Gitter Done Derby Saturday

A couple more wins takes us to 34-23-2 and thanks to Angels relievers, have a 91-18 system ready to roll today. Ended up being real busy because of Derby scratch this morning and dug up a sharp Totals Trend in the National League. Sal is performing very well and has another Free Play. I played Freisan Fire across the board yesterday, not as happy with that with the morning line favorite gone. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – Could the Angels bullpen be any worse? I swear I could spend a week at a batting cage, come into a game with the score tied and runner on second against Brian Fuentes and get a game-winning hit. Do you think the Halos could afford K-Rod now? I always thought professional basketball teams had to show up for games. The Hawks never left Atlanta mentally.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs with a money line of +175 to +250 after allowing 10 runs or more. The Angels horrible bullpen are the one’s that made this system available, which is 91-18, 83.5 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Brandon Looper of Milwaukee is 11-1 UNDER at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal has hit a couple of nice plays and sets sail on Seattle to keep the winning going.

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Chicago and Boston Game 7- Bettors Dilemma

Between the jaw-dropping individual displays, crisp team play and dramatic twists, it’s only fitting that this thrilling first-round series between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls comes to a seventh game. And what a way to get there. The Bulls prevailed 128-127 in triple overtime on Thursday to tie the series at three games and send it back to Boston for the finale on Saturday night, with the winner advancing to play Orlando.

Think about what has occurred. A league record four games have gone into overtime and one other was last second buzzer beater. Subtract Game 3 from the equation; Chicago has outscored Boston by one point in the other five games combined. There has been seven total overtimes. If you like your action close with an ebb and flow, no problem here, with 65 ties and 106 lead changes in the series.

This series has also played havoc with totals players. Unless you have been riding the Over, which is 5-1, on three different occasions the Under would have been the correct play had the game not gone to overtime.

“If I had to just sit back and I wasn’t a player and think about these games, this is great for the fans,” Boston’s Paul Pierce said. “Everybody is getting their money’s worth.”

And the defending champions are certainly getting a run for theirs.

Now, the Celtics are trying to avoid elimination after watching an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter disappear and wasting a 51-point effort by Ray Allen that ranks among the greatest postseason displays in the storied franchise’s history.

The Bulls, meanwhile, have a chance to become the first seventh seed to knock off the second seed since New York beat Miami in 1998, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Some have theorized this game is a certain Over, given the fact of the final scores. You can’t ignore the Bulls are 17-5 OVER when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season, when they have played their best basketball and with the Celtics 15-4 OVER in home games versus good offensive teams scoring 99 or points a game, it makes sense.

However, oddsmakers like those at Bookmaker.com has set the second lowest total of the series, since invariably, a Game 7 comes down to defense, of course unless they play overtime again.

So what’s next? Quadruple overtime?

“Coming into this series, I don’t think anyone imagined it to turn out like this,” Chicago’s Kirk Hinrich said. “We thought we could be competitive, but for the games to be such crazy, back-and-forth action, it’s really incredible.”

Boston is listed as six-point favorite and they are 53-37 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last two seasons and understands this won’t be easy. “We didn’t think it was going to be a walk in the park,” Allen said.

It’s been anything but that.

The Bulls took the opener in Boston 105-103 in overtime because of Rose’s 36 points and 11 assists, after Pierce missed the potential winning free throw at the end of regulation and had a potential tying basket blocked with 3.7 seconds left in overtime.

In Game 2, Allen won a shootout with fellow former UConn star Ben Gordon and the Celtics prevailed 118-115 in regulation. True, Gordon outscored him 42-30, but Allen hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer at the end of regulation.

While Game 3 in Chicago was a 107-86 romp for Boston, the thrills were far from over.
Game 4 was a particularly wild one, with the Bulls winning 121-118 in double overtime.
Allen hit the tying 3 late in regulation and Gordon did the same in the first overtime, burying one with 4.5 seconds remaining. And in the second OT, Salmons blocked Pierce’s potential tying 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining.

But in Game 5 in Boston, the Bulls let an 11-point fourth-quarter lead dissolve into a 106-104 overtime loss because of some big shots by Pierce down the stretch. The Bulls still had a chance to tie it after Pierce made the go-ahead shot over Salmons with 3.4 seconds left, but Rondo hit Brad Miller in the mouth as he rolled toward the rim, leaving him bloody and woozy. Miller missed both free throws—the second intentionally—and the Celtics hung on. Yet, somehow, Game 6 trumped all that.

Now, the Bulls have a chance to knock off the defending champs. Not bad, considering they struggled for much of the season, but the trade that brought Salmons and Miller from Sacramento certainly helped.

“If they had this team for the full year, they’d be a top four seed,” Boston’s Kendrick Perkins said.

Boston has yet to cover on there home court in this series and is 1-11 ATS as playoff favorite of five to 10.5 points. Chicago on the other hand is 15-3-2 ATS as underdogs the last 20 times the linemaker has assigned them in that role.

Their have been exactly 100 Game 7’s in NBA history and only six have gone to overtime, which logic dictates makes this contest unlikely to so. Nevertheless, there has never been a series like this, leaving the door open to anything being possible.

The answers unfold on TNT starting at 8 Eastern.

Andrew Seligman AP Sports writer contributed to this article.

NHL Playoff Preview – Conference Semi-finals

With one series already started, the other three conference semi-finals will begin this weekend. The amazing Anaheim Ducks will look to play spoiler for a second consecutive series, after knocking off top-seeded San Jose. In the East, No.1 Boston goes up against a cagey Carolina club who won a game seven in New Jersey. Washington came back from 3-1 deficit to ruin the Rangers postseason plans and faces Pittsburgh who is trying to get back to Stanley Cup Finals.

(8)Anaheim vs (2) Detroit

The Anaheim Ducks present a ticklish road block for Detroit, whose path to the Finals has been cleared in part with San Jose dismissed. Though Anaheim doesn’t have as many talented performers from the team that won the Cup two years ago, they still have a solid core of performers, well acquainted with the type of mental toughness needed to play hockey in May and June. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer are on the top of their game at present and the rest of the Ducks defensemen are likely the strongest group of those remaining. Goalie Jonas Hiller had Sharks players talking to themselves, with .957 save percentage and two shutouts.

Detroit has more depth and talent and can take stranglehold on this series by jumping on the Ducks. Teams off big upsets will often not be able to sustain momentum against new opponent. What makes the Red Wings so difficult is points come from everywhere. They had 11 different players register three or more points against Columbus. Detroit has no problem mixing it up with Anaheim, but takes far fewer penalties, which should give them edge throughout with potent power play.

Though Anaheim will be awfully physical with Detroit, they tend to take too many dumb penalties and the Red Wings do exceptional job screening goaltenders, ask Columbus net-minder Steve Mason. With too much talent and smarts, Detroit is 21-6 as playoff favorites and advance to West Finals.

