Sunday, April 30, 2006
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Saturday, April 29, 2006
Sport on TV (5-1/5-7)
Both the NBA and the NHL close out the first round of their playoffs. In baseball, you’ve got the Orioles and the Blue Jays, matching up in what has to be one of the biggest questions of the baseball season. One of these teams might hang on to challenge the Yankees and Red Sox, but probably not both, making this early season tilt a little more interesting.
*All times Eastern.
Monday, May 1
NFL Europe, Berlin at Rhein (3 p.m., NFL Network)
Stop arguing about who your team drafted and check in on the sport’s minor league with this mid-afternoon match-up. Though NFL Europe might not get the attention of its big brother, the league offers a good chance to figure out which back-up players might break through come the fall.
Tuesday, May 2
Yankees at Red Sox (7:05 p.m., DirecTV, regional)
Every Yankees versus Red Sox match-up gets covered like a playoff game in Boston and New York, so expect tempers to flare in this tilt. The Sox have had the early season advantage, but that’s nothing new, as the Sox always have a division lead in the Summer – the question is whether they can hold it in the Fall.
Wednesday, May 3
Boxing (9 p.m. ESPN2)
Sharmba Mitchell takes on Jose Luis Cruz in a 10-round welterweight tilt. Cruz plays the role of the fighter on the way up, taking on former two-time champion Mitchell, who wants one more shot at the gold. Mitchell was knocked out in the sixth round in his last fight, but that was against Floyd Mayweather – one of the best in the division – so he’s aiming to prove that was a fluke and knock Cruz off the ladder of contention.
Thursday, May 4
Wachovia Open (4 p.m., USA)
A Tiger-less field should leave this one pretty wide open. Vijay Singh attempts to repeat as champion, a title he took last year in a three-way playoff with Sergio Garcia and Jim Furyk.
Friday, May 5
College Volleyball (Midnight, ESPN2)
Catch the men’s semifinal of the NCAA men’s volleyball tournament. This might be your last chance to see some of your favorite players before they turn pro and head out on the lucrative men’s volleyball tour.
Saturday, May 6
Kentucky Derby (6 p.m., NBC)
Horse racing only matters three times a year to the average fan, but the Kentucky captures the best of the sport. Because it’s the first Triple Crown race, every Derby winner stands the chance of being the first horse to bring home racing’s most elusive prize since Affirmed in 1978.
Daniel Kline’s book “50 Things Every Guy Should Know How to Do: Celebrity and Expert Advice on Living Large
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*All times Eastern.
Monday, May 1
NFL Europe, Berlin at Rhein (3 p.m., NFL Network)
Stop arguing about who your team drafted and check in on the sport’s minor league with this mid-afternoon match-up. Though NFL Europe might not get the attention of its big brother, the league offers a good chance to figure out which back-up players might break through come the fall.
Tuesday, May 2
Yankees at Red Sox (7:05 p.m., DirecTV, regional)
Every Yankees versus Red Sox match-up gets covered like a playoff game in Boston and New York, so expect tempers to flare in this tilt. The Sox have had the early season advantage, but that’s nothing new, as the Sox always have a division lead in the Summer – the question is whether they can hold it in the Fall.
Wednesday, May 3
Boxing (9 p.m. ESPN2)
Sharmba Mitchell takes on Jose Luis Cruz in a 10-round welterweight tilt. Cruz plays the role of the fighter on the way up, taking on former two-time champion Mitchell, who wants one more shot at the gold. Mitchell was knocked out in the sixth round in his last fight, but that was against Floyd Mayweather – one of the best in the division – so he’s aiming to prove that was a fluke and knock Cruz off the ladder of contention.
Thursday, May 4
Wachovia Open (4 p.m., USA)
A Tiger-less field should leave this one pretty wide open. Vijay Singh attempts to repeat as champion, a title he took last year in a three-way playoff with Sergio Garcia and Jim Furyk.
Friday, May 5
College Volleyball (Midnight, ESPN2)
Catch the men’s semifinal of the NCAA men’s volleyball tournament. This might be your last chance to see some of your favorite players before they turn pro and head out on the lucrative men’s volleyball tour.
Saturday, May 6
Kentucky Derby (6 p.m., NBC)
Horse racing only matters three times a year to the average fan, but the Kentucky captures the best of the sport. Because it’s the first Triple Crown race, every Derby winner stands the chance of being the first horse to bring home racing’s most elusive prize since Affirmed in 1978.
By Daniel Kline
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Daniel Kline’s book “50 Things Every Guy Should Know How to Do: Celebrity and Expert Advice on Living Large
” is available at amazon.com. He can be reached at dan@notastep.com.Especially for women - Cameo Casino
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Next World Series Champion
Just like clockwork, every spring brings the same hopes to major league baseball teams all over the country. Some fans of teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers are just hoping to stay in the pennant race after the first few weeks of the season, while other fans have higher aspirations.
Take the rabid fans of Boston Red Sox nation or the equally intense fanatics who root for the New York Yankees. Not only do these fans demand that their teams be in the playoffs or World Series every season, they also demand that the two clubs beat each other.
Boston and New York are separated by about four hours in a car, but their baseball fans and ideas are separated by much more space than almost anyone can imagine.
The best word, although not too politically correct, is “hate.” It is not a stretch of any imagination to say that the fans of these clubs hate each other. Every year, fights break out in the stands or in sports bars across America, and they are all involving Yankee or Red Sox fans. Ever seen or heard about a Cardinals and Braves fan fight?
Both Boston and New York have fans who are living in various cities away from their hometown, and this has spread the rivalry across many time zones. Trust me from first-hand experience, you can find New Englanders and New Yorkers almost anywhere in the USA.
The rivalry and bad blood runs fairly deep for me, and I would not be able to write with such certainty on the topic had I not been so directly involved through many years.
Being born and raised in New York, you have a choice between teams. Once you select the Yankees (in my case, passed down by dear ol’ Dad), the next step is to immediately work up a hatred for Red Sox fans, Red Sox management, New England Clam Chowder and even anybody foolish enough to be wearing actual red socks.
The Yankees are a 4-to-1 Favorite @ WagerWeb.com to win the World Series
If you’re a Yankees fan, that is your first given in life – hate thy Red Sox fan. With their annoying accents, general lack of knowledge toward the game, their laughable track record of winning over the years and barrelful of excuses for losing, it is fairly easy to work up a good lather against them.
Another year is upon us, and 2006 will see these two teams meeting 19 times. The first pair of these games takes place on May 1-2 in Beantown. If you’re a baseball fan and you’re not watching these games, you either better be getting married or mourning a death in the family. If you’re a Yankee or Red Sox fan, there is no excuse not to be watching—just keep the volume low on your mini TV and nobody at the funeral should get too upset.
But emotions and people getting upset are actually the hallmark of this rivalry. It’s easy to go back and cite all the times on the field that these two teams have mixed it up, which in turn usually carries over to the stands or the bars.
More recently, we had Alex Rodriquez taking on Jason Veritek, and Don Zimmer battling it out with Pedro Martinez. Granted, the names and faces change, but the intensity between the two teams and their fans is legendary.
I can personally attest to one infamous episode during Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship series. It was the game where New York recovered from a 5-3 deficit to defeat Boston with a home-run from Aaron Boone that sent the Yankees to the World Series.
Drinking a beer amidst hoards of Red Sox fans at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, I was resigned to watching the Sox advance to the World Series. Soon, the Yankees mounted their comeback, and my bravado had started taking the best of me. Although very conservative in my early remarks, I saved the best for last: When Boone’s shot landed in upper reaches of Yankee Stadium, my outburst lasted for several minutes—which most likely felt like hours for Red Sox fans.
Now this incident took place before Boston finally won a World Series title, so Red Sox fans were more surly than usual.
With my yelling ringing in their ears and their sorrow turning to desperation, two New England tourists started hurling insults my way, and we exchanged profane remarks for several minutes before your classic dimwitted Red Sox fan charged at me, telling me to keep quiet.
Now, telling a Yankee fan to keep quiet is like telling Pam Anderson not to show any cleavage, so it quickly turned ugly. In the end, Red Sox fan lost the fight but had some red blood to show for it on his nose, and his wife was also the recipient of some collateral damage.
If you’re curious, all charges were dropped.
I would expect nothing else from the loyal, overzealous fans of either team. In the end, being a Yankee or Red Sox fan is like defending your country. If attacked and provoked—or just not a fan of a particular nation—let them know you’re serious and that they best not challenge you again.
Winning a World Series title hasn’t made Red Sox fans any smarter or relevant, it just gave them a one-year sense that everything was fine—but pinstripes will always be the real color of choice.
By Brad Halfond
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Kentucky Derby Preview
Some Derby Contenders Have a Distinct Advantage
For the 132nd time, 3-year-olds will take to the Churchill Downs main track for America's Race. Of more than 425 horses nominated for the 2006 Triple Crown, only 20 or fewer will run in the Kentucky Derby.
Some contenders hold a noticeable advantage before they break from two gates. Others, however, must buck negative trends that go back decades.
