Canadian MLB Report: Axford making most of chance

Baseball Betting Lines

07/23/2010 - Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Multiple Canadian-born hurlers were supposed to be impact pitchers for their respective teams in 2010, but the first half of the year didn't exactly reflect those predictions. On the other hand, some have stepped up and assumed new roles, exceeding expectations by putting together a strong first half.

All John Axford has done so far this year is stave off Trevor Hoffman, the all- time saves leader, for the closer's role in Milwaukee. The Brewers' new stopper has not allowed a run since the All-Star break, collecting three saves and lowering his ERA to 2.70 in the process. While the intention of the Brewers organization may not have been for Axford to assume the closer role on a full-time basis, he's making their decision easier than anticipated. Alford is sporting a 1.17 WHIP, a K/9 ratio of 11.40 and has yet to blow a save this entire season.

He may not be the prettiest at times, but Blake Hawksworth continues to start for the St. Louis Cardinals since taking over the fifth spot in the rotation for the injured Brad Penny. The sophomore threw out of the bullpen to start the year, a role he assumed last season as well, but has gone 3-1 with a no- decision in his last five outings. Hawksworth's 4-5 record, 4.85 ERA and 1.77 WHIP may not be overly impressive, but the 27-year-old is soaking up innings for a Cardinals team that is battling for the National League Central division with the Cincinnati Reds. The North Vancouver native has allowed three runs or less in four of his last five starts, and should continue to get the ball until if/or when the Cardinals supplant him in the rotation.

Ryan Dempster, who has turned into Canada's marquee starting pitcher in the big leagues, has boasted impressive stats while playing for one of the league's most underachieving teams. The Chicago Cubs right-hander continues to reinforce his reputation as a workhorse, and has pitched well this season for a staff that sits 10 games under .500.

Dempster's eight complete games are tops in the NL and his 130 strikeouts are good for eighth in the league. Dempster is coming off his worst outing in over a month, however, as the four earned runs he surrendered snapped a consecutive streak of eight straight games without allowing more than three earned runs. The 33-year-old is not showing meaningful signs of letdown though, boasting a deceiving 8-7 record, with a 3.70 ERA, while on his way to a third consecutive season of over 200 innings pitched, (133.2 to date).

With speculation that his rotation spot may be in jeopardy, Jeff Francis picked a good time to have a strong outing against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. The Colorado Rockies left-hander blanked the Nationals over seven innings, striking out seven in the process, while holding them to three hits, en route to his third victory of the season. Before this start, Francis had allowed 16 runs over his last 12 innings, a span which covered three games. Francis was the ace of the 2007 NL pennant-winning Rockies, but after shoulder surgery which cost him the entire 2009 season, he's now fighting just to get the ball every fifth day. With more performances like his most recent one, when he effectively used his changeup as an "out" pitch, Francis could be a key contributor down the stretch for a Rockies team fighting for a postseason berth.

INJURY UPDATE

Seattle Mariners left-hander Erik Bedard will now be facing an even longer road to recovery than what was previously expected. After throwing successful rehab assignments in June, Bedard subsequently felt discomfort in his surgically- repaired shoulder that will require him to be re-examined, further prolonging his return to the big leagues. The 31-year-old has been plagued with injuries throughout his career and has not thrown at the major league level since last July. Until further evaluation, the Canadian's immediate status is currently unknown.

Rich Harden, the Texas Rangers' biggest pitching acquisition of the offseason, is once again dealing with injuries. The talented right-hander is on the DL with a non-arm-related injury (glute) but is on his way to a fifth straight season of logging less than 150 innings.

Harden, who when healthy racks up strikeouts and at times can be dominant, could prove to be a formidable sidekick to Cliff Lee down the stretch run if he can stay off the shelf. A player of Harden's capabilities should be able to turn it around despite sporting a career worst 5.68 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. The oft-injured 28-year-old could return to the big league club as early as next week.

Ganblenet Baseball Betting News

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It's less than a month until the NHL hockey betting season opens at MySportsbook.com and preparations are underway for another battle in the race to hoist Lord Stanley's mug in 2007.

As cup crazy fans prepare to place their bets, one online sportsbook ,MySportsbook.com, is offering hockey betting lines on the 2007/2007 Stanley Cup , who will bring it home this upcoming season.

Despite a poor showing in last season's playoffs and the loss of Steve Yzerman to retirement, the Detroit Red Wings are early favourites at this online sportsbook with wagering odds of 6-1. The Wings will look to offensive powerhouse Pavel Datsyuk and newly appointed captain Nicklas Lidstrom to lead one of the league's most prominent franchises.

Always a threat are the Ottawa Senators, with newly acquired goaltender Martin Gerber from the Stanley Cup champion ,Carolina Hurricanes. The Sens are second best in the rankings at a 7-1 bet, and odds makers at this sportsbook are optimistic that the Ottawa squad will fare better than last season's Eastern Conference semi-final upset to the Buffalo Sabres.

Also worth noting are the defending Stanley Cup champs Carolina Hurricanes, a 10-1 bet to repeat. Behind the Canes are the New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, and Anaheim Mighty Ducks all sit at 12-1. In the basement are the Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, and St. Louis Blues who all have 100-1 odds to win.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your hockey betting needs.

MySportsbook.com : Fortune Favors Favorites in March Madness betting?

