Service Plays Friday 4/1/11

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

The Rx.com Mod Team has created this Service Play sub-forum in order to supply an area for Rx Service Play Posters to expand upon their posting topics without creating a logjam in the main forum where the three principle threads are maintained..

Posters can track services here if they care to but we will need any trackers to do so in an accurate and civil manner. We did not create this area for posters to ridicule or bash any services..

You can also discuss who is hot and who is not. The general state of the pay for plays industry and any other subject or topic related to service plays.

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I will leave this thread open for a month to take questions and do my best to answer them. I will check in daily but am off on Wednesday and Thursday.

I hope this additional Service Play Forum will satisfy those posters that would like to widen the scope of topics relating to service plays and the industry in general to have their own threads. Mods will be liberal as possible regarding topics but this forum was specifically created to allow you more freedom to express your ideas regarding service plays and related subject matter. No off topic threads will be allowed.

Thank you, wilheim




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Thank you, wilheim.......

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's MLB Tips
By Kevin Rogers

The Major League Baseball season is underway following Thursday's six-pack of games as the Friday card unveils 11 matchups. The American League card is loaded with six games as the Yankees and Tigers will be the only teams not participating on Friday. The Rays try to move forward after several key offseason departures as Tampa Bay hosts re-tooled Baltimore, while the Rangers start their defense of the AL pennant against the Red Sox. We'll start in northern Ohio with the Indians looking to knock off the upstart White Sox.

White Sox at Indians

These AL Central rivals start the April action in the junior circuit as Chicago attempts to return to the postseason for the first time since winning the division in 2008. The Indians try to bounce back from a 69-win campaign in 2010, while going for their first .500 season in four years. The key for Cleveland is its ace keeping up a fantastic run against Chicago.

The Tribe was 3-0 in Fausto Carmona's three outings against the Sox last season, while delivering a quality start each time. Carmona beat Chicago last April in the opening series of the season with one of the odder lines in recent memory by allowing one hit in six innings, but walking six and giving up three runs in a 5-3 win. The right-hander received an average of only three runs support in his 19 starts at Progressive Field, while hitting the 'under' 13 times.

Mark Buehrle takes the mound for the Sox, as he looks to duplicate his success against the Indians from last season. Chicago was 5-1 in the southpaw's six starts in this series in 2010, even though Buehrle was ejected from a May 26 game after arguing a balk call. Buehrle tossed a gem in last season's opener against the Indians, pitching seven scoreless innings in a 6-0 shutout. His numbers weren't so stellar on the highway with a 6-8 mark away from U.S. Cellular Field, while yielding 11 home runs on the road.

Red Sox at Rangers

Boston looks to be the favorite to represent the American League in the World Series this October, but first the Red Sox have to get past the team holding the crown. The Rangers' surge to the franchise's first-ever World Series last season brings plenty of confidence into this season, as Texas looks to move forward after Cliff Lee and Vladimir Guerrero departed in free agency.

The Sox send out star lefty Jon Lester to open the season, trying to capitalize off a career-best 19 wins in 2010. Lester dominated away from Fenway Park with an 11-4 record and 2.88 ERA, including a 6-1 mark in his final seven road starts. Boston is 5-1 in Lester's last six outings against Texas since 2008, as the southpaw tossed eight scoreless innings of five-hit ball in a 3-1 victory in Arlington last August.

With Lee's short stay in Texas now finished, C.J. Wilson is the new ace of this Rangers' staff. The left-hander silenced the Red Sox in three starts last season by allowing two earned runs and striking out 20 in three victories. Wilson picked up a pair of underdog victories at Fenway Park, including a win over Lester on August 18 in a 4-2 triumph.

The Rangers grabbed six of 10 meetings last season from the Red Sox, while going 2-1 in Arlington in mid-August. Since 2009, Texas is 7-2 in nine home matchups with Boston, as the 'under' has cashed six times.

Orioles at Rays

Tampa Bay is coming off its second division title in three seasons as the Rays battle the Orioles at Tropicana Field. The Rays have moved forward with the signings of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, while losing Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, and Matt Garza in the offseason. Meanwhile, the Orioles have plenty of old faces wearing the Black and Orange with Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, J.J. Hardy, and Vladimir Guerrero with the team this season.

Baltimore played extremely well over the final two months of last season after Buck Showalter took over as manager, compiling a 34-23 record. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the O's, coming off an 11-14 campaign in 2010, even though the righty finished with a 3.83 ERA. The Orioles were 5-11 in Guthrie's 16 road starts, while he pitched one of his best games of the season at the Trop with a 5-0 shutout of the Rays on August 13.

