arrested, dismissed from team
Corvallis, OR (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Oregon State offensive lineman Tyler
Patrick Thomas has reportedly been dismissed from the team following an early
Sunday morning arrest.
The Gazette Times reported that Corvallis police were calle
Veteran defenseman Ward retires >>
Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Veteran defenseman Aaron Ward, who played 15
seasons, has decided to hang up his skates, according to the NHLPA.
Ward split last season between Anaheim and Carolina, netting one goal with 12
assists in 77
Tottenham's Woodgate set for more surgery >>
London, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate is set
to have more surgery on his injured groin, which has been a problem for his
entire career.
Woodgate, 30, has been sidelined since last November with his lates
Argentina, Brazil to play twice later this year >>
Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Argentina and Brazil have scheduled two
friendlies for later this year, one in Qatar and the other in Argentina.
The first match is Nov. 17 in Qatar, and the second game is Dec. 19 at Estadio
Ciudad de
Hoffenheim signs striker Rudy from Stuttgart >>
Sinsheim, Germany (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hoffenheim signed striker Sebastian Rudy
from Stuttgart on Tuesday and signed the 20-year-old to a contract through the
2013-14 season.
"We're delighted that Sebastian, a player we've had an eye on for
Recently I had an email debate with an angry reader who said I did not understand "the science of oddsmaking", as he called it.
He said I was wrong for suggesting oddsmakers care about who wins or loses games.
"Oddsmakers only care about splitting the betting public 50/50 on both sides of the line and keeping the commission (a.k.a. juice)," he wrote.
He might have been right about not understanding "the science of oddsmaking". After all, I'm not an oddsmaker. That said, I stick to my assertion that oddsmakers (a.k.a. sportbooks) often do care about who wins games.
Granted, as a general rule, sportsbooks try to balance their action so that they're not exposed to big losses. However, there are times when this is difficult to pull off, regardless of how much a line has moved. There are also times when that general rule is ignored and a book pursues risk.
Generally speaking, it's safe to say the books in Vegas are risk-adverse. Unlike in the past when the wise guys ruled the town, Vegas is now corporate and the goal of most casinos is to make as much money as possible with as little risk as possible.
Thus, Vegas sportsbooks try everything in their power to balance the action. They're satisfied simply collecting the juice. But these profits are small, especially compared to the take from other casino games, namely slot machines.
Because the profits at Vegas sportsbooks are so small, you could argue that many casinos operate sportsbooks simply as a novelty to keep the tourists happy.
With a growing aversion to risk, it should come as no surprise that Vegas bookmakers have been panicking this NFL season.
Despite huge pointspreads, a disproportionate percentage of bettors are still laying their money on favorites like the Eagles, Colts, Pats and Vikings rather than the dogs (a common trend for the largely recreational bettors that visit Vegas).
And much to the dismay of the books, those favorites are finding ways to cover the thick chalk. In fact, prior to Week 7, the four teams listed above are a combined 16-2-2 (88 percent) against the spread. (The tables turned dramatically in Week 7, but more on that later.)
The result has been an early-season beating for the books, and a bonanza for bettors.
While Vegas increasingly hates risk, it's no longer a major player in the sports betting world. Most of the betting action now takes place offshore where sportsbooks are not as obsessed about balance. In fact, some books encourage exposure to risk because the rewards can be so much bigger.
Consider MySportsbook.com. On its website, the book has odds pages which actually display the amount of action it's getting on games. In other words, you can see how much action the book is taking on both sides of a pointspread, moneyline or over/under.
One look at these numbers and it's obvious MySportsbook.com does not balance every game. In fact, far from it.
Take last weekend's matchup between St. Louis and Miami. By game time on Sunday, 83 percent of the betting action at MySportsbook.com was on the Rams; only 17 percent was on Miami.
What's interesting is that MySportsbook.com opened the pointspread with Miami at +6 1/2. By game time, the spread had lowered to +5.
That goes contrary to the balancing theory. If MySportsbook.com had wanted to balance the action, it would have given Miami more points; instead, it took away 1 1/2. World Series odds are now up as well.
MySportsbook.com exposed itself to even more to risk, and rolled the dice on the underdog Dolphins. Why? I contacted a representative with the book to find out. His answer was simple.
"The line moved early based on 'smart money' from sharp players," said Jeff Gilroy, a spokesperson for the book. "We also knew from early in the week that we would need Miami, therefore (we dropped) the spread to encourage Rams money.
