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07/30/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Minnesota Twins continue to prove that it takes more than high-profile personnel moves to compete for a postseason berth.
While the Detroit Tigers inked Johnny Damon and Jose Valverde in the offseason, Minnesota stayed quiet. While the Chicago White Sox went after Jake Peavy, the Twins shifted their focus to the guys in-house. Yet after four months of baseball, the Twins are once again right in the thick of the American League Central race, 1 1/2 games back of first-place Chicago entering Friday.
Winners of five straight, the Twins just wrapped up a seven-game road trip with an impressive 6-1 mark. Most importantly, the pitching and hitting both seem to be gelling at the same time. During this week's three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota held a 36-7 edge in run differential and exploded for 53 hits. In addition, the starters have gone 6-0 with a 1.40 ERA during the seven-game trip.
"That's been the key to our wins," catcher Joe Mauer said. "Yeah, we've scored a few runs here, but we're not going to do that every night. If we go out there and we can hold them to a couple runs here and there, I think it gives us a great chance of winning."
At the center of the offensive outburst has been the rapid ascension of Delmon Young, the former top overall pick who is now starting to live up to his huge potential. Young has taken off by hitting .439 in July, and he now ranks in the top-5 in the American League in batting average (.334), RBI (79) and doubles (31).
He has also been quite the clutch hitter for Minnesota, as evidenced by his .436 average and 61 RBI this season with runners in scoring position.
"Delmon's definitely different than we've seen Delmon in the past," said Royals starter Brian Bannister, who served up a first-inning home run to Young on Wednesday. "I think he's the hottest hitter in baseball right now."
While he has been on a tear of late, Young isn't swinging the only hot bat in the lineup. Mauer hit .480 (12-for-25) during the recently concluded seven- game trip. Together, he and Young have helped make up for the absence of cleanup hitter Justin Morneau, who has been out since July 7 with a concussion. No timetable has been set for his return.
On Thursday, Minnesota finally added a closer to replace Joe Nathan, who was lost for the season back in the spring. The Twins acquired All-Star closer Matt Capps and cash from the Washington Nationals for minor leaguers Wilson Ramos and Joe Testa. Caps has a 2.47 ERA in 47 games and has converted 26 of 30 save opportunities on the year.
TIGERS HOPING TO STOP THEIR POST-BREAK SLIDE
To say the Detroit Tigers have struggled since the All-Star break would be like saying MTV's Jersey Shore has generated a bit of buzz in pop culture.
Heading into the break, the Tigers were 10 games over .500 and only a half- game behind the first-place Chicago White Sox, who had just reeled off eight straight wins at the time. Since then, Detroit has gone an abysmal 3-12 to fall back to third place in the division, six games behind Chicago.
The road ahead won't get much easier, as the Tigers open a three-game set in Boston beginning Friday night. In the weeks ahead, they'll also play seven games against the White Sox, four against the New York Yankees, three against the Tampa Bay Rays, and another three against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Tigers are already dealing with Magglio Ordonez on the disabled list, among others.
"We're in emergency mode, really," manager Jim Leyland said. "That's just the way it is. You can say all you want. When I say that, I'm saying we just have to fight our tails off every day, try to win as many games as we can until we get some pieces straightened out a little bit. That's what we have to do. There's no sense fooling everybody. That's what we have to do, and we're doing it. We're just not quite getting over the hump."
To help the team's chances, general manager Dave Dombrowski traded for Indians' third baseman Jhonny Peralta earlier this week. However, Peralta alone won't get Detroit over the hump. As Leyland put it, it's do-or-die time for the Tigers to come together.
WHITE SOX JUST KEEP WINNING AT HOME
The Chicago White Sox have really asserted themselves in the month of July, posting a 17-7 record. Unfortunately for them, the red-hot Twins have been able to keep stride of late, as those two have begun to separate from the rest of the pack in the AL Central.
Winners of four straight, the White Sox enter Friday a season-high 13 games above .500 (57-44) and with a game-and-a-half lead in the division. Having just wrapped up a four-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners, Chicago has won 11 straight at U.S. Cellular Field and is now 31-19 at home. The 11-game streak marks the team's longest home winning streak since a 13-game stretch in 1989.
