Saturday Specials

As promised, came back with winning day. We’ll start this Saturday with NBA Totals system that is 87.1 percent, damn good. The Top Trend is on the ice and Kendall tries to continue his winning ways with his Best Bet on the hardwood. Good Luck

What I thought yesterday- Listed below with umpire picture.

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play Over on teams when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points off a huge upset win as an underdog of 10 points or more (Pistons), playing six or more games in 10 days. Since 1996 this system is 27-4, holy crap Batman.

Free Hockey Trend -2) The Edmonton Oilers are 1-16 against the money line after playing a game where eight or more total goals were scored this season.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Kendall is on 9-3 spurt on all bets and is riding the Jordan-aires to dump Detroit tonight.

Joe West, I love you man

I’ll check the “Yes” box for what umpire Joe West said about the Yankees and Red Sox games taking WAY too long.

Last season the average game lasted 2:54 minutes and unquestionably television has played a role in games being longer with breaks between half-innings for commercials at 2 minutes, 5 seconds or 2 minutes, 25 seconds for nationally televised games.

The three games played in Boston lasted 3:46, 3:48 and 3:21.

Bud the commish has been trying the last couple of seasons to get umpires to pick up the pace and word has filtered to every MLB team about moving the game along. Two teams that have ignored this edict are the Yankees and Red Sox. Though I have no ill feelings towards either, I’ve read material about both teams choosing to ignore what they are being asked to do. Why, well there can be only one reason, they believe they are above the game.

A 2-1 or 3-1 contest should never take three hours to play but this is common today. Batters have to adjust everything on their person after every pitch. Though managers can only make two trips to the mound, they instead send any of the infielders or catcher to talk to pitcher as soon as anyone is on-base and those conversations typically are 5 to 10 seconds and a normal game has 10 of those, which creates more dead time.

I’ve heard TV and radio types say New York and Boston don’t give away at-bats like other teams. They work the count longer and fight for every pitch in order to win.

Oh I see, than these are the only two teams that care about winning is their logic. Philadelphia, St. Louis, Colorado, the Dodgers, Tampa Bay and the Angels to name a few are all out there for the exercise and lack the same dedication to winning as the two AL East giants. Please!!!!

If you would happen to turn on ESPN Classic and an old baseball game was being shown before 1990, you would be amazed at the pace of the game. The pitcher gets the sign, the batter gets the pitch and if it is a ball or strike, this sequence is immediately repeated again, without the batter ever leaving the box.

If someone is really to be blamed it should be Mike Hargrove, former big league manager and player, who was known as “the human rain delay” for setting the tone for what most players do today, stepping out the box after every pitch.

So if the umpires don’t want to grant the batter’s time or if they hurry out to the mound to break up yet another conference, count me among those in favor. I prefer baseball to any other sport because I’m a student of the game, not just a fan. We lost a whole generation of fans because the game became too dull with all the dead time.

The NFL found a way to speed up their game, even if just slightly and I have no problem with a long game if the score is 8-7 or 10-9.

If you don’t believe this is an issue, than answer this for me, why has baseball enjoyed record attendance the last several years, yet the crown jewel, the World Series, has been hovering around record low levels?

Baseball has become social entertainment, not must see TV, which to me is a condemnation on the sport and steps must be taken to improve the product, which includes having it move along.

I’d love to hear your opinions.

3Daily Winners achievements

It's always nice when you can back up claims of quality work and once again 3Daily Winners is able to do so.






In addition we finished No. 1 (units) at Cappers Monitor in units for the entire college basketball season.
http://www.cappersmonitor.com/basketball/

We were No. 2 for the last 30 days at My Handicapper .http://www.myhandicapper.com/rank.php?days=30

And for The Sports Eye monitor's March Madness a very nice second place.
http://www.thesportseye.com/toprecords/cbbmm-nit.htm

Friday's Top Material

On Wednesday we came up a bit short with 1-2 record and will look to return to the winning side of the ledger. The Top Trend follows Milwaukee who is heading towards historic ATS record, already with 50 covers. Sal returns on a nice run in the NBA and lends us his Top Free Play. Friday’s Best System is 80.9 percent, including 10-1 ATS this campaign.

What I thought yesterday- I wish I had more time to watch 30 Rock, I really like that show when I get a chance to see it. Any others I should be looking for outside the sports realm?

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play On road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points like Utah, outscoring their opponents by three points or more a game, after a blowout loss by 15 points or more. This system recently crossed the 80 percent threshold with 38-9 ATS record, thanks to 10-1 mark this season.

Free Basketball Trend -2) The Milwaukee Bucks are 20-5 ATS after successfully covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season, winning by 6.9 points per contest.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Sal hits a good stretch in the NBA at 6-1 and likes Portland as his best bet tonight in the NBA.

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Betting Beliefs – Always or Never

The NBA and NHL seasons are rapidly coming to a close and Major League Baseball is heading into its first full weekend. Here are some hard, fast betting rules to live by. You are not going to win every time, but your bankroll with be much thicker or have larger figures than if you decided to go the other way.

ALWAYS bet against “turrible” NBA teams late in the season

Charles Barkley may have different ways of utilizing words in the English language, but Sir Charles knows a “turrible” team when he sees one. Bettors looked at the New Jersey Nets recently after they overcame the dubious NBA record for losses and even covered six games in a row. More than one bettor has been sent down the wrong path betting a team with 11 wins and being outscored by 9.3 points per game.

If it looks like dog poop, smells like dog poop, it probably is dog poop. Don’t forget to add Detroit, Minnesota and the Clippers to this list, since most of the players and coaches have already prepaid their airline luggage charges for out of town on the day the regular season ends.

ALWAYS bet on NBA teams that are streaking and playoff bound

If teams are playing solid basketball, winning and moving up the standings plus covering spreads, it makes sense to at the very least consider them on game by game basis.

The Milwaukee Bucks are 14-5 and 12-6-1 ATS since March 1. During that same time span it’s been the flight of the Phoenix in the desert, with the Suns 14-3, 10-6-1 ATS.

So much for injuries, age and nasty schedule supposedly to derail San Antonio. The Spurs are 15-5 and 14-6 ATS; with Tony Parker missing 75 percent of these games and Tim Duncan getting days off to rest weary knees. Follow the words of Grammy award winner Jerry Reed from his early 70’s hit “When you’re, you’re hot”.

NEVER bet out of boredom

If you have been betting college and professional basketball on a daily basis since early November, looking at a skimpy NBA schedule leaves much to be desired if you do not wager on baseball or want to survey the landscape first. I’ve received a couple of email from guys, “Who do you like in the NHL tonight?” or “Got any hot ones in hockey?”

If you haven’t been following hockey all season, now is not the time to start. Though every game looks like a 50-50 proposition, rest assured you are much more likely to lose than to win just guessing. Advice- play the lottery, payouts are larger, if not your odds.

ALWAYS bet underdogs in NHL series wagering

The first round of the Stanley Cup rivals anything NCAA men’s basketball tournament has to offer. In the past four years, over 37 percent of the lower seeds (12 of 32) have advanced to the conference semi-finals. In addition, three other series went the full seven games, which could have provided even more fuel to this argument. Look for hot goaltender and teams with two or three snipers as underdog wagers.

NEVER bet on -151 or more early April favorites in baseball

The baseball in April is a real crapshoot as unsuspecting teams get off to fast starts and perennial powers haven’t put everything together yet. On April 25 last season, here are the records of various MLB teams.