"At the end of the day, we liked the home team."
So the conclusion is this: MySportsbook.com respected the sharp action, and gambled that the sharp bettors had a better take on the game than the recreational bettors, who were hammering the visiting Rams.
In the end, the gamble paid off. Miami, desperate for a win in front of its home fans, pounded the overrated Rams, who are terrible on the road and even worse on grass. Final score: 31-14 Fish.
MySportsbook.com was also heavily exposed on numerous favorites in Week 7, including Philadelphia, Seattle and Denver. All three failed to cover.
The fact that sportsbooks are exposed to risk on certain games is really nothing new. The fact, that Sportsbook.com is willing to show the public where it's exposed is intriguing.
Armed with this type of information, bettors can make more educated wagers. They can get an idea where the sharp money is going and conversely where the public money is headed.
MySportsbook.com is opening up its cashbox, letting bettors look inside and challenging them to take their best shot at grabbing the cash.
To visit this online football betting got to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting odds needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
New York, NY – October 3, 2007 – The dress rehearsal is over! The NHL preseason has ended and now that fans have had a glimpse of what is to come it is time to hit the book! Stanley Cup odds are live at MySportsbook.com, the world’s largest online sportsbook and casino.
The Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings remain on top of the odds charts after an impressive start in the preseason. Betting lines opened for both teams at 6-1 in June. Since then the Sens have fallen to 7-1 and the Red Wings are now caught in a pack including the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes, the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks, all at 10-1.
MySportsbook.com has also posted props on each team’s point total for the regular season. The Senators lead the charge at 108.5 followed by the Ducks at 106.5. Detroit will attempt a repeat for the prize as the Red Wings are deadlocked with the Predators at 104.5 a piece. The temporary loss of highly touted rookie Evgeni Malkin puts a lot of pressure on the stick of assistant captain Sidney Crosby - his lowly Pittsburgh Penguins are listed at 71.5.
Even if bettors are not brave enough to put their money on the underdog, an early bet on the favorites at sportsbook.com tends to produce bigger payouts than a mid-season wager. Placing a $1,000 bet last summer on the Detroit Red Wings or Ottawa Senators would have paid out to $8,000 and $10,000 respectively, opposed to a $2,500 or $3,000 payout at the beginning of the playoffs.
| Ottawa Senators Detroit Red Wings Carolina Hurricanes San Jose Sharks Anaheim Ducks Philadelphia Flyers Calgary Flames New Jersey Devils Buffalo Sabres Dallas Stars New York Rangers Nashville Predators Vancouver Canucks Colorado Avalanche Minnesota Wild Tampa Bay Lightning Boston Bruins Florida Panthers Montreal Canadiens Atlanta Thrashers Toronto Maple Leafs Edmonton Oilers Phoenix Coyotes Los Angeles Kings New York Islanders Columbus Blue Jackets St. Louis Blues Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals Chicago Blackhawks |
7-1 10-1 10-1 10-1 10-1 12-1 12-1 12-1 12-1 15-1 15-1 15-1 20-1 20-1 25-1 25-1 30-1 30-1 30-1 30-1 30-1 30-1 40-1 40-1 50-1 50-1 80-1 80-1 100-1 100-1 |
NHL Regular Season Points - Team Must Play 82 Games
| Team Ottawa Senators Anaheim Ducks Detroit Red Wings Nashville Predators San Jose Sharks Calgary Flames Philadelphia Flyers New Jersey Devils Buffalo Sabres Carolina Hurricanes Dallas Stars New York Rangers Minnesota Wild Atlanta Thrashers Montreal Canadiens Team Los Angeles Kings Tampa Bay Lightening Vancouver Canucks Boston Bruins Colorado Avalanche Edmonton Oilers Phoenix Coyotes Toronto Maple Leafs Florida Panthers Columbus Blue Jackets New York Islanders Chicago Blackhawks St. Louis Blues Washington Capitals Pittsburgh Penguins |
Over/Under 108.5 106.5 104.5 104.5 103.5 101.5 100.5 99.5 97.5 97.5 97.5 95.5 94.5 93.5 92.5 Over/Under 91.5 91.5 91.5 89.5 89.5 88.5 88.5 86.5 84.5 82.5 80.5 72.5 72.5 72.5 71.5 |
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your hockey sportsbook needs.
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