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04/30/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cleveland Indians' first-year pitching coach Tim Belcher has been around the block.
A 14-year pitcher in the big leagues, Belcher's 2,442 career innings are the most of any active pitching coach in Major League Baseball. And although this is Belcher's first year as Cleveland's pitching coach, he has spent the last eight years in the organization as a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations.
With all of the roster turnover during the past two seasons, Cleveland's average age is now only 27 years old. While the lineup continues to be a work in progress, the pitching staff will have to shoulder much of the load.
That's where Belcher comes in. As a pitcher for the Dodgers, he compiled seven seasons of 200+ innings pitched, even leading the National League with 10 complete games in 1989. Under his tutelage, Cleveland's starters rank fifth in the American League with a combined 3.98 ERA. That has helped to atone for an offense that ranks 12th in the AL with a .238 team batting average.
Angels' manager Mike Scioscia recently said of his former Los Angeles Dodgers teammate, "I think (Belcher) can help pitchers get through a pitch count barrier and be more efficient with their pitches."
That has certainly rubbed off on 26-year-old rookie Mitch Talbot, who has allowed just two earned runs (0.84) over his last three starts, a span of 21 1/3 innings. His 2.05 ERA is bound to climb at some point, particularly for a pitcher who has fanned only seven batters through four starts. But Belcher points to the youngster's wide array of pitches -- which includes a sinker, cutter, changeup and slider -- as the main reason Talbot has been able to keep hitters off balance.
"He's been good about staying with what's working and knowing what the game plan calls for," Belcher told the team's website. "He's not one of those guys that thinks he has to throw every pitch to every hitter."
Meanwhile, Fausto Carmona has spent the last few seasons trying to rediscover his form of 2007, when he burst onto the scene with 19 wins. Now, a more confident and mechanically sound Carmona brings a 2.96 ERA into tonight's start against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field, in which he'll try to improve to 4-0.
Carmona credits an adjustment to the first-base side of the mound, which he tried during the Dominican Winter League, as a big reason for his early-season success. He's also been relying on his slider a lot more and his changeup a lot less.
"Pitching on the right-hand side of the rubber did not help him at all," manager Manny Acta said. "He was pitching everybody the same way, sinking it in to righties and away to lefties. He had success with it in 2007, but the league adjusted to him."
Elsewhere in the rotation, Justin Masterson is 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA thus far. However, he does have a team-high 24 strikeouts through 19 innings. On Wednesday against the Angels, starter Jake Westbrook was cruising along through five innings, aiming for his first win in two years after Tommy John surgery sidetracked his career. But he allowed a game-tying three-run homer to Torii Hunter in the sixth inning, and the Angels went on to win.
Losing steam in the middle innings has been a problem for Westbrook so far this season, though he isn't blaming his physical condition.
"I'm tired of being part of the problem," Westbrook said. "I feel good about where I am. I'm just not getting the job done. Hopefully I can find a way to put up zeroes when we need them."
ROYALS BACK IN FAMILIAR TERRITORY
Having lost three straight, the Kansas City Royals (8-14) are back in the basement of the AL Central standings, six games back of division-leading Minnesota. Last night, they kicked off an 11-game road trip in Tampa with an 11-1 loss to the Rays, who have now won 14 of their last 16.
So much for a fresh start.
But while the wins and losses -- and the impending road swing -- don't inspire a whole lot of confidence, there is reason for optimism. Consider, even with last night's ugly loss, the Royals still lead the American League with a .302 team batting average on the road. The catalyst has been Scott Podsednik, who leads all AL hitters with a .484 (15-for-31) average in road games. However, it's now up to the pitching staff to hold up their end of the deal.
Starting pitcher Luke Hochevar entered Thursday's tilt with an unblemished record, but he left with a black eye. All told, he allowed 11 hits and a career-high nine earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings against the red-hot Rays.
At the moment, Zack Greinke is the only sure thing on the starting rotation, though he has only an 0-2 record to show for his 2.56 ERA. With three more games on tap in Tampa, followed by two series against the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers, Kansas City will need some other guys to step up. If not, things could turn real ugly by mid-May.
TWINS' PITCHING LOOKING TO STAY SHARP
Minnesota finally lost its first series of the season this week, dropping two of three at Detroit. Still, entering tonight's series opener with Cleveland, the Twins (14-8) have allowed the fourth-fewest runs in the American League. And now they'll be facing the Indians, who have struggled mightily at the plate thus far.
They'll be doing so without Nick Blackburn (1-1, 6.85), who was due to start tonight but went home for family reasons. Manager Ron Gardenhire will now give the ball to Kevin Slowey (2-2, 3.42), who will be starting on regular rest. Given how things have gone for those two, the switch would appear to be a good thing. The resurgent Francisco Liriano (3-0, 0.93) is slated to pitch Sunday's series finale, while Saturday's starter has not yet been announced.