For example, no horse with four or fewer career starts has smelled the roses since Exterminator in 1918. So, it does not look good for Showing Up who won the Lexington Stakes on April 22.
Since 1947, the only horse with two preps that won the Kentucky Derby was Sunny's Halo in 1983. That is a bad omen for Private Vow and Sharp Humor.
Barbaro, Sharp Humor, and Flashy Bull, 1-2-7 in the Florida Derby, will attempt to become the first with a layoff of five weeks or more to score since Needles in 1956.
Runners in Gulfstream's showcase race that train up to the Derby have not done well when it is staged in April. There are exceptions, but those Florida Derby winners later won at Louisville: Northern Dancer in 1964 following the Blue Grass and Tim Tam in 1958 after the Derby Trial.
No horse since Proud Clarion in 1967 won without a stakes victory in his or her career. Goodbye Flashy Bull, Jazil, Mister Triester, Steppenwolfer, and Storm Treasure.
An even tougher trend to overcome is finishing fifth or worse in the final prep. Iron Liege last performed the feat in 1957. Thus, the odds are stacked against Deputy Glitters, Flashy Bull, and Seaside Retreat.
A pedigree that combines stamina and speed is a big plus. Point Determined is one example. He is bred to love the 1 1/4 miles and is from the first crop of Point Given, winner of the 2001 sophomore races except The Derby, partly because he only had two preps. Bob and John and Jazil were sired by Seeking the Gold, winner of the 1991 Derby.
Other pluses include horses that won at a mile or longer as a juvenile, but it is not a make or break requirement: Deputy Glitters, Keyed Entry, Mr. Triester, Sinister Minister, Steppenwolfer, and Sweetnorthernsaint won without meeting it.
Many horses over the years have failed to handle the Churchill Downs surface. Therefore, arriving early at Louisville and working over the track is important.
Three workouts, with one marked handily, are ideal and indicate the horse should respond when asked to stretch out.
However, it really all comes down to who will put it all together and get a clean trip on May 6.
Bet the Kentucky Derby and all Triple Crown Races @ Wagerweb.com Racebook
By Greg Melikov
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
For the 132nd time, 3-year-olds will take to the Churchill Downs main track for America's Race. Of more than 425 horses nominated for the 2006 Triple Crown, only 20 or fewer will run in the Kentucky Derby.
Some contenders hold a noticeable advantage before they break from two gates. Others, however, must buck negative trends that go back decades.
For example, no horse with four or fewer career starts has smelled the roses since Exterminator in 1918. So, it does not look good for Showing Up who won the Lexington Stakes on April 22.
Since 1947, the only horse with two preps that won the Kentucky Derby was Sunny's Halo in 1983. That is a bad omen for Private Vow and Sharp Humor.
Barbaro, Sharp Humor, and Flashy Bull, 1-2-7 in the Florida Derby, will attempt to become the first with a layoff of five weeks or more to score since Needles in 1956.
Runners in Gulfstream's showcase race that train up to the Derby have not done well when it is staged in April. There are exceptions, but those Florida Derby winners later won at Louisville: Northern Dancer in 1964 following the Blue Grass and Tim Tam in 1958 after the Derby Trial.
No horse since Proud Clarion in 1967 won without a stakes victory in his or her career. Goodbye Flashy Bull, Jazil, Mister Triester, Steppenwolfer, and Storm Treasure.
An even tougher trend to overcome is finishing fifth or worse in the final prep. Iron Liege last performed the feat in 1957. Thus, the odds are stacked against Deputy Glitters, Flashy Bull, and Seaside Retreat.
A pedigree that combines stamina and speed is a big plus. Point Determined is one example. He is bred to love the 1 1/4 miles and is from the first crop of Point Given, winner of the 2001 sophomore races except The Derby, partly because he only had two preps. Bob and John and Jazil were sired by Seeking the Gold, winner of the 1991 Derby.
Other pluses include horses that won at a mile or longer as a juvenile, but it is not a make or break requirement: Deputy Glitters, Keyed Entry, Mr. Triester, Sinister Minister, Steppenwolfer, and Sweetnorthernsaint won without meeting it.
Many horses over the years have failed to handle the Churchill Downs surface. Therefore, arriving early at Louisville and working over the track is important.
Three workouts, with one marked handily, are ideal and indicate the horse should respond when asked to stretch out.
However, it really all comes down to who will put it all together and get a clean trip on May 6.
Bet the Kentucky Derby and all Triple Crown Races @ Wagerweb.com Racebook
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
NHL - Stanley Cup Playoffs
Look out for Detroit, Ottawa in Stanley Cup Playoffs
Detroit and Ottawa are favored to play for the Stanley Cup. They are the top seeds in the National Hockey League and almost equal betting favorites.
History is on the side of the Red Wings, about 4-1 in a consensus of several sportsbooks odds-makers. Of 21 trips to the finals, the team has carried home the cup 10 times. The Senators, 5-1, have captured the cup only once: 1926-27.
Detroit posted the NHL’s best record, 58-16, successfully blending an aging core of players and a stellar group of youngsters. But the Red Wings must dispose of early round foes quickly so they can survive a possible grueling seven-game war in the finals.
Leader Steve Yzerman is playing like he did when the team won back-to-back cups starting in 1996-97.
His 1,300th career point in the playoffs boosted him to second all-time on the team. Experiencing his first championship, the center was third in overall playoff points. The following year, the longtime Red Wings captain, 40, led playoff scoring with 24 points.
Nicklas Lidstrom, maybe the top NHL defenseman, dominates with quick puck movement and a dangerous point shot. At 35, he anchors the miserly defense while contributing offensively with 16 goals and 80 points.
Ottawa’s strength is a balanced lineup of skaters. Forwards Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza began the season on fire and kept on going while defensemen Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara were masterful.
However, the Senators could be vulnerable if goalie Dominik Hasek doesn’t return from an injury that has plagued him the last several years.
The 41-year-old hasn’t played since Feb. 15, when he strained a muscle in his left groin during the Czech Republic’s 4-1 victory over Germany at the Winter Olympics.
The nagging groin injury, which required surgery, forced him to miss two seasons before being traded from Detroit to the Senators in the summer of 2004.
There are several other clubs that have a chance to take the cup, first presented in 1893, the oldest and only sports trophy passed from player to player during the summer after their team wins it.
New Jersey, 6-1, and San Jose, 10-1, have the momentum. The Devils won their final 11 games of the season to take the Atlanta Division of the Eastern Conference. The Sharks finished strong, led by center Joe Thornton, 26, and right winger Jonathan Cheechoo, 25, ending up second, behind Dallas, in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.
The Stars are a surprising 30-1 despite being ranked no lower than fifth in several power rankings since March.
The offensive attack, powered by veterans such as center Jason Arnott, who scored the game winner when New Jersey won its second cup in 2000 defeating the Stars, established the franchise record for victories set during the 1999 season – 53.
Other contenders:
Buffalo Sabres, 8-1, sporting NHL’s third-best power play success rate. While no rookie goaltender has been on a cup-winning team since Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, Ryan Miller isn’t the only inexperienced goalie in the playoffs.
Calgary Flames, 10-1, winning their first Northwest Division in 11 years. But the excellent defense can’t carry the offensive load.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks, 10-1, third in the Pacific. Only a handful of players from the 2003 team that fell one win short of a championship.
By Greg Melikov
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Detroit and Ottawa are favored to play for the Stanley Cup. They are the top seeds in the National Hockey League and almost equal betting favorites.
History is on the side of the Red Wings, about 4-1 in a consensus of several sportsbooks odds-makers. Of 21 trips to the finals, the team has carried home the cup 10 times. The Senators, 5-1, have captured the cup only once: 1926-27.
Detroit posted the NHL’s best record, 58-16, successfully blending an aging core of players and a stellar group of youngsters. But the Red Wings must dispose of early round foes quickly so they can survive a possible grueling seven-game war in the finals.
Leader Steve Yzerman is playing like he did when the team won back-to-back cups starting in 1996-97.
His 1,300th career point in the playoffs boosted him to second all-time on the team. Experiencing his first championship, the center was third in overall playoff points. The following year, the longtime Red Wings captain, 40, led playoff scoring with 24 points.
Nicklas Lidstrom, maybe the top NHL defenseman, dominates with quick puck movement and a dangerous point shot. At 35, he anchors the miserly defense while contributing offensively with 16 goals and 80 points.
Ottawa’s strength is a balanced lineup of skaters. Forwards Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza began the season on fire and kept on going while defensemen Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara were masterful.
However, the Senators could be vulnerable if goalie Dominik Hasek doesn’t return from an injury that has plagued him the last several years.
The 41-year-old hasn’t played since Feb. 15, when he strained a muscle in his left groin during the Czech Republic’s 4-1 victory over Germany at the Winter Olympics.
The nagging groin injury, which required surgery, forced him to miss two seasons before being traded from Detroit to the Senators in the summer of 2004.
There are several other clubs that have a chance to take the cup, first presented in 1893, the oldest and only sports trophy passed from player to player during the summer after their team wins it.