David Price comes off his best season in his short career with a 19-6 record, while narrowly missing out on the AL Cy Young Award. The Rays' southpaw put together a 2.26 ERA at home last season, as Price went 9-4 at Tropicana Field. Price handled his business against the Orioles in 2010 with two victories in two starts, while allowing just one earned run in 15 innings of work.

Tampa Bay won 11 of 18 meetings last season, even though Baltimore found a way to win four of nine games at Tropicana Field. One angle to consider is the 'under,' which cashed in eight of nine matchups at Tampa Bay last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers
By: Michael Robinson

The Texas Rangers may be the defending American League champion, but it’s the Boston Red Sox generating the most buzz from the Junior Circuit.

ESPN will have Friday’s season opener for both squads at 1:05 p.m. (PT) from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Don Best odds screen has Boston at around 120 road favorites with a total of 8½-runs.

Bookmaker.com has Boston (plus 170) as the solid favorite to win the AL, with the Yankees and Rangers next at plus 350 each. The Red Sox are plus 320 to win the World Series, only trailing Philadelphia (plus 220). The Rangers are plus 625.

The Red Sox went 89-73 last year, good for only third in the AL East behind Tampa Bay (96-66) and the Yankees (95-67). Injuries were a big reason for Boston’s struggles with Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury all missing huge chunks of the season.

All three of those guys are healthy now and Boston made two huge acquisitions in Tampa Bay outfielder Carl Crawford and San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Boston’s lineup has speed, power and on-base capability, and should battle the Yanks for most runs scored in the league.

The starting staff has issues with John Lackey, Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka all question marks despite their high salaries. However, one guy who few people are questioning is Friday’s starter Jon Lester.

Lester developed into the ace of the staff last year (19-9, 3.25 ERA). That’s despite another slow April start of 1-2 with a 4.71 ERA. He also went 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in April 2009.

The 27-year-old lefty pitched better on the road (11-4, 2.88 ERA) last year than at Fenway Park (8-5, 3.67 ERA). He pitched eight scoreless innings at Texas in August, getting a 3-1 win against Colby Lewis.

Lester is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in two lifetime starts in Texas.

Lester’s only other game against Texas last year was in Boston in July. Friday’s opposing pitcher C.J. Wilson got the win by allowing one run over 6 2/3 innings. Lester got the tough 4-2 loss by surrendering three runs over eight.

The Rangers won the AL West last year (90-72) and proceeded to dispatch both the Yankees and Tampa Bay to make their first World Series in franchise history. A 4-1 series loss to the Giants dimmed matters some and so did some offseason defections.

Lefty Cliff Lee decided to join the All-Star starting staff of the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee wasn’t great (4-6, 3.98 ERA) after coming over from Seattle in July, but gave a big boost in the playoffs (3-2, 2.78 ERA). There was talk about moving closer Neftali Feliz into the rotation to help fill the void, but he’ll stay in the pen with his 40 saves.

Wilson (15-8, 3.35 ERA) is the de-facto ace with Lee gone and there are big questions at the back-end of the rotation. He allowed just a .217 batting average last year and .622 OPS. That far exceeded expectations after being exclusively in the pen from 2006-2009.

The 30-year-old lefty has to prove he’s not a ‘one-year wonder,’ but he does have the quality stuff to succeed again. Wilson was 11-3 with a 3.70 ERA at home last year. His ERA was much lower away (2.91), but only translated into a 4-5 mark.

Wilson beat Lester in Boston last year as mentioned above. He was 3-0 with a .86 ERA against the Sox last year overall, allowing one run over 7 2/3 innings in his one home start. Boston’s lineup does have a potential problem spot with five of the top seven hitters left-handed. Starting off against a tough lefty like Wilson is a big test.

Texas had a major home field advantage last year at 51-30, compared to 39-42 away. The offense had a lot to do with that, averaging a run more there (5.31) than on the road (4.42).

Boston has traditionally struggled in Texas, going 1-2 last year and 1-5 in 2009.

Boston is not reporting any significant injuries. Texas starter Tommy Hunter (groin) begins the year on the DL. Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre (calf) is healthy and will face his old teammates after playing great for Boston as an impending free agent last year (28 HRs, 102 RBIs).

