Some religious guy once said “My cup runneth over.” Well, my God, there is a lot of great action this weekend! I need a bigger cup! The Final Four, the start of the MLB season, and even a little MMA action to close out the weekend. I’m giddy! Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
I have not had the greatest NCAA Tourney wagering-wise, but it sure has been fun. The way I see it, there are three games left, and then the countdown begins for March Madness 2010. What a great time of year!
The first game on Saturday has the UConn Huskies as 4 point favorites over the Michigan State Spartans. I could very well be 0-4 in Spartans games this tournament. I know for a fact that one of my biggest losses was their 15 point victory over Robert Morris in the first round, when I was giving 15.5. That one hurt. I can’t seem to figure them out one way or another. I’m not a quitter though, and going 1-4 in Spartan’s games would be a victory in my eyes.
I have to go with UConn to win and cover over State. The Huskies are big and nasty and will hopefully rough up their opponents real good. Hasheem Thabeet, Jeff Adrien and A.J. Price could be popping up in Coach Tom Izzo’s nightmares for months to come, if I have things go my way. A cover here would be a very nice start to my runneth over cup indeed. The fact that I own some midseason futures on UConn to win it all at +500 doesn’t hurt either.
Tom Izzo you gots to gizzo
After that comes the mighty UNC Tarheels as 7.5 point bullies over the Villanova Wildcats. Nova is another team that I stand to win a nice chunk of change on in this Final Four. I participated in a large bracket contest that pays a pretty penny. I’m currently in 128th place, but a Villanova championship would pay me top billing. I’m not holding my breath on this one. I still believe that they are good enough to cover 7.5 points though.
The last time that there was championship talk at Villanova, they had a coach named Rollie Massimino. If you’re old enough to remember Rollie like I do, I pity you. The end is near my friends. Rollie was hilarious. He looked like Ed Asner, if Ed just gave up. This team is nowhere near the dog that Rollie’s 8th seeded team was though. They feel they have as good a shot as anyone else.
If the Wildcats win this game, great, I’d like that. Either way, I think they’ll keep it close. The big guns of the Big East were incomparable this year. I think a top three Big East team could run with the ACC’s best offering all night long. Plus I’m banking on the fact that Tarheel guard Ty Lawson will be at the Detroit MGM Grand with Charles Barkley til 5 AM the night before. Hope hope.
The last time that there was championship talk at Villanova, they had a coach named Rollie Massimino. If you’re old enough to remember Rollie like I do, I pity you. The end is near my friends. Rollie was hilarious. He looked like Ed Asner, if Ed just gave up. This team is nowhere near the dog that Rollie’s 8th seeded team was though. They feel they have as good a shot as anyone else.
If the Wildcats win this game, great, I’d like that. Either way, I think they’ll keep it close. The big guns of the Big East were incomparable this year. I think a top three Big East team could run with the ACC’s best offering all night long. Plus I’m banking on the fact that Tarheel guard Ty Lawson will be at the Detroit MGM Grand with Charles Barkley til 5 AM the night before. Hope hope.
God bless the legend of Rollie Massimino
The great Kermit the Frog once said “Movin right along.” What’s next? Oh yes! Baseball is starting! The Braves travel to the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. For a short-return investment, I’m looking at the Phillies at -125 to take down newly-acquired Derek Lowe and Atlanta. Now a quick look at some long-terms.
AL EAST
NY Yankees +105
Boston Red Sox +125
Tampa Bay Rays +465
Jays or Orioles +1415
A blind guy walks into a bar and asks the bartender to change the station to the Yankees game. The bartender says “I’m sorry but we don’t have a TV here.” The blind guy asks if he knows the Yankees score. Bartender says “Yea, they lost again Governor Paterson.”
I just made up that joke and I’m proud of myself, regardless of what you think. But the point is, I see a long year in store for the Yankees. There is a 100% chance that A-Rod cracks this year. Jeter, Damon and Posada are shells of their former selves. Teixeira might be the most valuable addition in all of baseball, but there is only so much that he can do. Yes, the starting rotation is solid and they still have Mariano Rivera. But are you considering how many New York pizza stands CC Sabathia has to pass on the way home? I’m pretty sure at some point this year he will be dubbed as CCC Sabathia. This could reach epic proportions. Man, it sure is fun to hate the Yankees.
