Peace, Love and Lots of Sox . . . Red Sox (cowboys and razorbacks too)

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 13 - Rays vs Sox

2010-04-19T06:57:00.004-05:00

Neimann vs Lackey - game 4 of Home stand, Game 4 of Series.

Sox are 0-3 this home stand with 7 to go, 1-5 at home this season. Ugly playing ugly.

Marathon day / Patriot Day - Preview from ESPN.

11ish (yes I said 11 ish) be there or ...

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 12 - Rays vs Sox

2010-04-18T13:05:00.003-05:00

Garza vs Lester - game 3 of series (0-2), game 3 of 18 this year (0-2), 3rd game of home stand (0-2), 6th home game of year (1-4) and 12th game of year (4-7). Espn.go. com Preview.

2ish (rain delay) be there or be ...

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 11 - Rays vs Sox

2010-04-17T19:12:00.004-05:00

Shields vs Buchholz - after the suspended game ends +30 minutes - 2nd game of series (0-1), 2nd game of 18 for season (0-1), 2nd game of home stand (0-1), 5th game at home this year (1-3).

Not a lot to say about the 10th game, except that if you have the bases loaded and can't score with 0 outs, well you deserve to lose the game.

Game 11 Preview from Espn.

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 10 - Rays vs Sox

2010-04-16T15:47:00.003-05:00

Davis vs Beckett at Fenway - Game 1 of 4 game series and 18 games overall against the Rays. 10th game of year and Sox are 2 games back of Rays in the standings.

From espn.go.com preview - The Rays will try to hand Beckett his first career April loss at Fenway Park on Friday night in the opener of a four-game series against the Red Sox.

This is the 1st game of a ten game home stand. Sox are 1-2 at home for the season and 3-3 on the road. 7 ish be there or be ...

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 9 - Sox vs Twins (Sox 4-4)

2010-04-15T09:59:00.003-05:00

Wakefield vs Liriano at Target Field, third straight series where this is the rubber game. Game 3 of 3 for this series (1-1), 3rd game of 5 in season (1-1), game 6 of 6 on road trip (3-2). Preview has this quote talking about playing time - "It's not fantasy baseball, and it's not like chess pieces," he said. "Guys need time to settle in. If I don't let them settle in, it's just going to prolong what we're going through."

Papi will sit vs the lefty and Papi should sit. I see platoon becoming a thing for the DH on this team. 1ish, be there or be ...

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 8 - Sox vs Twins

2010-04-14T12:02:00.004-05:00

Lackey vs Slowey - Game 2 of 3 (0-1) series, 2 of 5 for year (0-1). Preview.

Sox are presently 3-4 for the year 2-2 for road trip. 1ish be there or be...

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 7 - Sox Vs Twins

2010-04-12T13:03:00.003-05:00

Lester vs Pavano - game 1 of 3, 4th game of road trip (2-1), game 1 of 5 vs Twins - Opening game at the Target - Look for Papi to play today and Wednesday!!! 3ish be there or be .... (espn preview)

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 6 - Sox vs Royals

2010-04-12T13:01:00.002-05:00

The Kid vs Meche - yesterdays game - took the Series 2-1.

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 5 of 162 - Sox VS Royals

2010-04-10T17:59:00.003-05:00

Beckett vs Greinke - Game 2 of 3 in this series, game 2 of 7 for season - KC leads 1-0. Preview for ESPN.Go.com!!!

The Sox need to get their crap together, 1-3 is unacceptable for this team.

7ish be there or be...

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 4 - Sox vs Royals - Game 1 of 3

2010-04-09T16:32:00.003-05:00

Wakefield vs Davies - Kaufmann Stadium - Game 4 of the season, Game 1 of 1st Road Trip, Game 1 of 3 for Series (Sox 0-1 in series), game 1 of 9 for season - Espn.go.com Preview!!!

Oh yeah - 8:10 EDT - be there or be....

Red Sox 2010 Season Game 3

2010-04-07T17:31:00.003-05:00

Pettitte vs Lackey at Fenway! Home debut for Lackey as a Red Sox. 7ish - be there or be...

Rubber game of the first series, 3rd of 18 for the season.

Red Sox 2010 Game 2 of 182 - Yankees at Sox

2010-04-06T17:42:00.002-05:00

Lester vs Burnett - Game 2 - 2nd of 18 - Sox lead series 1-0, season series 1-0. 7ish be there or be square!!!

Red Sox 2010 Game 1 of 162 (1 of 18 vs Yankees)

2010-04-04T18:41:00.001-05:00

Yankees - Red Sox - the games begin!!!

2009 NFL Week 17 Preview

2010-01-03T07:34:00.003-05:00

ok - 4-12 last week - uGLY -

This week is the last week and we have 113 winners going into the week - hmmm, lets see will need to go 15-1 this week just to break even - ugly - - - --

oh well - this week we are going with Indianapolis -2.5, Jacksonville 1.5, Chicago -3.5, San Francisco -7.5, Pittsburgh -2.5, NY Giants 8.5, Atlanta -2.5, New Orleans 2.5, NE Patriots 7.5, Philadelphia 2.5, Arizona -3.5, San Diego -4.5, Tennessee -4.5, Oakland 10.5, Kansas City 12.5 and Cincinnati 9.5.

Once again, unable to find the Madden 2010 link - will keep looking but am using the Accuscore for his picks. Oh, yeah with 128 picks you could have done worse this year.

2009 NFL Week 16 Preview

2009-12-27T08:37:00.003-05:00

Ok, we went 7-9 last week continuing a trend of very good one week followed by mediocrity the next. Good thing I live by Daddy's old rule - "Never bet on anything you can't control!!!

This weeks picks - Buffalo 8.5, Cincinnati -13.5, Cleveland -3.5, Seattle 13.5, Baltimore 2.5, Miami -3.5, NE Patriots -7.5, New Orleans -14.5, Carolina 6.5, St. Louis 13.5, Detroit 11.5, Denver 6.5, Indianapolis -5.5, Washington 6.5 and Minnesota -7.5. Was unable to find the Madden 2010 from ESPN but will look later. Meanwhile I used the ACCUScore Projections for the ESPN.com contest.

2009 NFL Week 15 Preview

2009-12-19T01:29:00.005-05:00

Good week last week (finally) as we went 11-5, which means we picked 102 winners this year (wow). Oh well, would not make money this year but we still have hopes for a strong finish - YEAH BABY.

This week we are going to go with Jacksonville (trust me I picked them on Thursday night) 6.5, Dallas 7.5, NE Patriots -7.5, Arizona -10.5, Tennessee -3.5, Cleveland 2.5, Houston -9.5, NY Jets -6.5, Philadelphia -7.5, Cincinnati 6.5, Denver -13.5, Green Bay (Pittsburgh is in a tail spin) 0.5, Baltimore -10.5, Seattle -7.5, Minnesota -7.5 and NY Giants -3.5. Your Madden 10 picks here.

Yeah Baby

2009 NFL Week 14 Preview

2009-12-13T04:58:00.003-05:00

6-10 last week, ugh, as in ugly. Not a good year if you are following my picks as I've only picked 91 correct through the first 13 weeks (as I said UGGLY) . My advice follow Madden 10 picks, at least the simulations have picked 106 winners this year.

This weeks picks - Atlanta 9.5, Green Bay -3.5, Denver 7.5, Buffalo 0.5, NY Jets -3.5, Jacksonville -2.5, Baltimore -13.5, Houston -6.5, Cincinnati 6.5, Carolina 13.5, Tennessee -12.5, Washington -1.5, San Diego 3.5, Philadelphia 0.5, and Arizona -3.5.

See you Thursday - unless something earth shattering happens.

s1c

2009 NFL Week 14 Thursday Preview

2009-12-10T18:31:00.002-05:00

Steelers vs the Browns - hmmm, Pittsburgh has sucked lately but this is Cleveland we are talking about - Pittsburgh - 9.5. Madden 10 also has the Steelers.

2009 NFL Week 13 Preview

2009-12-05T19:07:00.003-05:00

Wow on a non losing streak as we went 8-8 following our 9-7 week in week 11. Some good games on Sunday.

Philadelphia -4.5, Chicago -8.5, Cincinnati -13.5, Tennessee 6.5, Denver -4.5, Washington 8.5, Carolina -6.5, Houston 0.5, Pittsburgh -11.5, NE Patriots -6.5, San Diego -12.5, San Francisco .5, NY Giants 1.5, Minnesota -3.5 and Baltimore 3.5. Madden 10 Picks.

2009 NFL Week 13 Thursday Preview

2009-12-03T17:56:00.002-05:00

Going with the Jets - 3.5. Madden has the Bills 3.5 - can see that here.

2009 NFL Week 12 Picks

2009-11-29T06:11:00.004-05:00

9-7 last week, whoop de do.

This week, Atlanta -11.5, Miami -3.5, Cincinnati -13.5, Seattle -2.5, Carolina 3.5, Washington 9.5, Indianapolis -3.5, San Diego -13.5, San Francisco -3.5, Arizona .5, Minnesota -10.5, Baltimore 2.5 and NE Patriots - 3.5.

Remember to bet on my picks this year would have been suicide.

Madden 10

2009 NFL Week 12 Thursday Previews

2009-11-25T23:55:00.002-05:00

Thursday games - picks - Green Bay -10.5, Oakland 13.5 and Denver 6.5. Madden 10 simulations.

2009 NFL Week 11 Picks

2009-11-22T04:22:00.003-05:00

Well beat Madden 10 on Thursday night by going with the Dolphins. Maybe that is a good sign, what I do know is that Madden 10 will beat me this year. Just not enough weeks left.

Picks for this week:

Detroit -3.5, San Francisco 6.5, Pittsburgh -9.5, Washington 11.5, Atlanta 6.5, New Orleans -11.5
Jacksonville -8.5, Indianapolis .5, Minnesota -11.5, Arizona -8.5, Broncos 2.5, Bengals -9.5, NE Patriots -10.5, Philadelphia -3.5, and Houston -4.5.

2009 NFL Week10 Picks

2009-11-15T06:25:00.004-05:00

Another week and another losing strategy? Who knows, but I do know that Madden 10 has been pretty good against the thread. So you might want to consider that in your strategy.

Going with the Saints -13.5, Dolphins -9.5, Lions 16.5, Jaguars 6.5, Bills 6.5, Pittsburgh -6.5, Broncos -4.5, Falcons -1.5, Chiefs 1.5, Eagles 2.5, Seattle 8.5, Packers 2.5, Patriots 2.5 and Browns 10.5.

There you go, now off to get some sleep.

Nfl Week 10 Thursday Night

2009-11-12T18:32:00.002-05:00

49ers at home vs da Bears -3.5 Niners - Going with the Niners because it is sort of homecoming for #55. Madden 10 has 49ers 21-14 over the Bears also.

2009 NFL Week 9 Picks

2009-11-08T11:09:00.003-05:00

Last week 2-11, which would put the word pitiful in a whole new category. Oh well - this weeks picks.

Atlanta -10.5, Arizona 3.5, Baltimore -2.5, Houston 9.5, NE Patriots - 10.5, Green Bay -10.5, Kansas City 6.5, Detroit 10.5, New Orleans -14.5, NY Giants -4.5, Tennessee 4.5, Dallas 3.5 and Denver 3.5.

