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06/08/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim kicked off the month of June by winning five of their first six games. The Angels began the winning streak by taking three out of four games from the Baltimore Orioles, with their lone loss of that set coming on May 31.
Anaheim followed up the series win by taking two out of three games from the Minnesota Twins. The back-to-back series victories propelled the Angels to a 38-23 record, giving them a 5 1/2-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the American League West standings.
At this point in the season Anaheim is a force to be reckon with at home. Anaheim is 24-9 at Angels Stadium and has not lost a home series since dropping two out of three games to the Chicago White Sox between May 4-6. Anaheim has also been consistent on the road thus far, posting a 14-14 road ledger.
Anaheim recently finished off a seven-game homestand with a series win over the Twins. The Angels dominated the series, outscoring Minnesota 26-12 over the three game set. Monday night's 16-3 win set the tone for the series, as the Angels collected a season high 23 hits in the victory.
Five Angels collected three or more hits on the night, led by Gary Matthews Jr., who went 4-for-5 with five RBI and a run scored. Orlando Cabrera also had a big night, going 4-for-5 with two RBI and four runs scored. Starter Jered Weaver captured his fourth win in five starts, holding the Twins to just one run on five hits through seven innings.
Tuesday night brought more of the same for Anaheim, as it fought its way to a 5-1 victory. Right-hander Kelvim Escobar won his fifth straight start, throwing a three-hit complete game victory. The Angels put together another big night at the plate, collecting 10 hits in the win. Cabrera led the way again, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
The Angels could not make it three in a row on Wednesday, as starter John Lackey was touched for six runs, four earned, over seven innings. The loss prevented Lackey from becoming the first pitcher in the majors to reach 10 wins this season.
LACKEY CONTINUES TO SHINE
Lackey has always been a consistent pitcher throughout his six-year Major League career. Over the years the right-hander has become known for his slow starts and strong second-half finishes. However, all that has changed this season, as Lackey has gotten off to a tremendous start.
The Angels ace is 9-4 with a 2.60 ERA in 13 starts this season. Although he has been effective before the All-Star break in previous seasons, the right- hander is just 37-30 lifetime in games pitched prior to the All-Star game. However, Lackey has been outstanding in the second-half, posting an impressive 32-23 ledger following the All-Star break.
A few more wins and Lackey is all but guaranteed a spot on the American League roster in this year's All-Star game. The trip would be the first for the right-hander, who is looking forward to the opportunity.
"If it happens, it'd be great," Lackey said. "It's definitely something I'd like to do in my career, although my focus is on making the playoffs.
Lackey's emergence into the Angels starring role began five years ago as a rookie. Lackey started perhaps the biggest game in franchise history when he took the mound for game seven of the 2002 World Series. His performance that night laid the foundation for things to come. However, it has been Lackey's work ethic and ability to adjust over the years that has separated him from the rest.
"You've got to keep adding to your game -- especially in our division with only four teams," he said. "For example, I started throwing the two-seamer away from righties. The more options you can put in your game, the more they have to think about. I haven't invented any new pitches, but I'll use the variety I have at any time."
BOOTCHECK ADDING QAULITY TO ANGELS BULLPEN
Right-hander Chris Bootcheck is a perfect example of how everything seems to be going right for the Angels this season. The 28-year-old reliever has become a solid option for Anaheim out of the bullpen. Although he has spent most of his professional career circulating through the minors, Bootcheck may have finally found a permanent home in Anaheim.
The right-hander has put together quite a stat line so far this season, posting a 1-0 record with a 3.80 ERA in 14 appearances. However, it is not Bootcheck's numbers that mean so much to the Angels, but yet the role he will play in the latter parts of the season. Bootcheck has proven to be a valuable asset as a multiple-inning reliever, pitching two or more innings seven times this season.
With Anaheim holding a 5 1/2-game lead in the AL West, it must begin to slowly prepare itself for possible postseason play. As history has shown, the team with the most reliable pitching staff is usually to team left standing in the end. The Angels already have an outstanding starting rotation and perhaps the AL's best closer in Francisco Rodriguez. Bootcheck may be the final piece to the World Series puzzle.