The Red Sox boast a fantastic lineup and a nasty rotation. The one glaring omission is the absence of Manny Ramirez. David Ortiz came up with so many game winning RBI’s throughout the years. That can’t and won’t happen anymore, because as respectable as Youklis and Bay are, they’re no Manny. They will see Big Papi put on base numerous times throughout the season. And sure, they’ll belt home a game winner here and there, but the weakness is exploited for a reason – because it’s a weakness. My choice to win this division is a team that is probably still fresh on these Sox players’ minds.
Defending AL champ Tampa Bay at +465? Thanks oddsmakers! YAY! The team returns intact, still young and hungry. The team’s chemistry is unrivaled, which is immeasurable in stat lines and box scores. They gained some pop in the lineup by acquiring Pat Burrell. Carl Crawford, BJ Upton and Scott Kazmir can only improve on disappointing seasons. Even their middle relief is solid. Only a handful of teams can claim that. The only question mark I can see would be Troy Percival as closer. He had a lot of saves last year, but he was very shaky. At the most volatile position in baseball, you would prefer to have a closer that doesn’t make you nervous anytime he enters the 9th with a three run lead. But maybe that’s just me.
AL EAST
NY Yankees +105
Boston Red Sox +125
Tampa Bay Rays +465
Jays or Orioles +1415
A blind guy walks into a bar and asks the bartender to change the station to the Yankees game. The bartender says “I’m sorry but we don’t have a TV here.” The blind guy asks if he knows the Yankees score. Bartender says “Yea, they lost again Governor Paterson.”
I just made up that joke and I’m proud of myself, regardless of what you think. But the point is, I see a long year in store for the Yankees. There is a 100% chance that A-Rod cracks this year. Jeter, Damon and Posada are shells of their former selves. Teixeira might be the most valuable addition in all of baseball, but there is only so much that he can do. Yes, the starting rotation is solid and they still have Mariano Rivera. But are you considering how many New York pizza stands CC Sabathia has to pass on the way home? I’m pretty sure at some point this year he will be dubbed as CCC Sabathia. This could reach epic proportions. Man, it sure is fun to hate the Yankees.
The Red Sox boast a fantastic lineup and a nasty rotation. The one glaring omission is the absence of Manny Ramirez. David Ortiz came up with so many game winning RBI’s throughout the years. That can’t and won’t happen anymore, because as respectable as Youklis and Bay are, they’re no Manny. They will see Big Papi put on base numerous times throughout the season. And sure, they’ll belt home a game winner here and there, but the weakness is exploited for a reason – because it’s a weakness. My choice to win this division is a team that is probably still fresh on these Sox players’ minds.
Defending AL champ Tampa Bay at +465? Thanks oddsmakers! YAY! The team returns intact, still young and hungry. The team’s chemistry is unrivaled, which is immeasurable in stat lines and box scores. They gained some pop in the lineup by acquiring Pat Burrell. Carl Crawford, BJ Upton and Scott Kazmir can only improve on disappointing seasons. Even their middle relief is solid. Only a handful of teams can claim that. The only question mark I can see would be Troy Percival as closer. He had a lot of saves last year, but he was very shaky. At the most volatile position in baseball, you would prefer to have a closer that doesn’t make you nervous anytime he enters the 9th with a three run lead. But maybe that’s just me.
I have a little man-lust for Carl Crawford
All in all, I’m jumping on the Rays at these odds. The Red Sox and Yankees’ prices will always be overly inflated, but this takes the cake. There is no way they can be considered that much better than the Rays this year. As for the Blue Jays and Orioles, they give birds everywhere a bad name.
AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Indians +145
Minnesota Twins +265
Detroit Tigers +265
White Sox or Royals +265
The league’s two biggest disappointments last year were from this division in Cleveland and Detroit. I see big bounce back years from both clubs as they battle for the division this year. That’s not to overlook Minnesota at all, as they seem to be a tough squad year in and year out regardless of the players they lose. That’s a big compliment to manager Rod Gardenhire. As for the Indians and Tigers, both have a ton of question marks.
For the Indians - Can Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez bounce back from season-ending injuries? Will the 2007 Fausto Carmona ever return? Is Carl Pavano really on our team??
For the Tigers – Will Justin Verlander return to form? Can Edwin Jackson get us some tough wins this year? Will our bullpen ever get an out??
