The San Diego Padres know their hosts need to win to keep pace in the National League West race and can expect to face Mike Thompson's best stuff today.
The Padres start Mike Thompson, 3-2, 4.32 ERA. His last trip was a no decision, a 5-4 team loss against the Phillies, when he threw 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits.
Sporting a 49-54 overall record and a 18-24 mark within the division, the Rockies aim to knock the Padres (20-21 in the division) for a loss.
Oddsamakers have pegged the Rockies as -130 home favorites on this day, while the total is sitting at 10 runs.
Clint Hurdle's team was busy last game losing to San Diego 4-2 as pick. The 6 runs sent that game under the total of 9.
Some trends to consider: San Diego is 1-5-0 OU in its last 6 games against Colorado San Diego is 2-6-0 OU in its last 8 games away against Colorado San Diego is 8-3-0 OU in its last 11 away San Diego is 13-3-1 OU in its last 17 games Colorado is 3-8-0 SU in its last 11 games after scoring 1 to 3 runs Colorado is 2-6-0 OU in its last 8 games at home against San Diego Colorado is 1-5-0 OU in its last 6 games against San Diego Colorado is 1-5-0 OU in its last 6 at home
Next up: San Diego home to Houston, Tuesday, August 1 Colorado home to Milwaukee, Monday, July 31
SU: 55-49 ATS: SU: 49-54 ATS:
National League West battle: Colorado versus San Diego
Fresh off a win last game, Colorado can stay on a roll Saturday by handling the San Diego Padres.
The Padres are anxious to maintain their hold on top spot in the National League West standings, where a postseason berth awaits them. They ask Chris Young and his 8-4, 3.64 mark to keep them there.
Sporting a 49-53 overall record and a 18-23 mark within the division, the Rockies aim to knock the Padres (19-21 in the division) for a loss.
If you don't see much advantage or edge between these teams, you and Vegas oddsmakers have it the same way. The game opened as a pick'em on the line and 9 on the total. On the season, the Rockies are 49-53, while the Padres are 54-49.
After being held to 1 run in a loss against Rockies, the Padres' fans expect their offense to get on track at Coors Field. If not, this could be another one for San Diego's loss column.
The Padres staff is stingy with baserunners, allowing fewer men to reach base than just about every team in the league. Colorado needs to get to Young and into the bullpen to make things happen today.
Some trends to consider: San Diego is 1-4-0 OU in its last 5 games against Colorado San Diego is 2-5-0 OU in its last 7 games away against Colorado San Diego is 2-5-0 SU in its last 7 games after scoring 1 to 3 runs San Diego is 5-1-0 OU in its last 6 away Colorado is 3-7-0 SU in its last 10 games after scoring 1 to 3 runs Colorado is 2-5-0 OU in its last 7 games at home against San Diego Colorado is 1-4-0 OU in its last 5 games against San Diego Colorado is 1-4-0 OU in its last 5 at home
Next up: San Diego at Colorado, Sunday, July 30 Colorado home to San Diego, Sunday, July 30
Rookie driver Denny Hamlin will be gunning for his second straight victory on August 6 when the Nextel Cup Series hits Indy for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
Hamlin picked up a win in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway on July 23, holding off Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon to take the checkered flag. Brian Vickers was fourth at Pocono, while Kevin Harvick ended up in fifth place.
Jimmie Johnson finished sixth at Pocono, and now leads Matt Kenseth by 97 points atop the driver standings. Hamlin’s win vaulted him four spots in the standings to eighth place after 20 Nextel Cup Series events.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished way back in 43rd place after hitting the wall and exiting the race early, and that result dropped Earnhardt Jr. into 11th place in the standings, and below the cutoff line for the Chase for the Nextel Cup.
Johnson, Kenseth, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Harvick, Mark Martin, Kasey Kahne, Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart make up the standings’ current Top 10.
Stewart is the defending champion at Indy, having won the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard last season after starting way back from the No. 22 spot on the grid. It’s Gordon, though, that has the best NASCAR pedigree on the famous track, picking up four career victories there.
The Nextel Cup Series schedule for the rest of August features the Sirius Satellite Radio at the Glen (Aug 13), the GFS Marketplace 400 (Aug 20), and the Sharpie 500 (Aug 26). The Chase for the Nextel Cup gets underway at the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 17.
Hope emerges for troubled betting title The Sportsman
LONDON - Daily sports betting paper The Sportsman is understood to have attracted interest from a number of potential buyers and could soon come out of administration.
