Michael Cannon
Monday's Plays...
15 Dime –
BRADLEY
Take the points with Bradley tonight when they travel to take on Tulsa in Game 1 of the CBI Finals.
Bradley has the advantage in the backcourt in this matchup with Daniel Ruffin, Andrew Warren and Jeremy Crouch.
This is one of the few times Bradley has had all three of those players healthy and in the lineup together this year. The Braves are 14-5 SU this year when Ruffin and Warren are in the lineup together.
Crouch has been the hottest of the three, however. He’s posted seven 20-point or more games in his last nine, including 27 in the semifinal win at Virginia.
With the way they are playing right now, Bradley has a definite chance at stealing a win here before returning home on Wednesday night.
Take the points with Bradley as they stay within the number.
5 Dime –
BLUE JAYS (With Halladay as listed pitcher)
Take the Blue Jays as the underdog this afternoon over the Yankees.
It’s hard to pass up Toronto at a plus return when Roy Halladay is pitching, regardless of the opponent.
The fact that it’s the Yankees makes this a bit of a reach, but Halladay hasn’t exactly been intimidated by the Pinstripes in his career.
The right-hander is 10-4 lifetime with a 2.99 ERA in 24 games against the Yankees. What’s more, he’s 4-0 with a 1.77 ERA in his last eight starts against New York, which hasn’t beaten him since September 2004.
The Yankees will counter with Chien-Ming Wang, who was destroyed in the playoffs last year against Cleveland, going 0-2 with a 19.06 ERA in two games.
You have to wonder about Wang’s mental state after that disappointment, and going against Halladay only reduces his margin for error in this game.
Take Toronto at the plus return as they grab the road win.
TIGERS -1 ½ RUN LINE (With Verlander as listed pitcher)
Take the Tigers on the run line this afternoon over the Royals.
It’s hard not to like the Tigers at this reduced price, considering their potent lineup.
Off-season acquisition Miguel Cabrera only strengthens a lineup that already includes Magglio Ordonez and Gary Sheffield. They figure to score a lot of runs this year, and with Justin Verlander getting the nod today it shouldn’t take much to cover the run line.
Verlander is 6-0 with a 2.26 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals, who lost 11 of the 18 meetings with the Tigers last year.
Take Detroit on the run line as they win by at least two.
PIRATES (With Snell as listed pitcher)
Take the Pirates at the plus return tonight over the Braves.
Atlanta played last night at Washington and had to catch a late flight home, while the Pirates already went through their workout at Turner Field.
I know it’s the Pirates and they are a woeful team, but Ian Snell gets the start tonight and he’s proven to be a promising young starter for the Bucs.
The right-hander won 14 games in 2006, then responded with a 3.76 ERA in 32 starts last year.
The Braves will counter with Tom Glavine, and while he’s a 300-game winner in the majors, you have to wonder how much the 42-year-old has left in the tank.
Take the Pirates at the plus return as they grab the road win.
Monday's Plays...
15 Dime –
BRADLEY
Take the points with Bradley tonight when they travel to take on Tulsa in Game 1 of the CBI Finals.
Bradley has the advantage in the backcourt in this matchup with Daniel Ruffin, Andrew Warren and Jeremy Crouch.
This is one of the few times Bradley has had all three of those players healthy and in the lineup together this year. The Braves are 14-5 SU this year when Ruffin and Warren are in the lineup together.
Crouch has been the hottest of the three, however. He’s posted seven 20-point or more games in his last nine, including 27 in the semifinal win at Virginia.
With the way they are playing right now, Bradley has a definite chance at stealing a win here before returning home on Wednesday night.
Take the points with Bradley as they stay within the number.
5 Dime –
BLUE JAYS (With Halladay as listed pitcher)
Take the Blue Jays as the underdog this afternoon over the Yankees.
It’s hard to pass up Toronto at a plus return when Roy Halladay is pitching, regardless of the opponent.
The fact that it’s the Yankees makes this a bit of a reach, but Halladay hasn’t exactly been intimidated by the Pinstripes in his career.
The right-hander is 10-4 lifetime with a 2.99 ERA in 24 games against the Yankees. What’s more, he’s 4-0 with a 1.77 ERA in his last eight starts against New York, which hasn’t beaten him since September 2004.
The Yankees will counter with Chien-Ming Wang, who was destroyed in the playoffs last year against Cleveland, going 0-2 with a 19.06 ERA in two games.
You have to wonder about Wang’s mental state after that disappointment, and going against Halladay only reduces his margin for error in this game.
Take Toronto at the plus return as they grab the road win.
TIGERS -1 ½ RUN LINE (With Verlander as listed pitcher)
Take the Tigers on the run line this afternoon over the Royals.
It’s hard not to like the Tigers at this reduced price, considering their potent lineup.
Off-season acquisition Miguel Cabrera only strengthens a lineup that already includes Magglio Ordonez and Gary Sheffield. They figure to score a lot of runs this year, and with Justin Verlander getting the nod today it shouldn’t take much to cover the run line.
Verlander is 6-0 with a 2.26 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals, who lost 11 of the 18 meetings with the Tigers last year.
Take Detroit on the run line as they win by at least two.
PIRATES (With Snell as listed pitcher)
Take the Pirates at the plus return tonight over the Braves.
Atlanta played last night at Washington and had to catch a late flight home, while the Pirates already went through their workout at Turner Field.
I know it’s the Pirates and they are a woeful team, but Ian Snell gets the start tonight and he’s proven to be a promising young starter for the Bucs.
The right-hander won 14 games in 2006, then responded with a 3.76 ERA in 32 starts last year.
The Braves will counter with Tom Glavine, and while he’s a 300-game winner in the majors, you have to wonder how much the 42-year-old has left in the tank.
Take the Pirates at the plus return as they grab the road win.