I’m going with the Tigers this year. You have to believe that Jim Leyland will have some adjustments in place. He already has a lineup that can outscore most, including the beasts of the East. Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco, Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen are as potent a top 5 as any batting order in the league. Here’s to banking that Detroit wins more 12-11 games than anyone else in the league this season.
AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Indians +145
Minnesota Twins +265
Detroit Tigers +265
White Sox or Royals +265
The league’s two biggest disappointments last year were from this division in Cleveland and Detroit. I see big bounce back years from both clubs as they battle for the division this year. That’s not to overlook Minnesota at all, as they seem to be a tough squad year in and year out regardless of the players they lose. That’s a big compliment to manager Rod Gardenhire. As for the Indians and Tigers, both have a ton of question marks.
For the Indians - Can Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez bounce back from season-ending injuries? Will the 2007 Fausto Carmona ever return? Is Carl Pavano really on our team??
For the Tigers – Will Justin Verlander return to form? Can Edwin Jackson get us some tough wins this year? Will our bullpen ever get an out??
I’m going with the Tigers this year. You have to believe that Jim Leyland will have some adjustments in place. He already has a lineup that can outscore most, including the beasts of the East. Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco, Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen are as potent a top 5 as any batting order in the league. Here’s to banking that Detroit wins more 12-11 games than anyone else in the league this season.
Cheer up Paws. It can only get better!
AL WEST
LA Angels -155
Field +130
I know, I know that the Angels have mad talent. I also know that there is a pretty good chance they win this division again. Another thing I know is that my momma didn’t raise no dummy Bread. She used good yeast and I raised up real nice-like. Texas, Seattle and Oakland all have respectable teams. Well, at least they do before the games start. If The Greek is offering plus odds on three teams versus one in this wacky game of baseball, I’m taking it. A quick look at impact players for each team:
Angels – Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, Scot Shields.
A’s – Orlando Cabrera, Matt Holiday, Jason Giambi, Eric Chavez, the scary starting lineup.
Mariners – Jose Lopez, Adrian Beltre, Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard, Jarrod Washburn.
Rangers – Frank Francisco, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Hank Blalock, Chris Davis, Kevin Millwood.
OK once again, I realize that the Angels should take this division. But this is baseball. We just watched the Rays go to the World Series. I’ll take three talented teams over one great one at plus odds every day of the week. God bless my pick.
NL EAST
NY Mets +105
Philadelphia Phillies +165
Field +225
I really do like the Marlins here, but I can’t pull the trigger on them. Not with those two monsters in the division. This might be the hardest one to predict in my opinion. After much deliberation and three beers, I’m giving the nod to the defending champ Phillies.
he Mets are done messing around. Their bullpen cost them big time last year, so they brought in JJ Putz and K-Rod. Pretty impressive moves. Jose Reyes could be the game’s best leadoff hitter. I always try to catch his at bats whenever possible. With the meat of the lineup showing off David Wright, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran, the Mets should wreak havoc on opposing pitchers. Oh, did I mention ace Johan Santana yet?
Then you have the Phils. They also show off some talent with Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Brad Lidge and a very dependable bullpen. The difference is, the Phillies have heart, and the Mets do not. Plain and simple. Philadelphia for the win, Wink. But I’m keeping an eye on those Marlins.
LA Angels -155
Field +130
I know, I know that the Angels have mad talent. I also know that there is a pretty good chance they win this division again. Another thing I know is that my momma didn’t raise no dummy Bread. She used good yeast and I raised up real nice-like. Texas, Seattle and Oakland all have respectable teams. Well, at least they do before the games start. If The Greek is offering plus odds on three teams versus one in this wacky game of baseball, I’m taking it. A quick look at impact players for each team:
Angels – Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, Scot Shields.
A’s – Orlando Cabrera, Matt Holiday, Jason Giambi, Eric Chavez, the scary starting lineup.
Mariners – Jose Lopez, Adrian Beltre, Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard, Jarrod Washburn.
Rangers – Frank Francisco, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Hank Blalock, Chris Davis, Kevin Millwood.
OK once again, I realize that the Angels should take this division. But this is baseball. We just watched the Rays go to the World Series. I’ll take three talented teams over one great one at plus odds every day of the week. God bless my pick.