Madden 10 picks can be found here.

2009 NFL Week 8 Picks

2009-11-01T06:03:00.003-05:00

Well a good week last week as we went 10-3, but then again I would have done just as well if I had just taken the favorites. This we are going to take the Bills (3.5), Browns (13.5), Seahawks (9.5), Lions (-3.5), Colts (-12.5), Jets (-3.5), Broncos (3.5), Giants (2.5), Jaguars (2.5), Chargers (-16.5), Vikings (3.5), Arizona (-9.5) and Falcons (9.5).

2009 NFL Week 7 Picks

2009-10-25T10:23:00.002-05:00

Well we went 8-6 last week which gets us back to .500 (45-45) for the year. Yea boy, I am so excited. Not! For comparisons, Madden is 51-39 and selecting the favorites would have you at 43-47 for the year. Oh well another week and another try at winning. This week we go with:

Green Bay -7.5, Kansas City 4.5, San Francisco 3.5, Indianapolis -13.5, Minnesota 4.5,NE Patriots -14.5, Buffalo 7.5, NY Jets -6.5, Chicago 1.5, Dallas -3.5, New Orleans -6.5, Arizona 7.5, Philadelphia -7.5.

Madden 10:
Green Bay 30-Cleveland 17
San Diego 27-Kansas City 14
Indianapolis 33-St. Louis 20
Pittsburgh 24-Minnesota 17
NE Patriots 30-Tampa 13
Houston 25-San Fran 27
Carolina 24-Buffalo 17
NY JEts 20-Oakland 13
Dallas 14-Atlanta 27
Cincinnati 16-Chicago 23
New Orleans 38-Miami 24
Ny Giants 19-Arizona 13
Philadelphia 24-Washington 10

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 NFL Week 6 Picks

2009-10-18T05:15:00.004-05:00

To say that last weeks picks were crappy would be an insult to crappy and his ness. 4-10 for the week and overall 37-39 (I hate losing money). However, on the bright side it just goes to show that one should never ever bet the house on my picks. Oh, well it is a new week and new chance to get back above .500!!!

This weeks picks - Cincinnati (-4.5), Detroit (+13.5), Baltimore (+2.5), NY Giants (+3.5), Carolina (-3.5), Kansas City (+6.5), Jacksonville (-9.5), Cleveland (+14.5), Arizona (+2.5), Philadelphia (-14.5), Buffalo (+9.5), Tennesse (+9.5), Atlanta (-3.5) and Denver (+4.5).

Madden 10 - Houston 31-Cincinnati 24, Detroit 27-Green Bay 34, Baltimore 7-Minnesota 21, NY Giants 26-New Orleans 21, Cleveland 12-Pittsburgh 37, Carolina 31-Tampa Bay 17, Kansas City 20-Washington 26, St. Louis 14-Jacksonville 24, Philadelphia 17-Oakland 3, Tennessee 17-NE Patriots 31, Buffalo 27-NY Jets 30, Chicago 16-Atlanta 24, Denver 30-San Diego 26, Arizona 34-Seattle 24.

So far the leader in the club house is Madden 10 who has gone 42-34 followed by Favorites with 38-38 and little old me at 37-39.

Remember, I am not responsible for any losses if you follow my picks. So don't bet the house.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 NFL Week 5 Picks

2009-10-11T13:49:00.004-05:00

Fell asleep before posting this, but here we go - 33-29 so far this year after my 8-6 last week.

Picks Bills (-6.5), Steelers (-10.5), Cowboys (-8.5), Vikings (-16.5), Bucs (13.5), Panthers (-3.5), Ravens (-8.5), Falcons (2.5), Jaguars (.5), Texans (5.5), Patriots (-3.5), Colts (-3.5) and NY Jets (-1.5).

Updated - added the Madden 2010 links -
Cleveland 27 Buffalo 23, Dallas 28 KC 14, Minnesota 27 St. Louis 13, Oakland 13 NY Giants 34, Tampa 16 Philly 27, Pittsburgh 23 Detroit 10, Washington 16 Carolina 34, Cincinnati 3 Baltimore 27 , Atlanta 20 San Francisco 23, Jacksonville 30 Seattle 24, Houston 16 Arizona 20, NE Patriots 24 Denver 17, Indianapolis 27 Tennessee 23, NY Jets 34 Miami 17.

2009 American League Divison Series Game 1 - Red Sox VS Angels

2009-10-08T18:30:00.003-05:00

Tonight it is on!!! Game one versus the Angels, who have became the Sox whipping boy, like the Twinkees have became the MFY whipping boys. 9-1 since 2004 against the Angels in round one of the playoffs. Baseball reference has the break down. The regular season series went to the Angels 5-4 with six of those games being one run affairs.

Notable numbers since 8/1/2009 -

J.D. Drew - .340/.448/.667 - 10th in MLB since that time. Out of his 49 hits 22 were for extra bases - 9/1/12 and that is the second highest Slugging % (behind Derrek Lee).

Other notables in the top ten:

Mauer - .373/.460/.570 (3rd in BA)
Jeter - .358/.422/.485 (4th in BA)
Cano - .344/.368/.559 (8th in BA)

J. Bay - .301/.392/.631 (7th in slug)
Ortiz - .251/.356/.513 (59th in slug)
Youkilis - .314/.417/.426 (51st in slug)
Pedroia - .287/.372/.498 (79th in slug)
Gonzalez - .282/.320/.441 (157th in slug)
Lowell - .280/.344/.455 (137th in slug)
Martinez - .336/.405/.507 (68th in slug)
Ellsbury - .300/.363/.412 (199th in slug)

VARITEK - .134/.220/.216 (390th in slug)

The only requirement I had was there had to be at least 50 PAs. Only 396 players met that requirement. IF VARITEK plays a game in this series it had better be a blow out or Martinez better be hurt.

2009 NFL Week 4 Picks

2009-10-03T12:14:00.003-05:00

UGGLY, that is what last week was, UGGGLYYYY. 7-9 for the week, brings us to 25-23 for the year. By comparison, Madden 10 -28-20 and Favorites are 23-25. Like I said UGGLY!!!

Ok, this week we go for the gold, well at least a winning record again. The spread is for the home team.

Detroit at Chicago (-10.5) - still not buying the Bears but over the Lions, yeah 21-10. Madden has it at 28-7 Bears.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (5.5) - Cleveland gets off the snide? Nope, but they cover 21-17. Madden - 24-20 Cincinnati.
Seattle at Indianapolis (-8.5) - Colts continue to roll, 31-10 over the Seahawks. Madden - 31-14 Colts.
NY Giants at Kansas City (9.5) - Teeth grinding as the Giants blank the Chiefs - 21-0. Madden - 23-3 Giants.
Tampa Bay at Washington (-7.5) - Skins bounce back and win 17-14. Madden - 20-15 Skins.
Tennessee at Jacksonville (2.5) - Titans win their first game 17-14. Madden - 24-16 Titans.
Oakland at Houston (-9.5) - Houston isn't that good, 17-10 over the Raiders . Madden - 27-13 Texans.
Baltimore at NE Patriots (-2.5) - I think the Ravens have a real good chance of winning this game but Brady gets a late field goal and wins 21-20. Madden - 24-20 Pats.
NY Jets at New Orleans (-6.5) - Saints win a shoot out? Nope, tight game but Saints win 21-17. Madden - 34-27 Saints.
Buffalo at Miami (1.5) - Dolphins suck, Bills win 27-10. Madden - 34-27 Dolphins.
Dallas at Denver (3.5) - I don't trust the boys at Mile high. Broncos cover. Madden - 28-24 Cowboys.
St. Louis at San Francisco (-10.5) - 49ers blow them out 31-10. Madden - 20-10 49ers.
San Diego at Pittsburgh (-6.5) - Chagers avenge last years loss - 28-21. Madden - 35-31 Steelers.
Green Bay at Minnesota (-3.5) - Favre blows the Packers out of the building 31-17. Madden - 20-13 Vikes.

Remember, I am not responsible for any losses if you follow my picks. So don't bet the house.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 NFL Week 3 Picks

2009-09-27T11:11:00.003-05:00

Well, once again it was a 9-7 week. So, we are up 4 games going into week 3 of this season. For comparisons, favorites went 6-8 last week and are 13-19 total while Madden 10 went 8-8 and is 17-15 for the last two weeks. So, what is needed is a really good week, but to be honest I just don't feel it.

Oh, well, here we go, week three - Spread is home team.

Washington at Detroit - 6.5, I'm thinking this is Detroit's best chance to win a game, but the Skins win21-17. Madden 26-24.
Green Bay at St. Louis - 6.5, I have no faith in the Packers yet and the Rams are better than the experts are saying, Green Bay wins 17-14. Madden 30-20.
San Fran at Minnesota - -7.5, Minnesota wins this one 24-17. Madden 21-23.
Atlanta at New England - -4.5, The Falcons can throw the ball, the Pats suck at pass defense, NE wins a shoot out 31-28. Madden 24-34.
Tennessee at NY Jets - -2.5, I think the Jets have a let down and the Titans win this game 17-14. Madden 31-24.
Kansas City at Philadelphia - -9.5, to be honest I have no clue, but lets go with Philly winning 28-21. Madden 20-35.
NY Giants at Tampa Bay - 7.5, Giants roll 28-14. Madden 31-20.
Cleveland at Baltimore - -13.5, Ravens win 28-17. Madden 7-31.
Jacksonville at Houston - -3.5, Houston wins 24-18. Madden 21-30.
New Orleans at Buffalo - 5.5, Saints go marching in with a 30-21 score. Madden 37-24.
Chicago at Seattle - 2.5, I still have no faith in the Bears, they lose 21-17. Madden 20-15.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati - 4.5, Steelers roll to a 27-17 win. Madden 34-17.
Denver at Oakland - -1.5, Broncos are playing tight games and this will be another one, Broncos win 21-20. Madden 23-17.
Miami at San Diego - -5.5, Dolphins suck but the cove by losing 28-24. Madden 21-31.
Indianapolis at Arizona - -1.5, Indy wins out right 24-21. Madden 26-31.
Carolina at Dallas - -9.5, Finally Dallas covers at home 35-14. Madden 23-31.

Remember, I am not responsible for any losses if you follow my picks. So don't bet the house.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 NFL Week 2 Picks

2009-09-20T11:27:00.002-05:00

Here we go. This weeks picks!!!

Last week we went 9-7, the same as Madden 10. Favorites were 7-9.
Looking to do better this week.