Toronto 13-6
Seattle 12-6
N.Y. Yankees 9-8
L.A. Angels 6-11
Florida 11-6
Philadelphia 8-8
Colorado 5-11

Last season was fairly typical of what occurs. Favorites of -151 or higher were 33-21 (61.1 percent), but were -2.84 units overall the first two weeks of the season.

NEVER bet on “up and comers” early without pedigree

This is tried and true formula in any sport. Ole Miss (8-4, 6-5 ATS regular season) and California (8-5, 6-7 ATS) were ranked in the Top 15 in preseason polls in college football last season, Georgia Tech (No. 17 in preseason polls) in college hoops this past campaign and what about Miami (7-9 8-8 ATS) and Houston (9-7, 7-8-1 ATS) in the NFL listed as likely playoff teams.

Typically a team needs to prove themselves or they come out of nowhere to be a surprise squad is how it usually happens.

Be careful with the Seattle Mariners and even the San Francisco Giants, until they show they can win consistently to be counted as “play on” teams.

NEVER bet against Pamela Anderson

Though the blonde bombshell is adding up in years and might be 20-1 to win Dancing with the Stars, she always finds a way to get herself in the news or on TV.

Baseball Series Wagering - Bravos and Giants

Both the Braves and Giants showed considerable improvement in 2009 and both hope to be able to continue that momentum into a new season, leading to postseason baseball.

The series opener is a game of firsts for both squads. This is the home opener for San Francisco who swept Houston in their building and this the first road game of a new campaign for Atlanta who won series over Chicago.

The Braves might be without one of their top sticks in the lineup as Chipper Jones strained his oblique muscle in batting practice yesterday and was forced out of the game on Thursday. Depending on the severity, he could miss one game or the entire series. That means others have to step up in his place like Brian McCann or rookie Jason Heyward for Braves club that is 29-47 on the road the last two years in the first half of the season.

The Braves welcome back Tim Hudson, who didn’t pitch until September last season after elbow surgery, but feels great and is ready for new campaign. “I feel like I had better stuff than I had before surgery,” Hudson told the Braves’ official Web site following a spring start. “It almost feels like I’m going out there and opening up a new present.” Atlanta is 8-3 when Hudson starts after scoring two runs or less and the right-hander is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts at AT&T Park.

Everyone expects the Giants to have great pitching again, but they scored 18 runs in taking all three games vs. Astros, which included 19 base hits in Wednesday’s finale. San Francisco was very comfortable at home last season with 52-29 record.

Jonathan Sanchez will try to provide manager Bruce Boche with a fourth straight strong performance from the San Fran starters, which limited the Astros to three earned runs and 13 hits in 19 2/3 innings. Sanchez is entrenched in Giants lore, throwing no-hitter last season, the first in 33-years for San Francisco. He has classic three-quarters lefty delivery with low 90’s fastball and sweeping curveball. He’s improved his split pitch that he can fade down and away from right-hand batters.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Atlanta as -110 money line favorite with total Un8 for this afternoon opener. The Braves ended last season winning 21 of last 28 road contests and is 9-3-1 UNDER in game one of series. The Giants are in potentially negative spot, with 9-23 record with Sanchez as underdog starter and they were 15-5-3 OVER as home pooch.

Game 1 Edge: San Francisco

The early part of the schedule is perfect time for manager’s to get their whole roster involved. The Braves website is suggesting that could be true. Catcher McCann is expected to be off in the series afternoon opener after catching a night game. McCann should be back in the batting order on Saturday. Fourth outfielder Matt Diaz is presumed to play in at least one game and Omar Infante is expected to fit in somewhere in the infield.

There has been conflicting reports about who the game two starter will be, however Derek Lowe is on normal rest, thus he’s expected to take the mound. Lowe allowed five earned runs in six innings against Chicago on Opening Day and didn’t look completely at ease with the changes he’s made in delivery to get more sink on his pitches. The Braves won Lowe’s last four road starts in 2009 and he’s 4-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his last nine starts against the Giants.

San Francisco is expected to counter with fifth start Todd Wellemeyer, who made the club as a non-roster invitee, beating out a couple of top prospects for the job, at least for now. The 31-year old righty was cut loose by St. Louis after 7-10 season (5.89 ERA), which saw him surrender 160 hits in 122 1/3 innings, including 19 that went over the fence. Expect Atlanta to load up with left-handed bats since that is really a troublesome area for Wellemeyer. Possibly the Giants can hit their way to a victory and they are 6-2 at home against right-hand starters to begin the series.

Game 2 Edge: Atlanta

Tim Lincecum is expected to close the series for Giants in afternoon action and was dazzling in his initial start of the season. The two-time Cy Young winner looked intent on a third, hurling seven shutout innings, conceding four hits –all singles, fanning seven Houston batters and walking none. He will look to master the Braves lineup and is 5-1 with a 2.72 ERA in six career starts against the Atlanta.

Bobby Cox could counter Lincecum with Kenshin Kawakami, his fifth starter. The Japanese right-hander was 7-12 with 3.86 ERA last season and earned the nickname “Dragonslayer” in out-pitching Roy Halladay and Ervin Santana last year for wins. He’ll have his chance to enhance that image against San Fran’s ace, being you typical Far East pitcher with array of fastballs, late-breaking sliders and downward curveballs, unafraid to throw any or all pitches on any count. Kawakami will get smoked if he throws the ball over the plate.

Game 3 Edge: San Francisco

The key to the series is first game, as the latter two contests have team aces up against No. 5 starters. Both bullpens have been sharp to start the year so not much difference there. For this series we’ll give the nod to the Giants because of history in the Bay Area. San Francisco has won four in a row over Atlanta and seven of eight at AT&T Park.

DiamondSportsbook.com series odds: Atlanta Even, San Francisco -130

3Daily Winners Pick: San Francisco

Bulls and Nuggets need wins

The NBA teams that reside in Windy City and Rocky Mountains are feeling the pinch with seven days left in the regular season. The Chicago Bulls were once comfortably in the playoff picture, second in the Central Division and marching merrily along as a young team on the rise. But even in the Eastern Conference, 10-game losing streaks can really impact your position in the standings (unless you’re New Jersey) and the Bulls season imploded like another Illinois political scandal.

Chicago (37-40, 39-36-2 ATS) fell below motoring Milwaukee in the division and all the way out of the top eight slots in the East, trailing Toronto by one game, despite coming back to win six of last nine SU and ATS.

Chicago desperately wants to sign Dwayne Wade as max free agent, which is why they traded John Salmons to the Bucks, taking on the expiring contracts of Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander. While this vision might work towards the future, it did nothing for Chicago in the present.

Since the Feb. 18 trade, Da Bulls are 10-14 and 13-11 ATS with Salmons up the road on I-94 in Sudsville. Milwaukee, well a consistent NBA guard who can score in the backcourt has elevated the Bucks to 19-6, 18-5-2 ATS since that fateful day.

Chicago has to face Cleveland (61-17, 38-38-2 ATS) next, just the best and deepest team in the NBA. The one edge the Bulls could have is the Cavaliers have set the cruise control and are resting various players until the regular season is finished.