Pick- Detroit (-320) in five

(1)Boston vs (6) Carolina

This time of year, rest is believed to be a good thing, taking a mental break and let tired bodies recover. However, how much rest is too much when you have nine days between games like Boston? What the Bruins have to watch for is Carolina carrying momentum into series after winning last two games to upset New Jersey and advance. Boston has a plethora of scorers, going four lines deep, with goal scorers. Goalie Tim Thomas is Vezina finalist and Zdeno Chara leads a sturdy group of defensemen. The Bruins are 31-12 on home ice and have been particularly effective late in the season, winning 10 of last 11.

Carolina is a treacherous opponent for Boston and likely anybody in the East. The Hurricanes have won 13 of last 18 to blow into the second round and have piping-hot goaltender in Cam Ward. He should have a great deal of confidence after staring down future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur and downing the Devils. Carolina has Eric Staal who is still a force and Erik Cole might be due to break out after going scoreless against New Jersey. The Hurricanes come into series 9-3 against offensive teams scoring three goals a game in the half of the season.

Two dynamics really standout in this series. How quickly does Boston find its legs against a real opponent, as an injured Montreal team proved to be nothing more than hard practices? If the Bruins lack focus from the get-go, Carolina could catch them off guard. The Hurricanes lost all four games to Boston this season and have dropped five in a row dating back to last year. Will they be able to shake the confidence of Bruins who are not battle-tested in playoff action like they are? Carolina will have no real fear heading to Bean-town having won 20 of last 28 games there.

Pick- Boston (-240) in seven

(2)Washington vs (4) Pittsburgh

The NHL bosses couldn’t have asked for a better set-up to build the drama of the Stanley Cup playoffs than this matchup. This will be the first of what could be several postseason meetings between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. What about the undercard, with Ovechkin facing off against regular season scoring champ Evgeni Malkin?

If that isn’t enough to bring the circus to town, what about the goaltender matchup? Rookie Simeon Varlamov is 21-years old and entered the playoffs in net in Game 2, which turned out to be a gutsy call by Washington coach Bruce Boudreau. Varlamov did his job, however the Penguins snipers are much better sharp-shooters than what the Rangers had. The Capitals were able to comeback against New York when Alexander Semin became a factor. For the series, he scored five times and totaled eight points. Washington starts this best of seven 37-16 as home favorites.

Pittsburgh has responded to coach Dan Bylsma, who lost the interim tag this week. Besides his collection of young, but veteran players, he has goalie Marc-Andre Fleury who is back to playing like he did at the end of last season. The Pens won’t be intimidated by setting, having won six of last seven as +150 or less money line road underdogs.

This series has everything imaginable and how the stars focus on their own team as opposed to the opponent will be critical. Washington won three of four this year; nonetheless the Penguins could start swiftly having emerged victorious five of six in Washington.

Pick- Pittsburgh (-105) in seven

Better Late than never for a Friday

Sorry to be so late, had a ton of work for today. Went 2-1 yesterday to take record to 32-22-2 and have 82.8 percent system in the American League tonight. Found an unusual Top Trend in baseball involving Pittsburgh. Everything else coming as soon as possible. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – Could the Bulls and Celtics be any more evenly matched? I'll take Ray Allen is game of HORSE. Max Scherzer is even more unusual looking when you see him pitch in another ballpark with his two colored eyes.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST all underdogs with money line of +100 or higher, who are bad AL offensive team like Oakland, scoring 4.2 runs or less per game, against a team with a very good bullpen (ERA 3.33 or less), with a starting pitcher whose gives up 5.5 or less hits a start. With 53-11, 82.8 percent mark, it makes sense to back Seattle.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Pittsburgh is 10-1 after a game in which they had four hits or less.

Free Basketball Selection -3) Sal stays with the hoops and plays Miami Heat.

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Baseball Series Betting- Kansas City at Minnesota

With the exception of Cleveland, the American League Central standings are tighter than a pair of Mariah Carey jeans. Two of the teams in the division will be going toe-to-toe for three games when first place Kansas City tries to hold on to slim lead over .500 Minnesota. The Royals roll into the Twins Cities taking three of four against Toronto and are feeling pretty good to start May with 12-10 record, since they have been without their closer Joakim Soria. The right-handed fire-baller has not pitched since April 22 at Cleveland because of stiffness in the back of his right shoulder. Manager Trey Hillman said, “I’d say we'll have him back for the Minnesota series, that’s what I’m hopeful of." Kansas City has a few missing pieces due to injury, however they have survived on pitching, allowing the fewest runs in the American League at 3.7 per game.

Minnesota doesn’t feel too bad to be in their position, without one its big bats in the lineup. Catcher and reigning AL batting champion Joe Mauer is scheduled to make his 2009 debut. Mauer started the season on the disabled list and is key component to the Twins offense. Minnesota is 23rd in runs scored at 4.2 per game and manager Ron Gardenhire understands Mauer’s value. “When he’s not in the lineup and not in the field handling the running game and everything, you miss those things,” Gardenhire said. “He’s an All-Star, and, you know, probably the best hitter in the league. So, yeah, you miss that a lot.”

In the first game, Bookmaker.com has Minnesota with a decided edge, making them -170 money line favorites with a total of Ov9. The reason is Kevin Slowey (3-0, 4.44 ERA) of the Twins is facing Sidney Ponson (0-3, 5.79 ERA). Slowey started slowly, but has only given up three runs in last two starts over 15 innings. The righthander does not throw heat, nonetheless has excellent arm motion, making his pitches difficult to detect. The Twins off a day of rest are 16-4 in next outing.

Ponson was brought into Kansas City to hopefully be fifth starter and innings-eater. He’s only had one real bad game among his four starts and pitched six innings or more in three of his outings. Though seldom associated with winning, Ponson and former teams are 32-18 in May during his career. Against the Twins, Ponson is 11-3, his most wins against any club, with a 2.69 ERA. But he's just 5-7 at the Metrodome, including a 1-4 mark the one year he pitched for the Twins.

Slowey is 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) vs. Kansas City and Minnesota is 26-11 at home when playing against a team with a winning record.

Game 1 Edge: Minnesota

The second game has a compelling pitching matchup. The Royals Brian Bannister had a horrible 2008 (9-16) campaign and spring training proved to be more of the same and was sent to Triple-A Omaha. Since being recalled, Bannister has been lights out with 2-0 record with miniscule 0.69 ERA. Bannister’s stuff is a little above average, but as he proved in 2007, he’s capable of having winning record. He will be opposed by Glen Perkins (1-2, 2.48). The Twins lefty lacks overpowering pitches, but to date has solved the long ball conundrum, allowing no home runs in four starts after surrendering 25 a season ago. Perkins has pitched eight innings (all at home) three times already this season keeping hitters off-balance. Kansas City is 12-4 in Game 2’s, but have lost last five Saturday starts by Bannister. The Twinkies have won last four of Perkins starts against winning teams and are 9-1 if he pitches the middle game of the series.

