Monday, April 30, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 196.28 Units

Chicago Cubs -1.5 over Pittsburgh Pirates
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.10 Units

Wonder-kid Rich Hill VS. Not-so-wonder-kid Zach Duke... Pittsburgh has been playing some good ball, but I still like this bet, simply based on talent and the pitching match up.

St. Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers UNDER 8.5 runs
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.05 Units

More a gut feeling than anything, I just get the feeling this will be a low scoring game. I was thinking about skipping this game because I am down a few units; but you can't bet with fear.

San Diego Padres -1.5 over Washington Nationals
Bet 2 Units to win 1.60 Units

After the way the Padres robbed Peavy of a win in his last outing, they'd better come out swinging against John Patterson and the frigging Nationals. Peavy and I both need this.

Arizona Diamondbacks over Los Angeles Dodgers MONEYLINE
Bet 2.20 Units to win 2 Units

Brandon Webb alone makes this a very good bet. Factor in the fatigue that the Dodgers and their bullpen must have after their 17 inning game last night, and it makes this a GREAT bet. Unless Randy Wolf pitches a true gem tonight, this game should be all Diamondbacks.

Los Angeles Angels -1.5 over Kansas City Royals
Bet 2.20 Units to win 2 Units

John Lackey against the Kansas City Royals line-up, and Odalis Perez against the well-rested and hot bats of the Anaheim Angels. I feel like I'm being given free money today... why does it always go wrong?

New Jersey Devils @ Ottawa Senators OVER 5 goals
Bet 1.25 Units to win 1 Unit

Always risky to take an over against Marty Brodeur, but the game is being played in Ottawa, where the tempo should be high and I get the feeling there will be goals aplenty.

Last day of the month, lets get back to even! Good luck!

Results: .80 Units Won (197.08 Units)

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 197.78 Units

Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 over Florida Marlins
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.25 Units

Jamie Moyer has pitched well thus far this season, and the Phillies have the bats to muscle some run support for him out of Wes Obermueller.

Los Angeles Dodgers over San Diego Padres MONEYLINE
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Lowe over Wells I'll take any day of the week, even if the San Diego bats have been heating up a little bit of late.

New York Yankees -1.5 over Boston Red Sox
Bet 2 Units to win 2 Units

Chien-Ming Wang is better than Julian Tavares. The Yanks offense is better than the Red Sox offense. The game is at Yankee stadium. Even my cold streak can't lose me this one can it?

Minnesota Twins -1.5 over Detroit Tigers
Bet 2.10 Units to win 2 Units

Despite the fact that betting on Santana hasn't boded well for me thus far this year, the point remains that he is the best pitcher in the game today, and Mike Maroth is very ordinary. Another pick I just don't see dropping.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays -1.5 over Oakland Athletics
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.35 Units

Scott Kazmir should dominate this Oakland A's offense, and if he gets any run support whatsoever, this bet should hold up.

Buffalo Sabres over New York Rangers MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.05 Units

Rangers could very well win this game, but you know how I feel about being offered one of (if not the) best team in the league at better than even money without having to give up a goal and a half...

Good luck! I need it!

Results: 1.50 Units Lost (196.28 Units)

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 202.83 Units

Milwaukee Brewers over Houston Astros MONEYLINE
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Last time Dave Bush faced the Astros, he out-dueled Roy Oswalt. This time, he faces Chris Sampson. I like his chances.

San Fransisco Giants -1.5 over Arizona Diamondbacks
Bet 2 Units to win 2.40 Units

On top of the fact that the Giants have been playing well and are going against Arizona's worst starter in Edgar Gonzalez, they are sending Matt Cain to the mound; the best off-the-radar pitcher in baseball.

Boston Red Sox over New York Yankees MONEYLINE
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

The knuckleball has been dancing well for Wakefield to start the season, and Karstens is flat out terrible. The Yankees have to get out of their slump eventually, I'll just hope it isn't today.