Winners Inc
Here you go fellas.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD vAlign=top>Winners Inc.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>Guaranteed Selections</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Date: Monday, March 31, 2008
$25.00 Guaranteed: Last year in BASEBALL we were 77-31 for PLUS 50.2 Units on the season and that my friends is playing just ONE UNIT PER GAME! Today we are featuring our OPENING DAY $500,000 BASEBALL PLAY OF THE YEAR! You can get tis guaranteed winner for just $25 and you will be charged only after you win! We are currently on a REMARKABLE 23-6 run with all of our selections!</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>3/31/2008</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>OPENING DAY $500,000 BASEBALL PLAY OF THE YEAR
Cleveland w/Sabathia -170 3:05 EST</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Here you go fellas.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD vAlign=top>Winners Inc.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>Guaranteed Selections</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Date: Monday, March 31, 2008
$25.00 Guaranteed: Last year in BASEBALL we were 77-31 for PLUS 50.2 Units on the season and that my friends is playing just ONE UNIT PER GAME! Today we are featuring our OPENING DAY $500,000 BASEBALL PLAY OF THE YEAR! You can get tis guaranteed winner for just $25 and you will be charged only after you win! We are currently on a REMARKABLE 23-6 run with all of our selections!</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>3/31/2008</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>OPENING DAY $500,000 BASEBALL PLAY OF THE YEAR
Cleveland w/Sabathia -170 3:05 EST</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Parsons' NBA Play
Memphis Grizzlies (+3)
Certainly it is understood why the Hawks are listed as road chalk here. Atlanta has won three straight games and is battling hard to secure a playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference. Contrast this with a Grizzlies team that is just 19-54 on the season and hasn't thought about the postseason in a long, long time as theyve already been eliminated for weeks. All of the above said, the fact remains that nothing is ever as easy as it may appear on the surface. The Grizzlies have actually been playing some inspired basketball and they will battle hard all the way with the Hawks here. Also, note that Atlanta is just 9-27 on the road this season and just snuck out a home win over the Knicks yesterday. The Grizzlies were off yesterday as they just returned home from a West Coast road trip. Memphis lost to the Clippers on Saturday night to wrap up the road trip but they simply came out flat after beating the Lakers on the same floor the night before. That win over the Lakers made the Grizzlies 4-3 in their last seven games. Note that the Grizzlies last eight games, before the loss to the Clippers, were all quite competitive. Memphis went 4-4 in those 8 games with only one loss by more than four points! The Grizzlies continue to compete hard and they would love nothing more than to play the role of spoiler against Atlanta on Monday night. Grab the points here but no points should be needed as Memphis should get the outright win.
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Memphis Grizzlies (+3)
Certainly it is understood why the Hawks are listed as road chalk here. Atlanta has won three straight games and is battling hard to secure a playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference. Contrast this with a Grizzlies team that is just 19-54 on the season and hasn't thought about the postseason in a long, long time as theyve already been eliminated for weeks. All of the above said, the fact remains that nothing is ever as easy as it may appear on the surface. The Grizzlies have actually been playing some inspired basketball and they will battle hard all the way with the Hawks here. Also, note that Atlanta is just 9-27 on the road this season and just snuck out a home win over the Knicks yesterday. The Grizzlies were off yesterday as they just returned home from a West Coast road trip. Memphis lost to the Clippers on Saturday night to wrap up the road trip but they simply came out flat after beating the Lakers on the same floor the night before. That win over the Lakers made the Grizzlies 4-3 in their last seven games. Note that the Grizzlies last eight games, before the loss to the Clippers, were all quite competitive. Memphis went 4-4 in those 8 games with only one loss by more than four points! The Grizzlies continue to compete hard and they would love nothing more than to play the role of spoiler against Atlanta on Monday night. Grab the points here but no points should be needed as Memphis should get the outright win.
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Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Miami Heat @ Indiana Pacers - Monday March 31, 2008 7:00 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Indiana Pacers -16.5 (-109) (Play of the Day)
On a personal note, I wanted to thank you for staying with me over this latest stretch. Yesterday was a sound day at 4-1 and +10 units of profit including the Twolves outright at +201 and of course the Grizzlies outright on Friday at +1133 ML. I've always said I have the best clients anyone can ever hope for and I will continue to work as hard as I can to deliver the most quality plays, with the best value and consequently ensuing profit. Not many cappers say this, but thank you for the faith you have shown in me and let's stretch this winning streak out.
As per this play, this might be my only play tomorrow. In fact, it likely will be despite the fact I like the Grizzlies a good bit tomorrow, the over in that game as well and and possibly the Wizards when the line comes out, but I am likely just to take it easy on the card today as there are plenty of action in the NBA to come in the coming weeks and if I do make an additional play it would be for just 1 unit on the Wizards ML tomorrow. But, we will see what the line comes up as but if it is at a 2:1 price, I will likely take it. I am hoping for 2.4 or better. Back to this game, long story short here, how would you feel if you were one of the few teams that have lost to the Heat this year. Well, the Pacers know what it feels like. In fact, the Pacers beat this team by a bucket this year before losing outright on the road in their last game to them. The Pacers are making a late run and they have been playing well of late and scoring points with ease. The Pacers come off a nice win over the Nets, they get O'Neal likely back today and will be fired up about that, they have revenge, the Heat have scored 69 and 62 points against the Celtics and Pistons in their last 2 ballgames, the Pacers have scored a 100 or more in their last 8 ballgames and I will take the Pacers here with the revenge for a 20 point win or more at home to give their fans something to cheer about when all is said and done. The Heat do come off a terrible game, but I think the Pacers keep pouring it on from start to finish as these teams do not like each other. The Pacers have covered their last 4 at home and their last 4 against teams with a winning % of .400 or lower, meaning they are winning the games they are supposed to against the weaker teams in the league.