Game 2 Edge: Minnesota

Coming into the series, the Royals were 8-1 against teams with winning home records and they are keeping fingers crossed Gil Meche (1-2, 3.77) can make scheduled start. The K.C. ace lasted just 3 2/3 against Toronto, suffering from lower back stiffness, which caused his pitches to be up and was riddled for five runs on seven hits. Meche has said his back has been bothering him since March and it was significantly worse in last outing. Scott Baker (0-2, 9.82) has had a miserable start to the season, giving up seven home runs over 8 2/3 innings in his first two starts of the year. Against Tampa Bay, he kept the ball in the yard and struck out season high of seven, but still suffered the loss. Watch for how K.C. does in Saturday’s contest, with Minny 10-21 if opponent scored five or more runs in previous game.

Game 3 Edge: Kansas City

Contacted Hurricane Bill of Playbook.com to get his feelings on the series. “This should be a low scoring-series with both teams averaging just around 4 runs per game. Nice advantage for the Twins not having to face Greinke (pitched Wednesday) and possibly not having to face Meche (Sunday start is in question due to sore back). Also, All-Star closer Joakim Soria (sore right shouder) still may not be 100% (one appearance since 4/13) and that could come into play in a low-scoring series. Huge pitching mismatch for the hosts in Game 1 of this three-game set as the underrated Kevin Slowey hooks up with the pathetic Sidney Ponson.”

Would have to agree with Hurricane Bill, and see Twins taking opener and like the fact Perkins pitches so well in the Metrodome. Take Minnesota in series wager for upcoming weekend.

Bookmaker.com series odds: Kansas City +140, Minnesota -180

3DW Pick: Minnesota

2009 Record – 1-2

Interview with a Hot Handicapper

Rocky Atkinson, the Rocketman, is a professional handicapper who has been around the block. He knows the ins and outs of the game and is having a year most handicappers and sports bettors would only dream of. It would take up pages of space to list all the accomplishments of the Rocketman and would suggest viewing his website for detail at RocketmanSports.com. As Rocky put it, he may be “old school”, but sports bettors know, winning never gets old.

Doug Upstone: Rocky, you are having a monster year, after many years of success. What are you doing differently then in the past?

Rocketman: I haven’t changed a whole lot, if things don’t do well for a certain season or sport I tinker, overall still doing about the same thing.

DU: When you say you tinker, what do you tinker with?

RA: Let’s take the NHL for example; this has been my best year in the NHL EVER, in any sport, by units won. I took an idea from Major League baseball and added it to my NHL handicapping. It’s really worked out; I’m up +137.7 units right now.

DU: I checked around and see you leading in the NHL at every sports monitor by a large margin, awesome job. While on the topic of hockey, the NHL has gone to the conference semi-finals, what thoughts do you have on the four series about to commence?

RA: In the Western Conference, Vancouver is extremely hot right now. Vancouver swept St Louis four games to none in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Vancouver has now won seven games in a row heading into Round 2 against Chicago. Vancouver has had a ton of rest as they haven't played in nine days. Is that good or bad for them? I'm thinking good in this case. Vancouver has won eight of the last 12 meetings with Chicago the past three years and 15 of the last 22 in Vancouver since 1996. I feel like Vancouver gets the job done in this series but it won't be easy.

Anaheim is coming off an incredible series against San Jose as they ousted the #1 seed in the West in six games. Detroit swept a pesky Columbus team, winning the first three games by three or more goals. I'm expecting a letdown from Anaheim here in this series and Detroit definitely has the better team and I feel is now the team to beat this year. Detroit is 24-7-2 at home vs Anaheim since 1996 giving them a huge edge there. Detroit is playing with seven days rest while Anaheim is playing with three. Detroit should get the job done easy here in this series, but the price is too high.

DU: What about the Eastern Conference?

RA: It took Carolina all seven games to beat New Jersey, but they got the job done. Carolina is a team that seems to step it up in the big games. They are 8-3 in the second round games since 1996, while Boston is only 2-4 in the same time frame in conference semis. Boston swept their series against Montreal beating them four games to none. Boston has won the past five meetings against Carolina; however Carolina is 19-8-2 at Boston since 1996. Over the past three years, this series is tied at six wins each. I'm going to lean to Carolina in this series to pull the upset. You will be getting good price in this one.

In the other series, I'm looking for Pittsburgh to upset Washington. The Rangers took Washington all the way to a Game 7 in their series while Pittsburgh got by the Flyers in six games. Washington had to win three in a row to escape elimination. Pittsburgh has won eight of the last 12 meetings in this series including a very nice 5-1 record in Washington the past three years.

DU: Great info, mentioned correlation you’ve made between baseball and hockey, could you explain further?

RA: What I do in those two sports is I’ve developed power ratings; I call them The Rocketman Line. I do this for each sport. I take my lines and compare them to Las Vegas line and when I have a differential that meets my criteria, I look deeper into that game.

DU: In talking about baseball, I know you are off to sensational start in that sport also, what are some of your keys to beating baseball and getting through the daily grind, since baseball has 15 games, five of the seven days of the week for the most part.

RA: The one thing I do in baseball and in every other sport actually, that differs me from other handicappers, is they think they have to have something to put out and sell. Most will put out a ton of plays; the fact is if you don’t have anything on the shelf, people surely can’t buy it. I try not to worry about that. I feel that proper money management is a huge ingredient to the overall winning recipe. I don’t play a game because it’s on TV, just because its Monday Night football or the playoffs. I don’t force a play that isn’t there; I simply pass and wait for something better that comes along the following day. In baseball, I’ve only has 18 plays for entire season. I’m 14-4, 78 percent and my top Major League baseball plays are 8-0, those are my four and five unit plays. In fact, I just checked Sports Monitor standings and I’m No. 1 there.

DU: Beautiful. I saw on your website, you have a line that says –Stop Gambling, Start Investing- explain what you mean by that.

RA: I give out plays, but I also try and teach people about proper investing. A gambler and I used to do this, will play every NFL game on Sunday. You are definitely going to play the Monday Night football game, trying to double down to win or try and get your losses back. That’s not smart; you have to be like more of an investor. If I release a play, bet that play for the exact amount of units I give out, don’t bet with your heart, don’t bet on all the TV games. Stay with the investment. Try one of my packages and in the long term, you will beat the man.

DU: I see you cover seven different sports, where do you find the time?

RA: (Chuckle) That’s where the Rocketman Line comes in. I look at every single game on the board each day. I start handicapping over night and often don’t finish till about lunch time the following day, except for on the weekends of course. I put in many, many hours, I’m an old-school guy, I do most of my work on paper. I update my power ratings each day, that’s where I start and I go from there.

DU: Many handicappers have bad reputations with the public and deservedly so, but you have always stayed above the fray. I understand you are involved with Relay for Life, tell me about your involvement?

RA: I started with Relay for Life about five years ago; it is with the American Cancer Society. We start at 7:00 PM on Friday night and we go till 7:00 AM on Saturday morning. We have different teams to raise money for the Cancer Society at a park here in South Carolina. The money is used for research and to help those who are in need.