The title, which is published by Sports Betting Media and launched just four months ago, was placed in administration last week following poor sales.
However, it has emerged that a number of media firms have since contacted administrator UHY Hacker Young expressing an interest in the firm.
It is also speculated that Irish investor and shareholder Dermot Desmond, who owns London City Airport and is the largest shareholder in Celtic FC, could be interested in taking over the title.
A spokesman for The Sportsman said: "At this stage, there are lots of rumours going around ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. I'm not surprised to hear that there is interest as we still feel it is a good product."
Whoever takes over the title will have a tough job turning around disappointing sales and the high costs associated with any newly launched product.
It was hoped its daily circulation would hit 40,000, but it is understood it is currently less than half this.
The spokesman added: "Our research shows that once people buy a copy they stick with it. At the moment, we are finding good days on Saturday and Sundays and sales not doing so well on Mondays and Tuesdays."
Sports Betting Media stressed that during the period of administration the title will continue to be published.
Oddsmakers don't give the Reds much of a chance Tuesday, installing them and their starting pitcher as pups when they visit Houston at Minute Maid Park.
The Reds start Aaron Harang, 10-6, 3.72 ERA. His last trip was a no decision, a 7-4 team win against the Mets, when he threw 2 innings, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits.
Cincinnati has been one of the league's hottest teams, adding 7 games to the win column in their past 10 starts. They have been averaging 4.8 runs per game during this stretch and racking up 9.1 hits per game. Overall, they are 52-47 facing a Houston team with a 47-52 record.
Oddsmakers like the Astros in this one, opening the line at 145 in favor of Houston. They are 47-52 this season, while the Reds are 52-47. The total, which is 45-48-6 to the OVER in Astros games and 49-43-7 in Reds games, opened at 8.
Jerry Narron's team hopes to rebound from a 4-1 loss at the hands of the Brewers. They were favorites in a game that went under the total.
Meanwhile, at Shea Stadium, the underdog Astros were winning against the Mets 8-4. The game was an over play.
Cincinnati pitchers are charitable with the baserunners, giving up more hits per game than just about every team in the league. The Astros hitters could see a lot of good pitches to hit today.
Some trends to consider: Cincinnati is 2-2-3 OU in its last 7 games against Houston Cincinnati is 4-8-1 OU in its last 13 games away against Houston Cincinnati is 4-2-0 OU in its last 6 games Cincinnati is 4-1-0 OU in its last 5 away Houston is 4-2-0 SU in its last 6 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs Houston is 4-8-1 OU in its last 13 games at home against Cincinnati Houston is 2-2-3 OU in its last 7 games against Cincinnati Houston is 1-5-0 OU in its last 6 games
Next up: Cincinnati at Houston, Wednesday, July 26 Houston home to Cincinnati, Wednesday, July 26
SU: 52-47 ATS: SU: 47-52 ATS:
Indians host rival Tigers on Monday - Major League Baseball
Oddsmakers don't give the Tigers much of a chance Monday, installing them and their starting pitcher as pups when they visit Cleveland at Jacobs Field.
The Tigers are anxious to maintain their hold on top spot in the American League Central standings, where a postseason berth awaits them. They ask Jeremy Bonderman and his 10-4, 3.53 mark to keep them there.
Cleveland has been struggling of late, winning just 3 of their past 10 games. They have averaged just 4.6 runs per game during this stretch and getting 11.4 hits per game. For the season, they are 43-54 facing a Detroit team carrying a 66-32 record.
Detroit gets its chance to win as a road dog after the line opened with their opposition as 115 favorites. They are 66-32 and face the Indians and their 43-54. The total opened at 9.
Last time out, the Tigers defeated the Athletics 8-4 as favorites. That contest went over the closing total.
Meanwhile, at Jacobs Field, the underdog Indians were losing to the Twins 3-1. The game was an under play.
The Tigers staff is stingy with baserunners, allowing fewer men to reach base than just about every team in the league. Cleveland needs to get to Bonderman and into the bullpen to make things happen today.
Some trends to consider: Detroit is 2-11-2 OU in its last 15 games against Cleveland Detroit is 1-5-0 OU in its last 6 away Detroit is 2-5-0 SU in its last 7 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs Cleveland is 5-1-0 OU in its last 6 games Cleveland is 6-2-1 OU in its last 9 at home Cleveland is 2-11-2 OU in its last 15 games against Detroit
Next up: Detroit at Cleveland, Tuesday, July 25 Cleveland home to Detroit, Tuesday, July 25
Garrett Atkins hit a two-run double with one out in the ninth inning to help the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 on Sunday.