Cleveland tried to help Chicago, taking down Toronto 113-101 as 5.5-points favorites, but the wully-Bullies couldn’t handle a depleted Bucks squad and lost by five at United Center. The Cavs are 24-11-1 ATS after a double digit triumph, while Chicago is 6-0 ATS after a SU defeat.

The Bulls are 2.5-point favorites and have covered four of last five in Chi-Town against LeBron and the fellas and this Central showdown is on TNT which starts a bit after 8:00 Eastern.

Nuggets not playing tasty basketball

Denver (51-27, 34-39-5 ATS) has gone from sole possession division leader and second seed in the West to fifth in the conference.

The Nuggets have had their fair share of frightful opponents, yet that doesn’t explain their 6-6 record and frigid 2-9-1 ATS spread mark in last 12 contests.

The single common denominator is the absence of George Karl who last attended a game on March 16. While Karl is above average coach, he’s not thought of as elite, nonetheless his voice it seems is the one Denver players responds to.

According to the Denver Post, Karl has lost 25 pounds, has difficulty speaking and may need to be fed through a tube for up to six more months, that doesn’t sound like person that could be returning to the bench anytime in the near future sadly.

That leaves it up to the team leaders like Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to be role models and max their abilities for the Nuggets to be victorious.

Denver hosts the Los Angeles Lakers (55-22, 32-43-2 ATS) after facing Oklahoma City last night. The Nuggets are 32-6 at the Pepsi Center (18-19-1 ATS), winning by 9.6 points per game, which is the third best home record in the NBA. The Lakers are 22-16 (16-22-1 ATS) on the road and Denver is 7-0 ATS against clubs with winning visitor’s record and Bookmaker.com has them as two-point favorites with total of 204.

One extra large negative for Carmelo’s crew is recent 1-7-1 ATS mark when playing with no rest and they are 8-2 UNDER, as offense has been stalling with Kenyon Martin and Chris Anderson on the sidelines.

To move back up in the standings, Denver needs this contest which starts at approximately 10:35 Eastern and the other three remaining games on the schedule to improve conference position for the playoffs.

AL West squads search for split to start the season

It’s an odd sight to see Major League baseball teams to open the year playing a four game series. Most start with one game, have potential rain date and continue series that adds up to three contests. One advantage that can be typically counted on is playing baseball in California, where weather is seldom an issue, thus sites Oakland and Anaheim are the perfect places to start with a four game series if needed.

This season Seattle and Los Angeles are considered prime rivals for the American League West crown and each has lost two of three to start a new campaign and each needs a victory today to gain a split to begin the year.

Sleepless in Seattle

The Mariners made several off-season moves designed to close the gap between themselves and the Angels. Though one-run wins or losses are considered random events by baseball math experts, since they are changeable from year to year for every team, that doesn’t make them any easier to swallow.

Seattle after winning the first contest over division partner Oakland, has lost 2-1 and 6-5 the last two evenings, with the latter blowing a lead late in the game.

The M’s will turn to Doug Fister for the first time in 2010. As a rookie, he was 3-4 with a 4.13 ERA in 11 games, 10 which of he was a starter. Fister is a big man at 6’8, but is not overpowering, being more a pitch to contact hurler. Look for Oakland to load up with as many left-handed bats as they can against the right-hander, since he surrendered a home run every 15 at bats against them in 2009. Seattle failed to win in Fister’s last four road starts.

Oakland counters with one of their young studs, 22-year old Brett Anderson. The lefty set an Oakland rookie record with 150 strikeouts and led the team in both strikeouts and wins with 11. He was roughed up a bit in the spring, but part of that was trying to add a changeup into his pitching arsenal. Dating back to last season, the A’s are 9-3 off a win.

For this 3:35 Eastern matinee, Bookmaker.com has Oakland as -160 money line favorite with total Ov8, however the Athletics are 6-17 at home having won two of their last three games and are 6-1 OVER in Game Four of a series.

Seattle will look to balance the win/loss ledger, but are 9-23 as road underdog of +150 or less and 2-7 vs. left-handed starters. The Mariners are 29-15 UNDER in day games.

Angels need a prayer

Los Angeles has lost Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero from their everyday lineup and while it is way too early to make judgment call, the Angels have dropped last two contests to the Twins, totaling five runs.

The Angels hope the bats awaken against Minnesota starter Kevin Slowey, whose fastball is in the 88-89 range, which he throws easily on both sides of the plate. He mixes in a tight curveball and late-breaking slider. L.A. will look to attack early, since they are 41-15 in double revenge situations.

The Halos will have two different debuts Thursday at 10:05 Eastern, Hideki Matsui in leftfield for the first time since June 15, 2008 and Joel Pineiro making his initial start with Angels cap.

"Every first start of every year is exciting," Pineiro said. "You want to get out there and get that first one out of the way and get in the normal rotation. It's just a matter of executing, hitting your spots and making your pitches. You've got to get ahead in the count and expand from there. I want to attack their weaknesses with my strengths.

That might be easier said than done for Pineiro, who is 2-6 with a 4.32 ERA against Minnesota, facing players that are dialed in.

Justin Morneau and J.J. Hardy are coming off long balls in back to back games, leading a Twins club that is 14-5 following a victory. Minnesota is a +115 road dog and has won six of seven outright when at +110 to +150 price.

L.A. is the favorite for a fourth time in the series and despite a pair of defeats is 9-3 as home fave. Normally the Big A is a positive place for the Angels when the Twins visit, sporting a 24-11 record.

Wednesday Wrap-up

When we last convened for plays it was a 3-0 Saturday, so let’s try and match it. The Best System is exceptional 87.1 percent, but read further because it comes with a caveat. The Top Trend is the ever popular reverse perfect in the NBA. My friend Slick Rick is making money like the airlines charging for bags and has MLB selection.

What I thought yesterday- Loved the joke about Tiger Woods having extra protection at Augusta and it showed two tanks, I think it was on Jay Leno.

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play On road teams like Golden State scoring 103 or more points a game on the season, after trailing in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half. This electric system is 27-4 ATS, 87.1 percent, just be careful of all the Warriors injuries.

Free Basketball Trend -2) The Dallas Mavericks are 0-12 ATS at home versus teams averaging 20 or less assists a game this season.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Slick Rick is nailing over 68 percent of his plays the last 18 days and is on the Halos this evening.

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Tiger Woods betting favorite at The Masters

This past calendar year, the NFL, college football and college basketball have posted their best TV ratings in years. This has not been the case with the PGA Tour, down 15-20 percent in 2010 viewership. That all changes starting Thursday on ESPN and CBS pray’s it lasts deep into the weekend.

A fellow named Tiger Woods has been in the news since Thanksgiving for a lifestyle that brought unwanted attention to him. While he normally doesn’t play in many tournaments to start the year, Woods has been involved in many well-documented activities to alter his life and he hopes to be involved with his children and hopefully his wife looking ahead.

Tiger was well-known in the sporting world and most people that had no interest in golf were at least familiar with him as the best golfer in the world. That for now at least has changed.
Everyone knows about his escapades and he will be doing something that would be stupendous even for Tiger, winning the Masters with no prior tournament exposure since the end of last season.

Golf wagering is poised to see unprecedented numbers according to sources both off-shore and on the Las Vegas Strip. A good friend of yours truly who works at a sportsbook at the south end of the Strip said he’s “expecting record golf handle” for this Masters. He shared with me that the number of wagers placed is almost 40 percent higher than the 2009 Masters and that dollar volume was up nearly 30 percent as of this past Sunday evening.