My team is from my church and the idea is to have one person from your team on the track the entire 12 hours doing a lap. Last year our county raised $157,000.00. I’m a sponsor and try to help out as much as I can. The first lap of event is done by cancer survivors, it’s called the Survivor lap and they let go of doves. It’s really a nice cause to be a part of.

DU: I can tell by your voice, you are passionate about it as well.

RA: A couple of years ago, my wife’s first cousin’s child, contracted a very rare disease, she was two or three when she was diagnosed. She had to go to St. Jude’s in Memphis, TN and have operation to have part of both of her kidney’s taken out. She is in remission and doing well. It is a joy to see her leading the pace lap.

DU: Wow that is great and very inspiring. It’s nice to tell people about the human side of handicappers. Too often the story is all the bad news.

RA: Very true.

DU: In summation, what piece of advice would you have the sports bettor looking to improve?

RA: Definitely work on money management. I’ve been on fire, yet I have some members who say, “Hey man, I need some help! I’ve lost” even though I killed it with the plays they bought. They start adding plays of their own or other people. Stay with a money management system; don’t play games just to play them. A lot of people start doing what is called recreational betting, that’s where they get into trouble. Like I said, stop gambling and start investing. You don’t have to play every day.

DU: Great advice Rocky and continued success to you for the rest of the year.

RA: Thanks Doug, it’s been a pleasure.

New Feature at 3Daily Winners

NFL Rookie Salary Insanity

SOMETHING needs to be done pretty soon about the ridiculous amounts of money going to the top NFL draft picks. Why? Because right now new Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford, who hasn’t thrown a pass in the NFL, makes more money than three-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady! The rookie salary scale needs to be capped or at least restructured where picks are slotted into established salaries and first-rounders don’t make more than established stars. Here’s the problem: The players getting hurt most are the lower-round draft choices and the veterans who become salary cap casualties later on in their careers. If a good portion of the Lions’ dollars are going to Stafford, that means less at the back end for a solid, productive veterans. The way it is now, if a team is wrong on a high, first-round pick, the franchise is doomed for years. If Stafford turns out to be Joey Harrington, the Lions will be hamstrung for years to come — in much the same way as the San Diego Chargers, who were terrible for years after bagging the useless Ryan Leaf. Cap critics complain that in a league with a rookie scale, there’s far less incentive for an athlete to stay in school and improve his stock. Our answer to that argument? Our bologna has a first name and it’s O-S-C-A-R...

Back Up The Van

Brett Favre was released from the reserve-retired list by the New York Jets on Tuesday, making the quarterback a free agent if he decides to AGAIN come out of retirement. The 39-year-old Favre, who spent one disappointing season with New York, had requested the move several weeks ago through agent Bus Cook, but insisted he has no plans to come out of retirement for a 19th season. “Nothing has changed,” Favre said as reporters rolled on the floor in laughter. “At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football.” Also getting the pink slip was Arizona Cardinals RB Edgerrin James, a move that many expected when the Cards used their 1st round draft pick to snare Ohio State RB Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells. Arizona also released CB Rod Hood and DE Travis LaBoy to clear salary cap space in order to sign new deals with linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Adrian Wilson – and eventually with WR Anquan Boldin (now officially known as ‘The Disgruntled Anquan Boldin’).

Thoughts from the House of Sports.

Thursday winning lineup (I hope)

Finally took one on the chin yesterday, having a losing day, however can’t really complain about 30-21-2. The first month of the baseball season ends tonight and the Rays need to start playing better and are featured in Top Trend. Found an 82.7 percent baseball system and could use a Free Play winner from Sal. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – This isn’t news, but Tim Lincecum was making Dodger hit look high schoolish last night. Bust a fastball on the hands, 12-6 curveball and off-speed breaking ball, made for some meek looking swings by L.A. Not predicting Denver beats the Lakers, but right now, this is the third best team in the NBA.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road teams when the money line is +125 to -125, with a bad bullpen that blows 38 percent or more of their save opportunities, against opponent with a NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 6.70 or worse on the season. Over the last five years, this system is 24-5, 82.7 percent and suggests to play Milwaukee.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Tampa Bay is 2-11 when the money line is +125 to -125.

Free Basketball Selection -3) Sal is 6-1 in the NBA playoffs and is backing Houston to close out Portland.

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NBA teams trying to stave off elimination

Three NBA teams are down 3-2 in opening series of the postseason and each will attempt to hold on to live to play another day. Chicago and Philadelphia will have the benefit of playing on their home court, while Portland has the unenviable task of trying to win on the road. NBA sports bettors are left to ponder the right course of action to take to make Thursday a profitable day.

Boston at Chicago 7:05E TNT

Spoke to Steve Makinen of StatFox.com after Game 1 of this series, and his words have rung in my head ever since. “Boston should win the series, but every game should be close. It’s obvious the Bulls can play with Boston without (Kevin) Garnett.” This has certainly been the case, with three overtime games and four of these contests decided by 10 total points. The loss of KG has had a significant impact, especially on defense.

Checked with James Patrick from the House of Sports.com about how he saw the series playing out. “The Bulls have had the advantage of catching Boston without a couple of key pieces to their team with the losses of Garnett & Powe. Chicago is young and with the extra length of games due to overtimes, it only helps to have young legs. I look for this series to go the full seven games and for the Celtics to win game seven at home in another barnburner.”

Chicago knows it blew a golden opportunity to be playing for series closer in their favor, instead of facing elimination. They gave up an 11-point fourth quarter lead and while they believed the refs calls went against them, Boston is the defending NBA champions and were playing on home court. Derrick Rose and the Bulls are 12-4-2 ATS off a loss and the rookie point guard has to add steadier play, after committing 20 turnovers in last three games.

Betjamaica.com has Chicago as three-point favorites with total of 195.5 and the Bulls are just 1-5-1 ATS as faves at the United Center since Mar. 28. Boston was in this same exact spot a season ago and failed, however they are 15-4 ATS after a win by six points or less this season.

Orlando at Philadelphia 7:35E NBA-TV

There are presents one receives and there are gifts. The 76ers received an exceptional gift, courtesy of the NBA front office. The league suspended center Dwight Howard (please note, the above picture will not occur tonight) for Game 6 because he threw an elbow that appeared to graze the head of Samuel Dalembert in the first quarter Tuesday. The officials assessed Howard a technical foul on the play and Philadelphia asked the league to review that play and they handed out their judgment. Howard had 24 points and 24 rebounds in Game Five 91-78 win and will be sorely missed.

This will open the lane for Philly, who has not been productive in halfcourt sets. The Sixers are 6-2 ATS after a loss by 10 or more points and should be able to get to the rim with greater ease. Defensively, coach Tony DiLeo will be expected to have his troops extend more perimeter pressure to challenge three-point shooters with greater regularity. Watch for the adjusted line on Game 6 with the underdog 4-1 ATS in this Eastern series.