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Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Washington Wizards @ Utah Jazz - Monday March 31, 2008 9:00 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Washington Wizards +9 (-109) (Normal)
It's the liberty that my clients give me which allows me to take the shots that I'd like. I mentioned yesterday in my research that if the Washington line was around 6 or 6.5 I would simply take a shot on the Moneyline for a unit along with the Pacers and call it a day. However, given that the line is 9, of course, I would take the ATS and given that the Moneyline is +371, it only makes sense that I take this as I took the Wizards on the moneyline in their last game with the Lakers for +241 - so why would i not take it here at +371. Look the Wizards are an excellent team. They nearly won outright at L.A., they have revenge on the Jazz who beat them on the road in their last game by 9 (that was a game the Wiz were banged up in), now this team has Butler back, the Jazz are likely to have AKirilinko and Brewer likely to sit out or miss considerable minutes today, the Wizards come off a loss as do the Jazz, but the Wizards have revenge and frankly, more scoring options than the Jazz with Daniels, Stephenson, Jamison, Butler and Haywood. I think this line is a bit of a ripoff here as this is a game that the Wiz can win outright as they have won 8 of 10 straight up, I understand that Utah is 32-4 at home, but this is a game that Utah can lose outright as the Wiz are a very competitive team including on the road - remember they won at Orlando and the Magic with revenge and the Magic haven't loss many games on the road, this is about building a bankroll and units, and I have done that in the NBA and this is the same philosophy that one must use for Baseball as well, the Wizards are 4-0 ATS as underdogs of this margin and this team was competitive on the road in the west coast road trip without Butler, they can certainly be competitive with him off a loss, the Jazz are 0-4 ATS as favorites by this margin. I will gladly take a shot on the moneyline as well as this is likely to come down to the wire and a shot here or a foul call there and the +371 ml also has a chance to cash. The Pacers still remain as my POD.
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Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Washington Wizards @ Utah Jazz - Monday March 31, 2008 9:00 pm
Pick: 1 unit(s) MONEYLINE: Washington Wizards +371 (Normal)
It's the liberty that my clients give me which allows me to take the shots that I'd like. I mentioned yesterday in my research that if the Washington line was around 6 or 6.5 I would simply take a shot on the Moneyline for a unit along with the Pacers and call it a day. However, given that the line is 9, of course, I would take the ATS and given that the Moneyline is +371, it only makes sense that I take this as I took the Wizards on the moneyline in their last game with the Lakers for +241 - so why would i not take it here at +371. Look the Wizards are an excellent team. They nearly won outright at L.A., they have revenge on the Jazz who beat them on the road in their last game by 9 (that was a game the Wiz were banged up in), now this team has Butler back, the Jazz are likely to have AKirilinko and Brewer likely to sit out or miss considerable minutes today, the Wizards come off a loss as do the Jazz, but the Wizards have revenge and frankly, more scoring options than the Jazz with Daniels, Stephenson, Jamison, Butler and Haywood. I think this line is a bit of a ripoff here as this is a game that the Wiz can win outright as they have won 8 of 10 straight up, I understand that Utah is 32-4 at home, but this is a game that Utah can lose outright as the Wiz are a very competitive team including on the road - remember they won at Orlando and the Magic with revenge and the Magic haven't loss many games on the road, this is about building a bankroll and units, and I have done that in the NBA and this is the same philosophy that one must use for Baseball as well, the Wizards are 4-0 ATS as underdogs of this margin and this team was competitive on the road in the west coast road trip without Butler, they can certainly be competitive with him off a loss, the Jazz are 0-4 ATS as favorites by this margin. I will gladly take a shot on the moneyline as well as this is likely to come down to the wire and a shot here or a foul call there and the +371 ml also has a chance to cash. The Pacers still remain as my POD.
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Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Miami Heat @ Indiana Pacers - Monday March 31, 2008 7:00 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Indiana Pacers -16.5 (-109) (Play of the Day)
On a personal note, I wanted to thank you for staying with me over this latest stretch. Yesterday was a sound day at 4-1 and +10 units of profit including the Twolves outright at +201 and of course the Grizzlies outright on Friday at +1133 ML. I've always said I have the best clients anyone can ever hope for and I will continue to work as hard as I can to deliver the most quality plays, with the best value and consequently ensuing profit. Not many cappers say this, but thank you for the faith you have shown in me and let's stretch this winning streak out.
As per this play, this might be my only play tomorrow. In fact, it likely will be despite the fact I like the Grizzlies a good bit tomorrow, the over in that game as well and and possibly the Wizards when the line comes out, but I am likely just to take it easy on the card today as there are plenty of action in the NBA to come in the coming weeks and if I do make an additional play it would be for just 1 unit on the Wizards ML tomorrow. But, we will see what the line comes up as but if it is at a 2:1 price, I will likely take it. I am hoping for 2.4 or better. Back to this game, long story short here, how would you feel if you were one of the few teams that have lost to the Heat this year. Well, the Pacers know what it feels like. In fact, the Pacers beat this team by a bucket this year before losing outright on the road in their last game to them. The Pacers are making a late run and they have been playing well of late and scoring points with ease. The Pacers come off a nice win over the Nets, they get O'Neal likely back today and will be fired up about that, they have revenge, the Heat have scored 69 and 62 points against the Celtics and Pistons in their last 2 ballgames, the Pacers have scored a 100 or more in their last 8 ballgames and I will take the Pacers here with the revenge for a 20 point win or more at home to give their fans something to cheer about when all is said and done. The Heat do come off a terrible game, but I think the Pacers keep pouring it on from start to finish as these teams do not like each other. The Pacers have covered their last 4 at home and their last 4 against teams with a winning % of .400 or lower, meaning they are winning the games they are supposed to against the weaker teams in the league.
