Long Gone....

Following a brutal 7-6 loss last night, the Mets look to salvage what's left of this series with a win against the Marlins. Despite almost every statistical edge favoring the Marlins: 8-3 vs. the Mets in last eleven games, Pelfrey 1-8 vs. Marlins in last nine starts, I expect the Mets to win this game. While the Mets are 4-14 in Wednesday games, they are an impressive 7-2 when coming off a loss. With Pelphrey on the hill, expect a solid outing and more importantly, some run support. Tonight's release....Mets even money over the Marlins.

In other news, Michael Vick finds himself in yet another unenviable scenario. Despite being piss broke, Vick (aka Ron Mexico) had quite the birthday bash at a Virginia nightclub. Without knowing a factual account, the story reads like this: a co-defendant in the dog fighting ring shows up to the bash, proceeds to threaten Vick by throwing birthday cake at him, and then gets shot later in the evening. Whether or not the cake was thrown at Vick remains an unsolved mystery, however the bullet in the man (Quanis Phillips), is very much a reality. Furthermore, despite claims that Vick left the club hours before the shooting ("I was long gone"), there is video evidence that shows Mr.Vick at the club just minutes prior to the shooting. Regardless of how this unfolds, it is safe to say that Michael Vick needs to find a new group of people to associate with.

Monday....

Following an impressive 6-0 victory over the Twins yesterday, the Mets find themselves opening up a road trip against the Florida Marlins, in San Juan. Despite their 43-32 record, the Mets have traditionally struggled against a pesky Marlins team, which takes great pleasure in defeating their division rival. With the Mets sending R.A. Dickey and his perfect 6-0 record to the hill, the odds appear stacked in the Mets favor. That being said, the line is even money which leads me to believe the oddsmakers know something the common man doesn't. As a result, I will take the Marlins even money over the Mets tonight.

In other action I am releasing the Twins -160 over the Tigers. The line is begging you to take the Tigers as a value play with Jeremy Bonderman facing Francisco Liriano. This game feels like a value trap and in an effort to avoid thinking like a "Joe Nobody", I will side with the Twins.

Paging Mr. Stone.......

After a "rare" handicapping misstep by yours truly this past Tuesday night, I have decided to right the ship in the form of an afternoon winner. Today's matinee features the Tampa Bay Devil Rays trying to avoid a three game sweep at home against the San Diego Padres. After losing 2-1 and 5-4, the Rays are sending hard throwing Matt Garza to the hill against the Padres Wade LeBlanc. On the surface, this game seems like a no brainer- the Rays need this game and Garza will come up big. However, remember that every "schnook" is thinking the same thing. If I was to poll a group of my loser handicapping friends, I would guess that close to everyone would take the Rays due to the fact that they are at home and trying to avoid the sweep. On the flip side, the Padres Wade LeBlanc has put up some very impressive performances and at +170 on the moneyline, this is a compelling play. Here's what you have to ask yourself: "are the majority of idots going to get rich today by taking the heavily favored Devil Rays?" My answer is NO! The release.....San Diego +170 over the Devil Rays.

Today's big news involves former Vice-President Albert "Al" Gore for his "alleged" exploits involving inappropriate sexual behavior in a Portland hotel room back in October of 2006. A 54 year old "massage therapist" claims that Al acted liked a "crazed sex poodle" by fondling her and "flipping her over" on the massage table. In addition, she also called the man who invented the internet along with global warming, "rotund" ( is a euphemism really necessary here?). Apparently the big fella's libido kicked into overdrive status and at one point the woman yelled "get off me you big lummox". Further allegations of stains, etc. are making the rounds although at this point nothing can be substantiated. What has been made clear is that "stealth Al" checked into the hotel under the psuedonym, Mr. Stone. Other sordid allegations include: Al parading around in a bathrobe while hoisting back some Grand Marnier and discussing his grueling travel schedule. While we may never know what really took place on that fateful October night, one has to believe that the next time Al is "allegedly" looking to host a party in his pants, he will have the common sense not to call a legitimate massage therapist. Rookie move Al, Rookie move.