Carolina at Atlanta (-6.5), look for the Falcons to win 28-17. Madden - 10-34.
Minnesota (-9.5) at Detroit, I think the Vikings will run the ball at will and win 31-17. Madden - 25-6.
Cincinnati (9.5) at Green Bay, Packers 28-21. Madden - 20-31.
Houston (7.5) at Tennessee, Titans win 21-14. Madden - 16-25.
Oakland at Kansas City (-3.5), Chiefs win 28-24. Madden - 20-30.
NE Patriots (-5.5) at NY Jets, NE blows the trash talking Jets and their coach out of the stadium 35-10. Madden - 34-24.
New Orelans at Philadelphia (-1.5), the Eagles are better than a lot people think so look for a 28-14 win. Madden -45-17.
St. Louis (10.5) at Washington, looking for one of those close games here Skins win 28-24. Madden -10-16.
Arizona (3.5) at Jacksonville, Cardinals win this one 21-14. Madden -23-17.
Seattle (1.5) at San Francisco, Seahawks win this one 21-17. Madden -20-15.
Tampa Bay at Buffalo (-4.5), Bills are better than the Bucs and prove it at home by winning 27-14. Madden -12-10.
Pittsburgh (-2.5) at Chicago, defending champs run rough shod of the Erlacherless Bears, 35-10. Madden -32-17.
Cleveland (3.5) at Denver, Broncos win a tight one 24-21. Madden -16-20.
Baltimore (4.5) at San Diego, this game is left to the defenses, Baltimore loses 14-10. Madden -20-23.
NY Giants at Dallas (-2.5), first game at the new stadium has my Cowboys winning this one 35-28. Madden -21-24.
Indianapolis (-3.5) at Miami, Colts get the offense running and win this 28-17. Madden -31-21.

There you go, remember I am not responsible if you lose your house by following my picks!!!

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 NFL Week 1

2009-09-13T11:11:00.004-05:00

Ok, so Thursday nights game was pretty good and we start the weekend up a win. So, lets go for the Sunday and Monday games:

Miami at Atlanta - 4.5, going with the Atlanta 21-14. Madden 10 has it 21-19 Atlanta
Denver at Cincy - 3.5, going with Cincy to cover - 24-14. Madden - 17-9
Minnesota at Cleveland - -3.5, going with Minnesota behind Favre winning this one 31-10. Madden - 28-10
Jacksonville at Indianapolis - 6.5, another slow start for Manning and the Colts win 21-17. Madden - 34-20
Detroit at New Orleans - 11.5, New Orleans is good (like play off bound) and Detroit is well, Detroit but the Saints only crawl in the dome, NO 17-10. Madden - 28-3
Dallas at Tampa Bay - -3.5, Romo is like amazing in Sept., Oct., and Nov. and I am looking for that trend to continue, Dallas 35-21. Madden - 35-28
Philadelphia at Carolina - .5, nip and tuck game but McNabb wins it late 21-17. Madden - 31-24 Philly.
KC at Baltimore - 8.5, KC sucks, Ravens are good, but Cassel sparks the Chiefs to a 21-17 win. Madden - 27-3 Ravens
NY Jets at Houston - 4.5, Rookie quarterback spells trouble for the J-E-T-S, J-E-T-S. Houston 28-7. Madden - Jets 30 - Houston 24.
Washington at NY Giants - 6.5, NFC East match up means no blow out, Giants 17-14. Madden 21-16
San Fran at Arizona - 6.5, no super bowl hang over for the Cards as they blow out SF 31-3. Madden 24-17 San Fran
St. Louis at Seattle - 7.5, St. Louis can only manage a FG, Seahawks 21-3. Madden 26-10
Chicago at Green Bay - 3.5, Cutler is good but I'm looking for Green Bay to choke a close game, Chi-town wins 21-18. Madden - 30-27 GB.
Buffalo at NE Patriots - 10.5, the high powered Patriots blow out Buffalo 38-10. Madden - 28-25 Patriots.
San Diego at Oakland - -6.5, the worst game of the week end. San Diego blows this game as Raiders win in a shoot out 35-31. Madden - 45-7 SD.

2009 Red Sox Game 140 Preview

2009-09-11T17:04:00.003-05:00

Ok, so tonight it is Shields vs Lester at the Fens, 7:10.

Hmm, just noticing, he doesn't seem to be called big game James anymore, hmm.

Be there or be ...

2009 NFL Week 1 - Thursday Game

2009-09-10T16:54:00.003-05:00

Ok, it is on, the NFL starts its 09 season tonight and it is time to make some picks.

First - Madden 10 has the Titans winning 35-28. Umm, not sure I agree with that one.

I think it will be Steelers 28 - Titans 24, with the spread being 5.5 the Titans cover.

IT IS ON!!!

2009 Red Sox Game 132 Preview

2009-09-02T05:30:00.003-05:00

Beckett vs Garza at the Trop, 7:08 eastern.

Like MLB.com says, Beckett has sucked lately. As in royally sucked lately. Don't believe me just look at these starts, and compare them to his first 23 starts. A 3.10 ERA vs a 9.82 ERA which raises his overall ERA to a less than mediocre 3.80 ERA. I just want captain kick A** back.

Garza has been good at home and especially good in his career vs the Sox. Here is home that he does not live up to his previous excellence.

Be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 131 Preview

2009-09-01T17:27:00.003-05:00

Lester vs Sonnanstine, at the Trop, 7:08.

Sonnanstine has just been called up and Lester has not lost in his last 7 starts.

Be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 130 Preview

2009-08-30T08:37:00.004-05:00

Halladay vs Byrd, 1:35 p.m. at the fens. Sox are on a mini roll and are now 6-3 on this home stand. MLB.com has the break down of mr. double pump vs the Doc.

Be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 129 Preview

2009-08-29T06:51:00.003-05:00

Romer0 vs Buchholz, at the fens, 7:10 p.m. Buchholz can be maddening. When he has been good he has been good, when bad, he has been bad. He is coming off of a bad outing from last time, hopefully he won't pull a Beckett and continue that trend tonight. MLB.com's probable information.

Be there or be ...

(in unrelated news, busy day as b-fly goes off to college)

2009 Red Sox Game 128 Preview

2009-08-28T14:40:00.003-05:00

Richmond vs Beckett - At the Fens, 7:10 the first pitch. MLB.com breakdown shows that Richmond has lost three straight and Beckett, well his last two games have really sucked. In fact his ERA has went from a sparkling 3.10 to a better than average 3.68 due to the 15 earned runs he has allowed in those thirteen and one-third innings.

1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Pedroia, 2b
3. Martinez, 1b
4. Youkilis, 3b
5. Ortiz, DH
6. Bay, LF
7. Drew, RF
8. Varitek, C
9. Gonzalez, SS

Be there or be...

2009 Red Sox Game 127 Preview

2009-08-27T16:36:00.003-05:00

Danks vs Tazawa at the Fens, 7:10 p.m. The last time the Sox had a chance to sweep a 4 game series, Verlander shut them down. Tonight they have another chance.

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mike Lowell, 3B
8. J.D. Drew, RF
9. Alex Gonzalez, SS

7:10, be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 126 Preview

2009-08-26T16:39:00.003-05:00

Floyd vs Wakefield, (he's back!!!), Game 3 of the 4 game set vs the pale hose!

1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Pedroia, 2b
3. Martinez, C
4. Youkilis, 3b
5. Ortiz, DH
6. Bay, LF
7. Drew, RF
8. Kotchman, 1b
9. Gonzalez, SS

at the Fens, 7 ish, be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 125 Preview

2009-08-25T16:58:00.003-05:00

Garcia vs Lester, 7 ish, at the fens, game 2 of this series (1-0 Boston), be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 124 Preview

2009-08-24T17:45:00.002-05:00

Contreras vs Buchholz, 7ish at the fens, and after the 3 games vs the Yankees, I am ready for that wild card push. Be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 123 Preview

2009-08-23T16:27:00.003-05:00

Sabithia vs Beckett, at the Fens 8:00 on ESPN, be there or ...

Next day update - that was bleh, but mark it here first, IF THE SOX MAKE THE PLAYOFFS they are going to the World Series. That's my motto and I'm sticking to it!!!

2009 Red Sox Game 121 Preview

2009-08-21T16:51:00.002-05:00

Pettitte vs Penny - 7 ish. be there or be ...

Looking Ahead

2009-08-20T21:58:00.002-05:00

Ok, the Sox finished off their latest road trip with a winning record and now here come the Yankees to Fenway. Presently the Sox are 6.5 games back of the Yankees with a chance to cut into that lead. Is this possible? Of course it is possible, but recent history says the Sox will probably fall further back.

From 2003 the Sox are 62-62 vs the Yanks. Dead even, but a further breakdown shows that in August and September the Sox are only 16-27 (7-13 at home). That is not what I want to see coming into this series.

2009 Red Sox Game 120 Preview

2009-08-20T18:03:00.002-05:00

Lester vs Cecil at Rogers center. 7 ish. Be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 114 Preview

2009-08-13T05:54:00.003-05:00

Verlander vs Buchholz - 1:35 (sweep?, oh lord my kingdom for a sweep!) be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 113 Preview

2009-08-12T17:39:00.003-05:00

Miner vs Beckett (captain kick a*** to you and me).

Win tonight and it is another series won, lose and it is not the end of the world, but I'll take the win over the loss. 7:10 at Fenway, be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 111 Preview

2009-08-10T15:40:00.003-05:00

Penny vs Jackson - At the fens. Game time 7:05, liquor not required.

What did the last week tell us, this is a flawed team but not a bad team. With six weeks to go though the Sox need to concentrate on the wild card. That is what being 6.5 games back will do for you.

Fortunately, the Sox have the card in sight.

2009 Red Sox Game 107 Preview

2009-08-06T17:43:00.001-05:00

Smoltz vs the Jaba. 7:05, be there or be ...

Time for Smoltzie to prove he is a big game pitcher. Strangely I feel calm about this game.

2009 Red Sox Game 105 Preview

2009-08-04T18:00:00.002-05:00

Lester vs Garza at the Trop. 7:05 p.m.

Lester is owned by the Rays and Garza owns the Sox. Can these trends be reversed?

Be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 94 Preview

2009-07-22T18:57:00.004-05:00

Buchholz vs Nippert, 3 game of this series and the Sox have sucked. Time to turn this boat around boys. 8:05 be there or ...

Scouting Report:
Red Sox: Buchholz replaces Tim Wakefield, who was placed on the disabled list with a strained lower back. This is Buchholz's second stint with the Red Sox in less than a week. He started against the Blue Jays on July 17 and beat them, 4-1, in Toronto. He allowed one run on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. Buchholz is 7-3 with a 2.36 ERA in 17 games, including 16 starts, at Triple-A Pawtucket. He is 6-10 with a 5.35 ERA in 21 career Major League games, including 19 starts. He threw six scoreless innings in an 8-3 victory over the Rangers in his only start against them on April 21, 2008.

Rangers: Nippert replaces Vicente Padilla, who was scratched because of the flu. Nippert earned his first victory with two scoreless innings in relief in a 5-3 victory in 12 innings over the Twins on Sunday. He has a 7.36 ERA in two starts for the Rangers this year and is 3-5 with a 6.75 ERA in 13 career starts. He is 0-1 with an 11.05 ERA in three relief appearances against the Red Sox in his career.

2009 Red Sox Game 93 Preview

2009-07-21T18:42:00.003-05:00

Beckett vs Hunter - Ballpark at Arlington 8:05 (et)

Scouting Report:

Red Sox: Beckett earned his 100th career victory on July 12, firing a three-hit, complete-game shutout against Kansas City at Fenway Park. The 33rd active player to reach that plateau, he allowed just three hits to the free-swinging Royals. A native of Spring, Texas, Beckett is 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA and a 23/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in four career starts against the Rangers.