Just like Day 1 of the “Sweet 16”, Friday’s games are chock full of some of the nation’s elite.  Unlike Thursday’s games, there is a little bit more of a “Cinderella” feel as #7 seed UNLV and #6 seed Vanderbilt will attempt to move on to the Elite Eight.  With powerhouses Florida, UNC and Georgetown looking to continue their momentum against lesser known teams, it isn’t surprising that once again the “betting public” is backing most of the favorites.  As the early coin rolls in, 56% of Sportsbook.com bettors prefer Georgetown (-7.5) as they take on Vanderbilt; 84% of the early money is backing Oregon (-3) as they square off against UNLV; and a slight majority (52%) of the early cash is on Florida (-10.5) against Butler as the Gators continue their quest for another National Title. The only favorite the public don’t seem confident in is UNC, as 59% of the cash is backing the underdog Trojans (+8).

Midwest

#1 Florida vs. #5 Butler

The defending National Champs have been on a mission since last April.  Joakim Noah and Al Horford turned down millions of dollars for one reason, to REPEAT.  After a late season hiccup which saw them lose three out of four, the Gators have won six straight by an average of 20.3 points. More importantly, they covered in five of those six games.  Behind their stymie defense that yields only 56.9 PPG, Butler has been a very pleasant surprise this season.  As their 20-11 ATS record will indicate, “surprise teams” like Butler are often good bets for gamblers.  Playing in an average conference, Butler wasn’t and underdog too often but when they were, they covered (6-0 ATS).  Butler’s defense will have its hands full against a Gators offense which averages 80.1 PPG on an amazing 52.9% shooting from the field.  With Florida’s tournament experience over the last few years, it isn’t surprising that they are 5-1 ATS this season, 20-4 ATS over the last three seasons and 38-20 since 1997 in tournament action.

#3 Oregon vs. #7 UNLV

As a #7 seed, UNLV is the closest thing to a “Cinderella” we have this year.  If you bet on UNLV this season with any regularity, you most likely cashed in. Behind their guard oriented attack, the Rebels are an impressive 20-11 ATS this season.  As an underdog they covered in 8 out of their ten games which isn’t surprising since they are 52-30 ATS as a ‘dog since 1997. The Rebels have been a consistent cover during the month of March as well.  This March they are 6-0 ATS, 11-3 ATS over the last three seasons and 24-11 since 1997. Their impressive ATS trends don’t end there; versus teams with a winning record they are 15-6 ATS this season and 41-21 over the last three seasons.  Although Oregon hasn’t been as generous to gamblers as UNLV this season, they have been covering consistently as of late.  There is no question that they are playing their best ball of the season having won their last 8 straight up (SU) by an average of 14.5 points. Not surprising they covered in 7 of those games.  It is interesting to note how similar these teams are in regards to scoring and scoring defense. UNLV averages 75 PPG while giving up 66.5 PPG and Oregon scores 75.8 PPG while yielding 65.5 PPG.

East

#6 Vanderbilt vs. #2 Georgetown

“Hoya Paranoia” is officially back! After a decent start, Georgetown has rolled through the second half of the season.  Over their last 18 games, they are 17-1 SU.  They have definitely improved ATS as the season has progressed as well. After opening the season 1-4-1 ATS, the Hoyas have covered 78.3% of their games.  With their great interior play of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, the Hoyas as a team shoot 50.5% from the field.  Like the Georgetown teams from years ago, they also excel on defense.  Hoya opponents averaged only 56.8 PPG on 38.2% shooting from the field and an extremely low 30.4% from beyond the arc.  The last stat could be of some concern to Vanderbilt considering they shoot 37.7% from long-range.  Ranking second to last in the SEC in rebounding margin, Vanderbilt will have its work cut out for them against the Hoya trees. As far as covering is concerned, Vanderbilt has been almost a “sure thing” (7-1 ATS) versus good defensive teams that allow less than 64 PPG.

#1 UNC vs. # 5 USC

The Tar Heels are as talented and as deep as any team in the country.  Going ten deep and chock full of HS All-Americans, UNC averages 86.1 PPG and scored 100+ seven times.  Led by All-American forward, Tyler Hansbrough (18.6 PPG 7.9 RPG) UNC has a very balanced attack which can kill you on the inside as well as on the perimeter.  UNC only real concern is their youth as eight of their rotation players are either sophomores or freshmen.  UNC was a reliable cover this season going 20-13 ATS.  An intriguing covering trend for the Tar Heels in recent years has been how they fared after non-conference games.  This season they are 11-3 ATS after non-conference games and over the last three seasons they are 31-13 ATS.  USC is also a pretty deep team which is loaded with swingman types.  An match-up to keep an eye on will be freshman forward Taj Gibson (12.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG) as he squares off against the AA Hansbrough.  USC has been a covering machine this season achieving a 21-10 record ATS.  They have thrived in the underdog role, having covered 10 out of 12.  When playing a team with a winning record, the Trojans are an incredible 20-6 ATS. Keep in mind, USC dedicated their season to former star to Ryan Francis who passed away before the season so as they get closer to the ultimate goal, emotion could definitely be on their side.

With Friday -105 juice on Basketball betting, MySportsbook.com is the place to bet on all of the “March Madness” action.  Don’t forget to monitor who the public is backing at this sportsbook “Betting Trends”.  By doing so, you have the best chance of predicting a possible line change, thus getting the best value for your wager.

To bet on March Madness games this online sportsbook accepts credit cards

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