Portland at Houston 9:35E TNT

Portland knows what it needs to do to extend season into May, they just have to execute it in enemy territory. The Trailblazers have lost 12 of their last 13 (8-5 ATS) games at the Toyota Center and 10 of their last 11 road playoff games overall. In order to win as 5.5-point underdogs, Portland must stop the ball getting into Yao Ming like they did in games two and five. They had tried to double team Ming with either Joel Przybilla or Greg Oden, taking turns fronting him or denying entry pass.

After giving up over 100 points the first two games, the Blazers defense has held the Rockets in check, not allowing them to break 90-point barrier. Portland is 27-10 ATS after playing a game as a home favorite and needs another stellar effort from LaMarcus Aldridge. In the two wins, the former Texas big man averaged 26 points per game, in the three losses, half the total at 13 PPG. Portland’s challenge will be cumbersome with Houston 8-1 ATS off a double digit point loss.

Tampa Bay Rays looking for resurgence

The last time Boston and Tampa Bay met it was magnificent moment for the Rays, as a 3-1 Game 7 victory set off pandemonium on the streets of west Florida. The old expression of “that was then and this is now” applies directly as the teams reconvene at Tropicana Field on Thursday for a four game series.

Since winning two of three in Boston to start the season, the defending American League champions have lost six straight series to fall to 8-14. Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon has been around baseball a long time and knows these things happen.

“We are not pleased with what's going on,” Maddon said. "We should have been able to win more than one series to this point. But it’s early. It truly is early and I’m very optimistic that we can turn this around.”

"Right now it's just not working. It's a part of the baseball season. Everybody goes through those bad moments. Ours happens to be at the beginning. It's a little bit more glaring. If it happens at the beginning of the year, it's a bad start. If it happens in the middle, you're in a slump. And if it happens at the end, you choke. So right now we're off to a bad start."

If last year brought new and different emotions into the Tampa Bay clubhouse, than certainly having to play with expectations brings another completely new set of circumstances to the Rays players.

Every game right now feels like it's really important for us," utility player Ben Zobrist said. "We need to stop thinking about wins and losses, and think more about playing good baseball. We have such a good team that if we keep focusing on doing the little things right, we're going to win ballgames. We're looking a little bit ahead of ourselves at the overall picture."

The Rays offense could use a few bats to get hot. In the team’s 14 losses, only once have they managed to score four runs, all others have fallen below that level. Based primarily on last season, Tampa Bay (-7.7 units) is 21-8 after scoring three runs or less two straight games over the last two seasons.

Boston (14-7, +4.6) on the other hand is brimming with confidence. They had their 11-game winning streak snapped Tuesday and trailed 5-0 yesterday, but as quality and confident teams do, they kept plugging away. The Red Sox scored five unanswered runs to tie Cleveland and pushed one across in the 10th inning to win the game 6-5 for their 12th win in 13 tries.

“That was a good win,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “I think I’m probably understating it a little bit.” The Boston bullpen was again the story in shutting down the Tribe and they are 69-31 with a hot bullpen whose ERA is under 2.00 the last five games.

The opener has very good pitching matchup with Josh Beckett (2-1, 6.00 ERA, 1.625 WHIP) taking on Matt Garza (1-2, 4.97, 1.302). Beckett was rocked by the Yankees in his last start giving up 10 hits and eight runs over five innings. He and the Red Sox will bring 9-3 mark against teams with losing records. Garza is emotional person, which has prevented him from taking the next step to being elite pitcher. In his four starts this season, he’s either been on or been off. The 25-year old has great stuff, but like any pitcher, it’s not going to be there each time out and has to learn to control inner demons and win without best stuff. Garza likes to see the Red Sox uniforms, posting 4-1 record with a 3.40 ERA in seven career starts, which includes a win this season.

Bookmaker.com has the red-hot Red Sox as -115 money line favorites with total at Un9. Boston is only 9-13 at the Trop the last couple of years and 4-13 in all domed stadiums. They are 14-5 OVER in road games vs. a starting pitcher whose strikes out five or more batters per start. Though Tampa Bay is 64-32 at home, they are just 2-11 when the money line is +125 to -125 this season. The Rays are 12-2 UNDER as a home underdog of +100 or higher.

These two AL East rivals have a history, making anything possible. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 Eastern on NESN and SUN, with Boston 11-2 on the road playing on Thursday’s.

Wednesday April 29 Sports Info

I’ve lost track of how many 2-1 days, which is a good thing, raising record to 29-19-2. I believe we have good info today, starting with MLB system that is sick 43-6. It’s been a little while but dug up perfect trend and Rick of the Left Coast Connection has been on good run and offers Free play. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – Went and saw the Cubs and D-Backs last night and when Carlos Zambrano is right, he can really pitch. He hit one home run and just missed another for a long double.

Free Baseball System-1) Play On home favorites like Philadelphia with a money line of -175 to -250, who are good NL offensive team scoring five or more runs a game, against a team with a below average bullpen (ERA 4.50 or higher), after allowing one run or less. This desirable system is 87.6 percent since 1997.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The White Sox are 11-0 against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last two seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Slick Rick has been adding serious cash to his personal coffers, with 14-3 betting bonanza the last week and is suggesting Tampa Bay as quality selection.

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Denver Earning Respect

Coach George Karl has been around basketball his entire life, playing at North Carolina, a solid ABA and NBA player and later a coach. His reputation as NBA head coach is somewhere between above average to never rated in top five. This is his fifth stop on the professional coaching trail. Though he’s won over 900 games as NBA coach, he’s probably known more for his team’s failures than success. As coach of Seattle (1992–1998), Karl's 1994 squad won 63 games, yet flamed out when Sonics were upset in the first round by the Denver Nuggets, making them the first number one seed in NBA history to fall to an eight seed.

After departing Seattle, Karl was lured by lucrative contract to Milwaukee and immediately helped turn around a moribund franchise, which culminated in a losing in seven games in the 2001 Eastern Finals to Philadelphia, led by Allen Iverson.

Karl had been reunited with Iverson, this time as his coach in Denver, however it was obvious to veteran NBA followers, Iverson was not a facilitator and they traded him to Detroit for Chauncey Billups. The former Piston embraced returning home to Colorado and his new teammates appreciated the pass-first mentality.

Denver looked headed down another nice season only to be dismissed in the first round of the playoffs, especially after losing a third straight game in early March, the last at home, to a tougher-minded Houston team.

Whatever happened at that point, only the players and coaches know, but the Nuggets as a team scrapped the “soft” label and finished the year 14-3 (10-7 ATS), winning the Northwest Division with franchise-tying 54 victories and securing number two seed in the Western Conference.

The next test was beating New Orleans in opening round of playoffs. Yes, the Hornets were banged up, but that wasn’t Denver’s problem, they had enough playoff failures to write an e-book. The Nuggets completely neutralized the Hornets the first two games on home court to take 2-0. Denver had upper hand early against New Orleans in Game 3, but the Hornets fought their way back to victory 95-93.