Rangers: Hunter earned a tough-luck no-decision after throwing six shutout innings against the Mariners last time out. That was his second-longest outing of the season. In four consecutive outings this season, he has allowed three runs, two, one and no runs. Hunter is 1-2 over five starts with a 5.81 ERA over 26 1/3 innings pitched in his career at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. This season, however, he's posted a 3.18 ERA over 17 innings there.

Time for this team to get its act together. Be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 92 Preview

2009-07-20T17:45:00.003-05:00

Smoltz vs Millwood at the Ballpark in Arlington. 8:05 p.m. (et)

From MLB.com -

Scouting Report:

Red Sox: Smoltz closed out the first half by earning his first victory since April 17, 2008 -- a span of 450 days. The 42-year-old righty tossed five innings of one-run ball against the Royals on July 11 at Fenway Park, striking out a season-high seven. In one career appearance at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Smoltz recorded a three-out save.

Rangers: Millwood allowed four earned runs over six innings against the Mariners in his most recent start on July 11. He has run into a rough stretch, seeing his season ERA steadily increase to 3.46 from 2.64 over his past three starts. Manager Ron Washington decided to give Millwood some more time to rest -- he will be going on eight days after his last start. Millwood entered the All-Star break atop the American League in innings pitched and only one-third of an inning behind Adam Wainwright for the Major League lead. He has thrown 110 pitches in 13 of 19 starts this season.

Be there or be ...

2009 Red Sox Game 91 Preview

2009-07-19T10:06:00.003-05:00

Sunday, July 19 Rogers Centre 1:07 PM ET
Jon Lester, LHP (8-6, 3.87) Red Sox (55-35)
@
Roy Halladay, RHP (10-3, 2.85) Blue Jays (45-47)

Scouting Report:

Red Sox: Lester enters the second half of the season on a bona fide hot streak. The 25-year-old lefty has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his past eight starts since May 31, yielding one run or fewer in six of those outings. Just 21 strikeouts shy of last year's career-high total of 152, Lester is 3-2 with a 3.25 ERA and a 39/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in seven career starts against the Blue Jays.

Blue Jays: Fresh off a start for the American League in the All-Star Game, Halladay returns to the Jays' rotation in search of his first win since June 7. Over his past four starts, including an injury-shortened outing on June 12 that led to a two-week stint on the disabled list with a right groin issue, Doc has gone 0-2 with a 4.30 ERA. Halladay allowed three runs on nine hits with eight strikeouts and no walks over seven innings in a losing effort on July 9 at Tampa Bay.

Hallady is 7-4 vs the Sox at Toronto, with a 4.65 ERA. Which means he is 5-8 at Fenway.
Lester is terrible at Toronto though. 1-2 in 4 starts with a 5.73 ERA. Jon needs to step up and compete today.

2009 Red Sox Game 90 Preview

2009-07-18T05:22:00.003-05:00

Am sorry, but these numbers do not inspire me with confidence

Penny vs Rzepczynski at 1:07 p.m. be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 87 Preview

2009-07-11T17:04:00.003-05:00

Mech vs Smoltz in game 3 of the KC Series, game 9 of the homestand (4-4), Smoltz makes his 2nd start at Fenway this year, I totally expect a better result 7:05 p.m. be there or ...

As for game 86, I think this picture pretty much sums it up!!!

2009 Red Sox Game 86 Preview

2009-07-10T16:05:00.003-05:00

Bannister vs Lester game 2 of KC Series, game 8 of the homestand (3-4), Lester faces the Royals for the first time since his no hitter. 7:05 p.m. be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 85 Preview

2009-07-09T16:40:00.004-05:00

Hochevar vs Penny - 7:05 p.m. be there or ...

Mr. D D'onofrio weighs in on the Halladay speculation, while I may not agree with him it is always a good read!!!

2009 Red Sox Game 84 Preview

2009-07-08T17:20:00.002-05:00

Tonight Timmy goes for win 11, at home Mr. Knuckleball is 4-2 vs the A's. 7:05, be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 83 Preview

2009-07-07T17:16:00.001-05:00

Time for Beckett to show he is the stopper. 7:05, be there or ...

2009 Red Sox Game 82 Preview

2009-07-06T17:28:00.001-05:00

Smoltz makes his Fenway debut as a Sox. Be there or ....

2009Red Sox Game 79 Preview

2009-07-03T18:00:00.003-05:00

Wakefield overall vs the Mariners -

Games	W	L	IP	H	BB	K	ERA
25	4	9	126.3	125	54	92	4.06

Wakefield at home -

Games	W	L	IP	H	BB	K	ERA
14	3	5	73	72	25	50	3.45

I like him better at home than on the road vs these guys

2009Red Sox Game 72 Preview

2009-06-25T18:04:00.002-05:00

Tonight it is on, Smoltzie joins the Rotation.

Senior Pictures

2009-06-18T18:04:00.004-05:00

Pics of B - Fly :

Senior Picture

One I liked but she didn't

Another one that I liked.

2009 Red Sox Game 7 Preview

2009-04-13T17:37:00.005-05:00

		@
J. Lester	0-1, 9.00		D. Braden	0-1, 4.50
Red Sox	2-4		Athletics	2-4

Monday, April 13, 2009       Oakland Coliseum    ✠ 10:05 p.m. ET

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: - Lester tries to bounce back from a shaky first outing, in which he gave up eight hits and five runs over five innings to the Tampa Bay Rays. Lester came out strong in that one, striking out five over the first two innings. This is his third career start at the Colisuem, where he is 1-1 with a 2.31 ERA. Lifetime against the A's, Lester is 2-2 with a 3.94 ERA. He hopes to perform better on the road than he did last year, when he went 5-5 with a 4.09 ERA.

Athletics: - In the first Opening Day assignment of his career, Braden -- at 25 the oldest member of Oakland's starting rotation -- held the host Angels to three runs over six innings but was outpitched by Halos lefty Joe Saunders, who blanked the A's on three hits over 6 2/3 innings. Braden gave up nine hits, none bigger than Howard Kendrick's opposite-field homer in the fifth inning. A soft-tossing lefty who relies heavily on command, Braden walked one and struck out three on 97 pitches. He faced the Mariners twice last season, both times in relief, and allowed two earned runs in two innings. He's 0-1 with an 8.71 ERA over 10 1/3 innings against Seattle for his career.

?WTF? Beats me what they are talking about, the day by day shows Braden pitched once against the sox, last August when he went 3 1/3 allowing 4 earned runs at Fenway in a loss. ?WTF?

Filed under the Baseball is a funny game, especially when it comes to stats column.

Last three years the Sox are 6-11 at Oakland with a 4.14 ERA with Beckett, Schilling, Matsuzaka, Okajima and Lester getting the wins. Only Matsuzaka and Schilling have a .500 record or better as starters though.

The funny part, if you look at the last five years though the Sox are 10-13 (4-2) with a 4.46 ERA. Almost 1/2 of a run increase in the ERA and they won almost as many games in those two years than they have won in the last three years. Some times you just never know in this game.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Week 1 Stats Recap

2009-04-13T16:21:00.006-05:00

Ok, so week 1 is in the books and not a moment too soon. The Season is not off to the best of starts but hey, what are you going to do jump off a bridge? A long season has just started and we are only 4% through the season, plenty of time to make up lost ground.

As usual all statistics were found at the day by day database at Baseball Musings and at Baseball Reference.

Batting Stats

	AB	Hits	2b	3b	HR	RBI	BB	K	GDP	BA	OBA	Slug%
Opp	198	54	13	1	9	27	26	42	7	.273	.362	.485
AL	2954	760	164	14	98	398	314	602	71	.257	.334	.422
Red Sox	198	48	10	1	8	20	24	36	7	.242	.329	.424

Not very good splits for the Sox. Those opposing numbers means that the Sox Pitchers have not been doing their job either. The problem for the Sox is the batting average. They just need to get more hits (doh!). Surprisingly, it was the Angels that really kills the pitchers. .289 / .375 / .485 against the Angels this past weekend and that included two Quality Starts by Wakefield and Penny.

As bad as the Sox were though, it was even worse when they had runners in scoring position - 8/46 with a .174 / .304 / .261 in that situation. Opponents were 20/66 with .303 / .392 / .409. No wonder they went 2-4 for the week.

Pitching Stats -

	GS	CG	W	L	W Pct	SV	SHo	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	HBP	BK	WP	ERA
OPP	6	0	4	2	.667	4	0	53	48	22	19	8	24	36	2	0	1	3.23
Red Sox	6	0	2	4	.333	2	0	52	54	29	29	9	26	42	3	1	1	5.02

That is UGLY - a week to forget!!!

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 6 Recap

2009-04-13T14:04:00.005-05:00

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	1		4	9	0
LAA	0	0	3	0	1	0	0	1	X		5	10	2

W: D. Moseley (1-0) L: J. Beckett (1-1) S: B. Fuentes(2)
HR ➢ Bos: J.D. Drew (1), K. Youkilis (1) LAA: V. Guerrero (1)

✫ - B. Abreu - His two run single made got the lead for the Angels and they never gave it up.
✫✫ - V. Guerrero - His solo bomb gave the final winning margin
✫✫✫ - Youkilis and Drew for their back to backs

⋔ Fork - The entire offense, another day, same song, different verse - 1-10 RISP and 10 LOB.

Game thoughts!

Beckett looked good until the third. The third saw the Angels get a couple of seeing eye singles and then the big hit was the Abreu single to right that scored two runs. Of course if Drew hadn't missed the cut off man on the previous play, there would have been only one run scored on that hit.

I have to be honest, this is getting old though, another day and another game and the Sox are absolutely sucking with Runners In Scoring Position. I know this team is better than it has shown so far, but geez, it is tough to think of the last place Red Sox.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 6 Preview

2009-04-11T22:33:00.005-05:00

		@
Josh Beckett	1-0, 1.29		Dustin Moseley	0-0, 4.50
Red Sox	2-3		Angels	2-3

Sunday, April 12, 2009     Angel Stadium of Anaheim  ✠  3:35 p.m. ET

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From MLB.com Scouting Report

Red Sox: Beckett was in top form on Opening Day, firing seven strong innings against the Rays, allowing two hits and a run while striking out 10. Beckett has struck out 10 or more in a game nine times in his career. Beckett pitched well on the road last season, going 7-5 with a 2.85 ERA. In his career against the Angels, the righty is 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA. At Angel Stadium, he is 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA.

Angels: Moseley delivered a solid season debut, yielding three earned runs on nine hits across six innings against the A's on Tuesday while striking out four men and walking none. All the damage came in one inning when the A's bunched together four singles for three runs. Making good use of his two-seam fastball, Moseley got ground-ball outs when he needed them. He has faced the Red Sox twice in his career and has no record and an ERA of 8.10.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 5 Recap

2009-04-11T18:57:00.003-05:00

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	1		5	8	0
LAA	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	1		4	8	0

W: B. Penny (1-0) L: J. Saunders (1-1) H: R. Ramirez (1) S: J. Papelbon(2)
HR ➢ Bos: M. Lowell (1), (2) J. Bay (2) LAA: (2) M. Napoli (2), T. Hunter (1)

✫ - J. Bay - Two, count them, two HR's with 3 RBI's. The Sox needed every one of them.
✫✫ - M. Lowell - His two run shot (with Bay on base) got the Sox offense going.
✫✫✫ - B. Penny - 6 innings pitched and only 84 pitches thrown, yeah boy!!!