New Jersey, 6-1, and San Jose, 10-1, have the momentum. The Devils won their final 11 games of the season to take the Atlanta Division of the Eastern Conference. The Sharks finished strong, led by center Joe Thornton, 26, and right winger Jonathan Cheechoo, 25, ending up second, behind Dallas, in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.
The Stars are a surprising 30-1 despite being ranked no lower than fifth in several power rankings since March.
The offensive attack, powered by veterans such as center Jason Arnott, who scored the game winner when New Jersey won its second cup in 2000 defeating the Stars, established the franchise record for victories set during the 1999 season – 53.
Other contenders:
Buffalo Sabres, 8-1, sporting NHL’s third-best power play success rate. While no rookie goaltender has been on a cup-winning team since Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, Ryan Miller isn’t the only inexperienced goalie in the playoffs.
Calgary Flames, 10-1, winning their first Northwest Division in 11 years. But the excellent defense can’t carry the offensive load.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks, 10-1, third in the Pacific. Only a handful of players from the 2003 team that fell one win short of a championship.
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
NASCAR - 2006 Nextel Cup Aaron’s 499
This weekend, the NASCAR boys are rolling into Talladega, AL, for high-speed, restrictor plate racing at the Aaron's 499. Restrictor plate racing is known for both its close finishes and high-speed danger. It has come under fire recently by NASCAR for its tendency to produce "bump drafting" and has been dominated by the likes of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
In the last five years, Dale Jr. has won five of the last 10 races held at Talladega, and Jeff Gordon has won it twice in that timeframe, both of which in the Aaron's 499 in 2004 and 2005. No other drivers on the list have won it more than once in the last 10 years. The track itself is a 2.66-mile tri-oval, which makes it the biggest in NASCAR. This race historically favors drivers who have good drafting skills, as it’s a track that features a 4100-foot straight backstretch. Once called Alabama International Motor Speedway, the Super-Speedway was originally constructed in 1969, right before the birth of the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Charger Daytona, and also features a grandstand capacity of 143,231 seats. It hosts two races on the NASCAR schedule each year: the Aaron’s 499 and the UAW-Ford 500.
In a minimum of 10 races at Talladega, five racers who are in the Top Ten in points also carry an average finish of below 20th position: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (7.2), Tony Stewart (9.5), Kevin Harvick (13.5), Jeff Gordon (15.1), and points leader Matt Kenseth (17.9). In the last five races of this 2006 season, Dale Jr., Stewart, Harvick, and Kenseth are also in the top six in average finishing position—with the high nod going to Tony Stewart at 4.6, and the sixth position going to Kevin Harvick at 10.8. Chevrolet has also been very dominant at Talladega, with the exception of last year’s UAW-Ford 500 won by Ford driver Elliott Sadler. Chevrolet won 13 races in a row at Talladega dating back from when Dale Earnhardt, Sr. won the Die Hard 500 back in 1999 until 2005 when Jeff Gordon won the last Aaron’s 499. Chevrolet also is the manufacturer of Dale Jr., Stewart, Harvick, and Gordon race cars.
Team DEI will be introducing a special paint scheme to their cars in tribute to their fallen founder and father of Dale Jr., Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Along with Dale Jr.'s car, the cars of Martin Truex, Jr. and Paul Menard will be adorned in a paint scheme that is similar to that of Dale Sr.'s old number 3 Bush Series car. There will be many heavy hearts in the DEI pits, although I don’t believe it will negatively affect Dale Jr.’s chances to win the race, he is just too good at Talladega.
My pick to win is Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who seems to have a mastery of Talladega and restrictor plate racing. It’s hard to go against his five wins in the last 10 races at Talladega and Chevrolet’s ability to produce a great car for the high-speed tri-oval. If the numbers stack up in anyone’s favor, it sure seems like they do in his.
In the last five years, Dale Jr. has won five of the last 10 races held at Talladega, and Jeff Gordon has won it twice in that timeframe, both of which in the Aaron's 499 in 2004 and 2005. No other drivers on the list have won it more than once in the last 10 years. The track itself is a 2.66-mile tri-oval, which makes it the biggest in NASCAR. This race historically favors drivers who have good drafting skills, as it’s a track that features a 4100-foot straight backstretch. Once called Alabama International Motor Speedway, the Super-Speedway was originally constructed in 1969, right before the birth of the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Charger Daytona, and also features a grandstand capacity of 143,231 seats. It hosts two races on the NASCAR schedule each year: the Aaron’s 499 and the UAW-Ford 500.
In a minimum of 10 races at Talladega, five racers who are in the Top Ten in points also carry an average finish of below 20th position: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (7.2), Tony Stewart (9.5), Kevin Harvick (13.5), Jeff Gordon (15.1), and points leader Matt Kenseth (17.9). In the last five races of this 2006 season, Dale Jr., Stewart, Harvick, and Kenseth are also in the top six in average finishing position—with the high nod going to Tony Stewart at 4.6, and the sixth position going to Kevin Harvick at 10.8. Chevrolet has also been very dominant at Talladega, with the exception of last year’s UAW-Ford 500 won by Ford driver Elliott Sadler. Chevrolet won 13 races in a row at Talladega dating back from when Dale Earnhardt, Sr. won the Die Hard 500 back in 1999 until 2005 when Jeff Gordon won the last Aaron’s 499. Chevrolet also is the manufacturer of Dale Jr., Stewart, Harvick, and Gordon race cars.
Team DEI will be introducing a special paint scheme to their cars in tribute to their fallen founder and father of Dale Jr., Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Along with Dale Jr.'s car, the cars of Martin Truex, Jr. and Paul Menard will be adorned in a paint scheme that is similar to that of Dale Sr.'s old number 3 Bush Series car. There will be many heavy hearts in the DEI pits, although I don’t believe it will negatively affect Dale Jr.’s chances to win the race, he is just too good at Talladega.
My pick to win is Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who seems to have a mastery of Talladega and restrictor plate racing. It’s hard to go against his five wins in the last 10 races at Talladega and Chevrolet’s ability to produce a great car for the high-speed tri-oval. If the numbers stack up in anyone’s favor, it sure seems like they do in his.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Kentucky Derby Special Offers
Steeped in a rich history of tradition and extravagance, the Kentucky Derby has been called “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports”. Millions will be tuning in on May 6th as the horses are led to the gates to launch the first leg of the Triple Crown.
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Thursday, April 27, 2006
NFL draft preview
He'll Huff and Puff and Shut Down Your Running Game
Baseball might be known as the national past-time, but there is little debate about what sport Americans are most passionate about, and that is NFL football. In many sports markets around the nation, the NFL is a topic that never leaves the radio airwaves regardless of the time of year. It is late April, the 2006 MLB season is off and running, and just in case you haven't noticed, the NHL and NBA playoffs have actually already begun. But turn on your favorite sports talk radio station and the NFL draft is dominating all other topics in the world of sports.
The hot debate this year is what the Houston Texans will do with the number one overall pick. Will they take can't-miss RB from USC Reggie Bush? Or is hometown boy QB Vince Young the way they will go? We know Matt Leinart is no longer a lock to go number two to the Saints, now that they have signed free agent QB Drew Brees. So is OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson a soon-to-be Saint? What will the Titans, at pick three, do if Steve McNair actually sticks to his guns and refuses to return to Tennessee? There are many interesting, drama-filled storylines that make this year’s draft one of the most intriguing in recent memory, and therefore, the million-dollar question comes to mind: which projected first round draft pick will have the most impact in the NFL?
I think this is a very interesting question and one that can be debated until draft guru Mel Kiper gets a new hair-do. Everyone knows of the Bushes, Leinarts, and Youngs of the world. I have no doubt that all three of these players will eventually have good—if not great—NFL careers. What about the aforementioned D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the 6'6" 312-pound OT from the University of Virginia? He stacks up very well physically against some of the best OTs in the NFL. Walter Jones, Jon Runyan, and Tra Thomas just to name a few. There is also little doubt that Ferguson will be a very good player in the NFL. But one player who has somewhat flown under the draft experts’ radar will, in my opinion, not only have the most immediate impact in the NFL, but when all is said and done could be at the head of this year’s draft class. His name is Michael Huff, DB from the University of Texas. Yes, that is right, I said Michael Huff. Please allow me to explain.
There is little doubt that the NFL is a copy cat league. From week to week and season to season, teams study what works and they copy it. It is also a league of trends. Here are a few trends that will help make my point about how a DB, in Michael Huff, will be the biggest impact player to go in round one of this year's draft.
For one, take a look at the way things have changed with the running back position. These days there is so much specialization in this position that a true number one running back is no longer a must in the NFL in order to win games. There are first and second down backs, third down backs, short yardage backs, red zone backs, fast backs, and bruising backs as well as blocking backs. The Giants had Lightning and Thunder, Atlanta has Dunn and Duckett, the World Champion Steelers had "Fast" Willie Parker and The Bus, and the Broncos who for years have had the best running scheme in the league, recently have had a gaggle of backs that gets 10-15 touches a game. So the importance of the league having a true number one back has declined over the years in the NFL. Just ask Edgerrin James. That is one trend that supports my case. Reggie Bush may end up sharing carries and never have the opportunity to be the man. If he goes number one to the Texans, he will no doubt share carries with incumbent running back Domanick Davis. This trend hurts his case for being the player who will have the most impact.