Detroit Red Wings -1.5 over San Jose Sharks
Bet 2 Units to win 3.70 Units

I LOVE this play. You can't go into Detroit, shut the Red Wings out in Game 1 in their own stadium, and expect them not to roar back in game two. I still believe that the Sharks are the better team, but the Red Wings are too good at home and too proud of a team to drop both games in Detroit.

Good luck!

Results: 5.05 Units Lost (197.78 Units)

Friday, April 27, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 206.18 Units

Dallas Mavericks -4.5 over Golden State Warriors
Bet 1.10 Units to win 1 Unit

I'm STILL not sold on the whole Golden State has Dallas's number thing. I'm really not. Granted, it isn't like it doesn't have any support; I just can't and won't pass on the best team in basketball, a tier above everyone but the Suns, at - only 4.5.

Florida Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies UNDER 10 runs
Bet 1.10 Units to win 1 Unit

Anabel Sanchez VS. Freddy Garcia... not that either is superstar material, but 10 runs is a lot of runs. I don't expect both teams to score over 5, so as long as one team doesn't get too carried away, this should stay under.

Milwaukee Brewers @ Houston Astros UNDER 8 runs
Bet 1.15 Units to win 1 Unit

Chris Capuano VS. Roy Oswalt. Now there's a pitching duel! Neither team hits 4 runs in this one; under all the way.

Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis Cardinals OVER 8.5 runs
Bet 1.15 Units to win 1 Unit

Jason Marquis VS. Anthony Reyes. Hmm. Despite the fact that Marquis is off to a great start this year, I'm still not sold. I just don't see this one being a defensive struggle... I've been wrong before, but I'll bet the bats here.

Los Angeles Dodgers over San Diego Padres MONEYLINE
Bet 1.03 Units to win 1 Unit

After a lackluster series against the Giants, the Dodgers will bounce back tonight against my disowned pick for breakout of the year candidate Clay Hensley.

Buffalo Sabres -1.5 over New York Rangers
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.60 Units

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Give me the best team in the East at home in the playoffs VS. a 6 seed and I'll make this bet 10 out of 10 times.

Anaheim Ducks -1.5 over Vancouver Canucks
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.50 Units

Same story here. I'd love to see Luongo stand on his head and steal this game, but give me the Ducks at home every time at these odds.

Good luck!

Results: 3.35 Units Lost (202.83 Units)

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Long Term Picks

I have two plays I can't pass up on at these odds.

New Jersey Devils win series over Ottawa Senators
Bet 2 Units to win 2.30 Units
Bet .5 Units to win 1.30 Units**

Heck, I hope I lose this bet, as I'd love to see the Senators and the Sabres clash in the Eastern Conference finals. But how the #2 seeded Devils (who as I've said are a team built for the playoffs) are UNDERDOGS in this series just baffles me. Are you one to turn down free money?

San Jose Sharks win series over Detroit Red Wings
Bet 2 Units to win 2.20 Units

The Sharks were my early pick to win the west, and they are my pick in 6 to win this series. So, I'd be a bit of a hypocrite if I didn't put a couple of units on them at this price, don't you think?

**After losing game 1, you can now bet the Devils at 1 Unit to win 2.60, so I'll tack on half a unit at that price.

Picks of the Day

Total: 207.53 Units

Phoenix Suns -4.0 over Los Angeles Lakers
Bet .55 Units to win .50 Units

I'll bet this lightly, since I'll be the first to admit I know nothing about basketball. What I do know, however, is that the Suns are a much better team than the Lakers; and even factoring in the home crowd, I think only 4 points looks way too pretty to pass up on. Kobe is bound to steal a game in this series, but a team like the Suns at these odds, I'll take.

Detroit Pistons -2.0 over Orlando Magic
Bet .55 Units to win .50 Units

Same story here. I know how huge home court advantage is, especially come playoff time, but I can't pass up on the Pistons, who are clearly the better team, at minus only a bucket. I'd put a full unit on it if I wasn't so sure I must be missing something...

Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 over Washington Nationals
Bet 1.15 Units to win 1 Unit

To be honest with you, my gut is telling me to stay away from this game. With my boy (well, one of my like 7 or 8 boys) Cole Hamels on the mound, I don't see the Nationals doing a damn thing. And even though Shawn Hill has pitched well this season, the Phillies offense is tough. It is too easy... it makes me uneasy. Funny how that works. Still, I'm not gonna pass up on this, gut or not.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays over Los Angeles Angels MONEYLINE
Bet .5 Units to win .90 Units

Alright, so I ignore my gut in the pick above, so I reward it with this pick here. After getting crushed on Wednesday, the Devil Ray bats strike back with a vengeance today. Just a hunch.

San Diego Padres @ Arizona Diamondbacks UNDER 9 runs
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Chris Young VS. Livan Hernandez is no Peavy VS. Webb, but it still should be enough to keep this quiet offenses quiet enough.

San Jose Sharks over Detroit Red Wings MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.40 Units

No question that Detroit is tough to beat at home; but the Sharks will have to do it eventually if they hope to win this series, as I believe they will do in 6. So, why not start here?

Good luck everyone!

RESULTS: 1.35 Units Lost (206.18 Units)

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 204.93 Units

Washington Nationals @ Philadelphia Phillies OVER 9.5 runs
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

John Patterson VS. Jon Leiber... this game just strikes me as a slugfest. Leiber might pitch well, but this still seems like a worthwhile play to me.

San Diego Padres @ Arizona Diamondbacks UNDER 7.5 runs
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

As much as I suck at these over/unders, I can't help but keep coming back for more. Peavy and Webb are two of the best arms in the game today, and their offenses aren't exactly of Yankees caliber. All I can envision is a pitchers duel, and the 3 - 1 final score stays.

Buffalo Sabres -1.5 over New York Rangers
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.60 Units

I have no idea how this game will go, so I'm just betting on a hunch. I like Buffalo a lot in the series, and this is the home opener... why not put a unit on them to take care of business?

NHL Total UNDER 10 goals
Bet 1 Unit to win 1 Unit

Buffalo/New York/Anaheim/Vancouver have to combine for less then 10 goals. It is a risky bet; especially considering how powerful the offenses are in the Buf/NYR series; but I think the Van/Ana series is going to be extremely low scoring (only 2 or 3 goals tonight), and so I'll take my chances that the Sabres and Rangers can slip under that bar.

Good luck!

RESULTS: 2.60 Units Won (207.53 Units)

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 206.46 Units

Houston Astros over Pittsburgh Pirates MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.03 Units

I never thought I'd see the day where the Pirates were favored over the Astros, but what are you going to do? Make money on it, of course. I'm pretty sure the Astros can win this game, and not having to worry about whether it is by 2 runs or not is great.

Colorado Rockies @ New York Mets OVER 8 runs
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Aaron Cook VS. El Duque could end up being a pitchers duel, as both of these guys occasionally toss a great game, but asking each team to average 4 runs isn't that crazy against these two. Based on the Mets' bats alone, I'll take my chances on the over.

Chicago Cubs -1.5 over Milwaukee Brewers
Bet 2 Units to win 2.80 Units

Shhhh! Don't tell the bookies that made this line that Rich Hill (are you still saying who?) is one of the best young arms in baseball (0.41 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, just silly), and Jeff Suppan isn't Ben Sheets. Just go bet it before someone realizes what a mismatch this is!

Cincinnati Reds over St. Louis Cardinals MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.27 Units

I like Aaron Harang's chances to outduel Kip Wells, despite the fact that Wells is off to a great start this season. Still, these odds make this a worthwhile bet.

Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 over Boston Red Sox
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.25 Units

Roy Halladay VS. Julian Tavarez. This game leaves a bad taste in my mouth, as last year I lost... well lets just say I wasn't using the unit system back then... a good amount of money on this exact matchup. Of course, it helped that Ortiz and Manny were both not playing. Alas, it didn't matter, Boston prevailed. Bad taste aside, THE DOC gets the job done tonight.

Lots of action today, good luck!

RESULTS: 1.53 Units Lost (204.93 Units)

Monday, April 23, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 205.46 Units

New York Mets -1.5 over Colorado Rockies
Bet 2 Units to win 2 Units

John Maine has been lights out for the Mets this season... but that isn't even really the point here. Assuming Maine (who has been great) and Buchholz (who is mediocre) were evenly matched, I'd still say the Mets' bats would win this game by 2 runs. The fact that they aren't evenly matched makes this a very good play.