⋔ Fork - None, but Papelbon was threatening.

Game thoughts!

Tightly played game with all of the Sox runs coming off of the Home Runs. A much needed win and good game by everyone. If Penny gives us 30 more starts like this one, the Sox will be more than happy with him this year.

After 35+ pitches Papelbon is done in this series, but man did he struggle. The fastball was all over the place today.

Factoid - A nine game losing streak to the Angels was broken.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 5 Preview

2009-04-11T10:41:00.009-05:00

		@
Brad Penny	0-0, 0.00		J. Saunders	1-0, 0.00
Red Sox	1-3		Angels	2-2

Saturday, April 11, 2009      Angel Stadium of Anaheim ✠ 4:10 p.m. ET

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: - The right-hander is determined to recover from his injury-plagued 2008, when he went 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA for the Dodgers. Penny would love to get back to the level when he won 16 games in 2006 and 2007, making the All-Star team in both seasons. This is Penny's first season with the Red Sox. He has a career record of 94-75 with a 4.06 ERA. Penny is 1-3 with a 4.99 ERA in five career starts against the Angels. At Angel Stadium, he is 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA.

Angels: - Saunders is coming off a dominant performance in the season opener against the A's on Monday in Anaheim. The 2008 AL All-Star yielded just three hits and two walks while striking out two, coming out of the chute firing bullets just as he had last season when he beat the Twins in his debut en route to a 5-0 April and 6-0 start. In fact, you might call him Mr. April. No ordinary Joe, Saunders is 8-0 with a 1.84 career ERA in the opening month of his two seasons and 14 days of Major League service time. His two-seam fastball was a big pitch against the A's, jamming hitters and inducing grounders in key situations. Intensely competitive, Saunders has enjoyed some of his best games and biggest moments against the Red Sox. He's 4-0 against Boston in his career with a 2.89 ERA in six games. He was 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in three outings against Boston in 2008. O great another guy who owns the Sox. Just beam me up now scotty!

2009Red Sox Game 4 Recap

2009-04-11T10:29:00.002-05:00

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	0		3	7	0
LAA	0	3	0	0	0	0	3	0	x		6	10	2

W: J. Weaver (1-0) L: T. Wakefield (0-1) S: S. Shields (1)

✫ - Jered Weaver - another opposing pitcher strikes down the Sox Batters.
✫✫ - Kendrik - 2 Rbi's
✫✫✫ - Mathis - 2 Rbi's

⋔ Fork - J. Masterson (2nd time this season), for letting a close ball game get out of hand by allowing 3 runs in the seventh

Game thoughts!

Is there anybody on this team besides Youkilis that can hit? Another game and for the 3 game in a row the Sox have scored less than 4 runs. This team needs to warm up those bats before they take the field.

For some reason the Sox can't even win when their starter throws a quality start, and in this case it led to the ninth straight loss to these yahoo's. Wake up the bats boys!

Factoid - Sox - 1-6 RISP, Angels - 5-14

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 4 Preview

2009-04-10T17:58:00.004-05:00

		@
T. Wakefield	0-0, 0.00		Jered. Weaver	0-0, 0.00
Red Sox	1-2		Angels	1-2

Friday, April 10, 2009      Angel Stadium of Anaheim ✠ 7:10 p.m. ET

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: - The veteran knuckleballer is beginning his 15th season for the Red Sox. The only other active player in the Majors to have worn his uniform continuously for one team since 1995 is Mariano Rivera for the Yankees. Wakefield is second on the club's all-time list in appearances (504), second in strikeouts (1,797), third in wins (164) and third in innings (2,581 2/3). His 178 career wins are the ninth most among active pitchers. Wakefield pitched better than his record last year, finishing third in opponents' batting average at .228. Wakefield tied a career-high with 18 quality starts in '08. Lifetime against the Angels, he is 9-12 with a 4.80 ERA.

Angels: - His spring was delayed by shoulder soreness and then set back briefly by a back strain, but he bounced back and finished strong and appears ready to go fairly deep in games. Weaver gets by on deception with his delivery, quality stuff and a competitive instinct that enables him to do some of his best work in high-pressure situations. He was 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two outings against the Athletics last season and is 2-2, 2.56 in seven career starts against them. Weaver was better at home (6-5, 3.71) than on the road (5-5, 4.91) in 2008. If he puts it all together, he could fulfill the expectations of his dominant rookie season in 2006.

There are times when I just don't understand Francona. This is one of them. Wakefield has dropped his last four starts at Angel Stadium, where he has not won since 2002, posting a 9.78 ERA in those outings (from espn.com preview).

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 3 Recap

2009-04-10T17:46:00.004-05:00

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Tampa Bay	0	1	2	1	0	0	0	0	0		4	10	2
Boston	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1		3	7	0

✫ - Garza - has became a Sox killer.
✫✫ - Longoria - two run home run deflated the park
✫✫✫ - Youkilis - the man is smoking

⋔ Fork - Matsuzaka - 3 home runs, last year he allowed 12 all year.

Game thoughts!

Two words - that sucked!

Ok, the Sox lost the first series and now they head for Anaheim, which oh yeah, they have sucked at lately. It is not time to line the bridges though, there are 159 games left to play.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 3 Preview

2009-04-09T05:35:00.002-05:00

		@
Matt Garza	0-0, 0.00		Daisuke Matsuzaka	0-0, 0.00
Rays	1-1		Red Sox	1-1

Thursday, April 9      Fenway Park✠ 1:35 p.m. ET

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Rays: Garza has the best stuff on the Rays staff, which he put on display while claiming MVP honors during last season's American League Championship Series -- particularly in Game 7 when he shut down the Red Sox to claim the win. At age 25, the right-hander seems to be maturing on the mound, where he has experienced problems controlling his emotions in the past. The one thing he has lacked is consistency, as he has been either lights-out or didn't have it. He needs to better learn how to win when he doesn't have his best stuff. Garza is 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA in six career starts against the Red Sox; he is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three career starts at Fenway Park.

Red Sox: Dice-K didn't win any contests for pitching artistry last year, but he got the job done, finishing fourth in the American League Cy Young Award voting. The Red Sox hope for more control and efficiency out of Matsuzaka this year, as he walked 94 batters in 167 2/3 innings. However, he led the Majors in opponents batting average, limiting them to .211. He was fifth in the American League with 8.27 strikeouts per nine innings. Matsuzaka is 17-7 with a 4.10 ERA in 30 career starts at Fenway. He is 2-3 with a 3.75 ERA in eight starts against the Rays.

The rubber game of the opening day series and then the Sox take off for Anaheim. A nice short win would be nice, but then again mister nibbler is pitching. Still, I like the Red Sox chances!!!

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 2 Recap

2009-04-09T05:12:00.002-05:00

Press Pass ✠ Recap✠Box✠Play -by- Play

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Tampa	0	0	1	0	4	0	0	1	1		7	13	0
Boston	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0		2	8	1

W: S. Kazmir (1-0) L: J. Lester (0-1) SV: G. Balfour (1)
HR ⇛ TB: E. Longoia(1), C. Pena(1)

✫ - Kazmir - 6 IP, 5 hits, 1 ER - Not as good of a start as Beckett but he was good, of course it didn't hurt to have the ump giving 4 inches on the outside corner.
✫✫ - Pena - His two run shot in the 5th was a dagger to Lester.
✫✫✫ - Kaplar - Nice catches in center and some good base running

⋔ Fork - Lester - 5.0 IP, 8 hits, 5 er - He got hammered.

Idle thoughts

Lester started off well, but the Rays got to him in the fifth. Not a good way for the leftie to start the game, but after being 11-0 in his last sixteen home starts we will let it slide. Still it didn't help that Kazmir was getting 4 inches on the outside corner when Lester was not. Tomorrow is another day, or in this case the next game is another day.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game 2 Preview

2009-04-07T20:48:00.002-05:00

		@
S. Kazmir	0-0, 0.00		J. Lester	0-0, 0.00
Rays	0-1		Red Sox	1-0

Wednesday, April 8, 2009      Fenway Park  ✠ 7:10 p.m. ET

ESPN.Com Preview .
Yahoo's Preview .
ESPN.Com after the game Recap.
MLB.Com Press Pass
From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Rays: Kazmir struggled throughout the second half of the 2008 season, primarily due to an inability to locate his slider, which historically has been his best pitch. In the first half he posted a 3.02 ERA and in the second he pitched to a 4.02 ERA. The left-hander enjoyed a nice spring that saw him find his slider and lock in his mechanics, which could be a precursor to a good season. Historically, he has enjoyed pitching at Fenway Park, where he is 4-4 with a 3.02 ERA in 11 career starts. He is 6-7 with a 3.62 ERA in 21 career starts against the Red Sox.

Red Sox: The left-handed Lester is coming off a breakthrough season. Aside from winning 16 games, he led the staff with 210 1/3 innings. He threw a no-hitter against the Royals at Fenway on May 19. He also had a shutout at Yankee Stadium on July 3. He was the American League's Pitcher of the Month in July, going 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA. Lester is 16-2 with a 3.30 ERA in 31 career games at Fenway. He is 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA against Tampa Bay. However, the Rays beat him twice in the American League Championship Series last October.

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

2009 March Madness Final

2009-04-07T20:39:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I didn't pick the winner, but I did have the Tar Heels in the Final, I just figured it would be Louisville instead of Michigan State facing them. Oh, well, the fragging Heels won. I really, really, really hate North Carolina and the ACC (except for Duke). Still you have to give them their due, the Heels and the ACC have now beaten Big Ten teams 5 times in the championship game since 1985. They are now 7-5 in Championship games since the first 64/65 teams of march madness and they are tied with Duke for the most championships since that time.

Number two conference is SEC with a 5-3 record (Arkansas 1, Kentucky 2 and Florida 2). It would be nice to see the SEC bounce back this coming year, but I just don't see it. Oh, Well!!!

2009 Red Sox Game 1 Recap

2009-04-07T19:10:00.004-05:00

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Tampa Bay	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	0		3	3	0
Boston	1	0	3	0	0	1	0	0	X		5	9	0

W: J. Beckett (1-0) L: J. Shields (0-1) H: J. Masterson (1) S: J. Papelbon (1)
HR ➢ Bos: D. Pedroia (1), J. Varitek (1)

Tough to pick the stars in this game. Every Boston hitter got on base with a hit except for Jacoby Ellsbury, with the 2-6 hitters reaching base twice each (only Youkilis had two hits, the others a hit and a walk). When you are putting that many people on base you are going to score runs and that is what the Sox did today.

✫ - Beckett - 7.0 IP, 2 Hits allowed, 1 Earned Run, only 3 BB and 10 K's.
✫✫ - Pedroia for his first inning Home Run on the second pitch he saw.
✫✫✫ - Drew for his ground out that scored Pedroia for the game winning run. It took a great dive by Pena to prevent a 2 run double or triple.

⋔ Fork - Masterson - for making it close by allowing a double steal on his first pitch and then a single that made it a save situation. Inherited runners should not score.

Game thoughts!

