Saturday, October 30, 2010

Situational Play of the Weekend.......

Tonight's contest in Norman, Oklahoma features an angry Sooners team versus a depleted Colorado squad. While I usually eschew conference games that feature huge point spreads, tonight is an exception.

A caller on a well known sports radio station highlighted how competitive Colorado has been the past few weeks, despite losing. Furthermore, the caller mentioned that if Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen was not injured last week during the Texas Tech game, then the Buffaloes would have won. Very common man of the caller to point this out. What the caller and many others fail to realize is that Colorado is 0-2 on the road this season, while Oklahoma is 4-0 at home and has won impressively. In addition, the favored team in this series is 8-0 against the spread(ATS)over the last eight years. Factor in an angry Oklahoma team coming off a loss at Missouri last weekend and you have all the trappings for a blowout.

Sooners -24 over Colorado.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Weekend Winner$......

After showering my fans with another winner last night, I look forward to keeping this graavy train rolling. Since this is Halloween weekend, I will be releasing both college and NFL picks today, ahead of what is shaping up to be a very active social calendar. Without further adieu, lets get down to brass taxes.

UCLA +9 over Arizona. UCLA coming off an embarrassing loss at Oregon. While the Ducks could have probably dropped a hundo on this putrid squad, expect the Bruins to circle the wagons this weekend. Common man is currently doing the math and coming up with something along the lines of a 30 point Arizona win. I prefer to fade the common man.

USC +7 over Oregon. Part two of the common man's guide to picking losers. Can anyone recall when SC was last playing as an underdog at the coliseum? This is their bowl game and after last years drubbing at the hands of these same Ducks, I expect SC to keep this game close, with a chance to win. Barkley is a pro quarterback and the men of troy will be more than ready for this game.

Florida +2.5 over Georgia. My initial reaction was to take the Bulldogs in this game. After winning in successive weeks with Georgia, I found myself overcome with sentimentality. Upon further review, Florida is coming off a much needed bye week and has as much talent as anyone in the country. With this serving as a must win for the Gators, I expect them to make major statement come Satrday afternoon. This is a "situational release" in which all trends are pointing to Florida in this contest.

NFL

Vikings +6 over the Patriots. Vikings could have Tommy Kramer playing quarterback and I would still like them. This Patriots team is a mirage and six points is too much to lay against a desperate team.

Chargers -3(3.5) over the Titans. Vince Young back under center for this game should allow the Chargers to stack the box against the run. This is the most talented 2-5 team in the history of the NFL. The Chargers are losing because they are a poorly coached, undisciplined football team. While I hate betting against a physical, well coached Jeff Fisher team, this is Halloween and Norv Turner can masquerade as a real head coach for at least one more week.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

The End of an Error.........

The official moving date for the financial version of the post office, better known as American International Group (ticker: AIG),is set for tomorrow morning. AIG is best known for almost blowing up the global financial system through a series of enormous bets made via complex derivative instruments (those same instruments that Goldman Sachs would later be made whole on by our government- more specifically US taxpayers). Unlike the good folks at Goldman, I cannot recall anyone at 70 Pine Street ever claiming to "be doing God's work". However, what they have been doing on the 12th floor trading room, is far more interesting.

Each morning various traders on the 12th floor have congregated around a window where they would watch a woman across the street(10th floor to be exact) take a shower. In addition to serving as a "team building exercise", this has also taught these men to pay attention to detail. One trader was overheard saying "yeah look at the green bottle, I think she uses Pert shampoo". While some may view this behavior as a little unseemly or even perverted, compared to our friends at the Securities Exchange Commission who were watching porn all day, this is a drop in the bucket. Hopefully senior management has been considerate enough to make sure the 12th floor of the new building has similar views so that these guys are not forced to surf the web in search of what they left behind.


Tonight's release...NC State +3.5 over Florida State. You want trends? How about NC State 8-0-1 Against the spread(ATS) in their last 9 games vs. FSU. More impressively the underdog is 8-0-1 in the last 9 matchups between these schools. This line stinks. If FSU is clearly the dominant force some think they are, then riddle me this: why isn't the line at -5.5 or 6? This is a conference rivalry game involving a home dog on a Thursday night. Somewhere at a local bar near you, patrons are decked out in their Charlie Ward jerseys chomping at the bit to lay the wood and fight the trend. Good night and good luck Common man...you are going to need it.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

No More Camp Cupcake?