Dallas Stars over Vancouver Canucks MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.05 Units

No disrespect meant to the Canucks, who had a damn solid season to win their division and earn the home ice they have tonight. And, no money back guarantee that Turco doesn't revert back to his old playoff self now that everything is on the line. But I had a great feeling about the Stars winning this series before it began, and I have an even better feeling about it now. Even on intense road ice, this is their series to lose; and I don't think they are going to. Wouldn't recommend too much more than a unit on any Game 7... but it'll be a unit well spent.

Good luck!

RESULTS: 1 Unit Won (206.46 Units)

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 204.46 Units

Houston Astros -1.5 over Milwaukee Brewers
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.20 Units

Two of my fantasy pitchers facing off in this one, so I'll be hoping for just a 2 - 0 game or so... but Roy Oswalt certainly has the edge on Dave Bush, and should win in this showdown.

San Diego Padres @ Colorado Rockies UNDER 10 runs
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Greg Maddux facing off against one of my favorite sleepers in Jason Hirsh. San Diego puts up 4 runs MAXIMUM... and I trust the ageless Maddux to keep the Rockies to 6 or less.

New Jersey Devils over Tampa Bay Lightning MONEYLINE
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Great deal on this bet; despite the fact that this is in Tampa Bay, we are talking about the 2nd in the East New Jersey Devils, and we are talking about the greatest goalie of all time here. Well worth a play that the Devils finish this series up tonight in Tampa Bay.

Good luck!

RESULTS: 1 Unit Won (205.46 Units)

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 205.46 Units

No new picks today... just sticking with the Vancouver pick I accidentally typed out yesterday;

Vancouver Canucks over Dallas Stars MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.30 Units

Same as above, if someone said "Lets flip a coin, if you win I'll give you $13, if I win you give me $10", wouldn't you take it? Every game in this series has been a coin flip, so I'll take Luongo at better-than-even odds.

Good luck!

RESULTS: 1 Unit Lost (204.46 Units)

Friday, April 20, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 204.36 Units

San Jose Sharks over Nashville Predators MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.10 Units

Simply a bargain bet. Nashville should take this game at home, but SJ has been the better team in this series, and there is no reason not to take them with no spread at these odds.

Vancouver Canucks over Dallas Stars MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.30 Units
(Game played on Saturday)

Same as above, if someone said "Lets flip a coin, if you win I'll give you $13, if I win you give me $10", wouldn't you take it? Every game in this series has been a coin flip, so I'll take Luongo at better-than-even odds.

Good luck!

RESULTS: 1.10 Units Won (205.46 Units)

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 201.46 Units

Minnesota Twins -1.5 over Seattle Mariners
Bet 1.10 Units to win 1 Unit

Johan Santana VS. Jarrod Washburn. Next?

Ottawa Senators -1.5 over Pittsburgh Penguins
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.30 Units

Better team, playing at home, for a chance to close out the series. Worth putting a unit on.

Anaheim Ducks -1.5 over Minnesota Wild
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.70 Units

Better team, playing at home, for a chance to close out the series. Worth putting a unit on.
(Deja vu, anyone?)

NHL Total UNDER 21 goals
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

This has been a fairly low scoring playoffs, due in large part to some of the defensive match-ups in the first round. At least one of these games should end up 2 - 1, making the under a safe enough bet.

Good luck!

RESULTS: 2.90 Units Won (204.36 Units)

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 198.06 Units

Cincinnati Reds -1.5 over Houston Astros
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.50 Units

With Harang on the mound, the Reds are always liable to win the game; and I think they'll do so tonight. Whether or not it is by 2 runs, time will tell.

Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 over San Diego Padres
Bet 2 Units to win 2.80 Units

Are you kidding me? It is Brandon Webb VS one of the worst offenses in the league. Standing in his way... David Wells? If Webb wasn't off to a rocky start this season, this would be a 3 unit play.