Woods is a +350 favorite at DiamondSportsbook.com, well ahead of the second choice Phil Mickelson at +1000. I spoke to Chip Stewart, a professional gambler from Nevada, about what he thought of the odds for Woods to win.

“Tiger’s talent is immense, but to just walk out onto Augusta National and win with no prior playing pressure, that would even be a stretch even for him. Off the top that would be like Tim Lincecum throwing a complete game two-hit shutout with no spring training, just playing catch with friends in his first start of the year.”

Stewart went on to say we would play props, mostly against Woods. “I’d be amazed if he finished in the Top 10. He’s going to have to earn back his invincibility against the Tour. More than one tour player views him as just another “hound” that got caught and will not be above gamesmanship to see how Tiger reacts.”

Among the most disappointing players that have played this season is Mickelson, who wasted a perfect opportunity to be the best player in the world. Maybe he needs a foil like Woods to motivate him. Mickelson has one Top 10 finish (8th at AT&T Pebble Beach) in seven starts and has broke 70 once in last eight rounds.

Players garnering more of the attention are Ernie Els, Andy Kim and Camilo Villegas.

Els is No.1 on the money list, thanks to wins at the WCG at Doral and Arnold Palmer Invitational, along with three other Top 12 finishes. Els is healthier than he’s been in years and admits to attitude change, after “stinking it up” as he put it the last couple of years. Els is +1200 at the moment.

Kim has regained his touch and is a noted “hot” player who can stay in the zone for extended period. His last three starts are a second, 22nd and winner last week at the Shell Houston Open. Kim is 21st in driving distance on the tour and 14th in birdies. He’s an intriguing +2000.

Villegas started the year white hot, finishing 3rd and 8th in opening starts before winning the Honda Classic. He followed that up with 16th place finish at the WCG and took a few weeks off from the tour and missed the cut at Bay Hill. Maybe he will be recharged and he’s got the game to be a factor, ranking third in birdies and sixth in driving distance at 297.7 yards. Villegas is +2500 to win.

Others receiving hits are familiar names across the golf world if not necessarily in the United States. Padraig Harrington (+1500), Lee Westwood (+2000) and Retief Goosen (+2000) are the usual suspects whose names come up when the Majors start.

For those that follow the PGA Tour more regularly, Jim Furyk (+2500) has the grinder mentality needed to play four days of pressure-packed golf and won the Transition Championship three weeks ago and has five rounds in the 60’s out of previous eight.

Steve Stricker is second on the money list, with his career rejuvenation. The 43-year old has four Top 10’s, with a win at the Northern Trust and can get white hot with the flat stick.
If Tiger is not as sharp as many experts believe, here are value priced matchups to consider.

Els +130 vs Woods -160
Mickelson +125 vs. Woods -155

Because of Tiger’s return, the prop bets this year are out in record numbers, many centered on Eldrick. Here is a list of some of the possibilities besides winning The Masters.

* Making the Cut
* First hole score (Par or other)
* Leader at the end of any round
* 1st Round score (72)
* 1st round score on front or back nine
* How many holes before first birdie or eagle
* 1st round position, plus highest and lowest round, along with Over/Under on final total strokes

Woods has only missed one Major cut in his career, but brings a real unknown into his initial appearance of 2010, even as the betting favorite. The Masters is annually the most watched golf event on TV and this one could break all the records.

Red Sox in "must" win over New York

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are two polarizing teams to the general public. A lot of baseball fans complain these teams are on TV all the time and the networks refute the argument by showing the number of eyeballs watching baseball are up significantly when these two rivals are on the flat screen, especially when they face one another.

I have no allegiance to either team, since both are overpriced from betting perspective. Yet today is perfect example why people outside the East Coast quickly tire hearing about these two teams.

Early this morning I opened my computer and on MSN, I read this screaming headline - Yankees bullpen still an enigma.

I thought about that for nanosecond and realized what struck me, the word “still”. Would that be the “still” from last year when Joe Girardi expertly put together a combination of pitchers in the second half of the season that went on to win the World Series for the 27th time for the Yankees or the “still” where this 2010 contingent stood after TWO games with 160 more yet to be played.

I’m quite sure Jon Paul Morosi, the national MLB writer for FOXSports.com is a very good baseball writer with deep insights into the game and a big part of his job is to write articles that will bring thousands of readers so Fox can charge higher rates for advertising, but my god to have diatribe about why New York is having eighth inning issues, when the paint is still wet on a new season border is ridiculous.

When hordes of reporters follow these teams around on a daily basis and the national press is in town, everybody has to have an angle.

Trying to jump into the spirit of the moment, I made up my own headline to be attention grabber for tonight’s televised conflict on ESPN2.

Let’s skip the drama and get to the action OK?

John Lackey makes first start as a Boston pitcher with altered bank account. I’ve thought Lackey has been overrated for the last few years, with the Angels always selling this bulldog image of him, but all I see is 5-8 record with 4.43 ERA against the pinstripes (flat gray for tonight), not exactly legendary. Ruff, ruff or whatever bulldogs do.

Lackey will face Andy Pettitte, who is second among active Major League pitchers with 229 wins and is 19-9 with 4.05 ERA against the BoSox since 1997.

I checked with DiamondSportsbook.com and found Boston as -140 favorites and the total is Under 10, after opening at Over 10. Going thru the StatFox Foxsheets found where Pettitte and the Yankees are 10-0 Under in April the last couple of years. The Yanks have won last seven games after scoring five or more runs and the left-hander is on the mound.

I also found where Boston is 44-13 at Fenway when the total is 10 or higher and 20-8-1 Over when a -150 favorite or less.

Paul Schrieber is the home plate umpire and is it coincidence New York is 8-2 when he’s behind the dish?

Here’s my advice, enjoy the game, I hope you have the right side or total and don’t make a bigger deal about than what it is. For real importance get back to me when they meet the first weekend in August.

Written by freelance writer Red Wydley.

Rising Suns in burning hot system

In the West Conference of the NBA, a ten-game winning streak for a good team doesn’t mean as much as it used to. On Mar. 13, the Phoenix Suns (50-27, 43-32-2 ATS) at stood at 40-26, sixth place in the West.

The Suns would embark on 10 consecutive wins, the last four all on the road. Their last contest was away from home at Milwaukee and coach Alvin Gentry prophetically told the local television announcers before the game which they shared with Suns viewers during the broadcast, “We (the Suns) might be in for a stinker”.

Gentry was correct, as his squad was playing fourth road game in five days and they trailed the Bucks by 24 points at halftime before making it a respectable 107-98 final as 2.5-point underdogs.

That 10-1 streak (7-3-1 ATS) is your classic half full-half empty argument.

Phoenix moved is virtual four-way tie for second place in the West with Utah, Dallas and Denver, making the glass half full. However, the reality is they are in fourth place according to the tie-breakers and could conceivably fall to seventh place if they were to lose their next two games and the trailing teams won both of theirs. (This information makes the glass half empty)

There is a real possibility Phoenix could lose two in a row even with three full days of rest with tonight’s opponent San Antonio (48-29, 41-35-1 ATS), which is on ESPN at 7:30 Pacific.
The Spurs have won four straight (all covers) by an average of 14.2 points a game and six of seven overall, with their 95-86 win at Sacramento last night.