The NBA season starts tonight and already the common man is out in full force. Scheduling the Heat to open in Boston against the Celtics may have been a marketing dream but more importantly this is a windfall for bookmakers everywhere. The Heat are prohibitive favorites to win it all this year at 17/10 odds. So basically "common man" is laying out his hard earned dinero for the next 8 plus months so he can not even double his money if the Heat survive the grueling playoff run and win the chmpionship. Sounds like a fantastic idea!

Tonight's release is Boston +1.5 over the Heat. The Heat are younger and more talented but something tells me that the overwhelming amount of dopes throwing their money on the Heat tonight is the greatest contrarian indicator around.

After hearing ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski compare Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Demarcus Ware to Lawrence Taylor, I should have known it was going to be a long evening. Then when coaching icon Wadeface phillips lost multiple coaches challenges throughout the game, I was even more shocked. However, the most disappointing news came from a blogger who suggested that the Cowboys will undergo serious changes, thus eliminating "Camp Cupcake". While making changes are necessary to improve a last place 1-5 team that many believed would be Super Bowl contenders, does that mean ownership also needs to eliminate the culture created under Wadeface?

As an owner who appears to have a fifth grader's football acumen, Jerry Jones has managed to destroy this once proud franchise that was built in large part by Jimmy Johnson's drafting and the addition of key free agents. In the years since Johnson, the Cowboys have had one legitimate coach, Bill Parcells, who resigned largely as a result of Jones' meddling. After all this, why would anyone be surprised that the Cowboys are in the position they are? Jerry Jones is an owner who is more concerned with the image and not the substance of his team. One can only imagine the mindset of Mr. Jones if come February, the New York Giants are playing for the Superbowl in his stadium.

Monday, October 25, 2010

When Genius Failed........

Tonight's NFL contest features two bitter divisional foes on opposite sides of the spectrum. When the 4-2 Giants visit the 1-4 Cowboys, Dallas will try to circle the wagons in an effort to save their season, similar to what the Giants did three weeks ago at home against the Bears. However, Dallas faces a far more formidable task than what the Giants had to deal with.

The Giants strength(defensive pass rush) will present a major issue for Dallas and their weak offensive line. Couple that with Eli Manning leading an offense that has never had trouble putting up points in Dallas, whether it was at the old stadium or the current monstrosity known as Jerry's World(should be Wade's world but thats another story). Furthermore, looking at Dallas' struggles aganst the spread: 1-4 this season and 1-4 in their past 5 Monday Night games, there is little reason for Cowboy fans to be optimistic.

While the Giants have proven to be a "live dog" going 11-4 in their last 15 as a road underdog, this is still a flawed team. Despite three straight wins, the Giants have looked suspect at times, especially at the linebacker and special teams positions. That said, all the pressure is on the Cowboys who are at home and playing in a must win game. Although my initial thought was:Dallas is too talented to lose another home game and fall completely out of the playoff picture, the 3.5 spread is cause for concern. The prevailing sentiment outside of New York is that the Cowboys will win this game because they have to. This is failed logic.

After running through all the numbers and breaking down historical data, this game is a toss up. I lean Cowboys based on situational trends but believe the Giants have a favorable matchup. As a result, for tonight's release I am taking the over 44.5 points. Every possible scenario leads me to the same conclusion: points will be scored.

While this weekends games were perplexing to say the least,there was one constant trend that remained firmly intact. After dominating the Patriots in terms of: yeards gained, time of possession,etc. the Chargers still found a way to lose another game they should have won. Four turnovers (all in the first half), penalties, and bad coaching all led to another Chargers loss. The false start penalty which proceeded the missed field goal attempt at the end of regulation was vintage Norv Turner. Wadeface gets most of the attention for his team's lack of discipline but Norv has officially thrown down the gauntlet league wide to let everyone know that this NFL coaching version of the "dumboff" is far from over.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Bonsoir......

With the weekend around the corner, I am releasing my College Football Game of the Year. After spending hours pouring over statistical data with my team of quants, I have found a game that lines up both on a situational and statistical level. As someone who subscribes to the notion that- statistics are only as good as the jackasses interpreting them, I never rely soley on this information.

Iowa -6 over Wisconsin. Once this line came out at Iowa -4.5 I was as elated as a gassed up Pat McAfee in a canal. However, within minutes this line ran higher and rightly so. Following a tremendous performance against Ohio State lst week, Badger mania was in high gear. However, remember the situational angle at play: home night game against the #1 team in the country and more importantly, a conference rival. One can look back to the South Carolina vs. Alabama game to see a similiar scenario. If you factor in the performances of both teams year to date, you will see a different picture.