Seattle Mariners -1.5 over Minnesota Twins
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Unfortunately, this bet isn't a very good bargain, because King Felix is officially ON the radar. Look for him to continue his dominance and keep making batters - and fans - shake their heads in confusion.

Atlanta Thrashers @ New York Rangers OVER 5.5 goals
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.10 Units

Atlanta's goaltending has left much to be desired all series, meaning the Rangers should get at least 3 goals. And, since I think the Thrashers just might win tonight, the total should be over 5.

Buffalo Sabres - 1.5 over New York Islanders
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.55 Units

I'll make this bet until I'm blue in the face. No disrespect to the Islanders, but the Sabres are the best team in the East and have a legitimate shot to win by 2+ goals every night.

RESULTS: 3.40 Units Won (201.46 Units)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 194.06 Units

Atlanta Braves -1.5 over Washington Nationals
Bet 1.30 Units to win 1 Unit

Okay, the Nats got their upset out of the way yesterday, as I thought they might. Now, they face the ageless John Smoltz, who should cruise to victory.

Milwaukee Brewers over Cincinnati Reds MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.14 Units

Dave Bush is, for now at least, one of the best kept secrets in baseball (in my opinion). His first start of the season looked terrible on the box score (6 earned runs), but I got to watch that game, and it was a misplayed ball by Bill Hall in center field (not charged as an error) that got the Cubs rally going. Bush is a solid pitcher that is easy to forget behind Sheets and Capuano, but I don't think he'll stay quiet too long.

Houston Astros -1.5 over Florida Marlins
Bet 1.05 Units to win 1 Unit

Roy Oswalt VS. Sergio Mitre. I don't need to go on, do I?

San Fransisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies UNDER 10 runs
Bet 3.15 Units to win 3 Units

I'm putting it all on the line in this game. Matt Cain is going for the Giants, and he is completely lights out. Jason Hirsh for the Rockies is likely the reason the total runs on this game is so high, but I believe in him.

Good luck!

RESULTS: 4 Units Won (198.06 Units)

Monday, April 16, 2007

Good thing I'm taking a break from gambling...

I'm losing my fake "units" about as fast as I eat french fries.

Today was particularly frustrating...

Tampa Bay squandered a 6 run lead to lose me that bet.

Buffalo gave up a goal after they had a 3 - 1 lead - and didn't get an empty netter - to allow the Islanders to cover the goal and a half spread.

The Marlins lost their tie game in the 9th inning.

And all 3 NHL games failed to end in either an empty net goal or a game-tying goal, which would have covered my 17 total goal bet.

The one bet I did win; Detroit routing Kansas City; Depresses me much more than it uplifts me. My fantasy opponent this week has Carlos Guillen and Pudge Rodriguez, while I've got Gary Sheffield and Magglio Ordonez. In todays win;

Ordonez/Sheffield: 1 for 6, .167 BA, 5 runs, 0 HRs, 1 RBI
Guillen/Rodriguez: 4 for 8, .500 BA, 3 runs, 2 HRs, 10 RBIs

I love you so much, Sports Gods. Why do you hate me so?

Picks of the Day

Total: 197.06 Units

Florida Marlins over Houston Astros MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.02 Units

Anibal Sanchez is a bit better than Wandy Rodriguez, and I still trust the Marlins to put up runs more than I trust the Astros.

Detroit Tigers -1.5 over Kansas City Royals
Bet 1.10 Units to win 1 Unit

Justin Verlander should be able to stymie the Royals' offense, and while I respect Zach Greinke, I'm sure the Tigers can put up a few runs on him.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays -1.5 over Baltimore Orioles
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.70 Units

Just a gut feeling bet here... but I have a feeling the Rays will power their way to a 2+ run victory tonight over Adam Loewen.

Buffalo Sabres -1.5 over New York Islanders
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.40 Units

Rick DiPietro's triumphant return surprised everyone - including me. I'd heard whispers that he was practicing again, but had no idea he would return full force the way he did. Buffalo, however, is still the much better team, and will quiet the crowd and cut the momentum with a convincing win tonight.