Beckett and Pedroia got this game off on the right foot in the first inning. Beckett K'ed two in the first and Pedroia smashed one into the Monster seats and the Sox never trailed in this game. The only bad spots in this game came in the third when Beckett struggled but only allowed the 1 run and when Masterson choked the bit in the eighth inning.

Bad luck of the day came when Drew smashed one down the first base line that Pena made a diving stab on for the solo put out at first base. If that ball had gotten by Pena Drew would have had another double or even possibly a triple. A very good play by Pena robbed Drew.

Factoid - Beckett became the first Red Sox pitcher to start and win on Opening Day at Fenway since Aaron Sele beat Minnesota, 9-0, on April 26, 1995.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 Red Sox Game1 Preview

2009-04-06T05:45:00.007-05:00

		@
James Shields	0-0, 0.00		Josh Beckett	0-0, 0.00
Rays	0-0		Red Sox	0-0

Monday, April 6      Fenway Park✠ 2:05 p.m. ET

Alright, another season is about to start! Yeah boy, 2:05 be there or be square, well actually I will be working but WTIC will be on!!! Looking forward to another season, another winning season!!!

As usual, I have the links listed for previews so have fun and we'll be back after the game!

ESPN.Com Preview .
Yahoo's Preview .
ESPN.Com after the game Recap.
MLB.Com Press Pass
From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Rays: Shields built a reputation as a pitcher who will do whatever is necessary to pitch his team into the seventh or eighth innings, which is evidenced by two consecutive seasons with 215 innings pitched. He has not pitched at Boston since he plunked Coco Crisp in the second inning of the June 5 game at Fenway Park, touching off a bench-clearing fracas. Five Rays players were suspended a total of 23 games for their part in the memorable incident that many feel helped push the Rays to their incredible pennant run. He went 2-2 with a 5.85 ERA in four starts against the Red Sox in 2008. Included in this body of work was a masterful complete game, two-hit, shutout of the Red Sox on April 27 that saw him strike out seven while walking just one. Shields has a 2-4 career mark against the Red Sox with a 5.23 ERA in eight starts; he is 0-3 with a 10.13 ERA in three career starts at Fenway.

Red Sox: Beckett is in a far different place than he was last Opening Day, when he was on the disabled list with back woes. Beckett turned in a strong Spring Training, looking a lot like the guy who dominated opponents throughout 2007. This will be the fourth Opening Day start of Beckett's career, but first since 2005. However, he is no stranger to Fenway openers. Beckett pitched the home opener for the Red Sox in 2006 and 2007, winning on both occasions. Beckett has generally pitched well against the Rays in his career, going 5-3 with a 3.11 ERA in 10 starts. In his career at Fenway, Beckett is 21-16 with a 4.79 ERA. He has been a strong starter during his career, going 18-10 with a 3.35 ERA in April.

Updated the links due to the postponement of the 4/6/2009 game.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 NCAA Basketball Tournament Elite 8

2009-03-28T14:30:00.003-05:00

Down to 8, the Great 8 or Elite 8 or whatever else you want to call it, but it is down to 8 teams. Any surprises? Well, Missouri's pasting of Memphis was a surprise but none of the other wins were suprising. Today it is #3 Missouri vs #1 Connecticut followed by #3 Villanova vs #1 Pittsburgh. At least one Big East team will make the Final Four today, will it be 2?

Who, knows, certainly not me, but I did have the Nova vs Pittsburgh match up. Connecticut seems to be on a mission, but can they handle the press of Missouri? I still think they will miss Dyson, but it would not surprise me if they make the Final Four.

As for tomorrow's games, well I think I will still stick with UNC and Louisville.

INANE STATS OF THE DAY -

✰ - #1 Seed vs #2 Seed - This match up has happened 46 times in the last 24 tournaments, #1 has won 26 of them. The only tournaments that haven't had a 1 vs 2, 1990 and 1999.

✰ - #1 Seed vs #3 Seed - 22 times this match up has occurred in this tournament and the #3 Seed has won eleven of those match ups. The #1 Seed has won 4 of the last 5 of those games including the 2 match ups in last years tournament.

♊ - Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you.

2009 NCAA Basketball Picks - Round of 16

2009-03-26T16:17:00.004-05:00

So, the first two rounds have came and gone and we are now looking at Sixteen Teams, the sweet sixteen. Any surprises? Well, only Arizona in my book since that is the only team I did not pick to be in this round. All the others went according to Hoyle but there were some close calls. Below is what to look for and other misc / inane statistics but if the gods of basketball want to make me happy, then the only loss that I suffer in this round would be Gonzaga beating North Carolina (have I mentioned how I hate the ACC, except for Duke that is).

Sweet 16 Match Ups – (note - when I talk about overall or previous records etc, I am only talking about since 1985, since that was the first year of the 64/65 team tournament. That is also how far back my database goes.)

✰ - UNC vs Gonzaga - No previous match ups in the NCAA tournament the last 25 years. UNC is 12-4 in sweet 16 since 1985, while Gonzaga is 1-3. Odds favor the Tar Heels. Glad that I picked them to win this match up.

✰ - Oklahoma vs Syracuse - These two teams met in 2003 when the number 3 seed Orangemen beat the number 1 seed Sooners. Two very good teams with very similar results in this round. Oklahoma is 4-3 and Syracuse is 4-5.

✰ - Pittsburgh vs Xavier - Pittsburgh has not won a sweet sixteen game in the last 25 years. Xavier has actually won 2, including last year. Will Xavier be able to handle the Panthers bruising style?

✰ - Duke vs Villanova - Duke hasn't been past this round in a while, 2004 they beat Illinois (a 5 seed) for the first win in the third round since 2001. Since 2000 Duke is 2-5 in this round. Significance? Well yes when you see that they are 11-6 since 1985 in the third round. Makes my Villanova pick look better.

✰ - Louisville vs Arizona - In 1994 #2 seed Arizona beat #3 seed Louisville. Since 1997 Louisville is 3-0 (4-5 overall) in this round. I fully expect them to make that 4-0.

✰ - Kansas vs Michigan State - Kansas has won their last 5 sweet sixteen games (10-5) overall. Michigan State has 5 of their last 6 (5-4 overall). This is a revenge game though, earlier this year Kansas was walloped by State. The last time these two teams met in this round was in 1986 when #1 Kansas beat the #5 Spartans.

✰ - Connecticut vs Purdue - Purdue is 2-3 overall but hasn't been to this round since 2000. UConn has made the sweet sixteen 11 times since 1990 and is 7-4 in those games, 5-1 in their last six games. This match up is where I thought they would miss Dyson, but the way they have played in the first two rounds of this tournament, I would not be surprised to see them blow out Purdue in this game.

✰ - Memphis vs Missouri - Next to Duke and Villanova, this may be the most anticipated game of this round. Memphis is 5-1 in this round since '85 but this is the fourth straight year that they have reached the sweet sixteen. Missouri hasn't been here since 2002 but is 2-1 in this round. Still I think I will go with the Tigers from Memphis.

Other miscellanous tidbits - This is the first year since 1989 that the SEC does not have a team in the sweet sixteen. Only the ACC has a longer streak (25), and only the Big East is approaching that mark (16).

The Conferences (6 BCS and those in this years tournament) with the best winning percentages since 85 in this round are; C-USA - 9-2, Atlantic 10 - 11-4, Big 12 - 24-19, Big 10 - 26-21. The worst is the West Coast Conference - 2-3 followed by SEC at 22-27.

Conferences with the best match ups in this round is the Atlantic 10 vs Big East (1-0), Big East vs Big 10 (4-2), Big 12 vs Big East (6-3) and C-USA vs Big 12 (2-1).

♊ - Everybody dies, Tracey. Someone's carrying a bullet for you right now, doesn't even know it. The trick is, die of old age before it finds you.

2009 NCAA BB Picks Otherwise Known As March Madness

2009-03-18T22:53:00.003-05:00

Here we go

Midwest - Sweet 16
Louisville beats Siena, Wake over Utah, Kansas beats W. Va. and Mich. St. over USC.

West - Sweet 16
Uconn over BYU, Purdue beats Washington, Missouri over Utah St. and Memphis beats Cal.

East - Sweet 16
Pitt beats Tenn, Xavier over FSU, Nova beats UCLA and Duke over Texas.

South - Sweet 16
UNC over Butler, Gonzaga beats W. Ky., Syracuse over Temple and Oklahoma beats Clemson.

Great 8's
Louisville, Michigan St., Purdue, Memphis, Pitt, Nova, UNC and Oklahoma.

Final 4
Louisville, Memphis, Pitt and UNC.

Champ - Louisville beats UNC by 9.

Prepping For March Madness 2009

2009-03-18T05:42:00.003-05:00

Mayhem is almost upon us!!! As usual I will be posting the picks and my thoughts but some quick upset information that I have culled from the 64/65 years database.

Seeds 2-4 that never get upset by conference:

C-USA - 11-0
WAC - 9-0
Big West - 4-0
West Coast - 3- 0

Seeds 2-4 that win 9 out of every 10 by conference:
ACC - 43 - 4
Big East - 40 - 4
Atlantic 10 - 10 -1

Seeds 2-4 that lose more than they should by conference:
SEC - 30 - 6
Pac 10 - 22 - 7
Big 12 - 28 - 9

5 seeds you should watch by conference:
SEC - 9 - 5
C-USA - 2-2
MVC - 1-1
Pac 10 - 4-6
WAC - 0-3

13-15 seeds that win more than average by conference:
Big 12 - 1 - 1
Colonial - 6 - 9
MVC - 2 - 4
Atlantic 10 - 1-2
Mid Continent - 4-9
Midwestern Collegiate - 2-6
Mid Eastern - 2-8
West Coast - 2-9
Ohio Valley - 3-1

NFL 2008 Championship Games

2009-01-18T14:27:00.005-05:00

Philadelphia at Arizona (-1) - Philly has been playing like a beast, but so has Arizona. Taking the Cardinals and the home field.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh (1.5) - Pittsburgh wins a tight one at home.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Divison Play Off Games

2009-01-10T13:13:00.004-05:00

Well, last week we went a familar .500, 2-2. So like always hoping to do better!!!

Baltimore at Tennessee (-1) - This will be a good matchup and though I love Baltimore's defense you have a rookie coach, a rookie QB and you are on the road. Close game with Tennessee winning 21-17. Madden 09 has Ravens by 6.

Arizona at Carolina (6) - The magical mystery tour ends for the Cardinals, but it takes a late FG by the Panthers to win 21-18.

Philadelphia at NY Giants (2) - Giants will be ready and the snow makes it a low scoring game. NY 12-7.

San Diego at Pittsburgh (2.5) - Rivers will play good but it won't be enough as the Steelers win this game 21-14.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Wild Card Games - Jan 3 & 4 of 2009

2009-01-03T16:20:00.003-05:00

Real quick, my thoughts on the games this weekend.

Atlanta at Arizona - Atlanta is favored by 2, but is only 4-4 on the Road this year and Arizona was 6-2 at home. Arizona wins by a field goal.

Baltimore at Miami - Baltimore is a 2 point favorite. Take the Ravens, come play off time always take the defense.

Indianapolis at San Diego - Indianapolis is favored by 3, and I say that is to low of a number, Colts win going away.

Philadelphia at Minnesota - Philly favored by 3, but look for the Vikings to break their play off losing streak against the eagles. Minnesota edges the Eagles 10-9.