Rays......

One of tonight's marquee matchups features the Suprising San Diego Padres against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. While San Diego starter Matt Latos appears to have a clear advantage over the Ray's Wade Davis, I prefer to look at the bigger picture. The Ray's, despite their recent slump, have a superior team in every imaginable way. At -133 this line is a steal. Take the Tampa Bay Devil Rays -133 over the Padres tonight.

In other action, the Detroit Tigers are on the road against a Mets team that has been dominant at home this year. While the Mets are 9-2 in their last eleven interleague games, this statistic is deceiving because of some of the putrid opponents they have faced (Indians and Orioles). Furthermore, I prefer Justin Verlander over Jonathon Niese under any scenario. The release.....Tigers -128 over the Mets.

Monday........

Still Smarting from the Cardinals ninth inning loss against the Diamondbacks yesterday. However, in an effort to show my ability to forgive and forget, I am backing the Cardinals tonight at home against the Seattle Mariners. Since the line is -280, I am opting for the runline (-1.5) -150 as a bet on a convincing bounceback win for the Cards.

Tonight's Blue Jays-Padres game features a premiere pitching matchup between Shaun Marcum and John Garland. While I am leaning towards the Blue Jays since they have faced Garland in the past and know what to expect, I prefer to play the over 7 runs. Despite boasting a weak lineup, I expect the Padres to put up a few runs, while the Blue Jays should be able to get to Garland. The release.....Over 7 in the Blue Jays-Padres game.

White Hot......

After a 3-1 start to this very special weekend, Propick is ready to give the people what they want. As many of my followers already know, Propick is a hot streak waiting to happen. Remember "when I throw you a bone, don't ask me where it came from, just run with it". Looking at today's action there are several opportunities that exist for the saavy handicapper.

Since I am running late and already missed J. Lo and several others, there will be no write ups accompanying my releases.

St. Louis -130 over Arizona
Kansas City -110 over the Reds

*check back later for a potential NBA Finals masterpiece.

Celebrity Release........

Tonight's complimentary winner is courtesy of Marxy. While Marxy usually refrains from releasing winners, this time he couldn't resist. Fresh off his Friday night antics at a well known New York watering hole, Marxy decided to go for a sail this afternoon, throw down several Dark and Stormies and triangulate his next move in his never ending quest for the perfect 22 year old woman. Yes Marxy, you keep getting older but the women always stay the same. Sail on my friend, sail on.

Tonight's Mets-Orioles matchup is a trap game if there ever was one. Traditionally the Mets always manage to step on their collective schwanze at the most inopportune times. Why should this time be any different? According to Marxy's proprietary database, Met's pitcher Takahashi fares incredibly well in his first start against team's that have not seen him. Despite his unorthodox pitching motion, Takahasi causes fits for opposing hitters the first time around. As a result, even with history suggesting the Mets lay a complete stinkbomb, Marxy is betting on the Mets and Takahashi to shut down an abysmal Orioles team. The release: Mets -110 over the Orioles.

Showtime......

In less than 24 hours from now, yours truly will be "knee deep" in festivities at the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. Unfortunately, the Propick Sports banner (which was ripped down last year), will not be staging a repeat performance. One can only hope for the same "passion" that has become a trademark for this annual day of mucho celebration.

In today's action, I like the Red Sox and Dice K over the Phillies. After riding the Sox last night I see absolutely no reason to abandon them now. Phillies starter Joe Blanton sports a 6.07 era and inspires little if any confidence. Conversely, the Red Sox have found their offensive fire power and should put up some big numbers today. Take the Red Sox -150 and take the runline (-1.5) this game will not be that close.

Parade Fever......

In honor of the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade that commences on Sunday, I have decided to get a jump on the festivities by showering my loyal fan base with some extra dinero for the weekend. Tonight's Yankees-Astros contest appears to be a complete mismatch. However, as good as Andy Pettitte has been, he is capable of a putrid outing every now and again. After all, at his age it is amazing how well he has pitched this season. Furthermore, with everyone in the world liking the Yankees, there is some cause for concern. After all, what are the odds that everyone is going to get rich off this game?