Weather should be clear and warm in the upper 80s. This three-game series continues Saturday night with Lackey (14-11, 4.40 ERA) facing Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Betting Preview: Houston Astros, Phillies lock horns
By: Willie Bee

Philadelphia is the team to beat on paper entering the 2011 season. On the field, however, the Phillies are starting the campaign on the wrong foot, hand, shoulder and knee according to the latest list of walking wounded.

So are their opponents in Friday's season opener, the Houston Astros.

The two National League clubs will be at Citizen's Bank Park in Philly for a 10:05 a.m. (PT) first pitch on ESPN, assuming the weather cooperates. Charlie Manuel gives the ball to last year's NL Cy Young winner Roy Halladay to get things rolling, with Brad Mills sending former Phillie Brett Myers to the mound for Houston.

The Phillies will open play with second baseman Chase Utley (knee injury), rookie outfielder Domonic Brown (hand) and closer RP Brad Lidge (shoulder) on the DL. There has been no timetable set for Utley's return, while Brown could return by mid-to-late April after surgery on a broken bone in his right hand. He was expected to take over in right this year for Jayson Werth who bolted for Washington via free agency on the Scott Boras Express.

Lidge's sore shoulder has turned into a torn rotator cuff. He's out at least through mid-June, and could miss the entire season. Veteran Jose Contreras, who turned 39 this offseason, is expected to get the majority of the save opportunities while Lidge is out.

Houston also suffered several bad bites from the spring injury bug, first losing starting catcher Jason Castro (knee) for the season. Clint Barmes, acquired from Colorado during the winter, was plunked on the left hand by the Yankees' Ivan Nova during a recent exhibition game and will likely miss all of April. Angel Sanchez will take Barmes' place at short.

In his final Grapefruit League start before the season, lefty J.A. Happ suffered a strained oblique and is not expected to answer the call in Sunday's series finale against his former club who dealt him to get Roy Oswalt last July. No official word yet on who might take his place in the rotation though Ryan Rowland-Smith is a very likely candidate.

But enough about the players that won't be part of Friday's action.

Halladay certainly made an impression in his first NL season after 12 years with Toronto in the American League. From a perfect game in late-May versus Florida to the no-hitter against Cincinnati in the NLDS, he was as dominant and consistent a pitcher as you could find.

The Phils were 22-11 in his 33 regular seasons starts, 2-1 in the postseason. In front of the home fans with Halladay on the hill, Philly was 14-6 including a pair of postseason starts. One of those six defeats came to these Astros in late-August, 3-2, long balls from Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn doing the damage.

Myers was also incredibly consistent for Houston in 2010, his first with the Astros after spending eight campaigns with the Phillies. The former first-round pick lasted at least six innings in 32 of his 33 assignments, the one exception his final start of the season when he worked 5-2/3 innings.

His lone start versus the Phillies in 2010 came in August, another 3-2 Houston victory thanks to a late 2-run single by Carlos Lee. The Astros were 20-13 overall in his 33 starts while Myers fashioned a 3.14 ERA and worked the fifth-most innings in the NL (223-2/3).

Myers' last two seasons with Philadelphia saw him make 19 starts at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils only won six of those outings despite Myers posting a respectable 3.42 ERA in a park known as hitter-friendly.

The two clubs took turns pulling off road sweeps against each other in 2010. Bettors who got on board for all four of Houston's wins in Philly last August are probably still counting their money after the 'Stros won the games as 165, 240, 310 and 155 underdogs on the MLB money line. That was payback and then some for the Phils' early-April sweep in Houston that was capped by Halladay besting Oswalt in a 2-1 duel.

After all of the talk about the Phillies pitchers this winter, Mother Nature might actually throw the first curveball of their season. The current forecast calls for chilly conditions, a 50 percent chance of a rain/snow mix on Friday and an afternoon high at 50ºF. Saturday's weather should be dryer, but not much warmer.

A battle of southpaws is expected in Game 2 of the series. Cliff Lee is slated for the Phils against Houston's Wandy Rodriguez. Game 3 was to have been the Happ-Oswalt battle, but Happ has been scratched.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Best MLB Bets


Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies (-260, 7)

Getting the nod for Opening Day is always memorable for a pitcher. But this Friday’s start for Houston Astros righty Brett Myers holds even more meaning, coming against his former club in his former ballpark.

"I probably have some adrenaline, but it's maintaining and harnessing it for the right reasons and not trying to overdo it or throw too hard," Myers told MLB.com. "Usually, the first inning for me is a test, and after the first inning every game I have to try to control myself and relax."