NHL: NJ/TB/BUF/NYI/NAS/SJ OVER 17 goals
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.05 Units

I get the feeling that at least one of these games will be a 8 - 10 goal game, making it easy for the other 2 games to split the difference and put today's goal total over 17.

RESULTS: 3 Units Lost (194.06 Units)

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 198 Units

San Diego Padres over Los Angeles Dodgers MONEY LINE
Bet 1.14 Units to win 1 Unit

Much like yesterday's Peavy over Schmidt match-up, I simply can't pass up on Young over Wolf. No disrespect to Wolf... but I am a big Chris Young fan.

Anaheim Ducks over Minnesota Wild MONEYLINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.20 Units

I hope the Wild win this game, and I know they are a much better home team than they are a road team, and I know they have desperation working in their favor and can't afford to lose this game. All that said, when you have a chance to bet on the better team, without a spread, and with better-than-even odds, you don't pass up on it.

Dallas Stars -1.5 over Vancouver Canucks
Bet 1 Unit to win 2 Units

Turco looks great. The Stars look great. It's time to give the Dallas fans something to cheer about at home in the playoffs for the first time in a few years. Dallas wins by 3+ goals tonight.

Good luck everyone!

RESULTS: .94 Units Lost (197.06 Units)

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 197.75 Units

Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 over Houston Astros
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.25 Units

Get used to this. When Cole Hamels is on the mound, I'll be putting my money on him 9 out of 10 times. It is borderline creepy how much I love this kid; but low ERA and WHIP and high strikeout to walk ratios just do it for me.

San Diego Padres over Los Angeles Dodgers MONEY LINE
Bet 1.15 Units to win 1 Unit

Betting the Padres MINUS a run and a half is always too risky, considering that it is party-worthy if they put 3 runs on the board. Peavy VS. Schmidt, I have my money on Peavy. Besides, the Dodgers might get caught sleeping after their rare offensive explosion last night.

Ottawa Senators -1.5 over Pittsburgh Penguins
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.65 Units

I'm expecting much of the same as we saw in game one; Ottawa taking care of business on home ice.

Atlanta Thrashers -1.5 over New York Rangers
Bet 1 Unit to win 2 Units

Much like the Nashville game I picked yesterday, the Thrashers will be too pumped up to let this series head back to Madison Square Garden 2 - 0 in the Rangers favor.

Good luck everyone!

RESULTS: .25 Units Won (198 Units)

Friday, April 13, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 200 Units

Houston Astros @ Philadelphia UNDER 8 runs
Bet 1.25 Units to win 1 Unit

When Roy Oswalt takes the mound, the team he's pitching against doesn't score too many runs... usually in the 0 - 3 range. Meanwhile, the Astros' offense has looked dreadful this year, and against Brett Myers, they too should be in the 0 - 3 range. This game doesn't hit 8 runs.

Milwaukee Brewers -1.5 over St. Louis Cardinals
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.40 Unit

Ben Sheets VS. Anthony Reyes. Reyes is a solid young arm, but Sheets is a legitimate ace, and I think he'll have a strong game tonight and take care of the Cards.

Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 over Colorado Rockies
Bet 2 Units to win 2.20 Units

I love this play. Cy Young winner Brandon Webb goes up against Josh Fogg and an inferior team IN ARIZONA. D-Backs cruise to a 5 - 1 victory in this one.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over Boston Red Sox MONEY LINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.01 Units

Ace John Lackey going against mediocre and ancient Tim Wakefield. I like my chances with the Halos.

Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 over Detroit Tigers
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.45 Units

The Tigers have been swinging ice cold bats to start the year off, and "The Doc" Roy Halladay won't be the cure for them. Toronto should take care of business if they can get some runs off of Bonderman.

Nashville Predators -1.5 over San Jose Sharks
Bet 1 Unit to win 2 Units

While I still like the Sharks in this series, Nashville does NOT want to head to the Shark tank being behind in the series two games to none. They use the home crowd and the back-against-the-wall mentality and grab a victory tonight. By two goals? That's the gamble.