The Twins will also welcome offensive stalwarts Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau back to the lineup tonight, as both had the day off in Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers. It marked the first time since May 2006 that both Mauer and Morneau were given the same day off. Considering the outcome, don't expect it to happen again anytime soon.
NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO COOL TIGERS' CABRERA
As the Detroit Tigers prepare for one of Major League Baseball's most notorious road teams in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, they'll once again look to Miguel Cabrera to ignite the offense.
Entering tonight's series opener, Cabrera leads the majors with 25 RBI and ranks second with 10 doubles. Despite going hitless on Wednesday and Thursday, he is still batting .330 while boasting a .419 on-base percentage.
Without question, he has been one of the main reasons why Detroit (13-10) is within 1 1/2 games of the division-leading Twins. Earlier this week, Cabrera hit a go-ahead homer in the top of the ninth inning to help the Tigers knock off Texas, 8-6.
At the very least, his hot start has cooled offseason concerns around the Motor City, which stemmed from his alcohol-related domestic violence arrest on the eve of last season's one-game playoff with the Twins for the AL's final playoff spot. Considering his $20 million price tag for this season, Cabrera would've been under a great deal of pressure had he gotten off to a poor start.
QUESTIONS AT THE TOP FOR GUILLEN, WHITE SOX
When your leadoff man is hitting .200 and the team is 9-13, changes are bound to be made.
Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen will do just that, after watching newly-acquired leadoff man Juan Pierre go 1-for-16 over the last four games .
"He ain't playing (Friday night)," Guillen told the Chicago Tribune after an 0-for-5 night from Pierre on Thursday. "I don't know if he's putting a lot of pressure on himself or trying to do too much, but I'll try and give him a breather."
Guillen added that he'd consider moving Pierre to either the No. 9 spot of the No. 2 spot in the lineup. That of course leaves the question, who bats first?
The primary options -- at least right now -- are Omar Vizquel, Gordon Beckham or Mark Teahen. But each comes with his own question marks. Vizquel is 43. Guillen indicated he prefers Beckham lower in the lineup to drive in runs. Teahen ranks third on the team with a .379 on-base percentage, but he doesn't have a ton of speed and seems to feel most comfortable batting fifth.
<< Rachel Alexandra loses to Unrivaled Belle in La Troienne
Louisville, KY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - For the second time in as many starts this
year, reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra has lost on the racetrack,
this time to Unrivaled Belle in Friday's $400,000 La Troienne at Churchill
Downs.
<< Knaus, Gustafson extend contracts with Hendrick
Richmond, VA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hendrick Motorsports crew chiefs Chad Knaus
and Alan Gustafson confirmed on Friday their contract extensions with the
racing organization.
Knaus, who has guided four-time defending Sprint Cup Series
<< Dallas needs to build confidence against Revs
Foxborough, MA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman thinks his
team just needs some confidence, but there's only one way to get that.
"Right now we're not getting the results and results build confidence." the FC
Dallas coach
<< Report: New Hofstra coach charged with DWI
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hofstra University has reportedly suspended
head men's basketball coach Tim Welsh without pay following an arrest early
Friday morning.
According to the New York Daily News, the 49-year-old Welsh was fo
Phillies' Madson lands on DL >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Phillies have placed
reliever Ryan Madson on the 15-day disabled list with a broken right great
toe.
The move is retroactive to April 29 and comes on the heels of Brad Lidge's
Nerves get best of Jets rookie RB McKnight >>
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -New York Jets running back Joe McKnight, the team's fourth-round draft pick, has had a rough first rookie minicamp practice. He dropped a few passes, vomited on the field and had both calves cramp up.McKnight, drafted out of
Royals activate 2B Getz from DL >>
St. Petersburg, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Kansas City Royals on Friday
activated second baseman Chris Getz from the 15-day disabled list and optioned
pitcher Victor Marte to Triple-A Omaha.
Getz had been sidelined since April 15 w
Chivas wants to take next step against Chicago >>
Bridgeview, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Chivas USA coach Martin Vasquez intended to
build his new team around the offense, and in two of the last three games, his
plan has worked well.
Chivas defeated Red Bull New York 2-0 on April 10 for its fir
“You play to win the game!”
Those are the words of notoriously intense head coach Herman Edwards. Unfortunately, from a bettors’ perspective, most coaches don’t feel that way about the NFL preseason. August is a time to evaluate young players, finalize the depth chart and pray your star players stay healthy.
The trick to making money during the exhibition schedule is identifying coaches – like Edwards – who can’t stand losing even when there's nothing on the line.
The New York Jets betting won 15 of 21 preseason games and went 14-7 against the spread (ATS) during Edwards’s five-year tenure with the club. In his first season as the Kansas City Chiefs field boss, the team improved from 0-4 to 2-2.
Identifying win-a-holics like Edwards is a good start if you plan betting the preseason – even though most say you shouldn’t ... but what the hell do they know anyway?
Here’s a brief rundown of two teams that have a habit of winning during the second-stringers’ season, and another club that has a good chance of exceeding this year.