Manager Mike Scioscia has acknowledged Bootcheck's role and knows just how important the reliever will be as the season wears on.
"Right now, the role Boot has doesn't get as much credit as other roles on the staff," Scioscia said. "But it's certainly important to us. He's pitching himself into a better role, doing a terrific job.
"It's tough to sit six, seven days and come in. But his command and control enable him to do that. He's pitching far beyond, throwing very consistently. We certainly see an expanded role for him going forward."
INJURY NEWS
Outfielder Garret Anderson has finally returned to the Angels lineup after missing more than a month of action with a hip injury. Anderson was activated for Sunday's game against Baltimore, making his first start since April 27th.
Anderson's activation forced the club to option pitcher Joe Saunders to the minors.
WHO'S HOT
Outfielder Vladimir Guerrero continues to crush the baseball, batting .348 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI on the season. Guerrero has gone 15-for-37 at the plate over his last 10 games, knocking in 11 runs in the process.
Escobar has been exceptional this season, posting a 7-3 record in 11 starts. The right-hander has won six of his last eight starts, striking out 37 batters in the process.
WHO'S NOT
Second baseman Erick Aybar has struggled at the plate over the past two weeks, going just 5-for-27 in his last 10 games. Aybar is the only soft spot in the Angels line-up at this point, hitting just .246 on the year.
Reliever Darren Oliver has struggled as of late, surrendering three runs on four hits over his last three innings. The southpaw's recent setback has vaulted his ERA to 7.31 on the year.
ON DECK
The Angels will go on the road this weekend for a three game set against the St. Louis Cardinals. Bartolo Colon (5-2, 5.44) will face off against Kip Wells (2-10, 6.40) in Friday night's opener. Ervin Santana (4-6, 5.32) and Braden Looper (6-4, 3.72) will take the mound on Saturday, before Weaver (5-3, 3.88) and Todd Wellemeyer (1-1, 7.26) close out the Sunday's series finale.
<< It'll be Federer vs. Nadal once again in French final
Paris, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ten-time Grand Slam champion Roger
Federer and reigning two-time French Open titlist Rafael Nadal will meet in a
blockbuster final at Roland Garros for a second straight year here on Sunday.
The top-seede
<< Tigers sluggin' out wins
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - For fans of pitching duels, the 2007 Detroit Tigers may not
be the best team to watch.
While Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman continue to mow down opposing
hitters, it has been Detroit's offense that has carried
<< Culpepper leaves Dolphins minicamp
Davie, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Embattled Miami Dolphins quarterback Daunte
Culpepper left the team's final minicamp practice of the spring on Friday.
The Miami Herald reported that Culpepper, who asked for his release on
Thursday
<< History in the Remaking at Oakmont CC
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Making sure that everyone on a club's
staff has proper understanding of, and appreciation for, a property's history
and unique characteristics is always a challenge--especially when the club is
over 1
Royals continue to falter >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - While it's still early in the 2007 season, the only chase
the Kansas City Royals are involved in is the one to avoid owning the worst
record in the majors.
Thanks to the Texas Rangers, the Royals are safe in that departmen
Bailey set to make major-league debut >>
Cincinnati, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Highly-touted pitching prospect Homer
Bailey will make his major league debut on Friday after Cincinnati purchased
his contract from Triple-A Louisville.
Bailey, who is considered one of the to
Galaxy putting pieces together for Dallas contest >>
Frisco, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Galaxy have played the fewest
games of any team in Major League Soccer this season, but the club has already
been forced to rearrange its lineup because of injuries and international
absence
Nationals don't have much to rely on >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Maybe the Washington Nationals should have re-signed
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American Idol Betting Season 6 Strategies
It's that time of year folks. Betting on American Idol Season 9. And we have plenty of American Idol Season 6 strategies appearing below. With the Top 24 finalists revealed, online gambling sites will be offering betting odds on each of them, including MySportsbook.com.
No other “event” has been growing as fast as wagering on American Idol. It has turned into a huge betting event with reasonably high limits and all sorts of profit-making potential for sharp bettors. Last year, MySportsbook.com experienced unprecedented traffic as a result of the American Idol betting craze.
Every week there will be odds to win American Idol, various elimination props and contestant versus contestant match-ups at the MySportsbook.com website.