Dallas Stars over Vancouver Canucks MONEY LINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1 Unit

I'll stick by my Dallas-to-win the series pick, and since I don't have to give up a goal for spread in this one, I'll take my chances on Dallas in game 2.

Minnesota Wild @ Anaheim Ducks OVER 5 goals
Bet 1 Unit to win 1 Unit

It is a risky bet, but after both teams played a conservative, defensive minded game in game one, I expect both teams to take a few more chances tonight and open up the ice a little. Besides, if the game is ever tied at 2 - 2, worst you do is push on this wager.

LOTS of bets today. Good luck and happy gambling!

RESULTS: 2.25 Units Lost (197.75 Units)

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Picks of the Day

Total: 200 Units

Seattle Mariners @ Boston Red Sox UNDER 8.5 runs
Bet 1.25 Units to win 1 Unit

Two of the best exciting young arms in the game today meet in this one; King Felix Hernandez and Dice-K Matsuzaka. I don't expect either of these two to disappoint, either. Look for a great pitching duel and a score somewhere around 3 - 2 when it is all said and done, well under the 8.5 runs needed to cash in.

Atlanta Braves -1.5 over Washington Nationals
Bet 1.30 Units to win 1 Unit

Pure and simple, the Braves are a flat out better team than the Nationals. They've got a solid arm in Chuck James pitching tonight, as well as home field advantage. A 2+ run victory should be a cake walk.

Colorado Rockies over Los Angeles Dodgers MONEY LINE
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.35 Units

It won't take long for you to figure out how much I love young pitching, and Jason Hirsh is a name that I'm anticipating won't remain a "Who?!?" for too long this season. The kid has the stuff to be dominant, and no offense to the Dodgers who are my pick out of the NL West, but they have a line-up that isn't impossible to dominate. Look for the Rockies upset backed by a solid performance by Mr. Hirsh.

New York Yankees -1.5 over Minnesota Twins
Bet 1 Unit to win 1.05 Units

I'm not a huge Mussina fan, but I like his chances against a Twins lineup that features a few strong bats, but mixed in among a lot of duds. The real reason why this pick is so strong? Ramon Ortiz against that heavy hitting Yankees lineup. Yanks put up 7+ in this one, and if Mussina keeps it halfway respectable, this bet pays off.

RESULTS: 0 Units Won/Lost (200 Units)

Explanation of the Units System

As a gambling man, it's only fitting that I post my picks of the day when I see games that jump out at me as good bets.

I'm going to be using the unit system here to keep track of how well/poorly I'm doing. A "unit" usually ranges anywhere between .5% to 3% of your total bankroll, and defines how much the standard amount you bet on a game is. For example, if you have $1000 and like to risk $10 (1%) of your bankroll per game, then $10 is your unit size. Occasionally there are high-percentage plays that you might put 2 or even 3 units on; but this is usually not advised, because you are then overvaluing your multi-unit bets and undervaluing your single unit bets. Betting too much on a single game is suicide, because you'll always lose your biggest bet. How do I know that? Well, assume you bet $200 on a game with your $1000 bankroll (20% on a single game is far too risky) and win. Now you've got $1200. People willing to bet 20% of their bankroll on a game now make the easy connection; "I can bet $400 on the next one, because even if I lose, I only lost that original $200" (This was me a few years ago). Repeat until you lose.

You might be asking how a unit stays consistent when your bankroll fluctuates. A good question, because $10 a game might make sense when you have $1000, but if you win your way up to $2000 or lose your way down to $500, this number might be outdated. The trick is to give yourself re-assessment points. Keep your unit size consistent until you hit one of these points. Sticking with our $1000 bankroll example, re-assessment points would probably be around $750 and $1250. If you fall below $750 or go above $1250, it might be time to adjust your unit size accordingly, as well as setting new evaluation points; such as $600 and $900 for $750, or $1000 and $1500 for $1250.

Money management is the key to successful gambling, and if you do bet on sports, you just need to find a system that works for you. I do highly recommend betting the same amount on almost every game. I will make 2 unit plays (and the occasional 3-unit play I'm sure), but getting above that is too risky.

Happy gambling everyone.