As a member of the Phillies for eight years, Myers made three Opening-Day starts for Philadelphia, posting a 0-1 and a 4.82 ERA in those outings. Last year, his first season with the Astros, he finished with a 14-8 record and a 3.14 ERA – the lowest Earned Run Average of his career.

"What he did last year was more than solid," Houston manager Brad Mills told reporters. "We want him to compete and let him keep the team in the ballgame, and there's no reason to think he won't do that, because that's the type of pitcher he is, the type of makeup he has and the type of teammate he is. He gives us a chance to win every time he takes the ball and goes to the hill."

Myers will go toe-to-toe with National League Cy Young winner Roy Halladay Friday, who was stellar in his Phillies debut on Opening Day 2010. Halladay delivered a one-run, seven-hit performance over seven innings for an 11-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Halladay posted an 8-10 over/under record inside Citizens Bank Park last season, while Myers was 5-13 over/under on the road in 2010.

Pick: Under

Minnesota Twins at Toronto Blue Jays (-130, 8.5)

Opening Day will be a very special moment for one of baseball’s best Friday. Minnesota Twins first baseman and former American League MVP, Justin Morneau, takes the field for the first time since suffering a concussion last July.

Not only is Morneau back in action after a long rehab, but the Canadian is back on home soil, facing the Toronto Blue Jays in the Rogers Centre – which happens to be the same place he suffered the injury in a series with the Jays in early July.

"You know, I don't want to put too much into it," Morneau told TSN.com. "It's the first game hopefully of 162 and the playoffs for us. Obviously it will be special to be out there. But you want to continue to be out there."

Morneau is hitting .347 versus Toronto over the past three seasons. He’s totaled five homes runs, 14 RBIs, and boasts an OPS of 1.057 in 72 at-bats against Blue Jays pitchers in that span. The Twins have gone just 4-12 in their last 16 games in Toronto, while the over is 19-7-3 in the last 29 meetings north of the border .

"I just try not to put as much into it as I did," Moreau said of returning to Canada. "My first two years, we went (to Toronto) and I think I had one hit in the first two series. So now I go back there and try not to put too much into it.

"You know I get excited, obviously. It feels good to be home and everything else but the more I put into it, the more pressure, the more excitement you put into it, that can work against you."

Pick: Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Indiana Pacers host Bucks in crucial NBA odds clash
By: Stephen Nover

The Milwaukee Bucks play their biggest game of the season Friday night when they travel to Indiana.

The Bucks trail the Pacers by three games for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They have eight games left.

“This is probably do or die for us,” Milwaukee center Andrew Bogut was quoted as saying about Friday night’s matchup, which tips off at 4:05 PT. “This game is everything for us and probably everything for them, too.”

The Pacers are 34-42 following a 111-101 home victory this past Wednesday versus Detroit. The Pacers covered as 6½-point favorites. The combined 212 points went ‘over’ the 201-point total.

The win kept Indiana one game ahead of Charlotte, which also is in the mix for the No. 8 seed in the East. Charlotte is 32-42. Milwaukee is 30-44.

Tabbed to battle the Chicago Bulls for first place in the Central Division before the season, the Bucks have had their season derailed by multiple injuries.

It’s taken nearly the entire season, but Milwaukee is at last healthy. Key reserves Drew Gooden and Michael Redd, an NBA All-Star in 2004, finally have returned.

Redd has played a combined 23 minutes during the past two games after missing the past 14 months recovering from two serious knee surgeries. Gooden had 22 points and 11 rebounds in the Bucks’ 104-98 road victory against Toronto this past Wednesday.

Gooden had been out since Jan. 21 because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Point guard Brandon Jennings helped the Bucks cover as 4½-point favorites with 25 points against the Raptors. Bogut chipped in with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The combined 202 points went ‘over’ the 190½-point total. It was just the fourth time in their last 11 road games that the Bucks have gone ‘over.’ The Bucks rank third in defense holding foes to 92.7 points per game, but are last in points averaging 91.6 per contest and last in field goal percentage at 42.8 percent.

Indiana is 0-22 when failing to score more than 92 points in a game. The Pacers received 20 points from point guard Darren Collison and 17 from Danny Granger in beating the Pistons.

Josh McRoberts had a big game with 15 points and 13 rebounds playing 28 minutes in a reserve role. The big news, though, for the Pacers was the return of Mike Dunleavy. He had missed the previous 19 games with a broken thumb.