The Rockies rallied against Diamondbacks closer Jorge Julio (1-4), who blew his second save in 14 chances. Julio gave up an RBI single to Clint Barmes with one out before Atkins doubled home two runs. Todd Helton added another run with a single off Brandon Medders, who relieved Julio.
Julio gave up four runs, three hits and a walk while getting just one out.
Barmes finished with four hits, including a triple, for Colorado.
Tom Martin (2-0) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the victory. Rockie closer Brian Fuentes got the final three outs for his 17th save in 21 chances.
The Diamondbacks appeared headed for victory when they scored six runs in the fourth inning to overcome a 5-1 deficit.
Conor Jackson, Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green and Carlos Quentin each hit doubles in the fourth as the Diamondbacks rallied.
Gonzalez had three hits - a triple, double and single.
The Rockies completed a 2-8 road trip.
The Rockies jumped on Arizona starter Juan Cruz for three runs in the first. Colorado added a run in the second and another in the fourth to take a 5-1 lead.
But that wasn't nearly enough support for Byung-Hyun Kim.
He gave up one run on a leadoff home run by Jeff DaVanon in the first, then worked out of jams in the second and third innings. But the Diamondbacks solved Kim's sidearm delivery in the fourth.
Arizona scored six runs on five hits, four of them doubles. Rookie Quentin and Green each hit two-run doubles, and Jackson and Gonzalez each doubled home a run.
Kim was gone after 3 2-3 innings, one out longer than his shortest start of the season.
The Diamondbacks' big inning spared Cruz his sixth straight defeat. The Rockies belted him for five runs on eight hits in four innings. He walked one and struck out six.
Toronto hopes to exploit home field advantage and ride the arm of Ted Lilly to earn a division win Saturday against the Yankees.
The Yankees start Chien-Ming Wang, 10-4, 3.94 ERA. His last trip was a win, a 4-2 team win against the Mariners, when he threw 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits.
New York takes its 55-39 mark to Toronto to battle the 54-42 Blue Jays today.
The Yankees are road favorites, opening as 102 chalk, with an opening total of 9.5. They are 55-39 this season and 47-44-3 OU. The Blue Jays are 54-42 and are 47-40-9 OU.
John Gibbons's team was busy last game winning against New York 7-3 as favorites. The 10 runs sent that game as a push against the total of 10.
Don't expect Toronto to beat themselves at the plate by striking out a lot. The selective Blue Jays batters are in the top three in the league, fanning just 5.3 times per game.
Some trends to consider: New York is 1-3-2 OU in its last 6 games against Toronto New York is 1-2-2 OU in its last 5 away New York is 5-8-3 OU in its last 16 games away against Toronto Toronto is 5-1-0 SU in its last 6 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs Toronto is 5-8-3 OU in its last 16 games at home against New York Toronto is 1-3-2 OU in its last 6 games against New York Toronto is 1-3-2 OU in its last 6 at home
Next up: NY Yankees at Toronto, Sunday, July 23 Toronto home to NY Yankees, Sunday, July 23
SU: 55-39 ATS: SU: 54-42 ATS:
Wireless poker and sports betting, online gambling goes mobile - place bets on your mobile phone
Online gambling opponents’ worst nightmare has come true. Sports bettors can now wager online via their cellular phone or their pda, anytime, everywhere. New technologies relegate internet wagering in the back seat and confine phone wagering to the dinosaurs age.
What's more exciting than the best casino action on the Internet? How about the best casino-gaming action on YOUR schedule? Play the award-winning games from the Golden Palace Online Casino collection — and play whenever you want, wherever you want.
It’s never been easier to play your favorite games. With Golden Palace Mobile, you can enjoy casino-style entertainment wirelessly! Take your gaming to a new level with games that you can play in pubs and bars, in cabs, airport lounges or even on the beach. Enjoy Golden Palace Mobile625 Mobile Devices Worldwide, including support for Windows Mobile PocketPC and Smartphone, Palm, Java and RIM Blackberry 7000 series. They’ve got the world covered, literally!
Love to play? Play for REAL money or for FREE these exciting games: BlackJack, Win One Million Dollars, Baccarat, Jacks or Better, and Keno. All are automatically downloaded through your phone via SMS download links through an Over-the-Air Download System with a Real-Time (MIDP) Java Provisioning Tool. All selected phones are supported by a friendly staff dedicated to mobile customer use.