Playing in the media hub of North America can be stressful but the press can’t write anything negative about the way Tom Coughlin’s boys play in the preseason. The Giants won and covered all four games last summer, improving their record to 7-1 both straight up (SU) and against the spread over the last two years.
Coughlin has shown he’s not afraid to give his starters more time in the second preseason game than most of his colleagues, no doubt one of the reasons his team has been so dominant.
Bettors can count on America’s team early on. The Cowboys are 14-6 both SU and ATS since 2002 in warm-up contests. Former coach Bill Parcells, the coach of the team the last four years, has an intimidating, in-your-face presence – surely a reason Dallas has had so much early success.
The Big Tuna won’t be strolling the sidelines with looks of disgust, but new coach Wade Phillips will be anxious to make a good first impression for owner Jerry Jones.
Dallas plays the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos before things get serious. They then face the Houston Texans in their third contest (the game starters see most game time) and finish off with the Minnesota Vikings.
Expect a Dallas team able to walk away with another 3-1 preseason record.
This team scored a league-worst 12 offensive touchdowns last season, so the rookies and veterans each have something to prove. There’s a bounty of first-unit jobs up for grabs and plenty of bodies competing for those slots.
First-time head coach Lane Kiffin will be eager to impress an owner who employs the philosophy, “Just win, baby!”
The 32-year-old Kiffin has to command respect from a locker room full of players older than him. All of these factors should lead to purpose in preseason.
Don’t forget: before playing like a team that belonged in NFL Europe, Oakland went 4-1 (both SU and ATS) in exhibition games.
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Many fans thought it was the best side in the nation by the end of last season. This year, the polls have built on Georgia's momentum and granted it the No. 1 preseason ranking, followed by Ohio State and USC. (The Associated Press has the Buckeyes at No. 2; USA Today took the Trojans.)
"To have people believing we have one of the best teams in the nation going into this thing, it's exciting for us," Bulldogs coach Mark Richt told the AP. "I don't think anything is guaranteed, but we certainly have put ourselves in position where at least the college football world thinks we're pretty good."
Georgia Bulldogs - 9.5 wins
There's no question they're good, but the Bulldogs have one of the toughest 12-game schedules in the nation, mostly because they play in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference. Away games at No. 15 Arizona State, No. 7 LSU and No. 10 Auburn loom large, with contests between the hedges versus No. 24 Alabama and No. 18 Tennessee as well as the World's Largest Cocktail Party in Jacksonville versus No.5 Florida.
Ohio State Buckeyes - 10 wins
Like the Bulldogs, the Buckeyes also have a number of tough road contests in 2008. After two scrimmages dressed up as real games versus Youngstown State and Ohio, it's off to face USC. Other tough away games include No.13 Wisconsin in October and No. 20 Illinois in November. Granted, it should be pretty easy sledding at the Horseshoe. In fact, the only ranked team that travels to Columbus is No. 22 Penn State, in October.
USC Trojans - 10.5 wins
A similarly light schedule awaits the Trojans of Southern California, which is why the oddsmakers' total is one win more and the over is currently commanding -150 odds. Pete Carroll's troops only play three ranked teams in 2008, and all of those games are at home. After what should be an easy trip to Virginia to start things off on Aug. 30, the Trojans get two weeks to prepare for Ohio State in Los Angeles. Their two other ranked opponents, No. 21 Oregon and No. 15 Arizona State, visit in consecutive weeks to start the month of October. After that, the competition eases up. Of course, this is the same highly-touted school that lost to Stanford in 2007 and Oregon State in 2006. And don't discount the fact that USC plays its biggest rivals, Notre Dame and UCLA, back-to-back to close out the regular season. On paper, the Trojans are far superior, but motivation will be high for the Irish and Bruins, especially if their historic foes are in national-title contention.
Odds to Win the Heisman Trophy
Tim Tebow, Florida - 7/2
He won it last year, so it's no surprise he's the favorite to do it again, making him just the second player to go back-to-back. Ohio State's Archie Griffin turned the trick in 1974 and 1975, and Tebow's coach, Urban Meyer, is pretty sure his star quarterback can match the Buckeyes legend.
"There has never been anyone quite like him," Meyer told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I am very lucky to be his coach."
Chris Wells, Ohio State - 5/1
The man they call "Beanie" was a star recruit out of high school, so it's not like nobody knew who the star tailback was before he rushed for 576 yards as a freshman in 2006 and 1,609 as a sophomore. But perhaps his finest moment came last year versus Michigan when he rumbled for 222 yards and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes' 14-3 victory over the hated Wolverines.
Knowshon Moreno, Georgia - 8/1
If the Bulldogs are to live up to expectations, they'll need a huge effort from their sophomore running back. This might be the last year of college ball for Moreno, who rushed for 1,334 yards and for 14 touchdowns as a freshman, while adding 253 receiving yards on 20 receptions, so expect big things for the man from Belford, N.J.
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