Dunleavy, the Pacers’ fourth-leading scorer at 11.1 points per game and maybe their best defender, put up nine points against Detroit. Dunleavy missed six of nine shots from the floor, however, as he was obviously rusty.

The Pacers have now covered in five of their last six games versus Eastern Conference foes. The Pacers are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight-up victory.

Milwaukee is 2-1 versus Indiana this season with both victories coming in 2010.

The Bucks nipped the Pacers, 94-90, as 2½-point road ‘dogs on Nov. 5. The combined 184 points went ‘under’ the 196½-point total. John Salmons led Milwaukee with 22 points with Jennings adding 18. Bogut missed that game due to a migraine headache.

Milwaukee defeated Indiana, 97-95, on Dec. 8 as two-point home favorites when the teams met a second time. The combined 192 points went ‘over’ the 189½-point total. The Bucks pulled the game out on a tip-in at the buzzer by Bogut, who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

The Pacers got a measure of revenge downing the Bucks, 103-97, as 2½-point road ‘dogs on Feb. 12. The combined 200 points went ‘over’ the 191½-point total. Granger scored a game-high 30 points with Collision contributing 22 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Betting: Trail Blazers battle Durant, Thunder
By: Adam Markowitz

The Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder both made moves to try to improve their interior games at the NBA trade deadline. These two Northwest Division rivals meet for the final time in the regular season on Friday in NBA betting action from the Rose Garden (7:00 p.m. PT).

Oklahoma City knows that it is pretty much destined to be the No. 4 seed in the postseason. The Thunder already have 24 losses on the season, and there are just eight games in which they can either make up some ground on the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks for the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the playoffs.

Odds are that's not enough time to either do that or to fall behind the Denver Nuggets, which will likely set up an Oklahoma City/Denver tussle in the first round of the playoffs.

The Thunder are now at full strength for legitimately just the first time since the trade deadline. Kendrick Perkins has only been in the lineup for nine games, and since he has gotten in the fold, the team is 8-1 SU and 5-3-1 against the NBA odds.

The former Boston Celtics big man has averaged 6.0 PPG and 7.7 RPG since coming over to OKC, but his 13 points scored in the team's most recent win might be a sign that things are changing for the big man.

Of course, there are always Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant to talk about when you're analyzing the NBA betting odds in Thunder games. These two just continue to light it up on a regular basis, as they're good for 22.0 and 27.8 PPG respectively. Durant is out to win another NBA scoring title this season, something that he should do with ease considering the fact that he is 1.2 PPG ahead of LeBron James of the Miami Heat.

Portland knows that it should be okay for a spot in the postseason, but nothing is for certain quite yet. There are only four games separating the Blazers and the surging Houston Rockets, who are ninth in the Western Conference standings. Three more wins really should be enough for the Blazers to make it into the second season.

Trail Blazers newcomer Gerald Wallace is getting into the fold with his new squad. The move to get Wallace gives this squad another wing player to help out LaMarcus Aldridge on the inside. Of course, the knee injuries to Brandon Roy really haven't helped this team out any. Wallace is now averaging 15.3 PPG and 7.8 RPG, but he is also contributing a pair of steals per night as well.

Portland is a well-rounded team with six players averaging at least 12 points per game. Don't forget about Rudy Fernandez either. Though he is only putting up 8.7 PPG, he can go off for 25 points if he catches fire from beyond the arc.

The Thunder are only 3-7 ATS over the course of the last 10 meetings in this series, but they are also 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 overall. These teams have already met three times this season, and OKC has figured out how to win all three games outright. The Blazers only have one cover in a 110-108 loss to the Thunder on the road in November.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pick 'n' Roll

Friday's Best NBA Bets


Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers (-2.5, 190.5)

The Oklahoma City Thunder have picked a perfect time to peak in the regular season. They’re coming off their best single month in franchise history after going 14-2 straight up in March while covering 10 times during that stretch.

They have a good shot at starting April on the right foot too. Oklahoma City has won its first three meetings with Portland this season, including a 99-90 victory over the Blazers as a 4.5-point favorite last weekend. Russell Westbrook put up 28 points in that win and is averaging more than 30 points against the Blazers this season.

"After my first two seasons, we went from (23) wins to 50-win seasons, that is a big turnaround for us and something that can't be overlooked," Kevin Durant told reporters.

The Blazers are under the gun down the stretch, but it’s hard to pass up the Thunder at this number.