Best of all you can open a new account from the application AND if you already have accounts with selected casinos, all your accounts can be accessed through ONE account! Choose to play for REAL money, and you can fund your account WIRELESSLY. The Golden Place Mobile Cashier supports myCitadel, FirePay, Visa, Switch, Solo, MasterCard, Pay2, and NETeller. Multi-Currency Support: US$, UK pounds, Euro.128-bit end-to-end encryption.
GoldenPalaceMobile.com — don't miss out on exciting casino play — anywhere, anytime. Sign up today! from virtually anywhere, anytime. It’s private, secure, and most of all, convenient. And you can rely on the broadest support for mobile devices possible –over
In my opinion these are the five most influential figures in Las Vegas sports betting history. They made my list by actually influencing, good or bad, the progression of sports betting to its current state in Las Vegas today. Of course until the past few years what happened in Las Vegas didn’t stay here (pun intended). We had a big influence on the rest of the country and globally to a smaller extent. That’s no longer the case but when it was these men were played a big part. In chronological order:
Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder - He put an early face on Las Vegas, added a mystique to the sports odds and betting visions that were perceived throughout the rest of the country. It was mostly marketing in Jimmys case because he wasn’t thought of as particularly sharp to those of us who actually dealt with him. Doesn’t matter, he was the first high profile spokesman and he was a boost for early Las Vegas (TV career came after the fact).
Bob Martin – Now we get to the real substance. Bob was the opposite of The Greek. Bob didn’t seek or need marketing, he was the real deal. Bob booked his own numbers and booked them high. Bobs numbers went out to the world, they were the Bible. You could put Bob Martins numbers up with no questions asked. Bob put the face of legitimacy and integrity on Las Vegas sports betting. Unlike The Greek, Bob Martin was held in high esteem as a handicapper, bookmaker and an all time gentleman. If there’s a #1 Bob’s it.
“The Computer” a.k.a. The Computer Group – In the mid 70s three men joined forces to form a high tech, computer driven approach to not only handicapping the right side of a game but they figured out how to get down for as much as they could. They were called The Computer Group by the media and law enforcement for that matter. To us they were simply The Computer. It’s a fascinating story that I’ll relive later, but they were the first to hammer the bookmakers with consistent winners AND also get down for as much as they could. They employed legions of “runners” and phone men and were very adept at disguising the “right side” the side they actually liked.
Michael “Roxy” Roxborough - Roxy and I traveled a rocky road together but I recognize his accomplishments and the very positive face he put on Las Vegas sportsbooks. Roxy founded Las Vegas Sports Consultants, Roxy’s gone but they’re still in business as the main, licensed Las Vegas odds service. During the time he was LVSC’s owner the Las Vegas odds/betting market busted out big time to mainstream America. Roxy got a haircut and put on a suit and tie and did a fantastic job of being the face of Las Vegas sports betting. He was our spokesman during his reign. He put a corporate, up scale spin on us that was acceptable across Middle America. He was very influential in ushering in the Las Vegas sports betting boom.
Vic Salerno – Vic and I also traveled a rocky road but he has to be included as the force behind modernizing our approach to doing business. Vic brought us out of the easy to scam, burdensome, hand written ticket days. Vic founded Computer Bookmaking Systems (CBS) and changed the way business was done forever. What took a full day/night cycle to write and grade tickets was reduced to the push of a button. And more important, now the casino owners got first count.
I know this casino will pay you if you win while playing online. They have some really excellent video poker games. Single line games, 2 to 4 line games and even a 100 play draw poker game! I like both personal interactive poker, and video poker, so if you like it, try this poker site.
Chris Denorfia singled past shortstop Clint Barmes with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning Saturday night, rallying the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-2 victory over the slumping Colorado Rockies.
Trailing 2-1, the Reds came back against closer Brian Fuentes (2-3), who was making his first appearance since throwing a scoreless inning during the All-Star game in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
if (self['plpm'] && plpm['Mid-Story Ad']) document.write('
Fuentes hit consecutive batters to load the bases with two outs and bring up Denorfia, who was celebrating his 26th birthday. Barmes charged Denorfia's soft grounder and couldn't make a play, allowing two runs to score as the ball skittered past him.
Denorfia is getting a chance to play right field with Austin Kearns gone to Washington as part of an eight-player deal on Thursday. The two key relievers in that trade also figured in the Reds' win.
Right-hander Gary Majewski blew a 1-0 lead in the eighth, when Jorge Piedra doubled home a pair of runs with two outs. Left-hander Bill Bray (2-1) pitched a perfect ninth to get the win in his first appearance for Cincinnati, 3-0 since the All-Star break.