Iowa's lone loss came to a talented Arizona team playing a night game in front of their home crowd. Arizona's Opportunistic defense caused turnovers, their special teams scored, and they mounted a late scoring drive, managing to hold off Iowa. Since that time Iowa has been cooking on fire. Although the Hawkeyes were outgained by Michigan last week, those numbers were a farce since the game was out of reach and Michigan compiled garbage yards. Look for the "common man" sporting a vintage Ron Dayne jersey at your local sports bar tomorrow. When he turns to you and says "How did we lose to Iowa? We just beat Ohio State....I don't understand". Just buy him a drink, offer your condolensces and move on. IOWA -6 over Wisconsin in the mother of all let down games.
"Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it"

Despite living in a sports handicapping centric world, we at Propick cannot help but to be intrigued by the behavior of French protesters overseas. Until recently the French were nothing more than a punchline: skinny dudes wearing berets and scarfing down croissants. As a group, the French are widely seen as loafs who eschew the notion of busting their ass to make a good living. Ironically, recent footage reveals that contrary to public opinion, the French truly are a motivated bunch. While their work ethic may be lacking, these maniacs sure can protest. Who would have thought that a group of millions indignant over a 35 hour work week could be so vehement and steadfast in voicing their anger? In any event, as catastrophic as these protests are to the french economy and society as a whole, these outbursts will subside once people realize their economy and all of Europe is in ruins. Let this be a cautionary tale to the Federal Reserve who is reflating our economy into oblivion.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

2010 Sportsman Of The Year

After last year's unanimous decision to award Vernon Gholston with the prestigious 2009 Propick Sportsman of the Year award, we at Propick Sports realized how imperative it is to keep raising the bar. While there were a plethora of qualified candidates, most of these athletes lacked that certain something to separate themselves from the pack. Whereas the Propick Coach of the Year award has consistently boiled down to Wadeface and Norv Turner, the Sportsman of the year is a far more difficult race to handicap.

Enter Pat McAfee. When reports surfaced Tuesday that Colts punter Pat Mcafee (a complete unknown), was found shirtless and drunk in a canal in Indiana, Propick immediately took notice. What better way for an athlete to catipulate himself from obscurity to the top of the Sportsman of the year award list then to swim drunk in a canal in thirty degree weather? After blowing a .15, its amazing that McAfee didn't pass out or even worse die of hypothermia. While we at Propick advocate "drinking responsibly", we cannot help but appreciate the lengths some people will go to just to get their name in the running for our year end award. I wonder if McAfee would be given a lifetime ban by the NFL if he does this again? Strike one resulted in a one game suspension and more importantly consideration for the Sportsman of the year award. In any event, it looks like local celebrity Marxy has some work to do if he wants to elevate himself into the company of Mssr. McAfee. While Marxy is no stranger to "stepping up his game during crunchtime", even he might have trouble topping this effort.

Phillies-Giants game 5. This has been a brutal series for me to figure. With a potential 5 dime payout with the Giants to win the World Series (futures), I decided to "polish hedge" and lay a dime on Philly to win 425 when this series began. Everything points to the Giants winning this series, not the least of which involves every dope on television and radio assuring us that the Phillies are going to win it all. Whenever there is such consensus on the part of the media, former players,etc. make sure you run the other way. That being said, I still see this series going seven games so I will take Halladay in tonight's rematch of game one. Phillies -120 over the Giants.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

More Winners.......

After watching Cliff Lee absolutely handcuff the most potent/expensive lineup in all of baseball, there is no doubt that Lee has catapulted himself into rarified air with his 7-0 lifetime postseason record. Perhaps even more impressive is his 1.26 career era in the postseason, in which he has faced the Yankees in three of those starts. Like myself, Cliff Lee is at the pinnacle of his profession.

Game three between the Giants and Phillies features yet another stellar pitching duel. While I am a seller of Cole Hamels based on last years meltdown, I find myself backing the Phillies in this contest. With Halladay and Oswalt ahead of him, Hamels has looked far more relaxed on the mound. I would argue that being the number three starter has put him at ease and as a result, improved his performance. Couple that with a weak hitting San Francisco lineup and I see the Phillies finding a way to win this pivotal game three matchup. Furthermore, I cannot envision a scenario where the Phillies go down 2-1 in this series and rely on Joe Blanton to get them back to par in the series. Take the Phillies -120 over the Giants.