Pick: Thunder

Miami Heat at Minnesota Timberwolves (10.5, 208)

Whether it’s still a lack of chemistry or just a lack of focus, It seems like every now and then the Miami Heat need a serious wakeup call.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were the latest team to snap the Heat back to reality in LeBron James’ second visit to his former team earlier this week. Following that embarrassing loss, Miami rebounded to hammer Washington 123-107 on Wednesday, covering as a 12.5-point favorite.

“I take a loss hard, no matter who it's against," James told reporters before facing Washington. "I don't like to lose - especially when you know we could have done things better."

The Heat will have Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard in the lineup after they were involved in a bit of a dustup with John Wall and Miami still should be able to cover the number against the Timberwolves.

Pick: Heat

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blues host fading Flames
By: Barry Daniels

One more loss could serve as the final gust of wind to douse the Flames’ flickering playoff hopes. Calgary will try to avoid that fate Friday when it travels to St. Louis to play a Blues team that is coming off Wednesday’s 10-goal performance. The puck drops at 5 p.m. (PT).

Calgary’s postseason hopes took another hit Wednesday when the club dropped a 4-2 decision against Anaheim as a 125 home favorite.The loss left the Flames with 87 points, three points behind Chicago for the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot. The Blackhawks have also played three fewer games than the Flames.

The combined six goals slithered above the 5 ½-goal closing total, leaving the ‘over’ 7-1 in Calgary’s last eight games and 42-32-2 overall.

Jarome Iginla scored his 37th goal in a losing effort, while Matt Stajan had a potential tying goal disallowed with just over five minutes remaining in the third period.

Mikka Kiprusoff stopped 18-of-21 shots and saw his record slip to 34-24-2-4. Kiprusoff, who has now allowed 10 first-period goals in his last five starts, has a 2.69 GAA, a .904 save percentage and six shutouts.

The Flames have now allowed three goals or more in eight of their last 10 contests and four goals or more in six of their last eight. The barrage has lowered Calgary to 19th defensively, allowing an average of 2.9 GPG.

St. Louis is just playing out the string this season, but a loose club is very dangerous to one that has playoff aspirations. Just ask the Detroit Red Wings.

The Blues are off Wednesday’s 10-3 shelling of the Wings as hefty 205 road underdogs. The combined 13 goals soared above the 5 ½-goal closing total. The ‘over’ is 10-4 in the Blues’ last 14 home dates.

Vladimir Sobotka and Chris Stewart collected a goal and two assists apiece for a Blues team that is 3-0-1 in its last four games. B.J. Crombeen, Cam Janssen, Roman Polak, Patrik Berglund and Matt D’Agostini added a goal and an assist apiece. St. Louis received at least one point from 15 players.

Jaroslav Halak made 41 saves for the win to raise his ledger to 24-20-3-4. The former Montreal netminder has a 2.57 GAA, a .908 save percentage and six shutouts.

Calgary is 19-7 in the last 26 series meetings against the Blues, including winning all three matchups this season.

The first meeting this season (Jan. 26) saw the Flames register a 4-1 victory as 125 home favorites, with the combined five goals dipping ‘under’ the 5½-goal closing total.

A little more than one month later (Feb. 27), the Flames blanked the Blues 1-0 as 150 home favorites, with the game again staying ‘under’ the 5½-goal total.

The most recent meeting (March 1) saw the Flames again blank the Blues, but this time it was a 6-0 shellacking as a 105 road underdog. This was the lone game to go ‘over’ the 5½-goal closing total.

The Blues have outshot the Flames during the three contests, 81-69, but have not scored a power play goal in seven opportunities. Conversely, the Flames are 4-for-11 with the man advantage in the three meetings.

St. Louis hits the road Sunday for a contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Calgary travels to Colorado for a Sunday encounter with the Avs.

 

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Ice Picks

Friday's Best NHL Bets


Calgary Flames at St. Louis Blues (-115, 5.5)

With 82 games on the schedule, every team is going to be involved in a few weird ones that bettors need to shrug off.

Chalk St. Louis’ 10-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night as one of those. The Red Wings barely showed up and the Blues took advantage of some poor goaltending as Detroit starter Jimmy Howard remains out with a sprained shoulder.

The Blues won’t be so lucky Thursday against a desperate Flames club. Calgary dropped a tough loss to Anaheim, which puts the club seriously behind the eight-ball to make the playoffs. At this point, the Flames will have to win out and hope to get a lot of help.