Next, take a look at the QB position. More often than not these days the QB is simply asked to manage the game, make as few mistakes as possible, and are told, “whatever you do, don't lose the game for the team”. They are not asked to win games as they once were, instead they are asked not to turn the ball over in critical parts of the game. You can win games in the NFL with a QB who simply does not make mistakes. They are no longer asked to carry the team on their backs and win every game. Check out Ben Roethlisberger's stats in Super Bowl XL. He was 9 of 21 for 123 yards, 2 interceptions, and zero passing touchdowns. Those are not great numbers and not stats that one would expect to see from the winning quarterback in the Super Bowl. But what he did was manage the game and he did not make critical mistakes during crucial moments of the game. So, trend two in the league is to have a quarterback who simply does not lose games for the team. Therefore, quarterbacks oftentimes have the ball taken from their hands and placed in the belly of one of the team's top two backs. Leinart and Young will be handing the ball off far more than they will be throwing it. That takes them out of the running for highest impact player in this year's draft.
That brings me to the third trend that I see in the NFL. This is the trend that I think more teams should adopt, the trend that I am counting on to prove my point about Huff being the man in this draft. The trend is returning to the days of having a hard-hitting safety who runs around the field making plays, and wreaking havoc for the opposition's receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks. I'm talking about a safety who can defend the pass as well as fill the box and hammer the back with the ball. A safety who makes the quarterback and receiver think twice about going over the middle, therefore taking away that part of the field. Ronnie Lott and Steve Atwater come to mind as old school, hard-hitting safeties who were impact players.
These days, take a look at the impact that Troy Polamalu and Sean Taylor have made for their respective teams. Without the forceful play of Polamalu, the Steelers are a very different team. Polamalu had 73 tackles, 18 assists, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions as a safety for the Steelers last year. Plus, he was second among all defensive players in the playoffs with 24 tackles. Taylor had 60 tackles, 10 assists, 2 interceptions, and 10 passes defended for the Redskins a year ago. Once again, great numbers for a safety. Other impact safeties are Ed Reed, John Lynch, and Roy Williams.
Let's break down the vitals on Michael Huff. He is listed at 6', 204lbs. At Texas he played SS as well as CB. A 6' safety who can hit and has the speed to run and cover is very hard to find. At the combine Huff ran a 4.34 40-yard dash. Another fact that I find helps Huff is that he is coming out of Texas as a fifth-year senior. He is mature and ready for the NFL. He is a premier candidate as a free safety in the NFL, but has the speed to play corner. Plus, I'm sure the team that drafts him will immediately put 10-15 pounds of muscle on his already stout 204lbs. frame. What a specimen he would be at 6', 220lbs. In his senior year at Texas he had 109 tackles, up 36 from the 73 he had as a junior. That goes back to the maturity level he has reached after having five seasons to learn how to play the game.
I think looking around the league at the success that teams have had with these play-making safeties makes Michael Huff a great pick for the San Francisco 49ers at pick number six. The 49ers finished last in total defense a season ago and gave up over 390 yards of total offense per game. Huff would help in both areas and would help immediately. Huff should be the first DB taken in this year's draft and will probably battle it out with Virginia Tech's Jimmy Williams for that honor. I believe the days of having a hard-hitting safety to anchor your defense have returned to the NFL and I like it. Michael Huff is the next big thing to hit the NFL and when I say hit, I mean it. Huff is the man in this year's draft and will be a fixture for years to come as an elite DB in the NFL.
The 2006 NFL Amateur Draft kicks off on Saturday, April 29 live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City and can be seen on ESPN. At noon the Houston Texans will officially be on the clock. Let the drafting begin. I for one cannot wait.
By Mike Brody
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Fantasy Baseball Breakdown
By Mike Brody
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
The Six-Month Grind
We’re three weeks into the 2006 baseball season, and if your fantasy team looks anything like mine, you’re ready to unload half of your roster. I know it’s hard, but be patient. The worse thing you could do right now is panic and make a bad trade or drop a good player.
Baseball, more than any other sport, is driven by statistics. It’s a long season with a lot of ups and downs for most players. In the end, the numbers usually even out. If you stick with your guys long enough, they should come around and start producing like you expected them to.
Off to a Hot Start
While it’s very difficult to watch your team stumble out of the gate (as I’m writing this, my offense is a collective 0-15 today and I’m about ready to have a fire sale), there was a reason why you drafted these guys. If you were lucky enough – or smart enough, depending on how you look at it – to draft Chris Shelton, Jonny Gomes or Nick Swisher, you’re probably at the top of your league, right now. But are these guys really going to lead the league in home runs?
Manny Ramirez hit his first two home runs of the season, last weekend. Mark Teixeira and Richie Sexson have three and two homers, respectively, through the first three weeks. These guys are all perennial 40-home-run-hitters, and barring injury, you can be sure that they will get their numbers by the season’s end.
Waiting for the Right Time
Everyone’s heard the cliché “buy low, sell high.” It’s sound advice. Knowing the right time to deal that guy who’s off to a hot start is the key to making this happen. There’s no way Shelton, Gomes and Swisher are going to keep up the pace they’ve set so far – Shelton’s already started to slow down – but how can you not ride their hot streaks a little longer? Just don’t wait too long if you’re planning on dealing them.
Knowing players’ trends is another key in making the right deal at the right time. Some players are traditionally slow starters, like Ramirez and Jim Edmonds, and trading for them at the end of their slow start could mean big stats for you the rest of the way. A lot of hitters heat up when the weather does too, so they could be busting out of these slumps any day now.
On the Rise
Targeting players who are showing signs of breaking out is another key to making the right roster adjustments. Here are a few players who might be available and could definitely help some teams:
Josh Barfield – The rookie second baseman has excelled since being moved to the No. 2 spot in the Padres lineup. He’s got his average over .300 and has 2 HRs and 6 steals. Grab him if he’s still available.
Ty Wigginton – Playing for his third team in four years, the journeyman third baseman seems to have found a home in Tampa Bay. He’s taken advantage of Aubrey Huff’s knee injury and already has 8 home runs and 20 RBI. Playing in hitter-friendly Tropicana Field should help, too. Ride him while he’s hot.
Brad Hawpe – The Colorado Rockies outfielder has established himself as the everyday right fielder and is firmly entrenched in the heart of the Rockies lineup. He’s batting over .340 and already has slugged 5 HRs. The 2000 College World Series MVP is well on his way to a .300-30-100 season. You never can go wrong having a Rockie in your lineup.
The Pitching Hole
While there is plenty of time to make up ground on offense, falling behind in the pitching categories – especially ERA and WHIP – can be a killer. Avoiding those complete disasters in the early season is a key to remaining competitive on the mound.
With pitchers, it’s all about the matchups. Don’t be afraid to bench one of your better pitchers for a riskier play if the matchup is right. Throwing a marginal starter against Kansas City or Pittsburgh is always better than having just about any starter face the Yankees or pitch at Colorado.
Whether you find yourself at the top of your league or at the bottom of the pack after these first three weeks, don’t stop looking to make your team better. Stocking your bench with productive players who could be used as trade bait is always a good idea. The inevitable injuries will come, and having players to step in during those times will help you avoid having to make a desperate deal.
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
The Six-Month Grind
We’re three weeks into the 2006 baseball season, and if your fantasy team looks anything like mine, you’re ready to unload half of your roster. I know it’s hard, but be patient. The worse thing you could do right now is panic and make a bad trade or drop a good player.
Baseball, more than any other sport, is driven by statistics. It’s a long season with a lot of ups and downs for most players. In the end, the numbers usually even out. If you stick with your guys long enough, they should come around and start producing like you expected them to.
Off to a Hot Start
While it’s very difficult to watch your team stumble out of the gate (as I’m writing this, my offense is a collective 0-15 today and I’m about ready to have a fire sale), there was a reason why you drafted these guys. If you were lucky enough – or smart enough, depending on how you look at it – to draft Chris Shelton, Jonny Gomes or Nick Swisher, you’re probably at the top of your league, right now. But are these guys really going to lead the league in home runs?
Manny Ramirez hit his first two home runs of the season, last weekend. Mark Teixeira and Richie Sexson have three and two homers, respectively, through the first three weeks. These guys are all perennial 40-home-run-hitters, and barring injury, you can be sure that they will get their numbers by the season’s end.
Waiting for the Right Time
Everyone’s heard the cliché “buy low, sell high.” It’s sound advice. Knowing the right time to deal that guy who’s off to a hot start is the key to making this happen. There’s no way Shelton, Gomes and Swisher are going to keep up the pace they’ve set so far – Shelton’s already started to slow down – but how can you not ride their hot streaks a little longer? Just don’t wait too long if you’re planning on dealing them.
