Golf Wagering Odds to Finish in the Top 10 at BMW Championship

Mr. Tiger Woods, who finished 11th at the Deutsche Bank Championship last week, is going off at underlaid golf wagering odds yet again to finish in the Top 10 this week.

The odds on El Tigre to get into the Top 10, something he hasn’t done in 6 straight tournaments played, at this point are at -225.  That’s a lot of dough for sports gamblers to risk on the world’s #1 ranked golfer to hop into the Top 10 at Cog Hill.

I’m definitely not backing Tiger at those odds.  So, if El Tigre isn’t one of the better wagers, then who is?

PGA Tour: BMW Championship

Where:  Cog Hill G&CC, Lemont, Illinois
When:  September 9th thru September 12th, 2010
Par/Yardage:  Par 71, Yards 7386
TV:  Golf, NBC
Radio:  Sirius – XM

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To Win

Best Bet A:  Luke Donald +180

After Donald finished 11th at the British Open and 3rd at the Canadian Open, he finished 46th at the WGC-Bridgestone and missed the cut at the PGA Championship.  Now, Donald has finished 15th at The Barclays and 2nd at the Deutsche Bank Championship.  Does that mean he finishes north of 40th place at the BMW Championship this week?  Maybe.  I’m hoping, though, that Donald goes against past history and actually wins the BMW Championship or at least finishes in the Top 10.  At the golf wagering odds, I have to make Luke my top pick in this category. 

Best Bet B:  Matt Kuchar +130

Kuchar barely missed the Top 10 at the Deutsche Bank Championship last week when finishing in 11th place.  If he had gotten into the Top 10 last week, that would have made 4 straight Top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour.  As it stands, Matt still has finished in the Top 10 in 7 out of his last 10 tournaments played.  He also finished in the Top 10 at Cog Hill in 2009.  I’d say he’s a good bet in this category!

Worst Golf Bet:  Tiger Woods -225

I have nothing against Tiger but why risk so much money on a man that hasn’t finished in the Top 10 in 6 straight tournaments?  I’d rather take that money and bet on Tiger to win straight up at +500.
 
Best Underdog Bet:  Marc Leishman +900

Leishman hasn’t finished in the Top 10 at a tournament since leaving the golf course in 7th place at the AT&T National on July 4th.  That’s a string of 7 straight tournaments without a Top 10 finish.  He did, however, finish in 2nd place at the 2009 BMW Championship and +900 on a golfer that likes the course in this category qualifies as overlaid golf wagering odds.

Others To Consider

Rory McIlroy +160 – - Rory’s sort of a toss-up in this category.  I mean, I do believe he can finish in the Top 10 but I also believe that he can push his swing at times and take himself out of the Top 50. 

Jason Day +200 – - Day’s finished in the Top 10 in his last 3 tournaments played including a 2nd last week at the Deutsche Bank Championship.  He’s definitely worth looking at in this category.

Zach Johnson +300 – - The good news that he is part of the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup Team might fire ZJ up to the point where he duplicates that 5th place finish at Cog Hill from a year ago.

Log onto the sportsbook for golf wagering odds for the BMW Championship.

Sources:  pgatour.com

NFL Odds – Saints Begin Title Defense on Thursday

Those bettors who take on the NFL odds can’t help but get excited about the game that is going to kick off the NFL season, as the New Orleans Saints, the Super Bowl champions, begin their title defense on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings and local boy Brett Favre. The game is slated to begin at 8:30 PM ET and will be televised on NBC. In the NFL odds for this game, the Saints are a five-point favorite, with the total posted at 48 points. This is a rematch of the NFC Championship game, a thriller that went into overtime.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints

Live at the Louisiana Superdome
Thursday, September 9 — 8 PM ET
TV:  NBC

NFL Odds:

New Orleans -5
Minnesota +5
Total:  48

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Here are some of the trends as they impact our football betting prediction on this game:

• Minnesota has played seven of its last ten games UNDER the total
• Minnesota has won 13 of its last 18 games SU
• Minnesota has lost five of its last six road games SU
• Minnesota has covered two of its last six road games
• New Orleans has played five of its last seven games UNDER the total
• New Orleans has won 16 of its last 19 games SU
• New Orleans has covered two of its last eight games
• New Orleans has covered two of its last seven home games
• New Orleans has played four of its last six home games UNDER the total
• New Orleans has played 16 of its last 23 home games OVER the total
• New Orleans has won eight of its last ten home games SU