The Rockies matched their season high with their sixth straight loss. They were a half-game out of first place in the NL West before going into the dive, which has dropped them to the bottom of the bunched-up division.
Both pitching staffs dug in on a sticky, 92-degree night. The first 10 hits were singles -- three didn't even leave the infield -- at one of the majors' most homer-friendly ballparks. It was only the 23rd game without a homer in Great American Ball Park's four seasons.
Like most games in Cincinnati this season, it came down to which bullpen would falter.
All-Star pitcher Bronson Arroyo emerged from his slump with seven shutout innings, turning a 1-0 lead over to a bullpen reshaped by that eight-player trade with Washington. Majewski couldn't hold the lead in his second appearance since the deal, giving up a pair of singles before Piedra doubled down the first base line with two outs.
Piedra was hitting .154 when he came to bat, and was only 2-for-22 as a pinch-hitter. Majewski threw back his head in disgust as the runners circled the bases on his double.
The Reds then pulled off their comeback with the help of a walk, two hit batters and the winning infield single, costing Aaron Cook another win. The right-hander has been the victim of poor offense and bad relief pitching the last two months.
Playing practically in his backyard, Cook gave up six hits -- including Scott Hatteberg's RBI double in the sixth -- in seven innings. The right-hander grew up in nearby Hamilton, where he won a state prep baseball championship, and lives there in the offseason.
Cook has only two wins in nine games despite solid performances. The Rockies have scored two runs or less in six of those nine starts, and the bullpen has repeatedly let him down.
Notes: Rockies SS Omar Quintanilla left the game after fouling a ball off his right shin during a seventh-inning at-bat. ... Colorado 3B Garrett Atkins had three hits and extended his hitting streak to nine games. ... The Reds used the same starting lineup for the second day in a row, the first time they'd done that all season. ... C Jason LaRue started his fifth game in a row, his longest streak of the season. ... Cincinnati 3B Rich Aurilia extended his hitting streak to nine games. ... Arroyo pitched a scoreless inning in Tuesday's All-Star game.
Oddsmakers don't give the Mets much of a chance Saturday, installing them and their starting pitcher as pups when they visit Chicago at Wrigley Field.
The Mets are anxious to maintain their hold on top spot in the National League East standings, where a postseason berth awaits them. They ask Tom Glavine and his 11-2, 3.48 mark to keep them there.
Sporting a 34-55 overall record and a 23-23 mark within the division, the Cubs aim to knock the Mets (23-12 in the division) for a loss.
Check back later for this game's line and total.
Dusty Baker's troops were at home against the Mets last game and came away with a 6-3 loss, a game that went under 10. Oddsmakers had them as underdogs.
Don't expect the Cubs to beat themselves at the plate by striking out a lot. The selective Cubs batters are in the top three in the league, fanning just 5.4 times per game.
Some trends to consider: New York is 1-14-1 OU in its last 16 games against Chi Cubs New York is 6-3-0 OU in its last 9 away New York is 8-3-0 OU in its last 11 games New York is 18-6-0 SU in its last 24 games after scoring 4 to 6 runs Chi Cubs are 2-2-2 OU in its last 6 at home Chi Cubs are 2-4-0 OU in its last 6 games Chi Cubs are 6-17-0 SU in its last 23 games after scoring 1 to 3 runs Chi Cubs are 1-14-1 OU in its last 16 games against New York
Next up: NY Mets at Chi Cubs, Sunday, July 16 Chi Cubs home to NY Mets, Sunday, July 16
It could be a long day for hitters Friday when the top dogs for the Reds and Rockies duel in Cincinnati.
The Rockies start Jason Jennings, 6-6, 3.67 ERA. His last trip was a no decision, an 8-7 team loss against the Diamondbacks, when he threw 8 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits.
Cincinnati has been struggling of late, winning just 2 of their past 10 games. They have averaged just 5.4 runs per game during this stretch and getting 12.2 hits per game. For the season, they are 46-44 facing a Colorado team carrying a 44-44 record.
Colorado comes in as a small road dog, as the line opened at 135 in favor of the hosts. The Reds, who are 46-44 this season, face the Rockies and their 44-44 slate. The OVER/UNDER has been set at 9.
Clint Hurdle's team hopes to rebound from a 9-7 loss at the hands of the Reds. They were underdogs in a game that went over the total.