Tony Parker returned last evening after missing 16 games, but it has been the play of Manu Ginobili in particular why San Antonio is 16-5 in previous 21 games. “I’m feeling really confident right now,” said Ginobili, whose averaging 24.9 points in his last 16 outings.

The Spurs are a real nemesis of Phoenix, having eclipsed the Suns from the playoffs in 2003, 2005, 2007-08 and won four of last five meetings (3-2 ATS).

The Spurs create matchup problems for Phoenix, who again lead the NBA in scoring at 110.4 PPG, by slowing the Suns down on offense and taking advantage of their defensive shortcomings.

The oddsmakers at DiamondSportsbook.com are not so sure San Antonio can overcome Gentry’s team again, installing them as seven-point road underdogs and facing a potent super situation.

Play On explosive offensive teams, scoring 103 or more points a game on the season, after trailing in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half.

When this state of affairs arises, the high scoring team off the crummy performance is 35-11 ATS, 76.1 percent the previous five seasons.

With the Spurs 3-14 ATS after four or more consecutive wins and Phoenix 10-2 ATS playing against a good team with a 60-70 win percentage this season, the odds stack up in their favor.

Perspective thoughts

I’ve run out of time before the games are starting tonight to go into great depth about are the best sides and totals from 3Daily Winners, however have had good material about the NBA for today. I’d like to share an experience I had in college basketball wagering this season.

Last night’s trifling loss concluded my CBB season at 183-150, +18 SU units. (I’m dropping pushes) While I’ve had better records on a season, I’ve never been more proud of what I accomplished since on Jan. 23, I was 36-54, a +51 game turnaround.

In addition, I was down over 57 units and ended up officially +46.2 units for the year. Most satisfy. My main point is to keep working hard at whatever you do to be the best you can be. I couldn’t have been in any worse shape, but I rethought what I was doing and changed my approach, if not my methods.

While the world focuses on being No.1 because they believe that’s all that matters, the fact is persevering can be even more satisfying.

What I thought yesterday- What a game last night!

From a coaching perspective, the chess game was really a thing of beauty asboth Coach K and Stevens made a number of tactical moves that were brilliant. I don’t know if you noticed but Butler had a very clear intent to touch/foul Duke after every regular jump shot attempt. Their intent of course was to make the Blue Devils players aware they were going to be right on them and Coach K was pissed near the end of the first half about it.

Midway thru the second half, officials started to pay closer attention and called two fouls and the Bulldogs backed off.

In a world that loves the underdog, I was rooting for Duke. The amount of money I wagered was peanuts and I have not one thing against Butler, but I admire people or business’ that have built something and are able to maintain it at or near the top for long periods. (Legally of course)

If you noticed Coach K was shaking his head in disbelief that his team actually had won the national championship and I’m sure he realized in that moment, this was an improbable collection of players to win a title and it might have been his least talented team in his eight title game appearances.

While unemployment continues to run high and many others fear for their jobs because of potential cuts by employer, what must it be like to be Brad Stevens today? He’ll decide when it time to go, but what a future he’s set for himself.

Tuesday's Top NBA Systems

The professional basketball regular season is rapidly drawing to a close and after an off day, nine games are back on the schedule. Five of these matchups in particular have caught our attention, each with a system that has proven to be a very good winner over time, including a totals system that is 82.1 percent. Sides and totals from Bookmaker.com.

Toronto (+6, 206) at Cleveland

The system for this Eastern Conference matchup is sound, with home favorites having a +7 or more point differential 29-10 ATS against an average team (+/- 3 PPG differential), after a loss by six points or less. The problem is the Cavaliers have wrapped up almost everything they need for the playoffs, with the best record in the league a formality at this juncture. Reports have LeBron James as questionable and the line has fallen three points to present level.

Boston (-7.5, 208.5) at New York

For all the grief the Celtics have taken this year for bring too old, one constant since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen hit town has been their play on the road within the division. Boston is 21-1 and 17-5 ATS against Atlantic Division opponents and they are in favorable position this evening as well. Play Against home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points, who allow 99 or points a game on the season, against opponent after allowing 105 points or more two straight games. This system is mouth-watering 50-19 ATS the last 14 years.

Milwaukee (+6, 189) at Chicago

The Bucks suffered a devastating loss when center Andrew Bogut had an ugly and awkward fall on breakaway dunk against Phoenix, in which he suffered a broken hand, dislocated elbow and sprained wrist. Milwaukee will have to press on without him, still trying to move into fifth position in the East. Chicago (37-39 SU) is fighting for its playoff life, trailing Toronto by a game for the last position in the conference, having won six of eight after 10-game losing streak. When the total is between 180 and 189.5 points and the home team has a winning percentage between 40-49 percent on the season, in April games, the OVER is 39-16.

Oklahoma City (+6, 213) at Utah

With just five games left, Utah and Denver are in a dead heat for the Northwest Division lead at 50-27. The Jazz get a tough opponent in Oklahoma City, who has won four in a row and six of seven and is only one game behind in the loss column to Utah and three other teams in the West. However, road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points, having covered five or six of their last seven against the spread, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%) are 27- 63 ATS the past five years, including lamentable 2-9 ATS this season.

San Antonio (-6.5, 193) at Sacramento

The Spurs are playing their best basketball of the season, having won five of six facing a schedule built to cause teams to fail. San Antonio laid out the Lakers on Easter 100-81 and this late-season rush has a more offensive-minded club, ranked 14th at 101.2 points per contest. The Spurs continue their three game Western sojourn in Sacramento, who is 26th in points allowed in the NBA at 104.2. Consider the total when the number is between 190 and 199.5 points and a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) takes on a horrible defensive team (102 or more PPG), after allowing 85 points or less. The play is the OVER, with 32-7 record since 1996.

Last exit to make NHL postseason

The hockey season is down to a precious few days and several teams have been fighting for survival just to make the playoffs, let alone worrying about what happens when they get there. Each conference has teams fighting to hang on or struggling to get in, looking to join the chase for the Stanley Cup. Here is look at the possibilities for all the contenders.

Eastern teams presently in

Montreal, Boston and Philadelphia occupy slots six thru eight in the Eastern Conference. Canadiens coach Jacques Martin has all but confirmed that Jaroslav Halak will be the starting goaltender for the remainder of the regular season. Montreal is 19-20 SU on the road and has winnable games at the New York Islanders and at Carolina before returning home to close the season against Toronto. Montreal should emerge as sixth seed.

After finishing second in goals scored a year ago in the NHL, the Bruins have been last most of the season putting the puck in the net and their only saving grace has been defense, with only New Jersey allowing fewer goals. Boston has home games against Buffalo and Carolina; however that isn’t necessarily a good thing for team that is 3-14 SU on home ice since Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Boston’s last game at Washington may be critical, however the Capitals might not bring best effort having wrapped up everything for the playoffs.

Philadelphia has lost nine of last 12 and has placed itself in precarious position. The Flyers can determine their own fate playing home and home with the New York Rangers whom they lead by a point in the standings. Right now Philadelphia also has an edge in a tie-breaker, with the first aspect looked at being number of wins.

Eastern teams trying to move up

The Rangers have won five of six including last three in a row and could use wins over Buffalo and Toronto to set up “all in” matchups with the Flyers. “We do not want to be the New York Rangers team that didn't make the playoffs," Brandon Dubinsky told the New York Post. "That's really important to us.”