As a result, I prefer to take the Yankees runline (-1.5) laying 120 for every hundred. Rather than laying 280 for every 100, this is a cheaper way to load up on the bombers tonight. The rationale is simple: if the Yankees can get to the Astros pitching, they will win this game easily. Conversely, if Pettitte does get knocked around and the Yankees some how lose this game outright, then you aren't staring at a monumental loss.

Another game I like is the Red Sox over the Phillies. As inconsistent as John Lackey has been, expect to see a sharp performance against a Phillies team that has not faced him in the past. Also, Jamie Moyer is about 50 years old and I expect the Red Sox to jump all over him early and often.

As part of a Propick Sports public service announcement, I would like to remind you that this is what New Yorkers can look forward to this Sunday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8zxScZjvrw&feature=related

Monday.......

Tonight's Braves vs. Diamondbacks game features a white hot Atlanta team against a star pitcher in Dan Haren, who has struggled as of late. With the Diamondbacks laying 120 against Derek Lowe and the Braves, I am expecting Haren to right the ship and pitch a gem. The release......Diamondbacks -120 over the Braves.

I Love LA.........

As NBA pundits and former players alike were lining up on the Celtics bandwagon, I couldn't get further away. No disrespect, this Celtics team is a gritty, talented group with a ton of leadership some young but mostly old. However, the Lakers have the best player in the game, along with a ton of size down low. Shots by Rondo that normally finished, were unceremoniously met with a Laker's hand near the basket. Although Gasol and company were pushed around in this same matchup for the NBA title two seasons ago, many lessons were learned. Not only are the Lakers big men playing with more urgency around the boards but they also added a shut down defender, in the form of Ron Artest. Artest not only can make life hard for Paul Pierce by shaddowing him around the court all game but more importantly, he brings a toughness that was missing from this finesse Lakers team.

While the Lakers won game one in rather easy fashion, most experts are expecting a dogfight come Sunday night in game Two at 8pm est. What leads me to believe differently is the fact that the Celtics shot the ball well in game one. Usually a team that shoots the ball well finds itself in a close game. However, the Lakers appeared to be a step ahead the whole night wether it was outhustling the Celtics, hitting the boards harder,etc. This all leads me to believe the Celtics will struggle in certain areas once again and despite getting 6 points, I will take the Lakers to win this game in double digits. The second game in the 2008 Championship series had the home Celtics as favorites but the world was on the Lakers to bounce back and avenge game one's loss. In typical ProPick fashion, I displayed my disdain for the "common man" by taking the Celtics and watching them cover with ease. With that piece of gaming wisdom I just dropped on you, learn from these mistakes of the Common Man (also known as Joe Nobody), of which I speak. Remember when a game's outcome becomes the concensus view amongst your friends or some stiffs at the bar : run do not walk away. ......Tonight's Play - Lakers -6.

Ice Dream......

After getting bounced into voicemail all day, hockey handicapping guru "Dream", finally returned my call. For tonight's Stanley Cup game 4 matchup Dream is releasing the Flyers once again. Following a game 3 overtime classic, Dream announced that this series is destined to go the distance and will come down to a game 7. With a proven track record, there is absolutely no reason to doubt him. Tonight's play......Flyers -120 over the Blackhawks.

Take Out a Mortgage........

If you already have an outstanding mortgage then take out a second or third. Tonight's Propick game of the year is a guaranteed winner. Unlike football season where you have a team coming off a bad loss and facing an obvious "must win" situation, baseball usually doesn't present such opportunities.

The defending NL champ Philadelphia Phillies are reeling. With the exception of last Saturday's perfect game by Roy Halladay, the Phillies have been winless. Even more disturbing is their lack of offense. Despite the perfect game, the Phillies only managed to score a single run. Whenever prolonged slumps occur, I always pounce on what I perceive to be "breakout opportunities of a lifetime". Not only do I expect the Phillies to bounceback after getting swept by the Braves, they will do so in grand style. With the Padres coming across the country after a successful series against the Mets, they will find themselves walking into a hornets nest. The line is meaty at -200 but not only do I consider the Phillies a lock to win, I also recommend throwing some luccini on the runline (-1.5). Take the Phillies tonight.