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The Saints won a great NFC title game last year, taking home the 31-28 victory, coming from a Brett Favre turnover, and took the trip to Miami, stopping short a storybook season for Favre, who was playing in front of his own contingent of local followers in that game. It should be noted by those fooling around with the NFL odds that the Vikings had the yardage edge by a 475-257 count, but had the five turnovers that killed things. Also note that Darren Sharper, New Orleans’ big guy in terms of prying the ball away from opponents, will miss at least the first six games of the season as he is on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

Here are some of the head-to-head betting trends with regard to the NFL odds:

• Minnesota has covered the last five meetings
• The last five meetings have gone OVER the total
• Minnesota has won four of the last five meetings SU
• Four of the last five meetings in New Orleans have gone OVER the total

Minnesota, which is +150 to win the NFC North in the NFL odds, looks to be solid at a lot of positions, but wide receiver is one of those where there may be some questions. Sidney Rice is out for about half the season, as he elected to have hip surgery during training camp, after passing it up in the off-season, then getting another opinion. Percy Harvin has all those migraine problems, and he could blow up at any time. Yes, the Vikings acquired Greg Camarillo from the Dolphins, and he will eventually become a favorite target, but remember that Favre is 40 years old, has had very little in the way of practice, and is dealing with a bad ankle. The Saints are certainly going to have their own problems dealing with Adrian Peterson, and a more effective Minnesota game plan may have him running the ball more. But Favre may not let something like that happen.

Sean Payton seemed very eager to hit the ground running in the pre-season, and Drew Brees was very sharp. We like that kind of thing with this offense, which has such a balanced attack of weaponry that it is hard for a defense that isn’t deep to deal with. Minnesota, which has covered five straight times against New Orleans in the NFL odds, can rush the passer; we know that, and they have been very tough on opposing running games for a number of years. But we are not looking for them to slow down the New Orleans passing attack considerably. And the Saints, who found that giving Favre a pounding last time out had its effect later in the game, will almost certainly bring the heat again. The veteran is not in a position to take it like he was last time. Peterson may break some runs, but he might make a inopportune (is there any other kind?) mistake too (16 fumbles in the last two seasons). In this electric atmosphere, I think New Orleans is the team that is more likely to pull away, so in this football betting prediction we are going to lay the points with the Saints in the NFL odds.

JAY’S PLAY:  NEW ORLEANS -5 ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

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UFC Fight Night 22

Circle the 15th of September on your calendar.

That’s when UFC Fight Night 22 takes place and this card is full of good bouts, which has become the norm with so many good fighters having joined the UFC.

But the best part about the event is that it’s free on Spike TV, so that money you save on not paying for a PPV can be used to make some money on some Fight Night picks.

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UFC Betting Fight Night 22

Frank Erwin Events Center – Austin, TX

Wednesday, September 15th at 8pm ET

Spike TV

Headlining the card is a middleweight battle, that is worthy of a PPV event, between Rousimar Palhares and Nate Marquardt. This is a big fight for Marquardt as he is looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss to Chael Sonnen, who we just learned is no joke after almost taking out Anderson Silva at UFC 117.

Marquardt holds an impressive 29-9-2 record, and despite the recent set back, is still one of the top 185-pounders in the world. Palhares, a BJJ black-belt, has less professional experience, bringing in a record of 11-2 which includes three straight wins. The Brazilian has finished eight of his wins via submission, so Nate the Great will need to be weary of his limbs if this thing goes to the canvas.
 
Marquardt has very good submission defence and is much stronger wrestler than Palhares, and he’ll look to win this one via striking. If he’s able to keep it on the feet, he should be able to out-strike his way to a victory, but if this one goes to the ground, he’s really going to need to be careful that he doesn’t get caught in a compromising situation.

The Efrain Escudero/Charles Oliveira bout is another really good matchup. Both men have great submissions and both guys can chuck the leather. Oliveira has five more (T)KO’s than Escudero, but Efrain has fought some tougher competition so this one is a real tossup.