Atlanta had a brutal close to the season schedule-wise, facing Washington and Pittsburgh twice along with taking on New Jersey. The Thrashers already lost to the Caps and Penguins last week and have to come up with six points in final three games to realistically even have a chance. Against this type of competition, that could be too tall an order.

Western teams presently in

Detroit has placed themselves in good position in the West, winning 10 of 13 and being as healthy as they have been all season. Rookie Jimmy Howard’s fine play between the pipes is the biggest reason why the Red Wings have gone from being a shaky participant to virtually in and has two matchups with Columbus that should give them the stamp of approval.

Of all the teams fighting to make the postseason, the Los Angeles Kings are the most impressive on their body of work for the year. The Kings are +22 in goal differential, basically the same as New Jersey and Phoenix, both who are comfortably in the playoff picture. L.A. can end Anaheim’s faint hopes with a victory and should earn two easy points hosting Edmonton before closing out the regular season at Colorado.

The Avalanche is gasping for air having tumbled to eighth in the West standings, by virtue of losing seven of nine. This young squad by appearances is just worn out from a long season after playing beyond expectations most of the year, which is evident on the defensive end, conceding three or more goals in all but one of their defeats. Playing at Edmonton should be a win; however with games at Vancouver, plus Chicago and the Kings on home ice, nothing is secured yet. The Avs are 24-15 SU on home ice which could help.

Western teams trying to move up

Calgary is attempting to make late charge, winning six of last 10, but its anemic offense will have to come up big vs. San Jose, Minnesota and at Vancouver to sneak into the playoffs.
Anaheim and St. Louis mathematically are still alive; however each has to win remaining contests to even get a sniff.

My Personal Title Game Play

The big moment has arrived and you have seen every conceivable angle about how the NCAA title game will play out. The Left Coast Connection members are 16 -9 on Butler with the points and the Under 10-3 from those that are betting it.

Personally I think the number is correct and this is one title game I don’t have definite feel for. What I’m about to tell is not super compelling, yet this is among the reasons I’m betting Duke at -7 at 1*. (I'm 15-5-1 ATS in the tournament)

When Butler shoots under 40 percent this season, they are pedestrian 4-3 ATS in next contest. When Duke shoots over 50 percent they are 4-1 ATS the following game, meaning at least to me they have a good carry over.

In common opponents this year, Butler is -4 in point differential, while the Blue Devils are +7.3.

Duke’s size is part of the difference they collar the Bulldogs and they drain free throws to win by 10 in the last few minutes.

For those that were not here a year ago, I finished No.1 at Free Sports Monitor and The Sports Eye in baseball last season with 178-124 record, good for +32.80 units.

Though I’m excited for MLB action, I take it slow the first couple of weeks, letting the season unfold, as there are lots of surprise teams and upsets early on. Everyone should play how they are most comfortable and this works for me. If you are not receiving my FREE plays, you are missing out, look to the right and sign up on email list.

As opposed to college hoops and NBA this past season, I’m ready with knowledge about baseball.

Enjoy the game tonight.

Blue Monday for Butler and Duke

It comes down to this. Yahoo Sports probably had it best with this headline –David vs. Duke. The lovable Butler Bulldogs have captured college basketball’s imagination with its improbable run to the national championship game with a coach and its best player looking younger than next year’s incoming recruiting class. Big bad Duke, sort of the New York Yankees of the hardwood, is loved by their fans hated by everyone else.

This is setting up as the sequel of “Hoosiers”, just in modern day. A band of talented young men led a by a coach who looks like an AAU coach just out of college goes to the sports title game in the school’s home city and nearby Hinkle Fieldhouse (the team’s real home) is replaced by Lucas Oil Stadium. This is so ridiculous a movie producer would can the screen play as a joke.

There is no joking about the talent of Gordon Hayward, who had 19 points and nine rebounds in the first Final Four contest and was the calmest player you will ever see when introduced for a big game. Butler (33-4, 17-20 ATS) has won 25 contents in a row and knocked off Syracuse, Kansas State and Michigan State, after many had believed they could have lost to UTEP or Murray State in their first two encounters of this tournament.

Even losing coach Tom Izzo was impressed.

“If I was not playing, I'd be a Butler fan," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "I like they way they play, I like their story. They play like a Big Ten team." The Bulldogs are now 26-14 ATS in non-conference games over the last three seasons.

Duke’s return to prominence has some people feeling blue. The Blue Devils (34-5, 23-14-1 ATS) are back, playing with that confidence that comes from wearing a uniform that many consider a four-letter word. Coach Mike Krzyzewski had his team so well prepared it looked like a scrimmage against West Virginia at various points of the game.

Duke regularly solved the Mountaineers switching defense, getting a number of shot attempts within four feet of the rim. Once West Virginia players became overly conscious of Blue Devils players on the inside, it was target practice, as the Big 3 (Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and Jon Scheyer) shredded their defense on 12 for 23 shooting behind the three-point line.

The Blue Devils are 19-11 ATS after playing four consecutive games as favorite this season and know this isn’t about just three players shooting the ball well.

“We won this game as a team," Singler said. "It wasn't just put on my shoulders, or Jon's or Nolan's. We won this game from all sides contributing."

Part of the team is a man possessed, center Brian Zoubek who again pulled down 10 rebounds. His determination, which borders on serious anger, has him pulling down rebounds like mad man from a Rob Zombie movie. As Duke goes after its fourth national championship for Coach K, this is how Zoubek feels. “This is the culmination of four years for me. To have a shot at the championship my senior year, after everything we've been through, is a dream come true."

Duke was near perfect against West Virginia and they are 9-1 ATS after a game committing eight or less turnovers which plays a part why DiamondSportsbook.com has them as 7.5-point favorites, with total of 128.5. Coach Krzyzewski is making sure everyone knows that despite Butler not having the brand recognition of the team he coach’s, this opponent is no fairy tale.

“I think they're one of the best teams in the country," Krzyzewski said of Butler. "I think a Cinderella would be more if somebody had eight or nine losses and pulled some upsets." The Devils are 12-5 ATS versus defensive teams allowing 64 or fewer points a game this season and are 8-1 UNDER after they’ve made 50 percent or more of their three-point shots the last three years.

Butler could start this game at a real disadvantage, considering Duke’s size and rebounding ability. Forward Matt Howard did not practice with his team Sunday and is a "game-time decision" according to his coach Brad Stevens. Howard is averaging 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and would be sorely missed. Butler guard Shelvin Mack said he suffered cramps and will be ready.

Butler’s help-defense has become the talk of the tournament, along with its incredible patience on offense, which is why they are 12-5 ATS after one or more Under’s this year. The Bulldogs are 11-2 OVER after scoring 60 points or less.

This matchup seems real simple, Butler cannot shoot 30.6 percent like they did against the Spartans and they cannot allow Duke to convert 52.7 percent as they did vs. West Virginia. If the Blue Devils are raining shots, Duke covers and wins convincingly. However, if the Bulldogs find three players to make shots consistently, box-out effectively to draw Duke fouls, where they can march to the charity stripe and convert 73.8 percent like they have all season, well, it is game on.

No matter what, one team will be blue and green with envy.