Of course, the White Sox don't have the luxury of playing all home games the rest of the way. Longtime veteran infielder Omar Vizquel said he believes one key addition could help push Chicago over the hump and assume control of the division.
"If it's not another pitcher, probably it's another hitter," Vizquel told the Chicago Tribune. "This is a time where we really need to make a step toward getting better and to separate between the teams that are around, having a chance, and the teams that really need to go on to the playoffs.
"This is the last time to make a change, and I think that with another guy on the team we might secure the next step."
Manager Ozzie Guillen said Thursday night that he had not even seen general manager Kenny Williams in the past two or three days. Williams' ideal trade deadline acquisition would be a left-handed bat to drive in runs. Guillen, however, said he expects the roster to stay the same on August 1, which is fine with him.
TRIBE IN WAIT-AND-SEE MODE WITH SANTANA, TALBOT
The Cleveland Indians may have lost more than an 11-4 decision to the New York Yankees Thursday night. Rookie starting pitcher Mitch Talbot will stay in Cleveland to have an MRI on his back, while rookie catcher Carlos Santana tries to recover from taking a fastball off his kneecap in the seventh inning.
Talbot began feeling a strain in the middle of his back during the second inning of Thursday's start, and when the discomfort remained two batters into the third inning, he was removed from the game. Talbot, who is 8-9 with a 4.09 ERA in his first full big league season, said he didn't anticipate missing any time.
"I really don't think it's serious at all," Talbot said. "I think I'll be out there again in five days. I don't think I'll miss any time."
Likewise, Santana wasn't very worried about his injury, saying that he iced it and expected to be ready to go Friday. Although he initially remained in the game, Santana was eventually replaced by Chris Gimenez to begin the eighth.
If the prognosis turns out to be longer for either player, it would obviously be a tough break for an Indians ballclub that has seemingly been through it all this year. With the bullpen being asked to pitch the last seven innings after Talbot's exit, manager Manny Acta turned to backup third baseman Andy Marte to pitch the ninth.
Incidentally, Marte retired the side in order, even striking out Nick Swisher for the second out.
PODSEDNIK DEALT, WHO IS NEXT TO GO FOR ROYALS?
On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals shipped veteran outfielder Scott Podsednik to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league catcher Lucas May and right-hander Elisaul Pimentel.
Essentially, the trade nets two prospects instead of the one compensatory pick the team would have received if Podsednik left as a free agent after the season. The move also gives manager Ned Yost some roster flexibility with a few younger players.
"It allows us to put Alex Gordon in left field and just let him go," Yost told the Kansas City Star. "It also opens up a spot for Mitch Maier to get more playing time. Both of those things are important."
Podsednik leaves the Royals with a .310 batting average and also in the midst of a career-high 15-game hitting streak. In May, Kansas City gets a 25-year- old player who was hitting .296 with 11 homers and 45 RBI in 73 games for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate. He'll report to Triple-A Omaha. Pimentel, 22, was assigned to Single-A Burlington after compiling a 9-3 record and a 3.49 ERA in 16 starts for Single-A Great Lakes. He was the Midwest League pitcher of the month for June after going 4-0 with a 0.39 ERA.
Meanwhile, any dreams of unloading pitcher Gil Meche and his $12 million annual salary were washed away with the news that he'll be undergoing season- ending right shoulder surgery sometime next week. Meche, who has been on the DL since May 25 with what was initially diagnosed as bursitis, is hoping to return by Spring Training, or early next season at worst.
<< K.C. hopes to build on win vs. Man United in league play vs. TFC
Kansas City, KS (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It has been a disappointing season to so
for the Kansas City Wizards, but the Major League Soccer club is hoping it can
use a 2-1 win in an exhibition against English premier League side Manchester
United
<< Rapids, Dallas both gunning for points in Western showdown
Commerce City, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Colorado Rapids host FC Dallas at
Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Major League Soccer action on Saturday night.