This placed onus on a better Denver team to standup and prove they deserved second seed and did they ever. A 36-15 first quarter blitz left New Orleans with no gear to find to comeback and the Nuggets seared them 121-63. Denver's 58-point win matched the most lopsided victory in NBA playoff history, since the Minneapolis Lakers 133-75 blowout of the St. Louis Hawks in 1956. Without digging into the research, taking a stab at saying the 59.5-point cover is the largest in postseason history.

Coach Karl considered Game 4 the most complete and efficient game in his coaching career and now wants his club to go for the kill and polish off New Orleans. Denver is 16-5 ATS after playing as road underdog and is on the verge of winning first playoff series in 15 years and first best of seven in 24 years.

Denver understands the professional pride aspect of the Hornets losing in such a manner and they have to be prepared for New Orleans best shot. "I don't think we're overconfident," Anthony Carter said. "We weren't overconfident on the bus ride from the area. It was quiet like we just lost. We weren't playing loud music, celebrating or none of that." The Nuggets are 10-4 ATS after scoring 100 or more points.

Oddsmakers, like those at BetJamaica.com believe in coach Karl’s team after four covers in four games and have installed them as 10-point favorites, the highest figure of the series. Denver is 8-3 ATS after covering the number. The total has gone back up heading back to the Mile High city to 197 and Carmelo Anthony and friends are 9-3 OVER as favorites.

It’s a tall mountain for New Orleans to climb, as Chris Paul looked thoroughly spent in having one of the worst games of his career after playing 46 minutes in Game 3 and they are 7-20 as road underdogs and 14-2 UNDER after trailing in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half.

Denver goes for knockout on TNT at 10:35 Eastern, with Hornets 5-15 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points, losing by average of 11.2 points a game.

Nationals Building Profits as play against team

Our nation’s capital is closely monitored by those on the left and the right and everyone in between. Their actions ultimately impact everyone in our country and they should be justifiably be scrutinized. Though is appeals to a much smaller audience, the actions of another outfit in Washington bares keeping taps on, which if used wisely, is very much to the financial benefit of those paying attention.

The Washington Nationals are hemorrhaging losses with 4-15 record and have already lost -9.7 units before the first month of the season has even completed. They have already covered the gamut of ways to lose. They have lost close games, suffered blowouts, blown leads, come up just short on comebacks and been shutout.

What is interesting about the Nats being the worst team in baseball is statistically in many cases, they are not as bad as their record shows.

They are 13th overall in batting average as team at .266 and are mild underachievers in scoring runs comparatively, ranked 19th at 4.5 per game. Many Washington hitters are Jekyll and Hyde at the dish, with the Nationals second in walks per game at 4.6 per game, but dead last in striking out at 8.7 per nine innings. The latter number is especially troubling, meaning basically one-third of all outs, the ball in never put into play to advance runner or give opponent chance to make error. Leaving runners on base can be an overrated statistic, since having players on the base paths shows you are at least hitting the ball and taking walks, however being 30th in never good.

As one might expect, the Washington pitching is extremely poor, but not the worst. The Nationals allow the most runs per game at six in the National League, yet still surrender fewer than the vaunted New York Yankees. They are in the mid-20’s in strikeouts and top six in walks allowed. The Nats can receive a good pitched game, yet someone in the bullpen will undermine all the good work as 0-7 record and six blown saves shows.

What makes Washington so bad and a play against team; they are a sum of their parts. They are below average to meager in virtually everything they do. Outside of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who has 17-game hitting streak, too many holes in the lineup and a pitching staff lacking talent.

Manager Manny Acta will send Scott Olson (0-3, 7.29 ERA, 1.810 WHIP) to the hill, trying to salvage one game against Philadelphia in the series. This will conclude six-game road trip for Washington who is 7-30 against the money line after five or more consecutive road games over the last two seasons.

They will face Brett Myers (1-1, 4.91, 1.480) who is striking out nearly a batter per inning this season. The Nationals are 7-34 vs. a starting pitcher who strikes out five or more batters per start, nevertheless can take some hope into the game. The Phillies have given up league-leading total of 40 long balls with at least one in a record 16 consecutive games to begin 2009. Myers has been a big culprit with eight.

Bookmaker.com has Philadelphia as -175 money line favorites with a total Un10.5. The Phils are 20-5 vs. an NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 5.70 or worse. Washington is 12-35 as a road underdog of +125 to +175 and Olson is 13-3 OVER in road games against division opponents over the last three seasons. (Team's Record)

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 Eastern and series final finale will be available for viewing in local markets and MLB.TV. Maybe the return of shortstop Cristian Guzman from the 15-day disabled list will spark the offense and improve the defense for Washington, or not.

Trying to keep winning on a Tuesday

3Daily Winners has reached the 60 percent barrier after yesterday’s 2-1 day, taking us to 27-18-2 over last 17 days. The Top Trend was winner with imposing figure and we have another in the NL Central. We have a fabulous MLB system that is 90 percent. (No snikes, it’s true) Kendall has a strong feeling about tonight’s game on the diamond this evening for Free Play. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – Dan Haren of the Snakes is throwing about as well as anybody in baseball to start the season.

Free Baseball System-1) Play Against road underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175, who are below average hitting team (BA .265 or less), against a good American League starting pitcher (ERA of 4.20 or less), with a starting pitcher whose gives up one or more home runs a start. The team to go against is Oakland and this system is crazy 36-4, 90 percent the last four years.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Milwaukee is 18-1 playing host to Pittsburgh.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall has hit last six MLB plays and loves the Cardinals tonight.

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our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

NFL Draft – Who got it right and who screwed up

When you think about it, what goes into selecting young men to build a football team, it is a lot like a NASCAR race. The strong teams have the right people in place to succeed and they have a very clear understanding of the task, no matter where their position is in the field (draft board). Others view the race (upcoming season) as reason to take chances and try to make the right moves that will help not only this year, but in the future as well. Also, there are others who could have the best car in the field and they would go hire Cal Naughton, Jr. as their driver.

The NFL draft’s impact as a whole is seldom felt or correctly determined until three or more years down the road, when all aspects can be judged. Were starters added, based on value of draft position and was adequate depth brought in to help when injuries occur. Nevertheless, subjective evaluation can be determined by where most experts thought players should be drafted and how each NFL team presumably improved there stock for upcoming season and beyond.

Teams Taking Step Forward

Kansas City Chiefs

For the second year in a row, the Chiefs added to foundation of turnaround with a completely new front office. The New England flavor was apparent with new Kansas City GM Scott Pioli running the show. The defensive front is a priority, taking DE Tyson Jackson and DT Alex Magee to blend with Glenn Dorsey. If this group matures quickly, they can cover up other defensive weaknesses and within a year or two the Chiefs are right in the thick of AFC West race again, with San Diego and Denver coming back to the pack.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The running game slipped to 18th last season in north Florida and coach Jack Del Rio needed reinforcements to upgrade the offensive line to play his preferred style. Picking offensive tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton takes Jacksonville towards short term goal of establishing running game and protecting quarterback David Garrard.