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Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Washington Wizards @ Utah Jazz - Monday March 31, 2008 9:00 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Washington Wizards +9 (-109) (Normal)
It's the liberty that my clients give me which allows me to take the shots that I'd like. I mentioned yesterday in my research that if the Washington line was around 6 or 6.5 I would simply take a shot on the Moneyline for a unit along with the Pacers and call it a day. However, given that the line is 9, of course, I would take the ATS and given that the Moneyline is +371, it only makes sense that I take this as I took the Wizards on the moneyline in their last game with the Lakers for +241 - so why would i not take it here at +371. Look the Wizards are an excellent team. They nearly won outright at L.A., they have revenge on the Jazz who beat them on the road in their last game by 9 (that was a game the Wiz were banged up in), now this team has Butler back, the Jazz are likely to have AKirilinko and Brewer likely to sit out or miss considerable minutes today, the Wizards come off a loss as do the Jazz, but the Wizards have revenge and frankly, more scoring options than the Jazz with Daniels, Stephenson, Jamison, Butler and Haywood. I think this line is a bit of a ripoff here as this is a game that the Wiz can win outright as they have won 8 of 10 straight up, I understand that Utah is 32-4 at home, but this is a game that Utah can lose outright as the Wiz are a very competitive team including on the road - remember they won at Orlando and the Magic with revenge and the Magic haven't loss many games on the road, this is about building a bankroll and units, and I have done that in the NBA and this is the same philosophy that one must use for Baseball as well, the Wizards are 4-0 ATS as underdogs of this margin and this team was competitive on the road in the west coast road trip without Butler, they can certainly be competitive with him off a loss, the Jazz are 0-4 ATS as favorites by this margin. I will gladly take a shot on the moneyline as well as this is likely to come down to the wire and a shot here or a foul call there and the +371 ml also has a chance to cash. The Pacers still remain as my POD.
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Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Washington Wizards @ Utah Jazz - Monday March 31, 2008 9:00 pm
Pick: 1 unit(s) MONEYLINE: Washington Wizards +371 (Normal)
It's the liberty that my clients give me which allows me to take the shots that I'd like. I mentioned yesterday in my research that if the Washington line was around 6 or 6.5 I would simply take a shot on the Moneyline for a unit along with the Pacers and call it a day. However, given that the line is 9, of course, I would take the ATS and given that the Moneyline is +371, it only makes sense that I take this as I took the Wizards on the moneyline in their last game with the Lakers for +241 - so why would i not take it here at +371. Look the Wizards are an excellent team. They nearly won outright at L.A., they have revenge on the Jazz who beat them on the road in their last game by 9 (that was a game the Wiz were banged up in), now this team has Butler back, the Jazz are likely to have AKirilinko and Brewer likely to sit out or miss considerable minutes today, the Wizards come off a loss as do the Jazz, but the Wizards have revenge and frankly, more scoring options than the Jazz with Daniels, Stephenson, Jamison, Butler and Haywood. I think this line is a bit of a ripoff here as this is a game that the Wiz can win outright as they have won 8 of 10 straight up, I understand that Utah is 32-4 at home, but this is a game that Utah can lose outright as the Wiz are a very competitive team including on the road - remember they won at Orlando and the Magic with revenge and the Magic haven't loss many games on the road, this is about building a bankroll and units, and I have done that in the NBA and this is the same philosophy that one must use for Baseball as well, the Wizards are 4-0 ATS as underdogs of this margin and this team was competitive on the road in the west coast road trip without Butler, they can certainly be competitive with him off a loss, the Jazz are 0-4 ATS as favorites by this margin. I will gladly take a shot on the moneyline as well as this is likely to come down to the wire and a shot here or a foul call there and the +371 ml also has a chance to cash. The Pacers still remain as my POD.
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WUNDERDOG SPORTS DAILY COMPS
MLB
Game: Texas at Seattle (6:40 PM Eastern)
Pick: Seattle -1.5 runs +130 (runline)
Texas certainly hasn't been much on the road, as they had the fewest wins in all of baseball on the road last season with just 28. Kevin Millwood certainly didn't aid that cause as the Rangers did not win a road game started by Millwood after the middle of June. That was nine consecutive starts. Eric Bedard won 12 of his last 13 starts last season for a team that didn't swing the bats very well, yet 10 of those 13 games were won by two runs or more. Amazingly, of Bedard's 13 wins last season every single one of them was by two runs or more. He now has a much more dependable lineup to produce even more runs. With the futility of Millwood and the Rangers on the road combined with the success of Bedard, we will play the runline in this one with the host Mariners.
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MLB
Game: Texas at Seattle (6:40 PM Eastern)
Pick: Seattle -1.5 runs +130 (runline)
Texas certainly hasn't been much on the road, as they had the fewest wins in all of baseball on the road last season with just 28. Kevin Millwood certainly didn't aid that cause as the Rangers did not win a road game started by Millwood after the middle of June. That was nine consecutive starts. Eric Bedard won 12 of his last 13 starts last season for a team that didn't swing the bats very well, yet 10 of those 13 games were won by two runs or more. Amazingly, of Bedard's 13 wins last season every single one of them was by two runs or more. He now has a much more dependable lineup to produce even more runs. With the futility of Millwood and the Rangers on the road combined with the success of Bedard, we will play the runline in this one with the host Mariners.
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Jake Timlin
Monday...
500♦ Atlanta Hawks
No doubt an awful match up, but thanks to the Hawks being in a must win situation and Memphis still horrible I really like Atlanta minus the small road chalk tonight. After thanks to the Hawks winning 7 of their last 9 games and having won & covered 3 straight in this series what is there not to like about the Hawks laying a small number tonight? Especially given the fact that Memphis is awful this year with just 19 total wins and losers of 3 of their last 4 as the Grizzlies will be tired tonight playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Flat out tonight is Atlanta has not room for error as they continue to hold onto the final playoff spot in the East and well thanks to the Hawks playing their best basketball of the season look for Atlanta to continue their red hot run tonight as they bring home the cash. All Atlanta minus the road chalk tonight!
100♦ Colorado Rockies Specify both Francis & Wainwright
We last left off with the Rockies being swept in the World Series, but before those four games Colorado was the hottest team in the league winning 21 of 22 games. Well thanks to their offense in tack and their ace in Francis take the hill today look for the Rockies to start the year off with a huge road win today. After all thanks to Francis sporting a day time ERA 2.48 last year and with the lefty owning the Cardinals with a career record of 4-1 with a 2.28 ERA and a shutout in six career starts against the Cardinals I sure like the defending NL champs this afternoon.