Knowing players’ trends is another key in making the right deal at the right time. Some players are traditionally slow starters, like Ramirez and Jim Edmonds, and trading for them at the end of their slow start could mean big stats for you the rest of the way. A lot of hitters heat up when the weather does too, so they could be busting out of these slumps any day now.
On the Rise
Targeting players who are showing signs of breaking out is another key to making the right roster adjustments. Here are a few players who might be available and could definitely help some teams:
Josh Barfield – The rookie second baseman has excelled since being moved to the No. 2 spot in the Padres lineup. He’s got his average over .300 and has 2 HRs and 6 steals. Grab him if he’s still available.
Ty Wigginton – Playing for his third team in four years, the journeyman third baseman seems to have found a home in Tampa Bay. He’s taken advantage of Aubrey Huff’s knee injury and already has 8 home runs and 20 RBI. Playing in hitter-friendly Tropicana Field should help, too. Ride him while he’s hot.
Brad Hawpe – The Colorado Rockies outfielder has established himself as the everyday right fielder and is firmly entrenched in the heart of the Rockies lineup. He’s batting over .340 and already has slugged 5 HRs. The 2000 College World Series MVP is well on his way to a .300-30-100 season. You never can go wrong having a Rockie in your lineup.
The Pitching Hole
While there is plenty of time to make up ground on offense, falling behind in the pitching categories – especially ERA and WHIP – can be a killer. Avoiding those complete disasters in the early season is a key to remaining competitive on the mound.
With pitchers, it’s all about the matchups. Don’t be afraid to bench one of your better pitchers for a riskier play if the matchup is right. Throwing a marginal starter against Kansas City or Pittsburgh is always better than having just about any starter face the Yankees or pitch at Colorado.
Whether you find yourself at the top of your league or at the bottom of the pack after these first three weeks, don’t stop looking to make your team better. Stocking your bench with productive players who could be used as trade bait is always a good idea. The inevitable injuries will come, and having players to step in during those times will help you avoid having to make a desperate deal.
VCBet's weekend offers
Saturday’s Live TV Doubles
Chelsea & Charlton to both win 11/2
Chelsea & Blackburn to both win 5/1
Man Utd & Charlton to both win 15/2
Man Utd & Blackburn to both win 7/1
======================================
Monday’s Live TV Doubles
Sunderland & West Brom to both win 25/1
Sunderland & West Ham to both win 33/1
Arsenal & West Brom to both win 9/4
Arsenal & West Ham to both win 3/1
===========================================
60/1 Special....…
Chelsea to beat Man Utd
Tottenham to beat Bolton
Portsmouth to beat Wigan
Birmingham to beat Newcastle
West Brom to beat West Ham
Singles only, maximum £25 per person.
US Tour Golf betting preview
ZURICH CLASSIC – ZACH DUE A WIN AT 33/1
Live on Sky all four days, starting 9.00pm, Thursday, April 27th.
When it comes to watching golfing stars, nothing beats the US Tour, and I’m looking forward to seeing Phil Mickelson on his first appearance since the Masters, chasing three wins on the bounce on a course where he has plenty of positive course form (2nd in 2004 and 2001). And, in a field which lacks strength in depth, he must have a great chance to win again this week, although at bet365’s 7/2 (15/2 off scratch in their handicap betting), better value lies in trying to find some each-way value.
Retief Goosen doesn’t appeal at 8/1 on his course debut, while the likes of David Toms (22/1) and Chris DiMarco (33/1) appear to have gone off the boil. Stuart Appleby wouldn’t have taken much out of himself when cruising to victory by six shots, and back-to-back wins are not out of the question at 18/1. However, the promising Zach Johnson is due a win himself, and is nearly twice the odds of Appleby, and looks a great bet to win at bet365’s 33/1. A multiple winner on the Nationwide Tour, and a winner in his rookie year in 2005, Johnson’s form this year is rock solid (2nd to Mickelson at Sugar Loaf and 3rd place at the World Matchplay) and, on each occasion, he’s impressed with his accuracy and iron play.
Of the others, Lee Westwood is long overdue a win and can be backed at 5/1 with bet365. His last victory came in September 2003 but, even though he’s managed several good finishes since, it’s his recent form that marks him down as a possible winner this week at bet365’s 50/1. He has two top-5 finishes in his last five starts on Tour and, as a former winner on this course (1998), looks good value at those odds. Both Steve Flesch and Carlos Franco (both 80/1) are previous winners here, but the final pick goes to Richard S. Johnson who looks over-priced at 100/1 (each-way ¼ odds 1.2.3.4.5) considering his achievements in recent weeks – 7th at the Bell South Classic and 6th at the Houston Open.
Of course, many of you may wish to wait until after the first round (or even later) to see who’s playing well before placing your bets, and any late ‘players’ will always be accommodated at bet365 via their Live In-Play Console. If you enjoy this exciting form of betting, then it’s worth bearing in mind that the 548-yard 15th here is a risk-reward hole where the tournament can be won or lost.
Zurich Classic Picks:
Zach Johnson @ 40/1
Lee Westwood @ 50/1
Richard S. Johnson @ 100/1.
Live on Sky all four days, starting 9.00pm, Thursday, April 27th.
When it comes to watching golfing stars, nothing beats the US Tour, and I’m looking forward to seeing Phil Mickelson on his first appearance since the Masters, chasing three wins on the bounce on a course where he has plenty of positive course form (2nd in 2004 and 2001). And, in a field which lacks strength in depth, he must have a great chance to win again this week, although at bet365’s 7/2 (15/2 off scratch in their handicap betting), better value lies in trying to find some each-way value.
Retief Goosen doesn’t appeal at 8/1 on his course debut, while the likes of David Toms (22/1) and Chris DiMarco (33/1) appear to have gone off the boil. Stuart Appleby wouldn’t have taken much out of himself when cruising to victory by six shots, and back-to-back wins are not out of the question at 18/1. However, the promising Zach Johnson is due a win himself, and is nearly twice the odds of Appleby, and looks a great bet to win at bet365’s 33/1. A multiple winner on the Nationwide Tour, and a winner in his rookie year in 2005, Johnson’s form this year is rock solid (2nd to Mickelson at Sugar Loaf and 3rd place at the World Matchplay) and, on each occasion, he’s impressed with his accuracy and iron play.
Of the others, Lee Westwood is long overdue a win and can be backed at 5/1 with bet365. His last victory came in September 2003 but, even though he’s managed several good finishes since, it’s his recent form that marks him down as a possible winner this week at bet365’s 50/1. He has two top-5 finishes in his last five starts on Tour and, as a former winner on this course (1998), looks good value at those odds. Both Steve Flesch and Carlos Franco (both 80/1) are previous winners here, but the final pick goes to Richard S. Johnson who looks over-priced at 100/1 (each-way ¼ odds 1.2.3.4.5) considering his achievements in recent weeks – 7th at the Bell South Classic and 6th at the Houston Open.
Of course, many of you may wish to wait until after the first round (or even later) to see who’s playing well before placing your bets, and any late ‘players’ will always be accommodated at bet365 via their Live In-Play Console. If you enjoy this exciting form of betting, then it’s worth bearing in mind that the 548-yard 15th here is a risk-reward hole where the tournament can be won or lost.
Zurich Classic Picks:
Zach Johnson @ 40/1
Lee Westwood @ 50/1
Richard S. Johnson @ 100/1.
Betting analysis on Chelsea v Man United
UNITED TO SPOIL BLUES’ PARTY AT 13/5…
Chelsea v Man United
Sat Apr 29 (SS1) – LIVE BETTING AVAILABLE
Chelsea (11/10) need just one more point to seal the title, and they’re strong favourites to get it against Manchester United (13/5) on Saturday (kick off 12.30pm), but I wouldn’t bet on it. As far as the title is concerned, it looks mission impossible for United now with Chelsea having to lose this game and their final two games against Newcastle and Blackburn. Instead, United will be content to go to Stamford Bridge and lay down a marker for next season and, with bet365, they look terrific value at 13/5 (11/10 Chelsea, Draw 21/10).
Over the past two seasons, United have raised their game when facing major opponents who want something badly, in particular, ending the long unbeaten runs of both Chelsea and Arsenal. Plus, United might be the more determined to win this game and spoil the Blues’ party, and they’re likely to come out all guns blazing, which makes bet365’s 6/1 for the double result also worth taking. If United take the early lead, Chelsea will of course push for the equalizer, but they won’t need any more than that, so we’ll a saver on the 1-1 draw at 5/1.
As for the First Goalscorer market, the price on Rooney is longer than usual at 13/2 due to the presence of the likes of the mis-firing Hernan Crespo (9/2) and Didier Drogba (5/1), and he’s even greater value when you consider that they’ll give your money back if he scores the last goal in the game instead. Once the game goes live, don’t forget to check out bet365’s Live In-Play Console, where you’ll find up to 14 dynamic markets on the match.