Cincinnati Bengals

Some draftniks were not as impressed with the Bengals draft as whole, but for a team needing something more than a collection of average players, Cincinnati met those requirements. Supposedly OT Andre Smith and LB Rey Maulaluga have character issues, but that is why coaches are asked to make players accountable. How has Randy Moss done in New England, trouble-maker, I think not. These two are arguably as good as any players at there positions coming out of college and neither is finished product, meaning with proper coaching, they have room to grow. DE Michael Johnson could be passing rushing specialist off the edge and TE Chase Coffman has to be inviting target to Carson Palmer as real threat all over the field.

New York Jets

Give credit to GM Mike Tannenbaum for being aggressive and going after the player he wanted in Mark Sanchez. The feeling one gets in watching Sanchez is he seems ideal for New York, with confident easy manner. He might not be prototypical laser thrower, but he can make all the right throws and has look of natural born leader. RB Shonn Green doesn’t have 0-60 speed, but he makes people miss in the hole and runs for the tough yards on third down. Did a lot with a little.

New England Patriots

The best organization in football flows like the St. Charles River. After just missing on perfect year and another Super Bowl in 2007, New England has committed to rebuilding with youth, with not much perceptible dip in productivity, after finishing 11-5 with a quarterback who had essentially not played in the NFL before last year. S Patrick Chang and CB Darius Butler should make secondary better, possibly as soon as late in the season. DT Ron Brace helps keep defensive front stout and three offensive linemen if as good as the Patriots believe, will add depth and be possible replacements down the line. As usual, Bill Belichick secured even more future picks. Rollin’ down the river.

Green Bay Packers

General Manager Ted Thompson took a great deal of heat for Brett Favre ordeal last year, but this is his strength and it showed. B.J. Raji is perfect nose tackle in new 3-4 defense scheme and Clay Mathews is versatile, intelligent linebacker who adds spice to what has been vanilla defense. The offensive linemen will be expected to work their way up the ladder as eventual replacements.

Teams Taking Step Backward

Oakland Raiders

Honestly have no idea if Darius Heyward-Bey will be a star, but I do know the seventh player taken in the draft should be a fairly complete player. Some TV analysts were trying to cover up for Al Davis saying Cliff Branch was raw player coming out of college, who cares, that was 37 years ago. You seldom hear of a top 10 pick exceeding expectations, however you hear about a whole truck-full that doesn’t live up to expectations. Oakland is smarter than everyone else, that is why they drafted S Michael Mitchell, whom most projected as latter round draft choice. Another throw away draft for organization living in the past.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers need a quarterback, but having seen Byron Leftwich play in the NFL all these years, Josh Freeman looks like the second coming. The big man has all the intangibles, however most agree, something is missing. The windup delivery should surface as problem and he doesn’t possess the greatest mobility, which would be less of issue if he released the ball quicker. DT Roy Miller is known as plugger and DE Kyle Moore has potential, not what you would call electrifying.

Buffalo Bills

Aaron Maybin may be the pass rushing specialist the Bills have lacked at linebacker for years; nonetheless, the term “one year wonder” has to creep into conversation, since that is how long he started at Penn State. Trading away Jason Peters meant offensive line needs had to be addressed and neither C Eric Wood nor Andy Levitre was not distinguished players who overwhelmed scouts. CB Jairus Byrd could save this pedestrian looking group for a team off a trio of 7-9 seasons.

The Winning Continues at 3Daily Winners

Another 2-1 delivery takes us to 25-17-2 over extended period of time and we have a HOT baseball system that is 34-4. Paul gave us a Free Winner yesterday and comes right back playing on the very team he went against yesterday. We have an article on Roy Oswalt today and it is almost impossible to play against him on principle for today’s Top Trend. Good Luck.

What I couldn’t figure out yesterday – Why the Orlando Magic doesn’t get the ball inside to Dwight Howard in the final four minutes of the game. They would certainly have better looks on kick-out passes and he can score inside.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON all favorites with a money line of -150 or more like Milwaukee, who are below average NL hitting team (BA .255 or less), against a team with a very good bullpen that has 3.33 ERA or less, with a starting pitcher whose gives up 5.5 or less hits a start. Talk about a great system, the record is 34-4, 89.5 percent and for a touch more, the Brew Crew is 17-1 hosting the Bucs.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Roy Oswalt is 23-1 SU against Cincinnati.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Paul Buck has hit 10 of last 12 MLB plays and believes the Marlins will break out of slump.

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Hornets favored to even series behind Paul

The Hornets went home down 0-2 and clawed their way to victory over Denver 95-93 Saturday. New Orleans did it the old-fashion way, just like their coach Byron Scott used to do it with the Los Angeles Lakers as a player, by shortening the bench and relying on starters. Scott used a total of eight players in Game 3, including having point guard Chris Paul play 46 minutes. In order to even up the series, the all-star may have to reach same threshold or more in tonight’s contest.

“It’s the playoffs. There’s nothing to save and Chris is such a passionate player, he wants to be out there,” Hornets center Tyson Chandler said after practice on Sunday. “It’s like you almost have to peal him off the court. He does a good job of letting coaches know when he’s really gassed so he can get a breather and get back out there.” The former Wake Forest product scored 32 points and dished out 12 assists, in his first big performance of the series.

Paul played 34 minutes in Game 1 and 38 minutes in Game 2. New Orleans lost both games by double digits and coach Scott had to change the formula.

Scott said of the eight-man rotation on Sunday, “worked pretty good for us and it’s obviously something I’ll probably do tomorrow.” The Hornets did fail to cover the 4.5-point spread in last game and has failed to cover the number in this series. They are 15-5 ATS after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games.

Denver’s Chauncey Billups hopes his team is more patient on offense in the next game if Paul is asked again to play heavy minutes. “We feel like he has to play that many minutes for them to have a shot,” said Billups. “His responsibility for his team is probably more than anybody’s in the league. We have to try to take advantage of him on the other end of the court, make him defend and try to wear him down a little bit.”

After shooting 50 percent or better in the first two games of the series, the Nuggets struggled in the bayou, connecting on just 40.5 percent (30-74) from the field. Denver has to force the tempo and raise the score, since they are 9-2 ATS when they score 103 or more points since Mar. 23.

Bookmaker.com has lowered the Hornets down to 2.5-point home favorites with total of 194. Denver is 15-5 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog and 12-3 OVER in road games after a loss by six points or less. New Orleans continues to have difficulties beating the spread and they are 3-8 ATS in last 11 games and 8-2 UNDER playing at home.

NBA-TV will have the coverage starting at 8:35 Eastern, with the Hornets 8-3 ATS as postseason favorites.

Oswalt looks to continue dominance over Cincy

Though Roy Oswalt has yet to win a game this season, there is no better team for him and Houston to face at this moment than Cincinnati. To say Oswalt has had success against the Reds is like saying the Cleveland Cavaliers had a pretty good home record this season.