Tonight's Yankees vs. Rangers matchup is beyond intriguing. With the Rangers seizing momentum following their epic game one collapse, all signs point to the Rangers rolling with a Shaky AJ Burnett on the hill. That being said, the line suggests otherwise. At -150 Vegas is begging bettors to take the Rangers. While a contrarian might suggest this matchup may turn into an unexpected pitching duel for the ages, I beg to differ. After mulling over multiple scenarios, the conclusion I have come to is regardless of who wins this game, there will be a ton of runs scored. Despite a dormant offensive performance post the eigth inning of game one, the Yankees will come out aggressive and have the talent to score. Meanwhile the Rangers will be running every chance they get. Take the over 9.5 in tonights game.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Stand By Your Man..........

In an effort to provide some much needed levity to Dallas Cowboy fans everywhere, I will avoid bringing up their repeat excessive celebration penalty. Oops, my bad. How about the halftime pep talk by head coach and spiritual leader Wadeface? Oh, thats right the Vikings took the second half kickoff 95 yards to tie the game and thwart any momentum Dallas had. At least Tony Romo didn't throw an interception in the fourth quarter which led to a game winning score. Dammit, he did!

Remember this Cowboy fans: you may have Wadeface but the Chargers have Norv. Much to the chagrin of Dallas fans everywhere they are a 1-4 team, despite having as much talent as anyone in the NFC, if not the league. That said, the west coast version of the Cowboys are losing to worse teams week in and week out. Consolation? I didn't think so. When all else fails it becomes imperative for Cowboy fans, players,etc. to remember that at least their quarterback is not being accused of texting pictures of his junk to random women. There you have it, the Dallas Cowboys can now claim the moral high ground. In less than four months owner Jerry Jones will have to parade around teams and fans(other than his own), during Superbowl week like PT Barnums stagehand. Maybe Wadeface can perform tricks at halftime of the big game....like a barking seal at Disney World. How about Tony Romo competing in a punt, pass, and interception competition alongside fourteen year olds?

Tonight's Baseball release: Texas -110 over the Yankees. While I expected the common man to be spotted on every corner bar donning a Cliff Lee jersey, much to my surprise this has not been the case. A majority of schmoes I speak to believe the Yankees will not only score some runs off Lee but more impressively, Andy Pettite will circle the wagons like he has done in the past and pitch a gem. Once again, what are the odds of all my dopey friends getting this one right?

* I would be remiss if I did not mention this poignant news story regarding Senator Barney Frank's boyfriend. In a "must see" journalistic moment for the ages, Barney's boyfriend, James Ready, is seen heckling Republican Sean Bielat, through a series of comments. As my audience already knows, Propick Sports does not make political or lifestyle judgements. That being said, in an effort to "stand by his man", Mr. Ready "willing and able" comes up small (no pun intended), as he resorts to goofball heckling. I fervently believe that lovers of politicians are best seen and not heard. Just one sports handicapping genius' opinion.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Redemption.....

After a week of hearing how peeved Nebraska was over last years Big 12 Championship game "shaft", conventional wisdom suggests that Texas is in for a long afternoon. Whether its the Red-emption shirts being hawked around Lincoln or the red rubber bracelets that players are wearing that read .01, the infamous one second that allowed Texas the opportunity to kick the game winning field goal, the public is all over the Huskers.

Barring a slew of turnovers and mental mistakes the Huskers should roll today. However, when was the last time something was this easy? While Nebraska has been dominant this year, are playing at home, and facing the worst Texas team in recent memory, this is still a proud Texas program. Although all statistical analysis overwhelmingly favors Nebraska but Texas is great against the spread following a week off and even better following a week off after a loss.

The Release......Texas +10 over Nebraska. Do I think the Horns win? No....but they will cover.

Friday, October 15, 2010

FREE CA$H WEEKEND........

This is one of the few times when there is money for the taking, in the form of sporting handicapping this weekend. Starting with the American League Championship Series tonight, there is no shortage of money making opportunities. During times like these, it is important to devise a gameplan and adhere to the tenets of sports handicapping. Most importantly, stick to the core group of games that you (or I) have selected and avoid the "Crackhead" bets that come in the form of: second half bets, drunk dialing bets, ten team parlays,etc.