“We’ve just gotta try to win our games. You never know what’s going to happen with the other teams, so we can’t just let up,” Tom Kostopoulos told reporters. “We’ve got to keep trying to win.”

Pick: Flames

Philadelphia Flyers at New Jersey Devils (-115, 5)

Defenseman Andy Greene scored in overtime to down the New York Islanders 3-2 on Wednesday. It was his just his first goal in almost three months and it did keep New Jersey’s playoff hopes mathematically alive for the time being.

But in reality, they’re done.

“It is certainly different territory for us,” Martin Brodeur told reporters. “We’ve come a long way in the second half of the season, and it is going to be over on April 10. Until then, we have to find a way to continue to motivate ourselves, and go out and play hard every night.”

You have to give the Devils credit for doing just that – battling back after such a rotten start. Look for them to fade a bit as they come up a little short.

Pick: Flyers

 

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Friday's Betting Tips: Weather Could Hamper Halladay Start

Weather To Watch

The latest weather reports list a 30 percent chance of showers for tomorrow’s Phillies-Astros game in Philadelphia with 24 mph winds blowing in from right-center field. It should also be chilly with a low of 31 degrees.

Who’s Hot

NBA: Milwaukee is 6-2-1 in its last nine games against Indiana.

NBA: Cleveland has covered in six of its last eight road games.

NHL: The under has cashed in on each of Chicago’s last six games.

NHL: Phoenix is 8-2-0 in its last 10.

Who’s Not

NBA: Orlando has covered just once over the last eight games.

NBA: Detroit is 1-8-1 against the spread in its last 10.

NBA: The Clippers have covered only once over the seven.

Key Stat

5 – Philadelphia Phillies starter Roy Halladay has picked up at least 16 wins in five consecutive seasons and is coming off a 21-win year last season, throwing a perfect game in the regular season and adding a no-hitting in the playoffs. So, it’s no surprise to see Philadelphia set as a -260 favorite at home to Houston on Friday.
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Injury To Watch

Stephen Jackson, Charlotte Bobcats: Jackson has been trying to play through his hamstring injury but it looks as though he’ll have to sit out again Friday after leafing Wednesday’s game at the half. The Bobcats are still chasing the Pacers for the last playoff spot in the East and this could injury could end up keeping them on the outside looking in.

Game Of The Day

Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers (+110, 8.5)

Notable Quotable

"C.J. Wilson, he's so tough on everybody, but he dominates left-handers most of the time. We're trying to get a little balance against him." – Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona told reporters about shuffling his lineup to face Texas’ tough lefty. Mike Cameron will start instead of J.D. Drew, Kevin Youkilis will be in the cleanup spot with Adrian Gonzalez behind him and Jacoby Ellsbury will lead off. Asked about the change Drew told reporters “it gives us an opportunity to win the game."

Tips And Notes

Washington Wizards rookie guard John Wall will miss Friday’s game against Cleveland with a one-game suspension stemming from an altercation he got into with the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Wall is averaging better than 16 points and eight assists per game. Meanwhile, Miami’s Juwan Howard and Zydrunas Ilgauskas were fined for their parts in the same incident but will be available for Miami’s game at Minnesota. The Heat are pegged as 10.5-point favorites.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks have managed to earn 8.82 units for the club’s supporters this season. However, one disturbing trend for futures bettors is that the Blackhawks have allowed 83 goals in the third period this season, which is fifth from the bottom in the NHL. Chicago currently sits in the eighth and final playoff spot in the West heading into Friday’s contest against Columbus.

Every good baseball bettor knows how much umpires can impact a ball game. That’s why Covers.com has such extensive umpire stats. Bookmark this page and thank us at the end of the season.

 

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Today's MLB Picks

Boston at Texas

The Red Sox look to build on their 6-1 record in Jon Lester's last 7 road starts. Boston is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-125). Here are all of today's picks.
<table cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4" width="537"><tbody><tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">FRIDAY, APRIL 1
Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 951-952: Houston at Philadelphia (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Myers) 14.622; Philadelphia (Halladay) 15.705
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-260); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-260); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 953-954: Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Correia) 14.827; Cubs (Dempster) 13.802
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-180); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+160); N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 955-956: Arizona at Colorado (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Kennedy) 14.561; Colorado (Jimenez) 15.238
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-200); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 957-958: NY Mets at Florida (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.076; Florida (Johnson) 14.089
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Florida (-180); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+160); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 959-960: San Francisco at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 16.492; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 15.385
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+100); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 961-962: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Buehrle) 14.495; Cleveland (Carmona) 15.738
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 963-964: Boston at Texas (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.543; Texas (Wilson) 14.955
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-125); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 965-966: Minnesota at Toronto (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pavano) 15.725; Toronto (Romero) 15.326
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Toronto (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 967-968: Baltimore at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Guthrie) 15.585; Tampa Bay (Price) 14.686
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+170); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 969-970: LA Angels at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Haren) 15.451; Kansas City (Francis) 14.713
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-150); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="521" height="17">Game 971-972: Seattle at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 15.711; Oakland (Cahill) 14.330
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-120); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+100); Over</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