Now to Baseball's Real Opening Day

The made for TV part of the beginning of the baseball season was last night, today we move ahead to the 13 parks stuffed with fans, the aroma of people grilling a collection of wonder foods and everyone is in good mood because baseball is back. This is yet another sign that warmer weather and outdoor activities are on the way and the local nine has yet to disappoint one person, plus the activity of watching scores from out-of-town ads to the experience. Let the romance begin with five nationally televised games.

St. Louis at Cincinnati 1:10E ESPN

No better place to start baseball than in Cincinnati, the first professional baseball team that started way back in 1869, then known as Red Stockings. While no one expects this Cincinnati team to start the way their predecessor did (the Red Stockings won 130 consecutive games from 1969-70), the Reds have good young talent with the likes of Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce.

Aaron Harang makes his fifth consecutive Opening Day start and believes he’s made enough mechanical tweaks to fix what has caused him to lose 31 total games the two years. Harang is 7-10 with 4.54 ERA against St. Louis.

The Cardinals are favorites to win the NL Central, with the best hitter in baseball in Albert Pujols, now backed with coverage for the entire season by Matt Holiday. St. Louis also has arguably the best pitcher in the National League in Cris Carpenter who gets the start. The Cy Young runner-up last year is also making his fifth start in an opener and is 7-3 with low 2.11 ERA against the Reds.

DiamondSportsbook.com has the Cards as -150 money line favorites, with total Un7.5. Carpenter is 39-22 in road games in the first half of the season in his career. This is the first time these two teams have squared off in game one of a new season since 1994.

Cleveland at Chicago White Sox 2:05E ESPN2

The Indians are being picked last in the AL Central by many baseball experts. That doesn’t mean the Indians are devoid of talent with CF Grady Sizemore, DH Travis Hafner, Shin-Soo Choo, SS Asdrubal Cabrera and players dripping with potential in Matt LaPorta and outfielder Michael Brantley. Pitching is the big concern in Cleveland and Jake Westbrook is the game one starter for the first time is five seasons. The Tribe is +160 money line road underdog with total at Un9 and Westbrook is 11-28 on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5. (Team's Record)

The White Sox open 2010 more athletic and presumably better defensively. They also have four very good starting pitchers which is why they should be competing for the division title. One of them is Mark Buehrle, making his franchise-record eighth Opening Day start, previously shared with Billy Pierce. The left-hander threw a perfect game last season and set a Major League record of 45 straight batters retired. Beuhrle is 76-46 all-time at U.S. Cellular Field and is 82-41 as a favorite of -125 to -175. (White Sox Record)

Chicago Cubs at Atlanta 4:10E ESPN

The Cubs and Braves enter 2010 with buoyed enthusiasm. Chicago got rid of clubhouse cancer Milton Bradley and added Marlon Byrd and Xavier Nady to their outfield mix, looking for more production. Manager Lou Pinella is hoping the injury bug stays away and that a 15 pounds lighter Carlos Zambrano can rebound from off year. Chicago is a +120 road dog and was undesirable 8-27 as an underdog of +100 to +150 last season, however Cubs fans could be mildly optimistic since Big Z is 41-20 as visitor when the total is 8.5 to 10. (Cubs Record)

Atlanta made bullpen modifications they believe will lead to more victories in skipper Bobby Cox swan song season. The venerable Cox likes his starting pitching and is excited about 20-year-old phenom Jason Heyward who brings power and speed to the Braves. Atlanta is 93-57 UNDER in the first half of the season over the last two seasons and Derek Lowe will be the Braves first hurler to toe the rubber.

San Francisco at Houston 7:05E ESPN2

The Giants look to take the next step after startling 88-win campaign and be in the hunt for division crown. Having back to back Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum is a wonderful place to start and the front office thinks Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff will help the offense generate more runs, after averaging only 4.1 per game in 2009.

The best news out of Houston is new manager Brad Mills is earning glowing praise with his positive energy, however not one game has mattered yet. The pitching staff has been bolstered with Brandon Lyon, Brett Myers and Matt Lindstrom. Unfortunately, Lance Berkman begins the year on the DL. The Astros will have Roy Oswalt making his eighth consecutive Opening Day start, but his club is 2-5 in those contests despite a solid 3.35 from the right-hander, whose been nursing a sore left hamstring.

Houston is a +120 money line home underdog with total Un7, nonetheless the ‘Stros won all eight of Oswalt’s assignments against the NL West last season. San Francisco has to be considered dangerous anyways, with 40-22 mark when a -150 favorite or less and Lincecum is 2-0 with 1.67 ERA vs. Houston.

Minnesota at L.A. Angels 10:05E ESPN2

Only one game features division champions on Opening Day and that is in Anaheim with Minnesota beginning with the Angels. These two squads are different than a season ago, one presumably for the better and the other to be determined.

The Twins have a new combination up the middle with shortstop J.J. Hardy and 2B Orlando Hudson and Jim Thome returns to the AL Central as DH for Minnesota. Scott Baker is off a 15-win season, reestablishing himself as the masthead of the staff and he earns the Twins opening start. Baker is 0-4 in six starts in Anaheim with 5.59 ERA. The late innings will look a lot different for Minnesota fans with Joe Nathan gone for the year, setting up bullpen by committee with Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares, Jon Rauch and Jesse Crain.

The Angels suffered some real blows in losing John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins to other American League clubs and look to pick up the prices adding Joel Pineiro, Hideki Matsui and Brandon Wood in their places. The new lead-dog for the Halos is Jered Weaver, who is a laid-back Cali type, a far cry from Lackey’s bulldog tendencies. Nevertheless, Weaver is 27-12 at the Big A and big reason why the Angles are -130 money line choice with total listed at Ov7. The Twins were 27-11 UNDER in the in the first half of the last season.

MLB 2010 Previews

American League East

Now the breaking news: Yankees and Red Sox favored in American East, more details as soon as they are available. OK, a little too much hype for stating the obvious. This division has the two best clubs in baseball (sorry Philadelphia) and everyone else is chasing. Tampa Bay has made improvements, but likely has to hope for injuries into order to make playoffs as wild card. Baltimore is two years ahead of Toronto in rebuilding process, thus avoids the division’s lowest floor.

Baltimore Orioles

Strengths: Finally understanding you can’t buy a pennant (let alone a division crown) competing with the New York Yankees. Andy MacPhail was brought in as president of baseball operations and immediately put the people in place that started doing a better job in finding talent. Baltimore has a number of pitchers that either are or will be on the Major League 25-man roster soon and the outfield is set with four solid players in the program. Matt Weiters is the trumpeted catcher ready to be a leader.

Weaknesses: Save Brian Roberts, the infield doesn’t earn rave reviews. The bullpen doesn’t fall into the category of “shorten the game” and depth is almost nonexistent.

Rotation Outlook: Kevin Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie will be who the Birds young pitchers lean on during trying times. Millwood lowered his ERA by almost 40 percent getting into better shape and quit nibbling; he should do at least as well in bigger park, with run production less in Orioles uniform. Keep an eye on Guthrie after K’s were down and hits were up in losing 17 games. Good young arms that need innings otherwise.

Bullpen Situation: Mike Gonzalez is likely closer after falling out of favor in Atlanta. In order to keep job, needs calmer demeanor on the mound and handle adversity better. Jim Johnson has unorthodox delivery and can pitch in variety of roles, increasing his value.

Bookmaker.com Season Wins Prop: Over 74/Under 74

3Daily Winners Take: Definitely a better team, but until they prove they won’t make mistakes that the cost them games, it’s hard to see them mounting 74 wins, something they haven’t done since 2005.