100♦ Los Angeles Dodgers -1 ½ Runs
Bad last year and now in an even worst situation this season San Francisco is going to be the NL West bastard team that everyone beats up on and starting today. Sure the Giants were competitive against the Dodgers last year, but this year will be different as Los Angeles with a new boss in town and better talent will finally be able to take advantage of the Dodgers solid staff spear headed by Penny who get the ball today after a very solid 16 win season with a 3.03 ERA year a ago. Meanwhile for the Giants despite Zito ending the year strong in ‘07 the lefty is a historically a slow starter as evidence to his 0-3 record with a 9.49 ERA in three previous opening day starts. Well thanks to a new era kicking off today in Los Angeles look for the Dodgers behind Penny to blowout the Giants for an opening day Run Line winner.
Trace Adams
1000* - Bradley Braves, 500* - Denver Nuggets, 500* - Angels w/Weaver
Take the points with Bradley tonight, as the Braves big road win at Virginia in the semis is the perfect springboard for this game against a Tulsa team that barely got by Houston in their semifinal matchup to advance to the finals.
No denying Tulsa's 16-2 straight up mark at home, and their superior 11-3 home spread mark, but consider the Braves have been "brave" on the road, covering 7 of their last 9 roadies, and overall Bradley is on a 12-4 spread march their last 16 games!
This is the first of a best-of-three series (what the hell is that, by the way?!?!?), and I will look for it to be a close one.
Take the points.
1000♦ - Bradley Braves
The Nuggets have made their move, and are now in the 8th playoff spot in the west thanks to 5 straight wins, and wins in 8 of their last 10 straight up. The Nuggets have also covered 8 of their last 19 games, and I think they will cover again tonight at Phoenix.
The Suns have just played 4 in a row against the east conference on the road, and this is the front end of a big home-and-home for these two. Denver won the last meeting earlier this month at home 126-113 as the 7-point favorite. Denver's playing too well right now to get blown out, and Phoenix has got to be a little bit tired after 4 in a row on the road.
Nuggets to keep it close.
500♦ - Denver Nuggets
Livan Hernandez resufaces yet again!
Give the guy credit, as Hernandez has been doing it for years, but tonight is not the night to back this "feel-good" story.
The Twins still have position talent, but their pitching staff just has too many question marks including the aged Hernandez for me to like.
The Angels won 6 of the 9 meetings last season, with Jered Weaver going 2-0in his 3 starts against Minny, working 21 frames of 5 run ball.
Lay the small road lumber with the Halos tonight.
500♦ - Angels w/Weaver
♦♦Both listed starters must go, or their is no action on the game♦♦
Monday...
500♦ Atlanta Hawks
No doubt an awful match up, but thanks to the Hawks being in a must win situation and Memphis still horrible I really like Atlanta minus the small road chalk tonight. After thanks to the Hawks winning 7 of their last 9 games and having won & covered 3 straight in this series what is there not to like about the Hawks laying a small number tonight? Especially given the fact that Memphis is awful this year with just 19 total wins and losers of 3 of their last 4 as the Grizzlies will be tired tonight playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Flat out tonight is Atlanta has not room for error as they continue to hold onto the final playoff spot in the East and well thanks to the Hawks playing their best basketball of the season look for Atlanta to continue their red hot run tonight as they bring home the cash. All Atlanta minus the road chalk tonight!
100♦ Colorado Rockies Specify both Francis & Wainwright
We last left off with the Rockies being swept in the World Series, but before those four games Colorado was the hottest team in the league winning 21 of 22 games. Well thanks to their offense in tack and their ace in Francis take the hill today look for the Rockies to start the year off with a huge road win today. After all thanks to Francis sporting a day time ERA 2.48 last year and with the lefty owning the Cardinals with a career record of 4-1 with a 2.28 ERA and a shutout in six career starts against the Cardinals I sure like the defending NL champs this afternoon.
100♦ Los Angeles Dodgers -1 ½ Runs
Bad last year and now in an even worst situation this season San Francisco is going to be the NL West bastard team that everyone beats up on and starting today. Sure the Giants were competitive against the Dodgers last year, but this year will be different as Los Angeles with a new boss in town and better talent will finally be able to take advantage of the Dodgers solid staff spear headed by Penny who get the ball today after a very solid 16 win season with a 3.03 ERA year a ago. Meanwhile for the Giants despite Zito ending the year strong in ‘07 the lefty is a historically a slow starter as evidence to his 0-3 record with a 9.49 ERA in three previous opening day starts. Well thanks to a new era kicking off today in Los Angeles look for the Dodgers behind Penny to blowout the Giants for an opening day Run Line winner.
Trace Adams
1000* - Bradley Braves, 500* - Denver Nuggets, 500* - Angels w/Weaver
Take the points with Bradley tonight, as the Braves big road win at Virginia in the semis is the perfect springboard for this game against a Tulsa team that barely got by Houston in their semifinal matchup to advance to the finals.
No denying Tulsa's 16-2 straight up mark at home, and their superior 11-3 home spread mark, but consider the Braves have been "brave" on the road, covering 7 of their last 9 roadies, and overall Bradley is on a 12-4 spread march their last 16 games!
This is the first of a best-of-three series (what the hell is that, by the way?!?!?), and I will look for it to be a close one.
Take the points.
1000♦ - Bradley Braves
The Nuggets have made their move, and are now in the 8th playoff spot in the west thanks to 5 straight wins, and wins in 8 of their last 10 straight up. The Nuggets have also covered 8 of their last 19 games, and I think they will cover again tonight at Phoenix.
The Suns have just played 4 in a row against the east conference on the road, and this is the front end of a big home-and-home for these two. Denver won the last meeting earlier this month at home 126-113 as the 7-point favorite. Denver's playing too well right now to get blown out, and Phoenix has got to be a little bit tired after 4 in a row on the road.
