Randall the Handle
Baltimore +1.85 over BOSTON (1st 5 innings) PINNACLE
Paul Byrd is probably the biggest stiff in the league and it might not be close. This guy barely got an out in his last start, alloweing seven runs and 10 hits in 2.1 innings of work before he was yanked with the Bosox down 7-0. Byrd is a 38-yr-old pitcher that has nothing left in the tank after a long and very average career. He was a stiff the past few years, he’s been off for a year and had no plans on even pitching this year until the Red Sox called him up out of the blue for some temporary help. He was one start left in his life and this is it and should the wager go down, so be it. The bottom line here is that we’re going with the best of it at this price and it would be absolutely shocking to not see the O’s score a few early. Play: Boston +1.85 (Risking 2 units).
September 9, 2009 2:00pm EST
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA +1.70 OVER Turkey PINNACLE
This is a huge match for both countries here, as only four points separate the two sides. Turkey will be the more desperate team as they view this as a must win if they are to creep within a point of Bosnia for that all important 2nd spot in group 5. Turkey beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in Istanbul when these two first met, however, this match is not in Istanbul and Turkey seems to struggle mightily on the road, as was displayed when they tied an awful Estonian team 0-0. On the flip side Bosnia-Herzegovina has yet to lose at home and will be ready for Turkey as they try to solidify second place and knock Turkey out of contention. Bosnia-Herzegovina has plenty of quality on the attacking side and is well organized in the back. Turkey has been resilient in the past and has shown they can defy the odds, however, this Bosnian team is a very good one and with a win they will lock up 2nd place. Bosnia-Herzegovina will also have revenge on their mind as they let a 1-0 lead slip in Istanbul losing 2-1. At home Bosnia-Herzegovina is extremely tough and the home crowd will provide an added boost lifting the Bosnians to a victory. Play: BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA +1.70 (Risking 2 units)
September 9, 2009 2:45pm EST
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe
Poland +1.73 over SLOVENIA PINNACLE
Poland travels to Slovenia as both countries are tied in 3rd place with 11 points each only 3 points behind second place Northern Ireland. Needless to say this is a massive match for both teams, as they will go for the win. Slovenia has played surprisingly good soccer and has a stingy defense allowing only four goals against in seven matches; however, they struggle to put the ball in the net as their 10 goals in seven matches will attest to. Poland has far more quality and will come out gunning from the start putting all sorts of pressure testing the Slovenian back line and goalkeeper. Slovenia’s last match was August 12, almost a full month ago and will show their rust while Poland played this past weekend drawing 1-1 with Northern Ireland and will be the better prepared team in this one. Overall, in a meaningful match Poland definitely has the better team and will show their quality and experience in this match. Play: Poland +1.73 (Risking 2 units)
September 9, 2009 3:00pm EST
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe
SERBIA +2.05 OVER France PINNACLE
I am not sure why odds makers have made Serbia an underdog in this one. They are first place in group 7, four points clear of 2nd place France, and are playing in Serbia. France is fortunate that they were placed in a weak group and are in second place only scoring nine goals while allowing seven makes me scratch my head wondering how can a team being only +2 in goal differential be in second place? This is not the France of old when they used to terrorize all competitions with a star-studded line up. Nobody is scared of France anymore; throw in the fact that their best player, Franck Ribery, will most likely not participate in this one due to injury, I cannot see Serbia losing at home here. Serbia is a very dangerous team on both sides of the ball as they have scored with ease burying 15 goals while only allowing five in the process. Serbia did lose in France 2-1, its only loss thus far; this along the idea that if they win they clinch top spot will certainly motivate the home side in this one. Play: SERBIA +2.05 (Risking 2 units)
September 9, 2009 7:00pm EST
World Cup Qualifiers - South America
Argentina +1.31 over PARAGUAY PINNACLE
There is now more pressure on Argentina than there has ever been in a long, long time to qualify for the World Cup in 2010. Argentina currently sits in 4th place only two points ahead of Colombia and come into this match-up five points behind Paraguay for 3rd place. Argentina was embarrassed at home against arch-rival Brazil 3-1 on Saturday. Chances are great they’ll win here, as they have way too much talent and too much pride at stake to lose. Albeit Paraguay is a very good team with talent and they’re playing this game at home. If Argentina fails to win we may see many changes starting with either the firing or resignation of Coach Diego Maradona. I just think the Argentine players will be ready for this one and will come out firing on all cylinders. Once again, Argentina has some of the world’s best players starting with Lionel Messi and Co. I can’t see them dropping this all-important contest. Can you imagine the 2010 World Cup in South Africa without the world’s two best players in C.Ronaldo and L.Messi? I certainly cannot. Play: Argentina +1.31 (Risking 2 units)