Chelsea v Man United Picks:
Man United to beat Chelsea @ 13/5
United / United @ 11/2 (saver on 1-1 @ 5/1)
Wayne Rooney to score first @ 13/2
Chelsea v Man United
Sat Apr 29 (SS1) – LIVE BETTING AVAILABLE
Chelsea (11/10) need just one more point to seal the title, and they’re strong favourites to get it against Manchester United (13/5) on Saturday (kick off 12.30pm), but I wouldn’t bet on it. As far as the title is concerned, it looks mission impossible for United now with Chelsea having to lose this game and their final two games against Newcastle and Blackburn. Instead, United will be content to go to Stamford Bridge and lay down a marker for next season and, with bet365, they look terrific value at 13/5 (11/10 Chelsea, Draw 21/10).
Over the past two seasons, United have raised their game when facing major opponents who want something badly, in particular, ending the long unbeaten runs of both Chelsea and Arsenal. Plus, United might be the more determined to win this game and spoil the Blues’ party, and they’re likely to come out all guns blazing, which makes bet365’s 6/1 for the double result also worth taking. If United take the early lead, Chelsea will of course push for the equalizer, but they won’t need any more than that, so we’ll a saver on the 1-1 draw at 5/1.
As for the First Goalscorer market, the price on Rooney is longer than usual at 13/2 due to the presence of the likes of the mis-firing Hernan Crespo (9/2) and Didier Drogba (5/1), and he’s even greater value when you consider that they’ll give your money back if he scores the last goal in the game instead. Once the game goes live, don’t forget to check out bet365’s Live In-Play Console, where you’ll find up to 14 dynamic markets on the match.
Chelsea v Man United Picks:
Man United to beat Chelsea @ 13/5
United / United @ 11/2 (saver on 1-1 @ 5/1)
Wayne Rooney to score first @ 13/2
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
New! Red Hot Gin Rummy
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They've got tens of thousands of players from around the world enjoying the best game classics!
Now, they have just launched a brand new 'poker-style' Gin Rummy lobby that is unequalled on the net!
Join players from around the world playing this fast-paced game of chance and skill combined offering you the opportunity to play and win real money stakes.
With no download required, you'll find game features and money wagers to suit all players.
Apply your skills and mental strength to dominate the Gin Rummy Board! Click on the "Play Now" Button above to enter the new Gin Rummy lobby! Create your own tables, or accept others' challenges in our new user-friendly lobby. With no download required, you'll find game features and money wagers to suit your needs.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Champions League Preview
Last week's Champions League matches were quite tame affairs, but you can expect a bit more passion this week as there is more to play for. If you're looking for a slightly different bet, check out the football markets at Sporting Index. We've taken a look at some of their prices (see preview below) - new clients can claim a great free bet:
£150 Football Bet for New Clients
Open a Sporting Index account*, place five sports bets (each with the potential to win and lose £20) and claim a free £150 per goal bet on any live Premiership, Championship or League match.**
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.
For full details of these offers, and apply for your Sporting Index account, click below
Champions League Preview
Villareal v Arsenal, Tuesday 25 April
It's now a record nine matches since Arsenal conceded a goal in Europe, and another clean sheet would be enough to see them through to the final. However, both teams will attack this game and it's unlikely to be a 0-0 draw. Sporting Index has the home team as slight favourites on their “Supremacy” market. Although neither Riquelme or Forlan were outstanding in the first leg, they'll be more dangerous at home.
There were five yellow cards in the first match, and that was with a lenient ref who let a few things go. Sporting has priced up six on their “Bookings” market this time around, which is not surprising as the South Americans can get physical. They could also teach Bruce Willis a thing or two about acting (which would not be that hard, admittedly) and if Villareal manage to take the lead, prepare for some Oscar-level performances as they try to run the clock down.
Barcelona v AC Milan, Wednesday 26 April
Even though it wasn't a classic Barca performance in the first leg, their class still showed and it's easy to see why Sporting has got them as favourites to win by 0.6 to 0.8 goals. Neutrals will cheer on an early Milan goal to make things interesting; if they go a goal down, Italian heads could drop. Even though they have struggled to find the level of creativity they are capable of, it would be incredible if Barcelona fail to score in this leg.
Barca have conceded two or more goals at home four times in the league this season, so Milan have a chance. Neither team is particularly physical (three cards were shown in the first leg) so don't expect as many bookings as there could be in the other semi. All in all though, it's hard to see anything other than Barca stopping Milan reaching their second consecutive final.
Hopefully that's given you something to think about. For all the latest prices and to apply for your Sporting Index account, click below
Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
The information contained herein is for your general information and use. In particular, it does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by Sporting Index Ltd and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining to make) any specific decisions.
Champions League - Specials from VC bet
BUGS MONEY...
Barcelona v AC Milan, Kick Off 7.45pm, Live on Sky Sports
If Ronaldinho scores the last goal we will refund all losing First Goalscorer & Correct Score bets on the match.
90 mins play only. Singles only. Maximum refund £100 per person.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KING HENRY…
Villarreal v Arsenal, Kick Off 7.45pm, Live on ITV1
If Thierry Henry scores the last goal we will refund all losing First Goalscorer & Correct Score bets on the match.
90 mins play only. Singles only. Maximum refund £100 per person.
Barcelona v AC Milan, Kick Off 7.45pm, Live on Sky Sports
If Ronaldinho scores the last goal we will refund all losing First Goalscorer & Correct Score bets on the match.
90 mins play only. Singles only. Maximum refund £100 per person.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KING HENRY…
Villarreal v Arsenal, Kick Off 7.45pm, Live on ITV1
If Thierry Henry scores the last goal we will refund all losing First Goalscorer & Correct Score bets on the match.
90 mins play only. Singles only. Maximum refund £100 per person.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Major League Baseball - a complete betting guide
BASEBALL BETTING 101
Football is king, at least in the U.S., when it comes to sports betting. But baseball is the national pastime, and betting on baseball is as old as the game itself. And to those who indulge in it, betting on baseball can become a mixture of a science and a passion.
Unlike football and basketball, in which bets are placed against point spreads, baseball betting is based on a "money line" (ML) or a "dime line," in which the bettor only has to pick the winner of the game to win a bet. But, of course, it's not as easy as just that.
A typical game will list a favorite at -150. A winning $100 bet on the favorite pays $100, but will cost $150 if the favorite loses. Conversely, a winning $100 bet on the underdog will net the bettor $140. The difference between the $150 the favorite bettor would lose and the $140 paid out on a wager on the underdog is the "grease" or "vigorish" the bookmaker pockets.
The percentage of grease involved in a particular game increases as the odds on the favorite go up. With a favorite of -200, a $100 bet on the underdog, and a win, nets the bettor (in most cases) $180. A game with a favorite of -240 and a winning $100 bet on the underdog will be worth $200. And so on. In recent years favorites with ace starting pitchers on the mound have been posted as high as -350 and even more. In those games, winning $100 bets will pay $300 and more, if placed with the right book.
The purpose of the money line becomes obvious to anyone who starts betting favorites. When Team A takes on a much lesser Team B in a three-game series, and Team A is favored by -200 or more each game, it only takes one loss by Team A to negate the winnings on two games. Again, conversely, a bettor who takes the underdog in all three games needs only to win once, basically, to break even. And if they win twice, well, that can be quite profitable.
Lines on baseball games are based on several factors, including the relative strength of the two teams, the starting pitchers and their track records, the ballpark the game is being played in, recent performances, etc. Much information is available in newspapers and on the Internet to help bettors make their choices. But a little general knowledge of baseball wagering can go a long way.
Almost every team in the majors will do two things in a regular season; win at least 60 games and lose at least 60 games. The best teams will win between 90 and 100 games in a season, which means that they'll lose between 60 and 70. And they'll probably be favored in most of those games. So it becomes apparent that betting on those teams every day, even though they may win most of the time, won't necessarily produce a profit, thanks to the odds they have to lay each game. On the other end, the worst teams will lose 90-100 games. But because of the odds they receive as underdogs each day, backers can stay close to the break-even mark, and with a little luck even make money. There, in a nutshell, is the purpose of the money line; to even things out in the long run.
There are 30 teams in Major League Baseball. Each team, barring excessive rainouts or cancellations, plays 162 games. That comes to 2,430 regular-season games. Now, it's also generally accepted that a healthy percentage of those games will be part of a streak of some kind, either winning or losing, on the part of at least one of the teams in a game. Three-game winning streaks often become runs of four, five, six, seven and more. The same goes for losing streaks. Some bettors prefer to wager that streaks will come to an end, but they can only win that bet once. Betting on a hot team, after they've won three games in a row, can be profitable. The Oakland A's a couple of years ago won 20 games in a row. Can you imagine backing the A's every day for 17 days in a row, and winning all those bets?
A baseball bet that's becoming more popular is the "run line" wager. Simply put, the run line is a combination of the point spread and the money line. Instead of taking a favorite to win a game at -150 and above, the bettor can choose to bet the run line, in which that favorite gives 1 ½ runs to the opponent. In exchange, the bettor gets better odds. A favorite of -150 can become an even-money play when bet on the run line. Underdogs, too, can be played, and instead of having to win the game outright, need to either win outright or lose by less than the 1 ½ runs. Most run-line bettors, however, use the run line to take favorites, conceding the danger of losing the bet if the favorite wins by exactly one run.