Nuggets to keep it close.
500♦ - Denver Nuggets
Livan Hernandez resufaces yet again!
Give the guy credit, as Hernandez has been doing it for years, but tonight is not the night to back this "feel-good" story.
The Twins still have position talent, but their pitching staff just has too many question marks including the aged Hernandez for me to like.
The Angels won 6 of the 9 meetings last season, with Jered Weaver going 2-0in his 3 starts against Minny, working 21 frames of 5 run ball.
Lay the small road lumber with the Halos tonight.
500♦ - Angels w/Weaver
♦♦Both listed starters must go, or their is no action on the game♦♦
Sports Advisors
NBA
Denver (45-28, 40-33 ATS) at Phoenix (49-24, 34-36-3 ATS)
The red-hot Nuggets take a five-game winning streak to the desert when they visit the Suns in the first of a two-games-in-two-nights home-and-home series with the Suns.
Denver won a hard-fought battle with the Warriors on Saturday night, scoring a 119-112 home victory. However, the Nuggets came up just short as an eight-point chalk, ending a 5-0 ATS run. Despite that non-cover, George Karl’s team has been a solid bet the last few weeks, going 11-3 ATS in its last 14 contests.
Phoenix returns home after splitting a four-game East Coast road trip. The Suns lost the first two at Detroit and Boston, but rebounded to win at Philadelphia 107-93 on Friday and at New Jersey 110-104 on Saturday. However, they went just 1-3 ATS on the trip, including failing to cover as a 6½-point chalk at the Nets on Sunday.
The home team is on an 8-2 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, with the host taking the first two meetings this season. Phoenix rolled 137-115 as a 7½-point home chalk on Jan. 7, with Denver getting revenge with a 126-113 win as a seven-point favorite on March 5. The last four head-to head clashes have been decided by margins of 24, 17, 22 and 13 points, with the home club going 4-0 SU and ATS. In fact, the host has cashed in each of the last six battles.
These teams meet again on Tuesday night in Denver.
Denver has followed up a five-game road losing skid (2-3 ATS) by winning three straight on the highway (3-0 ATS), prevailing by margins of 11, 9 and 14 points. The Nuggets are also 5-1 ATS in their last six against the Western Conference. However, they’re just 1-5 ATS in their last six against the Pacific Division and 1-4 ATS as an underdog of 5 to 10½ points.
The Suns are on a 9-2 SU run overall (7-3-1 ATS), including five consecutive wins and spread-covers at home. They’re also 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven against the West, but 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 against the Northwest Division.
The over is 9-3 in the Suns’ last 12 home games and 4-0 in their last four meetings with Denver.
Meanwhile, going back to the beginning of February, the Nuggets are on a 20-8 “over” streak, though they have stayed low in three of their last four, including two straight road contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX and OVER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL INVITATIONAL
Bradley (20-15, 18-14-1 ATS) at Tulsa (23-13, 19-11 ATS)
The inaugural College Basketball Invitational championship series tips off at the Reynolds Center Tulsa, as the Golden Hurricane host Bradley in the first of a best-of-three set.
Tulsa enters this series on a 13-3 SU run (13-2 ATS in lined games). The Golden Hurricane won three home games to get to this point, besting Miami (Ohio) 61-45 as a 4½-point favorite, topping Utah 69-60 as a 2½-point chalk, then knocking out Houston 73-69 as a 3½-point choice on Wednesday. The straight-up winner has cashed in each of Tulsa’s last 10 contests and 15 of the last 16.
Bradley lost three straight games entering the CBI, but has since caught fire in posting wins over Cincinnati (70-67), Ohio (79-73) and Virginia (96-85) to reach this series. The Braves cashed in two of the three contests, and they’re on a 6-3 ATS roll coming into tonight’s contest (3-1 ATS on the highway). The winner is 13-3 ATS in Bradley’s past 16 contests.
Tulsa is 16-2 at home (11-3 ATS in lined contests), and going back to last year, the Golden Hurricane are on a 14-3 ATS roll on their home floor. Furthermore, Tulsa is on ATS hot streaks of 17-4 as a favorite, 8-0 as a chalk of less than seven points and 5-0 in non-conference contests.
Bradley is on positive pointspread runs of 12-4 overall, 7-2 on the road, 10-2 as a road underdog of less than seven points and 37-16-2 after a SU win.
Bradley has been all about offense of late, averaging 85 points per game on 45.8 percent shooting in its last five, while allowing 82 ppg on 47.1 percent shooting. On the other hand, the Golden Hurricane have been very defensive-oriented of late, putting up 63.6 ppg on 40.4 percent shooting while surrendering 62.6 ppg on 40.4 percent shooting.
For the Braves, the over is on runs of 17-5 overall, 6-0 on the road, 18-8-1 in non-league play, 11-1 as a road underdog and 5-0 on Mondays. Conversely, Tulsa is on under streaks of 5-2-1 overall, 5-2-1 at home and 4-1-1 as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Houston (0-0) at San Diego (0-0)
Reigning N.L. Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy (19-6, 2.54 ERA in 2007) leads the Padres against the Astros and ace Roy Oswalt (14-7, 3.18) as the two squads begin the 2008 season at Petco Park.
San Diego is coming off a heartbreaking 2007 season in which it lost a one-game playoff to Colorado for the N.L. wild-card berth. The Padres finished 89-74, 1½ games behind division champion Arizona and a game back of the Rockies. On the bright side, Bud Black’s club won 13 of its final 18 home games last year.
Houston experienced a rare losing season last year, going 73-89, good for fourth place in the six-team N.L. Central. The Astros did close the year on a 5-1 run, and also won of their last seven on the road.
The Astros won the season series last year, 4-3. The visiting team is 8-5 in the last 13 meetings.
Peavy, who is making his third Opening Day start, hit the pitching equivalent of the Triple Crown last year, leading the N.L. in wins, ERA and strikeouts (240). The veteran righthander was 9-5 with a 2.51 ERA in 19 starts at Petco Park in 2007. He’s 6-4 with a 2.23 ERA in 12 career starts against the Astros, going 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA in two outings last season.