The Rapids (6-5-5), who are winless in six league fixtures, should have their
hands f
<< Sounders aim to continue winning ways against 'Quakes
Santa Clara, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Seattle Sounders FC will go for their third
straight win on Saturday when they visit Buck Shaw Stadium to face the San
Jose Earthquakes.
The Sounders followed a 1-0 win over D.C. United with a 2-1 vi
<< Hilliard, Tyree retire as Giants
East Rutherford, NJ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Former New York Giants receivers Ike
Hilliard and David Tyree each signed contracts this week to retire as members
of the organization.
Hilliard played in 98 games, starting 92, during his career
Youzhny ousted in Gstaad quarters >>
Gstaad, Switzerland (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Top seed Mikhail Youzhny was a
quarterfinal upset victim Friday at the Swiss Open Gstaad.
Qualifier Yuri Schukin upended his world No. 14 fellow Russian Youzhny 6-4,
2-6, 7-5 in 2 hours, 12
Dolphins sign ex-Saints DE Grant >>
Davie, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Miami Dolphins have signed defensive end
Charles Grant.
Terms of the deal were not released, but the Palm Beach Post reported
Wednesday that the contract is for two years and is worth $4.5 milli
Packers ink first-round pick Bulaga >>
Green Bay, WI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Green Bay Packers have signed first-round
draft pick Bryan Bulaga.
The Green Bay Press Gazette is reporting that the offensive lineman has signed
a five-year deal worth $14.75 million, with $8.76 million
White Sox pick up Jackson from Arizona >>
Phoenix, AZ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago White Sox have acquired pitcher
Edwin Jackson from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for pitchers Dan
Hudson and David Holmberg.
Jackson was in his first year with Arizona after being
In part two of MySportsbook.com’s draft preview, we’ll take a look at a division that was extremely disappointing last season: the NFC South. Many “experts” predicted the Panthers to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, of course they could not even make the playoffs in an extremely weak NFC. The Saints definitely made up for the disappointing seasons of their NFC South brethren by exploding out of no where en route to the NFC Championship game. For the avid NFL gambler, it is imperative to pay attention to the NFL draft. Although free agency gets a ton of publicity, the successful franchises build their teams around the draft.
1. New Orleans Saints
Who would have thought this time last year that the Saints would be the favorites to win the NFC South for the 2007 campaign? New Orleans is loaded with firepower on the offensive side of the ball but with the exodus of Joe Horn they will most likely look to draft a WR on Day 1. Despite having the NFL’s 3rd ranked pass defense last season, the Saints will most likely upgrade their CB’s with one of their first two picks. Other possibilities for the Saints will be TE and DT. Because of where they will be selecting (27th), the Saints could go the “best available player” route which could net a LB.
Key additions: Eric Johnson TE, Troy Evans LB, David Patten WR
Key loses: Joe Horn WR,
Team needs: CB, WR, TE, LB, DT
Possible draftees: Aaron Ross CB Texas, Darrelle Revis CB Pitt, Ted Ginn Jr. WR OSU, Paul Posluszny LB PSU, Chris Houston CB Arkansas, Greg Olsen TE Miami
2. Carolina Panthers
Carolina was one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL last season. With the signing of David Carr, expect the very first quarterback controversy to come out of Carolina if Jake Delhomme doesn’t rebound quickly from an average 2007 season. With veteran safety Mike Minter getting up there in age, they will look to draft a safety on Day 1 but probably not in the first round. LB is another need with the loss of Chris Draft to go along with Dan Morgan’s concussion problems. If TE Greg Olsen is still on the board, he might be too good to pass up despite their needs on the defensive side of the ball.
Key additions: David Carr QB
Key loses: Chris Draft LB
Team needs: LB, TE, S, OT
Possible draftees: Greg Olsen TE Miami, Patrick Willis LB Ole Miss, Paul Posluszny LB PSU, Levi Brown OT PSU
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were another NFC South team to have a disappointing 2007 season. The Falcons have been plenty busy during the off season with plenty of players coming and going including a new head coach. The Falcons were able to improve their draft position with the trade of coveted backup QB Matt Schaub. High on the list of Day 1 needs will be a defensive end to replace Patrick Kerney and a hard hitting safety since Lawyer Milloy is nearing the end of his career. With an additional 2nd round pick, the Falcons could attempt to trade up to acquire local product WR Calvin Johnson.