Yankees-145 over the Rangers. The value lean suggests taking a shot with Texas lefty CJ Wilson. However, with the line begging you to take the Rangers, I will eschew the shortcomings of the common man and back the Yankees and CC Sabathia. Statistical analysis is overwhelming and the Yankees lineup appears to have hit their collective stride. While Wilson could give Yankee hitters early trouble, I expect Sabathia to shut down the Rangers long enough for the Yankees offense to find its groove.

Without devulging my mathmatical analysis, I will release my situational angle which served me well in the first round matchup between the Yankees and Twins. With the Series line Yankees -180, I would prefer to risk 145 on their ace in tonight's game one. If the Yankees lose with Sabathia on the hill, they will have the unenviable task of having to win game two in Texas, with Cliff Lee awaiting them in game three. The easiest way to play this series is through tonights game. Yankees -145 over the Rangers.

College Football Releases

Michigan State -7 over Illinois. Trap game avoided with big win by the Illini last week.

Texas A&M -3 over Missouri. My Model has Texas A&M favored by 8.5 points.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Baseball Fever.......

Without getting ahead of myself, I am going to predict a very strong upcoming College and NFL weekend. However, before showering my loyal fanbase with wheel barrels full of dinero, I must first address the baseball league championship series that begin tomorrow night.

Phillies -240 over the Giants to win the series. While this is a "meaty" number you have to lay, the Giants lack the offense to keep up with the Phils. Despite a dominant pitching staff, the Giants find themselves opposing a Phillies team with arguably the best starting three rotation in all of baseball. Furthermore, the Phillies are stacked with clutch hitters up and down their lineup. Although I expect the Giants to stay close in these games, this series has the feel of the Phillies closing things out in five games.

Halladay-173 over Lincecum. Game one features the marquee pitching matchup of the postseason. Although the line is begging you to take Lincecum (takeback should be around 155), I love Halladay in this spot. This first game is critical and if you like the Phillies to win the series, they should take game one in the process. Although I expect this to be a tight game, the runline is also an interesting option. At Phillies -1.5 +150, a 3-1 win could present a nice payoff. Oddsmakers are telling you people expect a 1-0, 2-1 type of game.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Dumb...Dumber...Dumberer...and Dumbest

This weekend's NFL action was significant for a myriad of reasons. In addition to learning that teams such as the: Bengals, Chargers, and Cowboys are not for real, the main entertainment could be witnessed by watching several head coaches in what looked like an official "Dumb off" competition. While Wadeface and Norv Turner are no strangers to this, it appears as if coaches everywere are trying to dethrone these boobs.

After Wadeface solidified his ranking as dumbest, despite his undisciplined Cowboys putting on a display that would make football purists everywhere cringe, he was in for a dogfight. After amassing an unfathomable 133 yards of penalities, including a stupid touchdown celebration which cost the Cowboys the game, Wadeface failed to get separation from the other coaches who are vying for his title.

Norv Turner. After an impressive offensive display in which the Chargers almost doubled the amount of total yards that their opponent gained, they still lost as a result of 2 blocked punts, a fumble returned for a touchdown, and a plethora of stupid penalties. Bravo Norv.....but wait a minute you got stiff competition.

Enter Mike Singletary. This guy personifies old school, yet his team embodies a bunch of circus clowns (winless clowns no less) and appear to be gunning for the "Best 0-16 team in the history of the NFL". Again, like both the Chargers and Cowboys, Singletary's 49ers commit a ton of penalties, turnovers galore, and exhibit a lack of discipline. Despite playing from behind most of the night, this didn't stop the niners from dancing and yucking it up after every catch. Crabtree and Davis looked like they are performing a modern day version of Dance Fever. I wouldn't have been so peeved had I not wagered on these idiots.

Marvin Lewis. If you choose to run a halfway house for wayward athletes, the least you could do is Win! This team is a mess. Their quarterback is god awful and has never been the same following his injury back in the 2006 playoffs. Futhermore, TO and Ocho, despite being incredibly entertaining characters, do nothing to provide leadership to a young and talented team. Why abandon the running game when you have the lead and your quarterback looks like Dave Brown? This my friends is why Marvin Lewis made this list of honorees in the Dumb off.