Please Help. For anyone who has not heard about the sad plight of former Celtics All-Star forward Antoine "Cybertoine" Walker here it is. The good news is he earned a $110 million over his 12 year NBA career. Unfortunately for Antoine he is now $12million in debt, owes his agent $500k, and is about to see his mother's house repossesed. Oh and I almost forgot he is being sued for child support from two different women and has been writing bad six figure checks to casinos in Las Vegas. Needless to say this is not a high point in Antoine's life. According to ESPN.com Antoine has reached out to former coach Rick Pitino for help. It appears as though the moral of this story is- $110 million dollars doesn't guarantee a life of financial stability for Antoine or anyone else.

Oliver Perez.....

Day! In an ongoing effort to make Mets fans everywhere forget about how bad things are, I believe team management needs to take the bull by the horns, in the form of an Oliver Perez Day. After reading and hearing about the alleged fallout between Ollie and several teammates, as reported by various media outlets, the Mets could kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand Mets fans can come out to Citi Field and celebrate the man himself and in the process, this celebration can hopefully foster team unity. Marketing genius GM Omar Minaya can whip up a plan on the fly- starting with Perez jerseys for everyone in attendance. In between innings they can have Dog Races on the big screen where each winner will be wearing the Oliver Perez jersey. Concession stands can sell Ollie Dogs and during the seventh inning stretch they can shoot Ollie Dogs into the stands (complete w/bun wrapped in alluminum foil). In addition, Mets creative marketing can litter the stadium with Ollie Dollars in the form of faux $60 million dollar bills.

For tonight's game in the NHL Stanley Cup I dialed up Dream for some expert analysis. After a two month Hiatus, Dream has got a bad case of the shakes. Despite knowing the potential landmine, I took the Blackhawks -1.5 goals on Monday and proceeded to experience the mother of all prison rapings, in the form of a missed empty net goal that hit the post. Guess who had the other side of that goal line? That's right and as Dream is fond of saying "stupid is....as stupid does". In fact, Dream's convinced that he only won that bet because yours truly was on the other side. Tonight Dream expects Philly to bounce back in convincing fashion. This team is mentally tough and could have won both games on the road. Dream expects a ton of hitting, penalities,etc. and forecasts the Flyers pulling away at the end. Tonight's play.......Flyers -122 over the Blackhawks.

Time to Dust Off Those Speedos.........

After a triumphant Memorial day weekend, thanks to a string of Yankee runline plays post Joba's meltdown Saturday, I am back and ready to spread some much needed Summer cheer. After all, if things are not contained with this oil spill, the local beaches might resemble tar sands within a few weeks.

Tonight's Red Sox vs. A's matchup stinks. The Sox are -160 yet Lackey has not pitched well and the A's are sending their hottest pitcher in Gio Gonzalez (3-0 in his last 3 starts with a sub 2.40 era) to the hill. Furthmore, the A's are finding ways to manufacture runs despite having a lineup that consists of a bunch of unknowns. Tonight's release.......Red Sox -160, Red Sox runline. I expect to see the A's and Gonzalez come back to earth tonight. Another game I like is the Nationals +110 over the Astros. While I am not a fervent believer of the Nats, despite early season success, the Astros are abysmal and Stammen has always pitched well in games where I have had action.

Good news for sports fans everywhere. According to various fashion magazines anyone wearing board shorts to the beach this summer season will be deemed "out of touch with the times". Evidently the newest trend involves wearing what amounts to a pair of boxer briefs to the beach (provided the BP oil spill doesn't completely rule that experience out for everyone). Just what people need to see- some slob at the local beach sporting what looks like 250 pounds of crap in a 150 pound bag. At times like this I am thankful for my lack of fashion sense. One can only hope we go completely European come next summer and bring back speedos. A better day will be in store for everyone when "those who aren't donning the speedo are viewed as outcasts among society".