Some trends to consider: Colorado is 4-8-1 OU in its last 13 games away against Cincinnati Colorado is 5-2-0 SU in its last 7 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs Cincinnati is 5-1-0 OU in its last 6 games Cincinnati is 4-1-0 OU in its last 5 at home Cincinnati is 4-8-1 OU in its last 13 games at home against Colorado
Next up: Colorado at Cincinnati, Saturday, July 15 Cincinnati home to Colorado, Saturday, July 15
SU: 44-44 ATS: SU: 46-44 ATS:
Rockies and Diamondbacks are in the Spotlight Sunday
The Diamondbacks hope they get more respect from the Rockies on Sunday than they do from Vegas oddsmakers, who peg them as pups.
Sporting a 44-42 overall record and a 15-20 mark within the division, the Rockies aim to knock the Diamondbacks (17-15 in the division) for a loss.
Oddsmakers like the Rockies in this one, opening the line at 145 in favor of Colorado. The total, which is 33-49-4 to the OVER in Rockies games and 44-40-3 in Diamondbacks games, opened at 9.5.
The Rockies lost to the Diamondbacks 8-7 as favorites. That contest went over the closing total.
Some trends to consider: Arizona is 5-15-0 OU in its last 20 games away against Colorado Arizona is 3-5-1 OU in its last 9 games against Colorado Arizona is 2-4-0 SU in its last 6 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs Arizona is 4-1-0 OU in its last 5 away Colorado is 5-1-0 SU in its last 6 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs Colorado is 3-5-1 OU in its last 9 games against Arizona Colorado is 2-4-0 OU in its last 6 games Colorado is 8-17-1 OU in its last 26 at home
Next up: Arizona home to Milwaukee, Friday, July 14 Colorado at Cincinnati, Thursday, July 13
SU: 42-45 ATS: SU: 44-42 ATS:
I like the Rockies for the win today ( Digitalseller )
Major League Baseball Previews for Saturday July 8th - 2006
Written by Doug Whiteley
Las Vegas opened my eyes once again.
I've been there many times before and seen the lights and sights, so I wasn't awed by the lavishness of the city or the hoards of people who go to enjoy its lavishness.
Actually, Vegas in the summer, with its 100-degree heat, sometimes keeps the huge crowds away. The summer is normally the most quiet time, especially in the sports books because there aren't too many who bet baseball.
This time was different, however, because the books were jumping — and so was everywhere else where there was a television.
The reason people were standing four deep — World Cup soccer.
Last I checked Las Vegas is in America and in America we don't care about soccer — or so I thought. Early in the morning people were overflowing the sports books. Vegas promotes itself as a 24/7 town, but that's not really the case. Things aren't very busy in the morning hours, but this must have been a huge event to draw these numbers.
There are always plenty of tourists from outside our great land who vacation in Vegas. If you need proof, go up to any stranger when you're in town and ask them nicely to snap a photo of you. I'd wager you'll hear a language unfamiliar to you before you snap off 10 shots.
But I suspected that all those people who packed the sports book to watch Germany and Argentina and Italy and the Ukraine play on Friday couldn't have been from places outside the United States.
I didn't pause to give it much consideration.
Saturday afternoon, however, my wife and I decided to eat a late lunch at the Mexican restaurant in our hotel and I got a lesson in just how important soccer is to many.
The sports book is just off to the side of the restaurant and we had to weave in and out of people who were backed up in the walk way because they were watching the end of France's 1-0 upset over favorite Brazil.
When we finally did make our way to the hostess stand, there was no one there. The hostess, was caught up in the excitement herself and was standing in the bar area watching the match as well. She looked at us with a rather unhappy look when she realized she would have to leave the game for a few moments to seat us.
I had seen the score and made a comment that no one really wants to see France win and she quickly agreed, adding that she had Brazilian heritage.
The match ended, the bar cleared out and my wife and I enjoyed a leisurely lunch, although the salsa was too spicy for my bride.
I inquired to see if our waiter had been working the previous week when Mexico lost to Argentina. I asked if it was as busy as it was for the France vs. Brazil game and he said it was even more packed. He expressed some dismay about Mexico's undoing, but then added that prior to the start of the event he had wagered on Portugal to win it all and Portugal had beaten England in the quarterfinals, 3-1, on penalty kicks earlier on Saturday.
So, like most bettors, his allegiance to his team was the one he had bet on, not necessarily his home team (assuming he was Mexican, although I didn't ask him).
I've never been much into soccer, but if it's as exciting enough for all those people to follow it while working or vacationing, perhaps I should.
There are only two more chances in this World Cup. Saturday, Portugal plays Germany for third place and Sunday afternoon the championship features France against Italy.