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NCAA Basketball Picks

Creighton at Oregon

The Bluejays look to build on their 10-4 ATS record in their last 14 games as a road underdog. Creighton is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has Oregon favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Creighton (+4). Here are all of today's games.
<table id="table3" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4"><tbody><tr> <td style="height: 38px; width: 566px;">FRIDAY, APRIL 1
Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="566">Game 527-528: Creighton at Oregon (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 63.051; Oregon 64.888
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 4
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (+4)</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 5px;" width="566">
</td> </tr> <tr> </tr></tbody></table>

 

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Today's NBA Picks

Miami at Minnesota

The Heat look to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games as a home underdog. Miami is the pick (-10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 14 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-10 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
<table cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4"><tbody><tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt; width: 564px;" height="17">FRIDAY, APRIL 1
Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 501-502: New Jersey at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 111.614; Philadelphia 121.251
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 9 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 503-504: Cleveland at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 107.607; Washington 110.667
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3; 210
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 505-506: Milwaukee at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.885; Indiana 115.160
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 1; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 2; 189
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+2); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 507-508: Charlotte at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 109.155; Orlando 126.003
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 17; 184
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 509-510: Chicago at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 123.745; Detroit 117.779
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 198
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 511-512: Boston at Atlanta (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 119.396; Atlanta 116.076
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 179 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-1 1/2); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 513-514: Miami at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.136; Minnesota 111.825
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 14 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 10 1/2; 208
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-10 1/2); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 515-516: Memphis at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 123.249; New Orleans 121.322
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 1 1/2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+1 1/2); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 517-518: San Antonio at Houston (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 121.729; Houston 125.570
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 4; 206
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 519-520: Denver at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 127.110; Sacramento 117.670
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 9 1/2; 224
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 218
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-5 1/2); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 521-522: LA Clippers at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 112.816; Phoenix 121.795
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4 1/2; 213 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-4 1/2); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 523-524: Oklahoma City at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.844; Portland 125.404
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 1 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2 1/2); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" width="564" height="17">Game 525-526: LA Lakers at Utah (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 123.186; Utah 118.219
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5; 202
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+7 1/2); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 5px;" width="566">
</td> </tr> <tr> </tr></tbody></table>

 

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Today's NHL Picks

Philadelphia at New Jersey

The Flyers look to bounce back from last night's 1-0 loss to Atlanta and build on their 11-4 record in their last 15 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Philadelphia is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-105). Here are all of today's picks.
<table id="table1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4"><tbody><tr> <td style="height: 12.75pt; width: 564px;" height="17">FRIDAY, APRIL 1
Time Posted 6:00 a.m. EST</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 95px;">Game 1-2: Chicago at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.577; Columbus 10.260
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 95px;">Game 3-4: Philadelphia at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.820; New Jersey 10.786
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-105); Over</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 95px;">Game 5-6: Calgary at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.775; St. Louis 11.461
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-105); Under</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 95px;">Game 7-8: Colorado at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 10.168; Phoenix 11.508
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-270); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-270); Over</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

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Baseball Crusher

Play of the Day:
Chicago WhiteSox -110

 

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Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with three Mighty horses at the Big A Thursday.

Friday it's the Red Sox. The deficit is 1,200 sirignanos.

 

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Gamblers Data

Bonus Play Friday

Rockets - Pick

 

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Hondo

Hondo, who misses March already, started the season in Grand fashion yesterday, breezing with the Yanks and rallying with the Reds to put the Day One earnings at 100 pinsons.

Today, Mr. Aitch will make it a true daily double and jeopardize it all with the Rockies -- 10 units on Jimenez. Tonight, the bucks are on Showalter -- the AL's answer to Tony "The Genius" La Russa -- 10 units on the Orioles.

 

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Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

618 - 464 57 % Run over 2 1/2 YEARS !

Free winner FRI Bases Tampa Bay -168