Whether a fan of America’s top-rated show or watching only because of a wife or girlfriend, here are some of basic strategies to use when betting American Idol.
Odds to Win
There are a few things to consider when looking for the right win bet. First off, remember that this bet is for the long haul. Many people make the mistake of picking the performer who sang the best the previous week. This strategy leads to an underlay situation – betting a price, which is less than what it should be.
All Idol contestants struggle at some point in the competition, so you should always look for value. In last year’s competition alone, two performers who had some of the best performances early in the series were subsequently bet down to low prices - Lisa Tucker and Ace Young. After just a few weeks, Tucker had already been eliminated, while Young quickly became a huge long shot to win America’s largest talent search.
A better strategy is to look for performers who don’t necessarily get the praise from the judges, but show flashes of the talent necessary to go the distance.
Another important thing to remember when betting any contestant to win is the demographic breakdown of the voters, the viewing public and potential future CD purchasers. Unlike sporting events, American Idol is not decided on the field of play – it’s decided by the American public under the guiding influence of the shows producers.
Understand that the great state of Alabama has a mighty edge when it comes to American Idol.
Therefore, to be successful betting on American Idol, put any personal opinions or prejudices aside and think like the majority of the voting public. Remember that the typical voter is young, female and quite often, Southern.
If a contestant cannot appeal to this demographic, no matter how much talent he or she possesses, they’ll struggle for votes. Looks, demeanor and charisma are extremely important. And it’s no coincidence that every Idol winner so far has hailed from a Southern state.
Elimination Props
Every week MySportsbook.com anticipates offering a prop on who’ll be eliminated from the show each Wednesday night. A suggestion to handicap this is to gauge an overall feel for who’s the least popular contestant left in the competition. Generally the least popular performers have recently appeared in the bottom three and will have been the target of repeated criticism from the judges.
Last year, resources included dialidol.com and votefortheworst.com. Dialidol.com measures the volume of each contestant’s voting line. While by no means a perfect science, it does give a good indication of who is generating votes and who isn’t. Meanwhile, votefortheworst.com is a site that attempts to build support for the worst competitor to keep them in the competition for ‘entertainment’ value. The site has a proven track record of keeping performers around who most feel should have been voted off a long time ago.
Contestant vs. Contestant Match-ups
The best strategy for doing well on match-ups is to assess how close either of the contestants is to being eliminated. If neither is expected to be voted off of the show in the coming weeks, the value is almost always on the underdog. If both are expecting an imminent exit in the near future, the favorite in the match-up might offer value.
Watch for American Idol betting odds on each of the contestants shortly and good luck with these American Idol betting strategies.
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The NFL preseason is approaching. Time for players, coaches and teams to turn over a new leaf. General managers have hired some new coaches, while coaches have added some offensive and defensive assistants to try and improve things. Here’s a look at some changes to look for in the preseason.
New York Jets: The Jets were one of the surprise teams in the NFL last season, making the playoffs under hard-driving first-year coach Eric Mangini. Mangini rebuilt the offensive line with rookies D'Brickashaw Ferguson (the No. 4 pick in the 2007 Draft) and Ohio State center (the 29th pick in the first round). This season he upgraded the defense with rookie linebacker David Harris (Michigan) while the secondary picked up a much needed top-notch corner in Pitt CB Darrelle Revis (No. 14 overall).
The Jets have added balance to the offense for QB Chad Pennington with RB Thomas Jones, essentially stolen from the Bears. He will upgrade a New York ground game that was 20th in rushing with a weak 3.5 yards per carry. They have their first true feature back since Curtis Martin. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer prefers ball control, like his father Marty. In preseason, behind Pennington you’ll see second-year QB Kellen Clemens and mobile newcomer QB Marques Tuiasosopo.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The heat is on Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville as the Jaguars flopped last season despite a ton of talent. Keep in mind that under Del Rio the Jaguars have been outstanding in preseason with a 12-4 SU, 11-5 ATS August mark. online football betting Their defense is loaded, it’s the offense that has been stuck in first gear the last few years.