A note here about pitchers. The probable starting pitchers are listed in sportspages and sportsbooks. The line on each game is based in large part on who is scheduled to take the mound. But sometimes the listed starting pitcher is, for one reason or another, replaced with little notice. Fortunately, bettors have protection against this. They can specify that their bet only take place if the "listed" pitchers take the mound. If both or even one of the listed pitchers doesn't start the game, the bet is off. Be sure to know if this option is available to you.
Also, totals are posted on almost every MLB game. Baseball over/unders are not only based on the teams, the pitchers, the line-ups, and the ballparks, but also on the weather, the home-plate umpires, and other things. Umpire stats and rotations can be somewhat difficult to find, but they are available on the Internet.
Finally, a word of advice; as mentioned above, there are over 2,400 Major League Baseball games during the regular season. Be patient. Be picky. Don't bet 10 games a night. If you don't like tonight's schedule, take a pass. There's always 15 more games tomorrow.
Football is king, at least in the U.S., when it comes to sports betting. But baseball is the national pastime, and betting on baseball is as old as the game itself. And to those who indulge in it, betting on baseball can become a mixture of a science and a passion.
Unlike football and basketball, in which bets are placed against point spreads, baseball betting is based on a "money line" (ML) or a "dime line," in which the bettor only has to pick the winner of the game to win a bet. But, of course, it's not as easy as just that.
A typical game will list a favorite at -150. A winning $100 bet on the favorite pays $100, but will cost $150 if the favorite loses. Conversely, a winning $100 bet on the underdog will net the bettor $140. The difference between the $150 the favorite bettor would lose and the $140 paid out on a wager on the underdog is the "grease" or "vigorish" the bookmaker pockets.
The percentage of grease involved in a particular game increases as the odds on the favorite go up. With a favorite of -200, a $100 bet on the underdog, and a win, nets the bettor (in most cases) $180. A game with a favorite of -240 and a winning $100 bet on the underdog will be worth $200. And so on. In recent years favorites with ace starting pitchers on the mound have been posted as high as -350 and even more. In those games, winning $100 bets will pay $300 and more, if placed with the right book.
The purpose of the money line becomes obvious to anyone who starts betting favorites. When Team A takes on a much lesser Team B in a three-game series, and Team A is favored by -200 or more each game, it only takes one loss by Team A to negate the winnings on two games. Again, conversely, a bettor who takes the underdog in all three games needs only to win once, basically, to break even. And if they win twice, well, that can be quite profitable.
Lines on baseball games are based on several factors, including the relative strength of the two teams, the starting pitchers and their track records, the ballpark the game is being played in, recent performances, etc. Much information is available in newspapers and on the Internet to help bettors make their choices. But a little general knowledge of baseball wagering can go a long way.
Almost every team in the majors will do two things in a regular season; win at least 60 games and lose at least 60 games. The best teams will win between 90 and 100 games in a season, which means that they'll lose between 60 and 70. And they'll probably be favored in most of those games. So it becomes apparent that betting on those teams every day, even though they may win most of the time, won't necessarily produce a profit, thanks to the odds they have to lay each game. On the other end, the worst teams will lose 90-100 games. But because of the odds they receive as underdogs each day, backers can stay close to the break-even mark, and with a little luck even make money. There, in a nutshell, is the purpose of the money line; to even things out in the long run.
There are 30 teams in Major League Baseball. Each team, barring excessive rainouts or cancellations, plays 162 games. That comes to 2,430 regular-season games. Now, it's also generally accepted that a healthy percentage of those games will be part of a streak of some kind, either winning or losing, on the part of at least one of the teams in a game. Three-game winning streaks often become runs of four, five, six, seven and more. The same goes for losing streaks. Some bettors prefer to wager that streaks will come to an end, but they can only win that bet once. Betting on a hot team, after they've won three games in a row, can be profitable. The Oakland A's a couple of years ago won 20 games in a row. Can you imagine backing the A's every day for 17 days in a row, and winning all those bets?
A baseball bet that's becoming more popular is the "run line" wager. Simply put, the run line is a combination of the point spread and the money line. Instead of taking a favorite to win a game at -150 and above, the bettor can choose to bet the run line, in which that favorite gives 1 ½ runs to the opponent. In exchange, the bettor gets better odds. A favorite of -150 can become an even-money play when bet on the run line. Underdogs, too, can be played, and instead of having to win the game outright, need to either win outright or lose by less than the 1 ½ runs. Most run-line bettors, however, use the run line to take favorites, conceding the danger of losing the bet if the favorite wins by exactly one run.
A note here about pitchers. The probable starting pitchers are listed in sportspages and sportsbooks. The line on each game is based in large part on who is scheduled to take the mound. But sometimes the listed starting pitcher is, for one reason or another, replaced with little notice. Fortunately, bettors have protection against this. They can specify that their bet only take place if the "listed" pitchers take the mound. If both or even one of the listed pitchers doesn't start the game, the bet is off. Be sure to know if this option is available to you.
Also, totals are posted on almost every MLB game. Baseball over/unders are not only based on the teams, the pitchers, the line-ups, and the ballparks, but also on the weather, the home-plate umpires, and other things. Umpire stats and rotations can be somewhat difficult to find, but they are available on the Internet.
Finally, a word of advice; as mentioned above, there are over 2,400 Major League Baseball games during the regular season. Be patient. Be picky. Don't bet 10 games a night. If you don't like tonight's schedule, take a pass. There's always 15 more games tomorrow.
$15,000 Freeroll on April 24th
We have added a new poker site to The Betting Directory - AND they are running a $15,000 Freeroll on April 24th!
DreamPoker.com - where you’ll be able to take your unique poker talent to the next level.
Their poker experience is enjoyed by both the professional player and a player that is just starting out. Which one are you? You will always find thousands of players from all over the world playing poker here. And they always return because they provide them with the best online poker software, the highest standard of security and exceptional customer care.
You will be entitled to all the benefits that come with being a DreamPoker.com poker player.
You’ll get a $10 no deposit sign up bonus when you register. Or how does a 120% match bonus up to $500 sound?
Their promotions will always top the industry norm, making sure that you are rewarded, no matter what you do - like tomorrow's $15,000 Freeroll!
They’ll also give you something that you won’t find anywhere else online… THE DREAM SYSTEM. This player rewards system was carefully researched and designed to ensure that you are exposed to opportunities far more fulfilling and exciting than what you could expect from any other online poker room. You’ll be able to experience the things that you so often fantasize about – for real. You can have anything: From a night on a yacht with your favorite celebrity as a date, to wearing a world renowned Jacob the Jeweler watch around your wrist.
And to get this, just do what you love. Play poker.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
High sign up bonuses from 2 new Casinos
We have added two new casinos to our International Casino section, each offering high sign up bonuses to new players!
Club Dice Casino with a £500 free bonus, live dealers, over 70 games, 10 progressive jackpots, VIP clubs and exclusive promotions, Club Dice provides a real casino atmosphere in a safe online environment. For players convenience, Club Dice Casino offers built-in games and financial gaming logs for checking previously played gaming results. History and detailed information is always readily available for the players convenience as well.
DEPOSITS:- Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, InstaCash, Firepay, Citadel, Moneybookers, Bank Draft, Wire Transfer, and more. Operates under a license granted by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada.
Joyland Casino - will sweep you of your feet with all the incredible bonus offers and promotions they have to offer, starting with a $808 Welcome Bonus for new players. Check out the Joyland website for all the up-to-date bonuses and promotions.
DEPOSITS:- NETeller, InstaCash, Citadel, OnDemandFunds, Moneybookers, FirePay, Click2Pay, Central Coin, 900pay, EcoCard, aysafeCards, INSTADEBIT, UseMyBank, Credit Card, Maestro/Switch and Solo, Bank Draft, Wire Transfer, Instant Wire Transfer. licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada.
Wednesday's 60/1 football offer from VC bet
Here is VC Bet's 60/1 offer for the Champions League this week:
Arsenal v Villarreal, Champs Lge Semi Final First Leg, Live on Sky Sports
60/1 Ljungberg Score 1st Goal & Arsenal win 2-1
Max stake £25 per person.
Champions League Preview
The big matches are coming thick and fast, with the two crucial first leg ties this week. If you’re looking for a slightly different bet, check out the football markets at Sporting Index. We’ve taken a look at some of their prices (see preview below) - new clients can claim a great free bet:
£150 Football Bet for New Clients
Open a Sporting Index account*, place five sports bets (each with the potential to win and lose £20) and claim a free £150 per goal bet on any live Premiership, Championship or League match.**
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.
For full details of these offers, and apply for your Sporting Index account, click below
AC Milan v Barcelona, Tuesday 18 April
Milan will be forced to take on Barca without Inzaghi, who is out through illness, but otherwise they’re at full strength. Barcelona have a couple of key players out, most notably Deco (suspended) and Larsson (injured). Looking at recent form, you’ve got to fancy Milan – they’ve been getting better throughout the year and have certainly turned the corner and regained the confidence they lost earlier in the season. Barcelona on the other hand have only averaged 1 goal per game in their last six matches, compared to an average of 2.25 over the season in all competitions.