Oswalt had a drastic home-road split last year, going 9-1 with a 1.91 ERA in Houston, but just 5-6 with a 4.77 ERA on the highway. The righthander, who is starting on Opening Day for the sixth time, made one start at Petco Park last year, giving up two runs in just 4 2/3 innings, failing to get a decision in a 3-2 Houston win. For his career, Oswalt is 7-1 with a 2.27 ERA against the Padres (2-0, 2.50 ERA at Petco).
The Padres are 7-2 in their last nine against the N.L. Central.
The under is 9-2-2 in the last 13 Padres-Astros clashes, including 5-0-1 in the last six battles at Petco. The under also went 4-0 in Houston’s last four overall last year, 6-1 in Oswalt’s last six starts and 12-6-1 in Peavy’s 17 home outings. However, the Padres closed 2007 on a 7-1-1 “over” streak.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN DIEGO and UNDER
AMERICAN LEAGUE
L.A. Angels (0-0) at Minnesota (0-0)
Jered Weaver (13-7, 3.91 in 2007) makes the first opening-day start of his career when he leads the Angels against the Twins and veteran righthander Livan Hernandez (11-11, 4.93 in 2007).
The Angels went 94-68 and cruised to the A.L. West title last year, their third division crown in the last four seasons, winning it by six games over the Mariners. However, Los Angeles got swept by eventual the World Series champion Red Sox in a best-of-3 opening round playoff series.
After winning the A.L. Central four times in five years, the Twins took a major step back in 2007, finishing in third place in the division with a 79-83 record.
The Angels won the season series last year 6-3, capturing the final four meetings. Going back to 2005, Los Angeles is 12-6 in this rivalry.
Hernandez, who pitched for Arizona last year, was shaky in his first spring in Minnesota, posting a 6.38 ERA. Despite that, with former Twins ace Johan Santana traded to the Mets in the offseason, Hernandez was awarded with the eighth opening-day start in his 10-year career, but his first as a pitcher in the American League. He has never pitched inside the Metrodome.
Hernandez has made two career regular-season starts against the Angles, failing to register a decision in either contest while posting a 3.55 ERA. However, he did face the Halos twice in the 2002 World Series when with the Giants, going 0-2 with a 14.31 ERA.
Weaver started last year on the disabled list and struggled at the start of his first full big-league season. But he came on strong after the All-Star break, going 7-2 with a 4.13 ERA in 14 starts. He was also outstanding in spring training this year, going 5-0 with a 1.67 ERA in six starts.
Weaver was 6-4 with a 3.70 ERA in 14 starts on the road, including getting a no-decision on July 21 in Minnesota, as he gave up just two runs on five hits over seven innings, with L.A. eventually losing 5-2. For his career, the righthander is 2-0 with a 2.11 ERA in three starts against the Twins.
Los Angeles went 2-7 in its final nine road games last year and 1-4 in its final five against the A.L. Central. As for the Twins, they lost nine of their last 13 home games in 2007, but are on a 4-0 roll against the A.L. West.
The under is 23-11-3 in the last 37 games in the Metrodome, but the over is 4-1-1 in the last six Twins-Angels battles in the dome.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. ANGELS
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NBA
Denver (45-28, 40-33 ATS) at Phoenix (49-24, 34-36-3 ATS)
The red-hot Nuggets take a five-game winning streak to the desert when they visit the Suns in the first of a two-games-in-two-nights home-and-home series with the Suns.
Denver won a hard-fought battle with the Warriors on Saturday night, scoring a 119-112 home victory. However, the Nuggets came up just short as an eight-point chalk, ending a 5-0 ATS run. Despite that non-cover, George Karl’s team has been a solid bet the last few weeks, going 11-3 ATS in its last 14 contests.
Phoenix returns home after splitting a four-game East Coast road trip. The Suns lost the first two at Detroit and Boston, but rebounded to win at Philadelphia 107-93 on Friday and at New Jersey 110-104 on Saturday. However, they went just 1-3 ATS on the trip, including failing to cover as a 6½-point chalk at the Nets on Sunday.
The home team is on an 8-2 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, with the host taking the first two meetings this season. Phoenix rolled 137-115 as a 7½-point home chalk on Jan. 7, with Denver getting revenge with a 126-113 win as a seven-point favorite on March 5. The last four head-to head clashes have been decided by margins of 24, 17, 22 and 13 points, with the home club going 4-0 SU and ATS. In fact, the host has cashed in each of the last six battles.
These teams meet again on Tuesday night in Denver.
Denver has followed up a five-game road losing skid (2-3 ATS) by winning three straight on the highway (3-0 ATS), prevailing by margins of 11, 9 and 14 points. The Nuggets are also 5-1 ATS in their last six against the Western Conference. However, they’re just 1-5 ATS in their last six against the Pacific Division and 1-4 ATS as an underdog of 5 to 10½ points.
The Suns are on a 9-2 SU run overall (7-3-1 ATS), including five consecutive wins and spread-covers at home. They’re also 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven against the West, but 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 against the Northwest Division.
The over is 9-3 in the Suns’ last 12 home games and 4-0 in their last four meetings with Denver.
Meanwhile, going back to the beginning of February, the Nuggets are on a 20-8 “over” streak, though they have stayed low in three of their last four, including two straight road contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX and OVER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL INVITATIONAL
Bradley (20-15, 18-14-1 ATS) at Tulsa (23-13, 19-11 ATS)
The inaugural College Basketball Invitational championship series tips off at the Reynolds Center Tulsa, as the Golden Hurricane host Bradley in the first of a best-of-three set.
Tulsa enters this series on a 13-3 SU run (13-2 ATS in lined games). The Golden Hurricane won three home games to get to this point, besting Miami (Ohio) 61-45 as a 4½-point favorite, topping Utah 69-60 as a 2½-point chalk, then knocking out Houston 73-69 as a 3½-point choice on Wednesday. The straight-up winner has cashed in each of Tulsa’s last 10 contests and 15 of the last 16.