Enter a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter, the former Boise State and Arizona State pass-happy coach. He will try and upgrade a passing game that ranked 24th last season. Del Rio has criticized wide receivers and Matt Jones this summer, both of whom have battled injuries. It will be interesting to watch the “new” Jaguars passing game in preseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Word out of Arizona is that the players like new coach Ken Whisenhunt, who was the Steelers offensive coordinator last year. We think of Arizona as all-passing because their running game has been awful of late because of a poor offensive line. However, keep an eye on the running game in preseason as they’ve made a lot of changes.
The new coach brings in Russ Grimm to coach the offensive line (Grimm did a marvelous job building the Steelers line). They took Penn State OT Levi Jones in the first round and signed two offensive linemen, Mike Gandy and Al Johnson, to provide depth. Reggie Wells was moved from right tackle to left guard and they want more speed out of the offensive line for pulling and traps, a Pittsburgh staple under Bill Cowher.
Atlanta Falcons: While all the attention has been focused on QB Mike Vick’s off-field problems, new coach Bobby Petrino is revamping the Falcons from an all-running team to a more balanced one. Petrino likes the experience of backup QB Joey Harrington and he has veteran backup Chris Redman, who used to play for Petrino at Louisville and knows his offenses better than anyone. Petrino wants Vick to be more of a pocket passer.
The addition of FB Ovie Mughelli is a sign Petrino wants a power rushing attack behind a physical fullback and newcomer WR Joe Horn should upgrade what was a below average wideout corps. Petrino is changing their old zone-blocking scheme to a more traditional in-line blocking scheme and the offensive line is bigger. Rookie DE Jamaal Anderson was grabbed in the first round and the secondary got younger with former Auburn cornerback David Irons, who the Falcons think was a steal as a sixth-round pick.
Cleveland Browns: The 2007 Browns look like a double-edged sword. There was the excitement of the offseason, trading for RB Jamel Lewis, upgrading the offensive line with Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas (the No. 2 pick in the draft) and free agent LG Eric Steinbach, then trading for Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn when he fell to No. 22. GM Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel feel they have a talented, balanced offense with these new pieces, plus TE >Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards.
However, were these moves made in desperation? And were they foolish ones? The Browns gave up their 2008 first-round pick for Quinn and we all know QBs take time to develop. And even first-round QBs can be busts (Joey Harrington, Akili Smith). We also don’t know if the offensive line is that much improved (31st in rushing in 2007) and they did nothing to improve a defense that was awful against the run (142 yds pg allowed).
The Browns have a new offensive coordinator in Rob Chudzinski. This is a young offense and Quinn looked tentative, indecisive and inaccurate early in camp. Crennel will play Charlie Frye, Quinn and Derek Anderson in preseason. And there is a mixed bag for rookie QBs receiving significant starts: Tim Couch (14), Kerry Collins (13), Ben Roethlisberger (13), Vince Young (13), Joey Harrington (12), Matt Leinart (11) and Kyle Boller (nine). While all the focus will be on the Browns new-look offense, I’m more concerned with the defense.
Carolina Panthers: Coach Jon Fox loves the ground game, but Carolina has made some interesting changes for 2007. Fox fired offensive coordinator Dan Henning and brings in Jeff Davidson to run the offense. Davidson has brought in zone-blocking schemes to the Panther offense, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style.
In zone-blocking, offensive linemen are responsible for blocking any defender who appears in their zone, instead of focusing on one defender. The Broncos and Falcons have had success with the system, which features smaller, more athletic offensive linemen and can create running lanes on the inside and outside. Keep an eye in preseason on how Carolina adjusts as it will take time to learn the system. Fox has been one of the top coaches in preseason, with a 15-5 SU, 12-7-1 ATS August record.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Terrell Owens is still here, but QB Drew Bledsoe and Bill Parcells are gone. New head coach Wade Phillips takes over, replacing Parcells. He ran the Chargers defense last season. Phillips was chosen by teary-eyed owner Jerry Jones partly because he is one of the best 3-4 coaches in football and the Cowboys have loaded up on players for that scheme.
Remember that Phillips was blitz-happy with the Chargers last season and early reports out of the Dallas camp have mentioned how the Cowboys have been blitzing a lot, a departure from Parcells. The theme of the 2007 Dallas defense appears to be one of attack.
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