Now for tonight's Jets-Vikings game. All week I liked the Vikings plus the points. This is a desperate team with talent on both sides of the line, especially on defense. Sanchez is due for an off game and the world has embraced the Jets as the best team in the league. Propick will take the other side. When was the last time all your friends and co workers were right about anything? Think about it then get back to me. Tonight's play ....Vikings +4.5 over the Jets. Barring a Brett Favre meltdown as they play his ridiculous voice mail messages on the TV's throughout the stadium and even show the pictures of his junk that he stupidly texted this chick who worked for the Jets dring his brief tenure, I see this game going down to the wire.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Los Bravos.....

The games have begun. After cashing in on a Philies runline play (+105) last night, its time to throw this rig into overdrive. Following my thorough examination of the Rays-Rangers line I have decided to stay away. My head tells me the Rangers are the better team but my gut says the Rays find a way to win. Too close to call.

Atlanta + 149 over San Fran. Absolutely no one likes the Braves. With most people penciling in the Giants to face the Phillies in the next round, I offer up words of caution. With absolutely no offense to speak of, the Giants will be unable to put the Braves away, regardless of how well Lincecum pitches. While Atlanta chugged into the playoffs on fumes, the wagons are being circled as we speak. Bobby Cox's players love him and I expect an elevated effort out of this squad. Release...Braves +149 over the Giants.

Kansas State vs. Nebraska. Release....Under 48.5. Nebraska is the superior team, however this is a big 12 rivalry game and eleven points is too much to lay. With a home game against Texas next week, I would rather play the total. With both teams featuring strong running attacks, expect a lower scoring, ball control theme.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Playoff Musings......

With the start of the 2010 baseball playoffs upon us, I will break down each American League team and take a look at each from several angles. Unlike 2009, where the Yankees were clearly the most dominant team coming out of the American League, this year is a complete crapshoot. With all four teams limping into the playoffs, there appears to be a legitimate case to be made for anyone of these four teams.

Yankees. For starters, as defending World Series Champions, they immediately get the nod because of pedigree, experience, oh and the largest payroll known to mankind. Although the Yankees have dominated the Twins in past post seasons, they are struggling with their pitching staff. Aside from their ace CC Sabathia, there are many questions that remain: most notably the health of Andy Pettite and concerns over AJ Burnett's precipitous decline.

Rays. Great team speed, solid pitching, stud closer and one of the best managers in the game. Gun to my head, the Rays appear to be the most complete team in the playoffs. However, this team is not a good hitting team. With a team average lingering in the .240's range, this team relies on clutch hitting to get the job done. What happens come playoff time against better pitching? Will the Rays find that same late inning magic? Will they be able to get clutch hits off the likes of Cliff Lee?

Twins. Sentimental favorite. This team always makes the playoffs regardless of whoever they lose in the offseason due to free agency. With perhaps the best manager in the game, along with a wide open playoff field, the Twins are becoming a trendy pick to beat the Yankees in their upcoming matchup. Main concerns include: no legitmate #1 pitcher. Yankees have Sabathia, Rays have Price, and the Rangers got Cliff Lee. As for Liriano, he is a very good pitcher but not an ace. Furthermore, having four good to very good pitchers is not tailor made for a best of five games series.

Rangers. This is the most difficult team to handicap for a myriad of reasons starting with the health of Josh Hamilton. Without knowing what to expect from Hamilton, it becomes harder to assess the Rangers chances. With the American League West wrapped up a long time ago, we have not seen the Rangers play a meaningful game in a long time. Will this impact their performance against the Rays? Also, what should we expect from Cliff Lee? After a dominating performance in last years playoff run for the Phillies, Lee has struggled at times during his tenure with the Rangers. If Hamilton and Lee are able to perform up to their lofty expectations, the Rangers can beat anyone.

*Yankees-Twins. With the Series price Yankees -180 (taking back +160 with the Twins), I'd prefer to take the Yankees in game 1 laying only -140 with Sabathia on the mound. If the Yankees are going to win this series, it is imperative that they win with their ace on the hill. Conversely, At 9-1 to win the World Series, the Twins are an attractive play. Conventional wisdom suggests that if the Twins are able to overcome their struggles against the Yankees, they could be poised for a run to the World Series.

Rays over the Rangers. As I mentioned earlier, the Rangers are an enigma heading into this post season. In a situation like this I am going to take the proven team, which means taking the Rays -145 to win the series.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Patriot Games.......

After another stellar weekend I am starting to think this might be the single greatest sports handicapping season...Ever. While going 4-0 is a nice performance, the mission is far from accomplished. Tonight's game between the Dolphins and Patriots offers another opportunity for saavy sports gamblers who can see the forest through the trees.