These two teams produced a couple of cracking matches in the group stage last year, Milan winning 1-0 at home but losing 2-1 at Nou Camp. Sporting Index has Milan as slight favourites to win by 0.1 to 0.3 goals. This is probably mainly on the basis of form, and the absence of Deco for the visitors. Finally, referee Sars can be quite strict and Sporting expect around four cards to be shown.
Arsenal v Villareal, Wednesday 19 April
Neither of these team will be able to field their first choice eleven, with Reyes suspended and Fabregas unlikely to be fit for Arsenal. Defender Gonzalo Rodriguez is out for the rest of the season for Villareal. However, most eyes will be on Henry and Riquelme, different players but two of the best attacking footballers in the world. The visitors will play for set pieces where Riquelme is also strong, he’s even scored from a couple of corners this season. Arsenal must ensure they play their normal game with verve and rhythm, and not allow Villareal to break down the flow of play.
Sporting Index has priced up Arsenal as clear favourites to win by one goal. Forlan and his other South American team mates will take a physical approach to Arsenal. However, referee Plautz is experienced and good enough to stop things getting out of control. Despite this, Sporting have priced up four to five cards in this leg. Villareal have had the luck of a good draw so far in this competition, and only lost one match (away to Inter) but the bookies do not rate their chances of reaching the final. Whatever happens, it’s set to be either the very best or the very worst week of the season for Arsenal, with 3 huge games in the space of a week.
Hopefully that’s given you something to think about. For all the latest prices and to apply for your Sporting Index account, click below
Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
The information contained herein is for your general information and use. In particular, it does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by Sporting Index Ltd and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining to make) any specific decisions.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Double your winnings at the World Snooker Championship
Ladbrokes.com is promoting the following offer for this weeks World Snooker Championships.
15h April - 1st May 2006: Snooker World Championship Offer
If customers place a winning bet on the match betting market and if their selection makes a century break in the final frame of the match, Ladbrokes will double their winnings.
Multihand blackjack - new instant play casino game
April sees the launch of some great new download casino games, plus a new instant play casino game - multihand blackjack. Great game play is just one of the reasons for players to visit Ladbrokes Casino.
New Instant Play game
Multihand Blackjack
The number one casino game, Blackjack has now arrived on the Ladbrokes Instant Play Casino. At the click of a button customers can now be playing five hands of Blackjack at once.
New Download Casino games
Moonshine: 5 reel, 25 payline video slot
This new big slot will tickle your ribs even before you start playing. With great wagering flexibility, and excellent potential returns when betting the maximum. The base game jackpot is £40,000 and that can grow to £160,000 with the right sort of luck on free spins.
Isis - Queen of the Slots
This brand new 5 reel, 25 payline game has been enhanced for maximum excitement and entertainment with a wealth of features such as Wild and Scatter rewards, Free Spins and a Gamble opportunity that allows you to double or quadruple winnings by betting on colour and suit.
Other new games include Deuces & Joker 100 Play Power Poker and Free Spirit Wheel of Wealth 3 reel slot.
New Instant Play game
Multihand Blackjack
The number one casino game, Blackjack has now arrived on the Ladbrokes Instant Play Casino. At the click of a button customers can now be playing five hands of Blackjack at once.
New Download Casino games
Moonshine: 5 reel, 25 payline video slot
This new big slot will tickle your ribs even before you start playing. With great wagering flexibility, and excellent potential returns when betting the maximum. The base game jackpot is £40,000 and that can grow to £160,000 with the right sort of luck on free spins.
Isis - Queen of the Slots
This brand new 5 reel, 25 payline game has been enhanced for maximum excitement and entertainment with a wealth of features such as Wild and Scatter rewards, Free Spins and a Gamble opportunity that allows you to double or quadruple winnings by betting on colour and suit.
Other new games include Deuces & Joker 100 Play Power Poker and Free Spirit Wheel of Wealth 3 reel slot.
£100 free for all new players!
£100 free for new players
New to Ladbrokes online Casino?
If you choose to try out a variety of their casino games, such as Blackjack, Roulette, Tomb Raider, Video Pokers then you could qualify for their welcome bonus offer.
Play any of the games at Ladbrokes online casino today and they will match your first deposit 50%. That’s up to £100* free.
It’s simple:
Play any of their games - there's over 100 to choose from.
Register a real account and deposit between £10 and £200 (or currency equivalent), and purchase casino chips.
Wager your initial deposit at least four times on any of our games.
Once you have qualified complete the claim form.
You will be contacted with your bonus claim within 48 hours.
Why not try one of their Blackjack games, or maybe Roulette?
There's a great choice, so you're bound to find a game to suit you!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals are only a week away with the San Antonio Spurs chasing back-to-back titles.
The Spurs are the top seed in the Western Conference with a 60-18 record. They only have four more games to close the regular season, all against clubs with losing records. Detroit have a slightly better record at 62-15 and are the clear leader in the East. Detroit is also the current betting favorite to win the Championship at 115* on Canbet.com, with San Antonio the current second favorite at 275 (on Canbet).
The Dallas Mavericks are currently second seed in the West with a 59-18 record. As it now stands the Spurs will finish winner of the Southwest Division and earn the top seed and home-court advantage throughout the West playoffs leaving the Mavericks to be the fourth seed throughout the playoffs, forfeiting home court advantage.
Western Conference Preview:
The San Antonio Spurs will begin their title defense against the Los Angeles Lakers who return to the postseason after a one-year absence. It will be a short sharp return for Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant who were beaten 3-1 by the Spurs during the regular season. Los Angeles is currently 50-1 to win the title (on Canbet).
The third seed in the Western Conference are the Phoenix Suns ( 650 to win the championship on Canbet) have a problem with a tough series ahead. As it stands now, they will face the Sacramento Kings with whom they split their series 2-2 this season. This series could go either way with the Suns heading into the post season without Amare Stoudamire, while the addition of Ron Artest to the Sacramento roster has given the team a big boast at the defensive end.
In other matchups in the West: The Los Angeles Clippers lead the Denver Nuggets 3-1 in their regular season clashes. The Dallas Mavericks lead the Memphis Grizzlies 3-1.
Eastern Conference Preview:
The Detroit Pistons, 'World Champions' in the 2003-04 season, have continued to dominate their division and conference. Whoever can beat them will win the title. They kick off their postseason campaign against lightweights the Philadelphia 76ers. Detroit leads their regular season series 3-0. The Pistons have won 20 of their last 21 on their home court at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Philadelphia is 150-1 longshot on Canbet to win the overall title.
Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat are set to play the sliding Indiana Pacers who won two of three games over the Heat this season. Despite racking up a 50-27 record, the Heat has failed to impress in the stretch run. The big man will have to stay healthy if the Heat are to be crowned kings. Still, Miami is third favorite to claim the championship at 500 (on
The Spurs are the top seed in the Western Conference with a 60-18 record. They only have four more games to close the regular season, all against clubs with losing records. Detroit have a slightly better record at 62-15 and are the clear leader in the East. Detroit is also the current betting favorite to win the Championship at 115* on Canbet.com, with San Antonio the current second favorite at 275 (on Canbet).
The Dallas Mavericks are currently second seed in the West with a 59-18 record. As it now stands the Spurs will finish winner of the Southwest Division and earn the top seed and home-court advantage throughout the West playoffs leaving the Mavericks to be the fourth seed throughout the playoffs, forfeiting home court advantage.
Western Conference Preview:
The San Antonio Spurs will begin their title defense against the Los Angeles Lakers who return to the postseason after a one-year absence. It will be a short sharp return for Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant who were beaten 3-1 by the Spurs during the regular season. Los Angeles is currently 50-1 to win the title (on Canbet).
The third seed in the Western Conference are the Phoenix Suns ( 650 to win the championship on Canbet) have a problem with a tough series ahead. As it stands now, they will face the Sacramento Kings with whom they split their series 2-2 this season. This series could go either way with the Suns heading into the post season without Amare Stoudamire, while the addition of Ron Artest to the Sacramento roster has given the team a big boast at the defensive end.
In other matchups in the West: The Los Angeles Clippers lead the Denver Nuggets 3-1 in their regular season clashes. The Dallas Mavericks lead the Memphis Grizzlies 3-1.
Eastern Conference Preview:
The Detroit Pistons, 'World Champions' in the 2003-04 season, have continued to dominate their division and conference. Whoever can beat them will win the title. They kick off their postseason campaign against lightweights the Philadelphia 76ers. Detroit leads their regular season series 3-0. The Pistons have won 20 of their last 21 on their home court at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Philadelphia is 150-1 longshot on Canbet to win the overall title.
Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat are set to play the sliding Indiana Pacers who won two of three games over the Heat this season. Despite racking up a 50-27 record, the Heat has failed to impress in the stretch run. The big man will have to stay healthy if the Heat are to be crowned kings. Still, Miami is third favorite to claim the championship at 500 (on