Oswalt (0-2, 4.68 ERA, 1.440 WHIP) is 23-1 over 29 career games, including 27 starts. He has a 2.39 career ERA versus the Reds. He last faced them on April 17, taking a no-decision after throwing six shutout innings. Overall, Houston (7-12, -5.1 Units) has won 22 of his 27 times he has taken the ball to begin a game against Cincinnati (10-8, +3.4) and is 11-1 in 16 road starts.

The Astros have not been playing good baseball, losing six of last 10, including dropping three of four against the Reds earlier this month. Houston despite a veteran lineup is not hitting, tied for last in baseball in runs scored at 3.5 per game. The Astros are 19-6 against the money line revenging two straight home losses vs opponent over the last three seasons.

Cincinnati has been a little more consistent and avoided being swept at home against Atlanta yesterday with 8-2 triumph. The Reds offense has been nominally better at 3.9 runs scored per game, though its batting average is quite a bit lower than Houston’s (.233 vs .248). What has helped Cincinnati is better starting pitching, as in half their games the Reds have held opposition to three or less runs. The Cincy bullpen ERA is nothing special at 4.30, however when it has counted most, Francisco Cordero has led bullpen that is six for six in save opportunities.

The Reds are 31-50 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win by six runs or more and give the ball to Johnny Cueto (1-1, 2.55, 1.188), who was brilliant in last outing. The 23-year old pitched seven scoreless innings against Chicago in 3-0 whitewashing for the win. Cueto allowed just four singles and didn’t walk a batter, following instructions from pitching coach to stop nibbling and be aggressive.

Cueto has not enjoyed much success against Houston with 0-3 record and 6.75 ERA in five starts. He has been a victim and another reason why the Reds have lost 14 of 15 at home to Houston. BetJamaica.com has the Reds as -114 money line favorites with total Un8.5. If the line holds, this will mark the first time Oswalt has been underdog to Cincinnati, with the Astros having won 12 of his last 17 starts. Houston is 10-2 UNDER as an underdog of +100 to +150 this season.

The Reds have not excelled as favorites at -150 or less, with 2-5 mark and are 7-2 UNDER if Cueto starts after scoring five or more runs.

The Central Division action starts at 7:10 Eastern in both local markets and on MLB.TV, with Oswalt and ‘Stros 2-6 on the road against teams with winning records.

Seeking Sunday Wagering Success

Would have had a perfect day if Florida could get ANYBODY out in the ninth inning. This takes record to solid 23-16-2 and dug up a perfect Trend on Atlanta today. The Best System is 83-17 and Paul Buck chimes in about Fish for Free Play. Good Luck.

A word of caution going both ways in MLB today. Eight road teams are going for sweeps today, making them tenuous plays in my opinion. Just be smart and don’t go overboard either way.

What I couldn’t figure out yesterday – How the draft works. Some of the picks were astonishing in my opinion, more on that this upcoming week. Darrius Heyward-Bey the seventh pick, only the Raiders.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON all favorites with a money line of -175 to -250, who are averaging less than a home run per game on the season, after a win by four runs or more. The Metropolitans are the team and the system is 83-17, 83.3 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Atlanta Braves are 0-11 on the road after a win by six or more runs.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Paul Buck has hit seven of last nine MLB plays and believes Florida will be lost cause against Philadelphia before the ninth inning.

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NBA Sunday Betting Previews

The second big day of professional basketball action this weekend has the other eight teams still competing to advance in the playoffs. Detroit has all but thrown in the towel as eighth-seed and series could end today. Chicago was feeling great about themselves just days ago, but a loss puts them on the critical list. Orlando and Portland are both are the road and need wins to avoid being down three games to one.

Boston at Chicago 1:00E ABC

Reports out of the Windy City had the Bulls feeling pretty plucky about almost winning two games at the defending NBA champs place and with a couple of home wins, Chicago was thinking upset. Instead, Boston but the basketball equivalent of water-boarding on the Bulls and blew them away by halftime. Chicago did themselves in also with 22 turnovers. Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said nerves weren’t a problem, but how else do you explain a team making 90 percent of free throws in the first two games, misses nine in the first half? Maybe the coach is right; it’s not nerves, its expectations. With more than 48 hours to prepare, Chicago is in advantageous spot since home teams off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a favorite, playing with two days rest are 54-15 ATS the last five years. For some reason, the Celtics are still three-point underdogs.

Cleveland at Detroit 3:30E ABC

If this was a MMA fight, they would have already called it. Though Detroit will say all the right things about playing possession by possession and trying to win quarters, in there hearts do they really want to put off the inevitable? The Pistons are .500 at home this season with cheerless 13-29 ATS record. They are on 0-6 SU and ATS run and 3-11 ATS at home after failing to cover the spread in two or more games this series. The final nail in the coffin is Cleveland is 15-1 ATS after leading their last three games by five or more points at the half this season. The Cavs are eight-point road favorites.

Orlando at Philadelphia 6:30E TNT

The Orlando Magic are quickly finding out they have flaws and more than most realized. They have blown double-digit second half leads in two games, winning once in the series and trailed by 17-points to come all the way back, only to be nipped with just seconds to play. Two more buzzer beaters and Philadelphia sends Orlando home for the summer most unexpectedly, but why?

Asked King Creole of Playbook.com why he thought Orlando has been less than magical. “I'm not surprised that they are struggling in this series. Orlando is historically a very POOR favorite in the NBA Playoffs (13-23-2 ATS in their history). That includes 1-5 ATS as playoff road favorites. And they're even worse when they have high aspirations. Orlando is 6-15-2 ATS in the playoffs when they have a current win/loss percentage of .666 or greater. When priced as a favorite of 11 or less points, they are 3-12 ATS.”

He went on to add, “The rims get 'tighter' in the NBA playoffs for teams who are so dependent on three-point shooting success, like the Magic. After hitting 38-percent in the regular season on three-point attempts, the numbers are down to only 31.1 percent so far in the post-season. In Game One, they shot only 27.8 percent (5 for 18). In Game Two, they shot only 26.2 percent (6 for 23).”

Bookmaker.com still has the Magic as four-point favorites with total of 191; however they are far from safe bet at 1-8 ATS record in last nine games.

Portland at Houston 9:00E TNT

This is quickly turning into a coach’s nightmare series. Both teams have had moments of utter brilliances, which were followed by foolhardy play; those watching could have laughed out loud like at a Chris Rock concert. Yao Ming has lateral movement of a battleship, yet Portland players keep taking the ball right to him. One trip the Blazers’ players set a perfect screen to free up dribble penetration and the trip down the floor, it’s a good thing NBA refs don’t call moving screens, because the attention to detail is forgotten. Portland has to put Game 3 behind them, which might not be that easy since they are 22-41 ATS off a road cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog.

Somebody on the Houston coaching staff needs to let Aaron Brooks know he doesn’t HAVE to shoot the ball in every important situation. They might also want to remind the Rockets players that nothing bad will happen if they maintain defensive focus for four quarters. Houston continues to dominate Portland at home with 11-1 record (5-7 ATS) and they are 29-12 ATS after they failed to cover the spread this season. Oddsmakers have lowered Houston to 4-point favorites.