Bradley lost three straight games entering the CBI, but has since caught fire in posting wins over Cincinnati (70-67), Ohio (79-73) and Virginia (96-85) to reach this series. The Braves cashed in two of the three contests, and they’re on a 6-3 ATS roll coming into tonight’s contest (3-1 ATS on the highway). The winner is 13-3 ATS in Bradley’s past 16 contests.
Tulsa is 16-2 at home (11-3 ATS in lined contests), and going back to last year, the Golden Hurricane are on a 14-3 ATS roll on their home floor. Furthermore, Tulsa is on ATS hot streaks of 17-4 as a favorite, 8-0 as a chalk of less than seven points and 5-0 in non-conference contests.
Bradley is on positive pointspread runs of 12-4 overall, 7-2 on the road, 10-2 as a road underdog of less than seven points and 37-16-2 after a SU win.
Bradley has been all about offense of late, averaging 85 points per game on 45.8 percent shooting in its last five, while allowing 82 ppg on 47.1 percent shooting. On the other hand, the Golden Hurricane have been very defensive-oriented of late, putting up 63.6 ppg on 40.4 percent shooting while surrendering 62.6 ppg on 40.4 percent shooting.
For the Braves, the over is on runs of 17-5 overall, 6-0 on the road, 18-8-1 in non-league play, 11-1 as a road underdog and 5-0 on Mondays. Conversely, Tulsa is on under streaks of 5-2-1 overall, 5-2-1 at home and 4-1-1 as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Houston (0-0) at San Diego (0-0)
Reigning N.L. Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy (19-6, 2.54 ERA in 2007) leads the Padres against the Astros and ace Roy Oswalt (14-7, 3.18) as the two squads begin the 2008 season at Petco Park.
San Diego is coming off a heartbreaking 2007 season in which it lost a one-game playoff to Colorado for the N.L. wild-card berth. The Padres finished 89-74, 1½ games behind division champion Arizona and a game back of the Rockies. On the bright side, Bud Black’s club won 13 of its final 18 home games last year.
Houston experienced a rare losing season last year, going 73-89, good for fourth place in the six-team N.L. Central. The Astros did close the year on a 5-1 run, and also won of their last seven on the road.
The Astros won the season series last year, 4-3. The visiting team is 8-5 in the last 13 meetings.
Peavy, who is making his third Opening Day start, hit the pitching equivalent of the Triple Crown last year, leading the N.L. in wins, ERA and strikeouts (240). The veteran righthander was 9-5 with a 2.51 ERA in 19 starts at Petco Park in 2007. He’s 6-4 with a 2.23 ERA in 12 career starts against the Astros, going 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA in two outings last season.
Oswalt had a drastic home-road split last year, going 9-1 with a 1.91 ERA in Houston, but just 5-6 with a 4.77 ERA on the highway. The righthander, who is starting on Opening Day for the sixth time, made one start at Petco Park last year, giving up two runs in just 4 2/3 innings, failing to get a decision in a 3-2 Houston win. For his career, Oswalt is 7-1 with a 2.27 ERA against the Padres (2-0, 2.50 ERA at Petco).
The Padres are 7-2 in their last nine against the N.L. Central.
The under is 9-2-2 in the last 13 Padres-Astros clashes, including 5-0-1 in the last six battles at Petco. The under also went 4-0 in Houston’s last four overall last year, 6-1 in Oswalt’s last six starts and 12-6-1 in Peavy’s 17 home outings. However, the Padres closed 2007 on a 7-1-1 “over” streak.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN DIEGO and UNDER
AMERICAN LEAGUE
L.A. Angels (0-0) at Minnesota (0-0)
Jered Weaver (13-7, 3.91 in 2007) makes the first opening-day start of his career when he leads the Angels against the Twins and veteran righthander Livan Hernandez (11-11, 4.93 in 2007).
The Angels went 94-68 and cruised to the A.L. West title last year, their third division crown in the last four seasons, winning it by six games over the Mariners. However, Los Angeles got swept by eventual the World Series champion Red Sox in a best-of-3 opening round playoff series.
After winning the A.L. Central four times in five years, the Twins took a major step back in 2007, finishing in third place in the division with a 79-83 record.
The Angels won the season series last year 6-3, capturing the final four meetings. Going back to 2005, Los Angeles is 12-6 in this rivalry.
Hernandez, who pitched for Arizona last year, was shaky in his first spring in Minnesota, posting a 6.38 ERA. Despite that, with former Twins ace Johan Santana traded to the Mets in the offseason, Hernandez was awarded with the eighth opening-day start in his 10-year career, but his first as a pitcher in the American League. He has never pitched inside the Metrodome.
Hernandez has made two career regular-season starts against the Angles, failing to register a decision in either contest while posting a 3.55 ERA. However, he did face the Halos twice in the 2002 World Series when with the Giants, going 0-2 with a 14.31 ERA.
Weaver started last year on the disabled list and struggled at the start of his first full big-league season. But he came on strong after the All-Star break, going 7-2 with a 4.13 ERA in 14 starts. He was also outstanding in spring training this year, going 5-0 with a 1.67 ERA in six starts.
Weaver was 6-4 with a 3.70 ERA in 14 starts on the road, including getting a no-decision on July 21 in Minnesota, as he gave up just two runs on five hits over seven innings, with L.A. eventually losing 5-2. For his career, the righthander is 2-0 with a 2.11 ERA in three starts against the Twins.
Los Angeles went 2-7 in its final nine road games last year and 1-4 in its final five against the A.L. Central. As for the Twins, they lost nine of their last 13 home games in 2007, but are on a 4-0 roll against the A.L. West.
The under is 23-11-3 in the last 37 games in the Metrodome, but the over is 4-1-1 in the last six Twins-Angels battles in the dome.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. ANGELS
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