NFL 2008 Week 17 Preview

2008-12-27T12:43:00.004-05:00

Well week sixteen has came and went and PLLS went 8-8 for the week and now 133-107 for the year. So once again we are looking to do better this week!

Remember - these picks are only for entertainment purposes and you bet on these picks at your own peril. I am not responsible for you following my stupidity. Now let us look at the picks for week seventeen of the 2008 season.

Week 17 Games
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
Atlanta	-14.5	St. Louis	Atlanta	STL 20-10
NE Patriots	-6.5	Buffalo	Buffalo	NE 30-15
Cincinnati	-2.5	Kansas City	Kansas City	Cin 17-12
Green Bay	-10.5	Detroit	Detroit	GB 26-20
Tennessee	-3.5	Indianapolis	Indianapolis	Ind 26-16
Minnesota	-6.5	NY Giants	Minnesota	NY 32-29
Carolina	-3.5	New Orleans	New Orleans	Car 23-20
Pittsburgh	-10.5	Cleveland	Cleveland	Pit 24-12
Tampa Bay	-13.5	Oakland	Oakland	TB 27-14
Houston	-3.5	Chicago	Chicago	Hou 26-13
Baltimore	-12.5	Jacksonville	Jacksonville	Jax 24-21
San Fran	-3.5	Washington	Washington	SF 23-19
NY Jets	-2.5	Miami	NY Jets	Mia 24-20
Philadelphia	-1.5	Dallas	Philly	Dal 20-13
Arizona	-5.5	Seattle	Arizona	AZ 16-10
San Diego	-8.5	Denver	SD	SD 27-22

Well, here goes in bullet form:
(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

❄ - St. Louis at Atlanta (14-5) - Atlanta is 6-1 ATS at home, St. Louis 2-5. ATL is averaging 29.43 APG at home, St. Louis 11.43 on the road. Atlanta is playing for a possible first round bye STL is making golf plans.

❄ - NE Patriots at Buffalo (-6.5) - NE is 5-2 ATS on the road but is only 2-1 ATS as Road Favorites, the two covers against Oakland and San Fran. Buffalo is 2-5 ATS at home but this is the first time all year they are Home Dogs. NE wins but Buffalo covers.

❄ - Kansas City at Cincinnati (2.5) - Cincy is 4-3 ATS at home but has a 12.29 APG while KC has been road warriors all year going 5-2 ATS.

❄ - Detroit at Green Bay (10.5) - Green Bay has yet to cover any game over 5.5 points at home this year. Detroit is 5-2 ATS on the road.

❄ - Tennessee at Indianapolis (-3.5) - Two teams with nothing to play for but pride, taking the home team.

❄ - NY Giants at Minnesota (6.5) - NY is set, Minnesota is fighting for the play offs. More desperate team wins.

❄ - Carolina at New Orleans (-3.5) - New Orleans is 6-1 at home and 6-1 ATS at home. Carolina is 3-4 ATS and 3-4 on the road. Enough said.

❄ - Cleveland at Pittsburgh (10.5) - Cleveland is 4-3 ATS on the road and Pit is 3-4 ATS at home. Neither team has anything to play for but Cleveland is playing for pride.

❄ - Oakland at Tampa Bay (13.5) - Tampa Bay has yet to cover any game at home over 8.5 points. That trend continues.

❄ - Chicago at Houston (3.5) - Houston is 5-2 at home while Chicago is only 3-4 on the road, the Bears do better versus the spread but Houston is playing for its first non-losing season ever and is playing at home (did I mention that?).

❄ - Miami at NY Jets (2.5) - Miami does better on the road ATS (5-2) than the Jets do at home ATS (3-4) but NY is 5-2 at home this year only losing to the Pats and Denver. Look for that to continue this Sunday.

❄ - Dallas at Philadelphia (1.5) - All the marbles on the line for the Cowboys, so of course Philadelphia will win the game. I HAVE NO FAITH IN ROMO OR T.O. OR BARBER AND MOST OF ALL IN WADE PHILLIPS.

❄ - Jacksonville at Baltimore (12.5) - Baltimore is 6-1 ATS at home, Jacksonville 3-4 ATS on the road Baltimore will be playing to protect players, Jacksonville sucks. Taking the Jaguars because the Ravens are only scoring 21.86 APG at home while Jacksonville scores 20.14 APG on the road.

❄ - Washington at San Francisco (3.5) - SF is 3-4 ATS at home, Washington is 3-4 ATS on the road. While I think Singletary has the 49ers playing with passion and pride, the Redskins are playing to end up over .500. Upset special as the Redskins beat the 49ers.

❄ - Seattle at Arizona (5.5) - See the argument for the Skins above and add the fact that Arizona is 4-3 ATS at home.

❄ - Denver at San Diego (8.5) - Revenge time for the Chargers as they blow out the Broncos and avenge their earlier, controversial loss at Denver. Chargers make the play offs at 8-8.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

Merry Christmas in 2008

2008-12-24T08:23:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas and because nothing really ever changes at the s1c household (this years tree is like every tree every year).

oh, yeah, Scott Boras is well the bird of prey.

NFL 2008 Week 16 Preview

2008-12-20T20:38:00.007-05:00

Well week fifteen was another loser. 7-9 for the week and now 125-99 for the year. So once again we are looking to do better this week!

Remember - these picks are only for entertainment purposes and you bet on these picks at your own peril. I am not responsible for you following my stupidity. Now let us look at the picks for week sixteen of the 2008 season.

Week 16 Games
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
Indianapolis	-6.5	Jacksonville	Jacksonville	Jax 24-21
Dallas	-4.5	Baltimore	Dallas	Dal 21-14
Cleveland	-3.5	Cincinnati	Cleveland	Cle 30-13
New Orleans	-6.5	Detroit	New Orleans	Det 20-17
Pittsburgh	-1.5	Tennessee	Tennessee	Pit 21-7
Miami	-3.5	Kansas City	Kansas City	KC 23-18
San Francisco	-5.5	St. Louis	St. Louis	STL 23-16
NE Patriots	-7.5	Arizona	NE Patriots	NE 21-17
Tampa Bay	-3.5	San Diego	Tampa Bay	TB 32-20
NY Jets	-4.5	Seattle	Seattle	NY 30-20
Houston	-7.5	Oakland	Houston	Hou 27-17
Denver	-6.5	Buffalo	Buffalo	Den 24-10
Philadelphia	-4.5	Washington	Philadelphia	Was 28-26
Minnesota	-3.5	Atlanta	Minnesota	Atl 27-17
NY Giants	-3.5	Carolina	NY Giants	NY 24-16
Chicago	-4.5	Green Bay	Green Bay	GB 24-17

Well, here goes in bullet form:
(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

❄ - Indianapolis at Jacksonville (-6.5) - Well I lost that game as I thought that Jacksonville would stay close, of course that sack at the Colt 7 yard line pretty much sums up the Jaguars season, inexcusable.

❄ - Baltimore at Dallas (4.5) - Cowboys more desperate.

❄ - Cincinnati at Cleveland (3.5) - ugllly visits ugly. Take the home team

❄ - New Orleans at Detroit (-6.5) - Detroit is 1-6 at home ATS while New Orleans is 3-4. Only the second time all year that New Orleans is favored on the road. Look for New Orleans to run up the score here.

❄ - Pittsburgh at Tennessee (-1.5) - Both teams are good but I think the Steelers are due for a loss just from the week after week of tough competition. Take the home field advantage.

❄ - Miami at Kansas City (-3.5) - KC is 3-3 as a home underdog ATS. Miami is 0-1 as a road favorite. Take the points.

❄ - San Francisco at St. Louis (-5.5) - San Francisco is 4-3 ATS on the road which is slightly better than St. Louis's 3-4 ATS at home. Going against the trends here since this is the first time all year that San Fran is a road favorite.

❄ - Arizona at NE Patriots (7.5) - hmm, west coast team on the east coast playing a 1:00 p.m. game and oh yeah it will probably be snowing / sleeting / ugly weather at Gillette Stadium. Take the Patriots and give the points.

❄ - San Diego at Tampa Bay (3.5) - See above comment minus the weather. Actually Tampa Bay is still playing for the play offs, San Diego is just playing.

❄ - NY Jets at Seattle (-4.5) - Last home game for the Holmgren regime in Seattle. Look for the Seahawks to make this a close game.

❄ - Houston at Oakland (-7.5) - Houston is playing for their first non-losing season, is 4-3 on the road ATS (as underdogs everyone) but then they are playing the dysfunctional Raiders as in the 1-6 ATS at home Raiders.

❄ - Buffalo at Denver (6.5) - Denver is 0-6 ATS as Home Favorites this year. Enough said.

❄ - Philadelphia at Washington (-4.5) - Philly is 4-3 ATS on the road and 2-2 as Road Favorites. While not overwhelming numbers they are better than the Redskins 2-5 ATS at home and 0-2 as home underdogs. Oh, yeah, Eagles are still playing for a shot at the play offs, the skins, well, they are setting up their golf plans.

❄ - Atlanta at Minnesota (3.5) - Neither team is exceptional in this situation but the Vikings are 3-2 as Home Favorites while the Falcons are 2-4 as Road Underdogs.

❄ - Carolina at NY Giants (3.5) - Tough pick here but the Giants are just better in all aspects but most importantly they are 5-0 when favored by 8 points or less at home while the Panthers are 1-3 as road underdogs where the spread is less than 4 points.

❄ - Green Bay at Chicago (4.5) - even steven all the way, look for Green Bay to keep it close 21-18 Chicago.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Week 16 Saturday Night Game

2008-12-20T15:48:00.004-05:00

Remember - this pick is only for entertainment purposes and you bet on this pick at your own peril. I am not responsible for you following my stupidity. Now let us look at the pick for the Thursday night game in this week seventeen of the 2008 season.

Week 16 Saturday Game
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
Dallas	-4.5	Baltimore	Dallas	Dal 21-14

(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

♊ - Baltimore at Dallas (4.5) - Baltimore has been a covering team most of the year and Dallas barely breaks even, but Dallas is fighting for a playoff spot while Baltimore is less desperate. Going with desperation tonight.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Week 16 Thursday Night Game

2008-12-18T18:38:00.003-05:00

NFL 2008 Week 16 Thursday Night Game

Remember - this pick is only for entertainment purposes and you bet on this pick at your own peril. I am not responsible for you following my stupidity. Now let us look at the pick for the Thursday night game in this week sixteen of the 2008 season.

Week 16 Thursday Games
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
Indianapolis	-6.5	Jacksonville	Jacksonville

(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

♊ - Indianapolis at Jacksonville (-6.5) - Indianapolis is 4-3 ATS on the road but has yet to cover when they are greater than 4 point favorites. Also, big time injuries on the Colts. So, even though Jacksonville has only covered once at home all year, I'm going with the Jags.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Week 15 Preview

2008-12-13T17:33:00.002-05:00

Well, last week was abysmal, actually beyond abysmal, 5-11 for the week and now 118-90 through week 14. Looking to do better this week, of course it would pretty hard to do worse!

Remember - these picks are only for entertainment purposes and you bet on these picks at your own peril. I am not responsible for you following my stupidity. Now let us look at the picks for week fifteen of the 2008 season.