Key additions: Joey Harrington QB, Toniu Fonoti OG, Joe Horn WR
Key loses: Justin Griffen RB, Patrick Kerney DE, Matt Lehr OG, Ashley Lelie WR, Matt Schaub QB
Team needs: DE, S, OT, WR, DT
Possible draftees: LaRon Landry S LSU, Amobi Okoye DT Louisville, Levi Brown OT PSU, Jamaal Anderson DE Arkansas, Alan Branch DT Michigan
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Age really caught up to the Bucs last season. The Bucs still have plenty of household names on defense in Ronde Barber, Simeon Rice and Derrick Brooks but the one thing those three have in common is unfortunately age. It is imperative for the Bucs to get much younger, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Despite having bigger needs on the defensive side of the ball, WR Calvin Johnson is the most likely pick if he is still available when the Bucs pick at the four spot. This would suit Bucs’ faithful just fine as Johnson is widely considered the top talent in the draft and it is a position of need for the Bucs.
Key additions: Jeff Garcia QB, Kevin Carter DE, Torrie Cox CB, Cato June LB
Key loses: Dewayne White DE, Sean Mahan OG
Team needs: WR, LB, DE, CB (Youth on defense!)
Possible draftees: Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech, Gains Adams DE Clemson, Jamaal Anderson DE Arkansas
It is never too early to start betting on the NFL. Log on to MySportsbook.com to checkout all of the NFL futures for the upcoming season. On the clock: the NFC North
Odds to win the NFC South:
New Orleans Saints 8-5
Carolina Panthers 2-1
Atlanta Falcons 12-5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-2
Odds to win the NFC:
New Orleans Saints 13-2
Carolina Panthers 7-1
Atlanta Falcons 20-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25-1
Odds to win the Super Bowl:
New Orleans Saints 18-1
Carolina Panthers 20-1
Atlanta Falcons 50-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 75-1
To visit this sportsbook get to MySportsbook.com for all your online sportsbook needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
The AFC South and the NFC East are the favorite divisions to have the next Super Bowl champ among them in the NFL betting odds. But more down to the point, these football odds are in favor of the Indianapolis Colts, by far the strongest team in the AFC South, and the Dallas Cowboys of the NFC East.
Most sports fans would agree that these two teams top the list to win it all before the season even begins. In the BetUS Sportsbook football futures, the Colts are +800 in the odds to win the Super Bowl, while the Cowboys are sitting at +1000 and the Super Bowl XLIV champions New Orleans Saints at +900. In the AFC South, the Colts won the division for five straight years after the 2002 realignment, before the Tennessee Titans won it in 2008. But the Colts came back strong in 2009 to win the division again en route to the Super Bowl. The Cowboys are the favorite to win the NFC East, as well as to advance far into the post season. The Cowboys won the division last season before their horrendous loss in the NFC Divisional playoff to Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. But the ‘Boys will take that loss humbly and be ready for the playoffs this time around.
The NFC South is also very strong, at +600 in the NFL futures, considering that it is home to the defending Super Bowl champions. However, some predictions have the Atlanta Falcons with possibilities of claiming the divisional title this season in place of the Saints, as no team has won back-to-back division championships since the division realignment took place. Let’s not overlook the AFC North at +500. As TO goes to Cincinnati to join Chad OchoCinco and Adam “Pac-Man” Jones, this team looks to claim the division title again. And it is likely they will do so. The Bengals lost in the AFC Wild Card spot in a hard-fought battle against the New York Jets last season. Lest not forget the Pittsburgh Steelers, the XLII Super Bowl Champions… All these teams present interesting odds and matchups for the upcoming season, but the safest and surest bet seems to be with the Colts in the AFC South and the Cowboys in the NFC East. Play this weekly NFL Football Contestto see if you can win.
To visit this sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your NFL football betting needs.
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