NL EAST
NY Mets +105
Philadelphia Phillies +165
Field +225
I really do like the Marlins here, but I can’t pull the trigger on them. Not with those two monsters in the division. This might be the hardest one to predict in my opinion. After much deliberation and three beers, I’m giving the nod to the defending champ Phillies.
he Mets are done messing around. Their bullpen cost them big time last year, so they brought in JJ Putz and K-Rod. Pretty impressive moves. Jose Reyes could be the game’s best leadoff hitter. I always try to catch his at bats whenever possible. With the meat of the lineup showing off David Wright, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran, the Mets should wreak havoc on opposing pitchers. Oh, did I mention ace Johan Santana yet?
Then you have the Phils. They also show off some talent with Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Brad Lidge and a very dependable bullpen. The difference is, the Phillies have heart, and the Mets do not. Plain and simple. Philadelphia for the win, Wink. But I’m keeping an eye on those Marlins.
Wink Martindale backs the Phils
NL CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs -225
St. Louis Cardinals +425
Milwaukee Brewers +545
Field +585
No numbers, stats or star power needed for this pick. I think Houston will win the Central because I have a certain editor/boss at SBR who happens to be an Astros nut, and I kiss his heiney whenever I can. GO ASTROS! (And I get to root in the Pirates and Reds for the win too!)
Chicago Cubs -225
St. Louis Cardinals +425
Milwaukee Brewers +545
Field +585
No numbers, stats or star power needed for this pick. I think Houston will win the Central because I have a certain editor/boss at SBR who happens to be an Astros nut, and I kiss his heiney whenever I can. GO ASTROS! (And I get to root in the Pirates and Reds for the win too!)
XOXOXO boss…GO ASTROS!
NL WEST
Los Angeles Dodgers +105
Arizona Diamondbacks +165
Field +185
Manny Manny Manny. Wow. You little stinker you ended up staying put after all. Now Joe Torre can sit back and watch you, Rafael Furcal, Orlando Hudson, Russell Martin and company put up runs like no other team in the NL this season. It should be fun. Oh wait, the pitching.
The loss of Derek Lowe and Brad Penny will hurt a bit. Dodger’s fans have to hope that Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Randy Wolf can improve on their combined 37-32 record last year. At this point I don’t even care. I’m on the Dodger’s Kool-Aid and see the score keepers being kept quite busy. Manny is a consummate jerk and I have no idea how he does it, but teams just keep winning with him. I’m banking that this campaign will be no different.
To close out the weekend, lest we forget, the WEC has a live event showing on VS. TV at 9 PM on Sunday. The headlining fight features one of the most exciting pound-for-pound fighters, Miguel Torres. Unfortunately his challenger, Brian Bowles, had to bow out with a back injury. In his place they brought in Takeya Mizugaki as the sacrificial lamb. Torres’ odds are sky high at -705, but you can throw him in some parlays, or just tune in to witness the phenomenon of the failure of Asian fighters in American MMA. It’s going to get ugly.
There are nine other fights on this card and 5dimes offers them all. The perfect way to round out this nutty weekend. Good luck and God bless our plays one and all.
Los Angeles Dodgers +105
Arizona Diamondbacks +165
Field +185
Manny Manny Manny. Wow. You little stinker you ended up staying put after all. Now Joe Torre can sit back and watch you, Rafael Furcal, Orlando Hudson, Russell Martin and company put up runs like no other team in the NL this season. It should be fun. Oh wait, the pitching.
The loss of Derek Lowe and Brad Penny will hurt a bit. Dodger’s fans have to hope that Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Randy Wolf can improve on their combined 37-32 record last year. At this point I don’t even care. I’m on the Dodger’s Kool-Aid and see the score keepers being kept quite busy. Manny is a consummate jerk and I have no idea how he does it, but teams just keep winning with him. I’m banking that this campaign will be no different.
To close out the weekend, lest we forget, the WEC has a live event showing on VS. TV at 9 PM on Sunday. The headlining fight features one of the most exciting pound-for-pound fighters, Miguel Torres. Unfortunately his challenger, Brian Bowles, had to bow out with a back injury. In his place they brought in Takeya Mizugaki as the sacrificial lamb. Torres’ odds are sky high at -705, but you can throw him in some parlays, or just tune in to witness the phenomenon of the failure of Asian fighters in American MMA. It’s going to get ugly.
There are nine other fights on this card and 5dimes offers them all. The perfect way to round out this nutty weekend. Good luck and God bless our plays one and all.
Miguel Torres is nuts