Now is as good a time as any to start watching soccer. Maybe I should have asked our waiter if the game is interesting even if you don't have money on it.
Doug Whiteley writes for The Reporter and may be reached by e-mail at dwhitele@fdlreporter.com
Few teams faced more questions heading into the World Cup than Italy and France. The French were over the hill _ they couldn't even score. The Italians were consumed by the biggest soccer scandal in the nation's history. No teams have answered their doubters more emphatically.
"We were not listening to it when they were giving us a lot of stick," French forward Thierry Henry said, "and we're not listening to it now."
On Sunday in Berlin, the Italians play for their fourth world soccer championship and the French go for their second.
Both teams have rich traditions, but neither entered the monthlong tournament a favorite.
The Italians came to Germany as a match-fixing scandal built at home. Day after day, allegations of bribes and favoritism piled up against four topflight clubs for which 13 of the 23 Italy team members play.
The players were silent about the probe, but their performances were boisterous.
"Yes, the confusion of the past two months has given us all the desire to respond in an appropriate way," coach Marcello Lippi said. "It's brought this group of guys together. We wanted to show what Italian soccer really means."
Italy won the World Cup in 1934, 1938 and 1982. This time it has allowed only an own-goal in six games, and now its offense is rising to the same level. After beating Germany with two goals in the final minutes of extra time, Italy headed to its first final since losing to Brazil in 1994.
That run has required a determination no team has matched in this event.
Except, perhaps, for France.
Four years ago, the French became the first defending champion to exit in the opening round of the next World Cup. They didn't even score a goal in 2002.
In the buildup to Germany 2006, they rarely impressed, barely escaping from their qualifying group. Veteran players such as Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Fabien Barthez hinted at dissension toward coach Raymond Domenech.
Continues here .....
France won a ticket to the World Cup final, after beating Portugal 1-0 in a second semi-final held in Munich on Wednesday. It was soccer star Zinedine Zidane who scored the winner. After Ricardo Carvalho was whistled for a foul on Thierry Henry in the 33rd minute, the French captain cooly converted the hot disputed penalty into the game's only goal. Once considered soccer's over-the-hill gang, France now meets Italy at Berlin on Sunday, making their second ever appearance in a World Cup final.
National League West rivals Colorado and San Francisco get back to business Tuesday when the Giants visit the Rockies at Coors Field.
Jason Schmidt brings a 6-3 mark and a 2.73 ERA to the table for San Francisco. He controlled the Rockies nicely is his last outing, throwing 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits, walking 3 and striking out 6.
San Francisco takes its 43-40 mark to Colorado to battle the 42-40 Rockies today.
The Giants come in as slight 115 road favorites and look to improve on their 20-20 road mark for the year. The Rockies, 42-40, are 20-19 at home and will try to bite big as a dog. Totals bettors see the line opened at 9.
The Giants come off a 9-6 win against the Rockies, a game where they were underdogs. The game went over the closing total of 10.
The Giants staff is stingy with baserunners, allowing fewer men to reach base than just about every team in the league. Colorado needs to get to Schmidt and into the bullpen to make things happen today.
Some trends to consider: San Francisco is 3-6-1 OU in its last 10 games away against Colorado San Francisco is 6-12-1 OU in its last 19 games against Colorado San Francisco is 2-4-0 SU in its last 6 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs San Francisco is 4-1-0 OU in its last 5 away Colorado is 18-8-0 SU in its last 26 games after scoring 4 to 6 runs Colorado is 6-12-1 OU in its last 19 games against San Francisco Colorado is 3-6-1 OU in its last 10 games at home against San Francisco Colorado is 7-18-1 OU in its last 26 at home
Next up: San Francisco at Colorado, Wednesday, July 5 Colorado home to San Francisco, Wednesday, July 5
SU: 43-40 ATS: SU: 42-40 ATS:
Reds anxious to halt 3-game losing skid - Baseball Betting
Milwaukee hopes to exploit home field advantage and ride the arm of Doug Davis to earn a division win Tuesday against the Reds.
The Reds start Bronson Arroyo, 9-4, 2.58 ERA. His last trip was a no decision, a 6-5 team win against the Royals, when he threw 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits.
Milwaukee brings a 41-43 overall mark (17-19 in the division) into this game versus a Cincinnati team carrying a 44-39 record.
The Reds are road favorites, opening as 130 chalk, with an opening total of 9. They are 44-39 this season and 40-37-6 OU. The Brewers are 41-43 and are 45-34-5 OU.