Following their dominant week one performance against the Bengals, the Patriots have appeared sluggish at times and have looked porous on the defensive side of the ball. Despite having a talented core of young players on defense, the Patriots have yet to gel. With an aggressive and physical Miami Dolphin offesive line to contend with, I expect the Patriots to get pushed around tonight.

Win at home. After last week's loss against the Jets at home, the Dolphins cannot afford to drop back to back home games against division foes. Although the oddsmakers have installed the Pats as a one point favorite, much of this revolves around the allure of their star quarterback and head coach. Propick has this line at Dolphins -2.5 and consider the Dolphins the more desperate team. Unlike last week where the Jets were able to jump out to an early 14-0 lead, expect the Dolphins to set the tempo and establish ball control early on. Tonight's release....Dolphins +1 over the Patriots.

Happy 47th birthday to AC Green. This former NBA forward is best known for is tenacity on the boards and his stylish geri curl look that drove the ladies crazy. However, more impressive was AC's ability to "keep the hogan in check" by remaining celibate until marriage. While Propick cannot validate this claim, I still feel bad for all those people who had the misfortune of staying in those same hotel rooms the following day (specifically the shower).

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sooner Schooner........

After deliberating all morning over today's Oklahoma-Texas matchup, I could not convince myself that last week's effort (or lack thereof) against UCLA, was an anomaly. In fact, despite possessing a ton of athletic ability, this Longhorn team is young and will experience some growing pains. While a blowout at home last week was more than just a hiccup, I expect to see a more spirited effort today.

Oklahoma has struggled in several of their early season contests, however they did blowout Florida State and coach Stoops has had trouble over the past five years against Mack Brown's clubs. My initial response upon seeing the line @ Oklahome 3.5 was: "this should be 5.5". As much as people are predicting a bounceback effort from Texas, I think this seasoned Sooner team is a touchdown better. Barring excessive turnovers, I am expecting a sooners win and cover. The Release....Sooners -3.5 over Texas.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Mr. Irrelevant........

In what might be viewed as a last ditch effort to galvanize their fan base and flatline their struggling team, the New York Giants will honor their past legends this Sunday night at halftime of the game. While the greatest of them all, LT will have his number retired, management decided it would be best if Mr. Taylor stayed as far away from the new Meadowland Stadium as possible. Meanwhile, the always chipper Bill Parcells offered a curt "thanks but no thanks" reply and will not be among those basking in the limelight come Sunday night.

Worry not, Tiki Barber will be there and will use this opportunity to remind fans and foes alike, just how great he was. Despite being the proud owner of Giant rushing records and having had a stellar career, Mr. Barber has become best known for his critical comments of his former coach. However, due to Mr. Barber's intelligence level, he has been able to "trash the coach and the team" in such a way that it almost sounds innocuous. Sound familiar? Harken back to 2006 when Mr. Barber declared "I am retiring at the end of the season", prior to week one. Again, sense of timing appears to have eluded Mr.Barber.

Fast forward a few years and now Mr. Barber has traded in his pregnant wife for a younger blond toy and managed to disappear from his television gig quicker than one could fathom. I think an interview this morning on WFAN summed up the teams feelings quite succinctly. When asked about Barer's comments, a current Giant player said "yeah coach has not lost the locker room. Barber's a good guy and all but maybe he's just bitter that he wasn't around to win a Superbowl that next year". Ouch! Enough said.

Now for this week's NFL Winners.....

Giants -4 over Chicago. This is purely a "situational" play. Indicators have the Bears as a small favorite. Matchups, let down situation,etc. all point to the Giants.

Browns +3 over Cincy. This line stinks worse than Albert Haynesworth's jock. Home divisional dog against a Bengal team that is suspect away from home. This game will be a pig. Unless you are a diehard fan of either team there is no excuse to be watching this, except of course if you are a degenerate gambler.

Ravens +1 over Pittsburgh. These games are low scoring bare knuckle brawls. Steelers are the better team but do not have the services of their starting quarterback. While they have been able to win their first three games, beating the Ravens should prove more difficult. Charlie Batch looked good against a soft Tampa Bay Defense. The Ravens didn't play well defensively against a bad Browns team (looking ahead to this game?). Expect Baltimore to shut down the run and force Batch into forcing throws, thus creating turnovers. This game also means more to the Ravens who will run the risk of being two full games behind the Steelers within their division, if they were to lose Sunday.