Week 15 Games
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
Chicago	-2.5	New Orleans	Chicago	NO 27-21
Atlanta	-2.5	Tampa Bay	Atlanta	TB 23-17
Washington	-6.5	Cincinnati	Cincinnati	Was 24-23
Indianapolis	-16.5	Detroit	Detroit	Ind 34-16
San Diego	-5.5	Kansas City	Kansas City	SD 29-14
Green Bay	-1.5	Jacksonville	Green Bay	Jax 38-31
Tennessee	-3.5	Houston	Tennessee	Hou 17-13
Seattle	-3.5	St. Louis	Seattle	STL 28-23
Miami	-6.5	San Francisco	San Francisco	Mia 17-16
NY Jets	-7.5	Buffalo	NY Jets	NY 24-10
Arizona	-3.5	Minnesota	Arizona	AZ 35-21
Carolina	-7.5	Denver	Denver	Den 21-17
Baltimore	-1.5	Pittsburgh	Baltimore	Bal 20-17
NE Patriots	-7.5	Oakland	NE Patriots	NE 35-10
Dallas	-2.5	NY Giants	NY Giants	Dal 23-20
Philadelphia	-14.5	Cleveland	Cleveland	Phi 17-13

Well, here goes in bullet form:
(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

❄ - New Orleans at Chicago (2.5) - see what I thought here.
❄ - Tampa Bay at Atlanta (2.5) - Atlanta is 5-1 at home and 5-1 ATS at home. TB 3-4 ATS on the road.
❄ - Washington at Cincinnati (-6.5) - Tough one here, Washington is 3-3 ATS on the road but is only 1-1 ATS as a road Favorite. Cincinnati is just as bad at home 2-4 but is 2-2 as the home dog. Taking Cincy.
❄ - Detroit at Indianapols (16.5) - Detroit is 4-2 on the road ATS, but is 4-0 when the spread is over 8 points. Indy is only 2-4 ATS at home. Take the points, go Lions.
❄ - San Diego at Kansas City (-5.5) - San Diego is 1-5 on the road this year, 2-4 ATS but is on 1-3 ATS as the road Favorite. While KC is usually better ATS on the road, the Chiefs only lost by one in SD. Taking the points.
❄ - Green Bay at Jacksonville (-1.5) - Green Bay is only 2-4 on the road this year but is 4-2 ATS. Jacksonville has yet to cover at home and is 1-5 at home. Going with the team with something on the line here, give the points.
❄ - Tennessee at Houston (-3.5) - Tennessee is 5-1 ATS spread on the road. Houston is 2-4. Give the points
❄ - Seattle at St. Louis (-3.5) - Seattle 3-3 ATS, St. Louis 2-4. This is the first time that Seattle has been favored on the road all year. Seattle killed St. Louis in week 3. Give the points.
❄ - San Francisco at Miami (6.5) - Miami has yet to cover as a favorite. San Francisco is 3-3 ATS on the Road. Going with the 49ers.
❄ - Buffalo at NY Jets (7.5) - Two teams that have been inconsistent all year. Still the Jets pummeled the Bills on the road and I think are set for a huge rebound against a familiar opponent. Both teams are 3-3 ATS in this situation but J-E-T-S.
❄ - Minnesota at Arizona (3.5) - Arizona 4-2 ATS at home, Minnesota 2-5 ATS on the road. Give the points.
❄ - Denver at Carolina (7.5) - Denver is 4-2 ATS on the road, 3-1 as road dogs. Carolina 4-3 ATS at home, looking for Carolina to win, but Denver to cover.
❄ - Pittsburgh at Baltimore (1.5) - This is an even steven game, but looking for pay back for the Ravens. Give the points.
❄ - NE Patriots at Oakland (-7.5) - Oakland has only covered once at home, last week against the Jets. Patriots are better ATS on the road than at home. Take the Pats!!!
❄ - NY Giants at Dallas (2.5) - Dallas 6-5 as Favorites, 3-3 as Home Favorites. Giants are 2-0 as road dogs. Cowboys are more desperate, Giants killed them in week 9. Take the points.
❄ - Cleveland at Philadelphia (14.5) - Both teams are 4-2 ATS in this situation, but Cleveland is 7-3 ATS as Dogs while Philly is only 6-5 as favorites. Taking the points.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Week 15 Thursday Night Game

2008-12-11T16:44:00.005-05:00

Week 15 Thursday Game
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
Chicago	-2.5	New Orleans	Chicago	NO 27-21

(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

♊ - New Orleans at Chicago (2.5) - There are some good reasons to pick New Orleans in this game, but I think the following are even more important:

Chicago is 4-2 at Home while New Orleans is 1-5
Both teams are 3-3 ATS in this situation but Chicago is 4-3 as a Favorite while New Orleans is only 2-3 as the Underdog
Chicago is averaging 26.67 points at home while New Orleans is only averaging 22.17 points on the road, that is a 6.5 points fewer than they are averaing overall.
It is in Chicago where it will be below freezing with snow flurries.

Yep, looks like it is Chicago for me!!!

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Week 14 Preview

2008-12-07T00:47:00.005-05:00

Last week was abysmal, 7-9 and makes us 113-79 through week thirteen. Not the way I want to finish out the year and not the way I need this week to go.

Remember - these picks are only for entertainment purposes and you bet on these picks at your own peril. I am not responsible for you following my stupidity. Now let us look at the picks for week fourteen of the 2008 season.

Week 14 Games
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
San Diego	-10.5	Oakland	Oakland	SD 34-15
Chicago	-6.5	Jacksonville	Jacksonville	Jax 26-14
Minnesota	-9.5	Detroit	Minnesota	Det 20-14
Green Bay	-6.5	Houston	Green Bay	GB 31-10
Tennessee	-13.5	Cleveland	Cleveland	Ten 38-10
Indianapolis	-13.5	Cincinnati	Cincinnati	Ind 34-24
New Orleans	-3.5	Atlanta	New Orleans	Atl 27-24
NY Giants	-8.5	Philadelphia	New York	NY 33-27
NY Jets	-3.5	San Francisco	New York	Jets 23-17
Denver	-9.5	Kansas City	Kansas City	Den 23-9
Buffalo	-1.5	Miami	Miami	Mia 24-21
NE Patriots	-5.5	Seattle	NE Patriots	NE 19-16
Arizona	-13.5	St. Louis	St. Louis	Az 24-21
Pittsburgh	-2.5	Dallas	Dallas	Dal 35-19
Baltimore	-5.5	Washington	Baltimore	Bal 27-24
Carolina	-3.5	Tampa Bay	Carolina	TB 21-24

Well, here goes in bullet form:

(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

❄ - Oakland at San Diego (10.5) - Oakland 4-2 ATS and the underachieving Chargers 2-4 ATS. Furthermore Oakland is 5-6 as the Underdog while San Diego is only 3-8 as the favorite. Plus a 10.5 spread, in six games at home they only have two wins over 11 points. Not Buying it, taking Oakland and the points.

❄ - Jacksonville at Chicago (6.5 ) - Jacksonville is on 3-3 ATS while Chicago is 2-4. Futhermore Chicago has only won three of their games by a margin greater than 7. Go with the Jags to cover.

❄ - Minnesota at Detroit (-9.5) - Detroit is 0-6 ATS, enough said.

❄ - Houston at Green Bay (6.5) - Houston is 1-5 on the road and 3-3 ATS on the road, Green Bay is 3-3 at home and 3-3 ATS. Additionaly Green Bay is 3-2 as the favorite while Houston is only 3-4 as the underdog. Going with Green Bay.

❄ - Cleveland at Tennessee (13.5) - Cleveland is 4-1 ATS on the road and is 3-2 on the road. Tennessee is 5-1 at home and 4-2 ATS. Further more, Tennessee only has 1 win that is greater than 13.5 points at home. Tough one here, but am going to go with Cleveland.

❄ - Cincinnati at Indianapolis (13.5) - Cincinnati is 2-1 ATS when they are 10+ underdogs, 0-3 otherwise. Indianapolis is 0-4 with a spread greater than 4.5, 1-0 otherwise. This game is all about the spread.

❄ - Atlanta at New Orleans (3.5) - Atlanta is 3-3 ATS and on the Road, New Orleans is 5-1 ATS and at Home, When the Saints, come marching in!!!

❄ - Philadelphia at NY Giants (8.5) - Giants 6-0 at home, 5-1 ATS while Philadelphia is 2-3 on the road and 3-3 ATS, as much as I hate to say it, Giants.

❄ - NY Jets at San Francisco (-3.5) - Jets are 4-2 ATS and on the road. San Fran is 2-4 ATS at home and are 2-1 as home favorites. Looks like a J-E-T-S game to me.

❄ - Kansas City at Denver (9.5) - As a double digit underdog KC is 3-0, as Underdog on the road they are 4-2. For Denver, the only team they covered at home was San Diego when they were a 2.5 underdog. They are 0-5 as home favorites ATS.

❄ - Miami at Buffalo (1.5) - Buffalo is 2-0 ATS when less than a point favorite at home, otherwise they are 0-4. Miami is 3-2 ATS to match their 3-2 record on the road (Miami won first meeting 25-15).

❄ - NE Patriots at Seattle (-5.5) - Patriots are 4-1 ATS on the road and have a 3-2 record, Seattle, well they stink at home as they have went 1-5 and 2-4 ATS.

❄ - St. Louis at Arizona (13.5) - Arizona is 4-1 at home and 3-2 ATS but have yet to cover when home favorites greater than 7. St. Louis is 2-4 ATS and 1-5 on the road. The spread is the key and I am saying St. Louis covers.

❄ - Dallas at Pittsburgh (2.5) - Dallas is 3-3 on the road and ATS, but has yet to cover as an underdog or if the spread is greater than 3.5 favorites. Pittsburgh is only 2-4 ATS at home but 2-1 as home favorites over 6.0. Look for the Cowboys to not only cover but win out right.

❄ - Washington at Baltimore (5.5) - Baltimore is 4-1 at home but 5-0 ATS the spread at home. Washington is 3-2 ATS while going 4-1 on the road. The Skins are coming off of a tough loss at home to the Giants. Ravens, baby, Ravens.

❄ - Tampa Bay at Carolina (3.5) - Carolina is 6-0 at home and 3-3 as home favorites. Tampa Bay is 3-3 ATS on the road and the Bucs are 1-1 as road favorites, 2-2 as dogs. Going with Carolina!

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

NFL 2008 Week 14 Thursday Game

2008-12-04T12:48:00.002-05:00

Remember - these picks are only for entertainment purposes and you bet on these picks at your own peril. I am not responsible for you following my stupidity. Now let us look at the picks for the Thursday night game in this week fourteen of the 2008 season.

Week 13 Thursday Games
Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
San Diego	-10.5	Oakland	Oakland	SD 34-15

(definitions ATS - against the spread, APG - Average Points per Game

♊ - Oakland at San Diego (10.5) - Oakland 4-2 ATS and the underachieving Chargers 2-4 ATS. Furthermore Oakland is 5-6 as the Underdog while San Diego is only 3-8 as the favorite. Plus a 10.5 spread, in six games at home they only have two wins over 11 points. Not Buying it, taking Oakland and the points.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.