Ned Yost's team was busy last game winning against Cincinnati 8-7 as underdogs. The 15 runs sent that game over the total of 10.
The hosts have strikeout specialists on staff and they rank #3 in the league, whiffing 7.2 batters per game. They will be looking to prove that reputation true again today.
Some trends to consider: Cincinnati is 1-3-1 OU in its last 5 away Cincinnati is 6-3-0 OU in its last 9 games against Milwaukee Cincinnati is 6-3-0 SU in its last 9 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs Cincinnati is 4-1-0 OU in its last 5 games away against Milwaukee Milwaukee is 4-1-0 OU in its last 5 games at home against Cincinnati Milwaukee is 6-3-0 OU in its last 9 games against Cincinnati Milwaukee is 2-4-0 OU in its last 6 at home Milwaukee is 1-4-0 SU in its last 5 games after scoring 7 to 9 runs
Next up: Cincinnati at Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 5 Milwaukee home to Cincinnati, Wednesday, July 5
All I can say is that Poker is not Poker unless it is played at Poker.com. They have the best graphics, the most realistic tables, the most frequent freerolls, promotions and tournaments and a plethora of games that we all love, including Texas Holdem, 5 Card, 7 Card, Omaha and many more.
The latest battle in the long-running war between the division rival Giants and Rockies goes today with Noah Lowry slated to go against Aaron Cook.
The Giants start Lowry, 3-5, 3.86 ERA. His last trip was a win, a 5-1 team win against the Rangers, when he threw 7 2/3 innings, allowing one run on six hits.
Sporting a 42-40 overall record and a 15-15 mark within the division, the Giants aim to knock the Rockies (13-17 in the division) for a loss.
The Giants come in as a slight road dog and look to improve on their 42-40 mark. The Rockies, 42-39, will try to take the cash from dog bettors, while totals bettors see the line opened at 9.5.
Felipe Alou's team hopes to build upon a 6-2 win over the Padres. They were 135 underdogs in a game that went as a push against the total.
Clint Hurdle's troops were at Seattle against the Mariners last game and came away with a 4-3 win, a game that went under 9. Oddsmakers had them as underdogs.
The Giants staff is stingy with baserunners, allowing fewer men to reach base than just about every team in the league. Colorado needs to get to Lowry and into the bullpen to make things happen today.
Some trends to consider: San Francisco is 1-4-0 OU in its last 5 games away against Colorado San Francisco is 5-12-1 OU in its last 18 games against Colorado San Francisco is 2-4-1 OU in its last 7 games San Francisco is 5-1-0 SU in its last 6 games after scoring 4 to 6 runs Colorado is 6-2-0 SU in its last 8 games after scoring 4 to 6 runs Colorado is 5-12-1 OU in its last 18 games against San Francisco Colorado is 6-19-1 OU in its last 26 at home Colorado is 1-4-0 OU in its last 5 games at home against San Francisco
Next up: San Francisco at Colorado, Tuesday, July 4 Colorado home to San Francisco, Tuesday, July 4
SU: 42-40 ATS: SU: 42-39 ATS:
Major League Baseball Previews for Sunday July 2nd 2006 - Play Ball
The Mariners want to avoid a repeat of last game's result - a 2-0 loss to the Rockies - when they host the Rockies on Saturday. They hope Joel Pineiro can be the skid-stopper for them.
Colorado has been one of the league's hottest teams, adding 7 games to the win column in their past 10 starts. They have been averaging 5.9 runs per game during this stretch and racking up 7.7 hits per game. Overall, they are 41-38 facing a Seattle team with a 41-40 record.
Colorado gets its chance to win as a road dog after the line opened with their opposition as 125 favorites. They are 41-38 and face the Mariners and their 41-40. The total opened at 9.
Mike Hargrove's troops were at home against the Rockies last game and came away with a 2-0 loss, a game that went under 9. Oddsmakers had them as favorites.
Some trends to consider: Colorado is 1-5-1 OU in its last 7 games away against Seattle Colorado is 1-4-1 OU in its last 6 games against Seattle Colorado is 2-6-0 SU in its last 8 games after scoring 1 to 3 runs Seattle is 4-2-0 OU in its last 6 at home Seattle is 4-2-0 OU in its last 6 games Seattle is 1-4-1 OU in its last 6 games against Colorado Seattle is 1-5-1 OU in its last 7 games at home against Colorado
Next up: Colorado at Seattle, Sunday, July 2 Seattle home to Colorado, Sunday, July 2