Projected Finish: 4th in AL East

Take to the bank: If the Birds lose 61 road games again, even 70 wins would be a stretch.

Boston Red Sox

Strengths: When you have won 93 or more games six of the last seven years, you have a good organization that understands what it takes to win and stay at the highest levels of the game. Theo Epstein and Terry Francona find players that are “gamers” who are full effort guys the lead by example. A corral of young arms is always coming thru the farm system, to be used on the big club or as trade bait to fill a need. Of course having the Yankees as a foil only makes everyone work harder.

Weaknesses: A lack of star power as part of the everyday lineup. Players like Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis are overachievers more than anything. Lineup doesn’t have a great deal of power unless a slimmed down David Ortiz delivers.

Rotation Outlook: The old line of –You can never have enough starting pitching- is what convinced Boston to sign John Lackey. The former Angel has to make the mental adjustment to being the No. 3 starter after being the ace in Anaheim. Josh Beckett and Jon Lester are two power pitchers capable of mowing hitters for innings. Francona is counting on Clay Buchholz and Daisuke Matsuzaka to come around mentally as much as physically to help the Red Sox. Catcher Victor Martinez is under pressure to handle this staff properly after so many years with Jason Varitek.

Bullpen Situation: Having Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Bard in place is a situation any manager would like to turn to. Getting to this twosome is the only real question if a starter has an off day.

Bookmaker.com Season Wins Prop: Over 94.5/Under 94.5

3DW Take: This total is almost impossible wager since luck more than skill will determine the outcome over 162-game season. Forced to choose I’ll go Under with offense not quite as good as needed to overcome Yankees in head to head battles.

Projected Finish: 2nd in AL East

Take to the bank: As good as they are, can the BoSox really go 22-6 again as -200 or higher money line favorites?

New York Yankees

Strengths: To Yankees fans, order was restored winning their 27th World Series. Based on how the table is set, defending their title is a real possibility. All the notables are still in pinstripes and the addition of Curtis Ganderson in centerfield, Nick Johnson as left-handed DH and pitcher Javier Vazquez makes New York look even stronger on paper. You’ll notice also, with Hank Steinbrenner the figurehead, everything is much quieter and the Yankees seem almost likable to many more people. (I did say almost)

Weaknesses: The Yankees did lose middle relievers that ended up being very effectual in the second half of the season. Derek Jeter is the current version of “Mr. Yankee” but no shortstop has less range in the baseball as the years total up according to sabermetricians. Catcher Jorge Posado would be a welcome DH on many teams, since his catching skills continue to diminish.
Rotation Outlook: It has to be very comforting to C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett to know their teammates are going to bat no matter how they perform. This pair could well be better pitchers this year, more relaxed, not worried about living up to fat contracts and having the satisfaction of being champions. Andy Pettitte and Vazquez are vets who know how to pitch and Phil Hughes won the No. 5 starter slot.

Bullpen Situation: Manager Joe Girardi will figure out middle relief as the season wears own, made easier having Jobs Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera. Enough said.

Bookmaker.com Season Wins Prop: Over 95.5/Under 95.5

3DW Take: Certain players like Jeter, Posada and A-Rod are year older and might not as effective, but a Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Granderson can help out and keep the Bronx Bombers hitting machine churning. Betting over feels risky when it’s the highest total to wager on, however this again looks like a team easily capable of 100 or more victories.

Projected Finish: 1st in AL East

Take to the bank: Yankees can’t possibly improve on 45-13 record in games decided by two or three runs.

Tampa Bay Rays

Strengths: Around the horn, this might be the best infield in the majors considering hitting and fielding. From 1B Carlos Pena to 3B Evan Longoria, power, speed and flashy leather abounds. At 28, Carl Crawford is one of the best left-fielders in baseball. The starting pitchers had to deal with expectations as year ago after playing in World Series and should be better mentally equipped to handle the load.

Weaknesses: Pitching nevertheless is still a concern, wondering if they actually will mature. Bullpen needs improvement as does catcher Dioner Navarro and increasingly enigmatic CF B.J. Upton, who needs to bring lunch pail to work. The fans, Tampa drew less than 100,000 new people to the park after going to World Series.

Rotation Outlook: James Shields and Matt Garza both had losing records at the top of the rotation for team that still managed 84 wins. For the Rays to eat at the big boys table, this duo has to be at 30 wins or more, not 20. Jeff Niemann is 6’9 and pounds the lower legions of the strike zone. He and ultra-talented David Price could make this staff special being able to win a vast number of series.

Bullpen Situation: After brilliant 2008, serious regression last season. Manager Joe Maddon has stated Rafael Soriano is just the type of closer this club needs. Getting Dan Wheeler and others back on track puts Tampa Bay back in AL East contention.

Bookmaker.com Season Wins Prop: Over 89/Under 89

3DW Take: Two years ago, this looked like team that would contend for years with Boston and New York. However, the lack of interest by fans in the Tampa area means continued counting of nickels and dimes. With Crawford and Pena up for free agency after the season, this team has to win now. With starting pitching a little iffy, 87 wins is thought to be high water mark.

Projected Finish: 3rd in AL East

Take to the bank: The Rays won’t sniff 87 wins if they only win 32 games on the road like they did last season.

Toronto Blue Jays

Strengths: Losing Ray Halladay would be a blow to any team; however they wouldn’t have led the majors in ERA in 2008 if they didn’t have other pitchers that could throw competently. Last season, Toronto was just bitten by the injury bug, they had total infestation. Many, if not all pitchers are expected to return and the others will come around soon. The organization accepts they have to rebuild after finishing the season 48-73, which is the only way to compete with New York and Boston in the AL East in the coming years. Aaron Hill will look to match last year’s breakout season of 36 home runs and 108 RBI’s.

Weaknesses: Every day lineup has overpaid underachievers like Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay, both need to start earning their keep. The bullpen really wore down being called into action too frequently with all the injuries and nothing appears to be a whole lot better, as they won’t get that day of rest every fifth day with Halladay in Philadelphia.

Rotation Outlook: Place Shaun Marcum and Ricky Romeo as starters, with the rest being sorted out by manager Cito Gaston. Marc Rzepczynski will have to work his way back in May after suffering a fractured finger. Holdovers Brian Tallet and Brett Cecil should be starters in Blue Jays uniform. In a division with three teams capable of winning 90 or more games not having starting pitching in order makes for tenuous prospects.

Bullpen Situation: Jason Frasor is the closer in spite of 5’10 175 pound frame. Frasor has live arm and is extremely aggressive with mid-90’s heat and has a tight late breaking slider. Scott Downs is good compliment as port-sider, touching 90 MPH on occasion, but more of a ground ball pitcher. Brandon Morrow and Scott Richmond fit into this mix somewhere.

Bookmaker.com Season Wins Prop: Over 70.5/Under 70.5

3DW Take: It’s absurd to think Toronto was actually 27-14 in May a year ago before they came unhinged. A few quality players dot the roster, just not enough in the AL East. Ability to climb over 70 wins could be determined by how they play against National League at home in June, where they will face the Giants, Cardinals and Phillies. Voting Under.

Projected Finish: 5th in AL East

Take to the bank: Toronto was 42-30 against the AL Central and West, I’d rather bet Kate Gosselin makes DWTS finals.

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