Here is a full list of fights with the available UFC Fight Night 22 betting odds:

Preliminary Bouts:

• Brian Foster vs. Forrest Petz
• David Mitchell vs. Anthony Waldburger
• Rich Attonito vs. Rafael Natal
• Dave Branch vs. Tomasz Drwal
• Jared Hamman vs. Kyle Kingsbury

Main Bouts:

• Ross Pearson (-280) vs. Cole Miller (+210)
• Jim Miller (-170) vs. Gleison Tibau (+140)
• Efrain Escudero (-190) vs. Charles Oliveira (+155)
• Nathan Marquardt (-240) vs. Rousimar Palhares (+190)

NCAA Football Betting Lines – Central Michigan vs Temple

The Temple Owls won’t get a break in their schedule after their big 31-24 win over fellow Philly rivals Villanova. They will host the Central Michigan Chippewas at Lincoln Field Thursday night. The Chippewas are the defending Mid-American Conference champions and despite being more than a touchdown underdogs will provide the Temple Owls a big challenge. Be sure to brush up on your NCAAF betting tips before you get down on this game.

The college football odds have set the Owls as the -7½ point favorites over the Chippewas and the game total is set at 49½ points.    

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NCAAF Betting Lines
September 9, 2010

Central Michigan Chippewas       +7½ -110
Temple Owls                                      -7½ -110

Game Total         49½  

Location: Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia PA
Game Time: 7:00pm
TV: ESPN

The Owls came into the game against Villanova as -4½ point favorites and covered the spread with an amazing 10 points in the final 8 seconds of the game. The Owls hit a field goal and then on the ensuing kickoff Villanova returner fumbled and the Owls returned the ball for the game winning touchdown.

They’ll need that sort of luck against the defending MAC champion Central Michigan; the Chippewas crushed their week one opponents Hampton 33-0.

Temple has improved their passing game over last season, quarterback Chester Stewart was 16 of 27 for 200 yards and a touchdown. While not a world-beater level, it’s better than the Owls have had. He’ll need to get some protection against Eastern Michigan. Villanova sacked Stewart three times but to his credit, Stewart didn’t panic and throw the ball away.

His favorite target, Michael Campbell had a solid game, catching 127 of Stewarts 200 passing yards and a touchdown.

The Central Michigan Chippewas are MAC defending champions but they are in a rebuilding year after losing several starters from last year’s squad.   They will rely on sophomore starting quarterback Ryan Radcliff and running back Paris Cotton. Against Hampton, Radcliff threw 242 for yards, completing 20 of 34 passes. Cotton carried the ball 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Be sure to read the BetOnline news for NCAAF betting tips before you make your bets, it will give you the best chance to cash in on your college football bets.

I like Temple in this game but the 7½ points is scaring me off the number, the Owls should win this game but I doubt their ability to win by more than a touchdown against the better than advertised Central Michigan Chippewas team.

NCAAF Betting Pick:  Central Michigan Chippewas +7½ -110

Bet on Romo and Brady in the NFL Picks!

The BetOnline.com sports book has plenty of exciting NFL picks that you can get in on before the season even starts.

Today we’ll look at some futures bets, as the league’s top quarterbacks go head-to-head to try and make you some money.

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Tom Brady- Over 3,950 Passing Yards (-120) or Under 3,950 Passing Yards (-110): There’s only one place to start the NFL picks, and that’s with the elite quarterback in the game: Tom Brady.

Ok, so maybe Brady wasn’t quite elite last year, but in the last half decade, there hasn’t been a smarter bet. He passed for over 4,000 yards in 2005, and then followed that up with a monstrous 4,800 yard season in the Patriots undefeated 2007 regular season. Even in a “down year,” in 2009, Brady tossed for his second highest career passing total (4,398 yards). Not too shabby, especially for a guy coming off a knee injury.

Truthfully, there’s no reason to think Brady won’t go OVER, here. This is a guy who still has one of the deepest receiving corps in the league, and it only got deeper with the offseason addition of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Even Wes Welker- who was feared out for the start of the year- has looked good in limited action this preseason. No he won’t make 123 catches like he did in 2009, but he’ll still be better than virtually any other guy in the league.

The only play here is to take Tom Brady OVER 3,950 passing yards in the NFL picks. Get your wager in now!

The Pick: Tom Brady OVER 3,950 Passing Yards

Tony Romo- Over 4,150 Passing Yards (-115) or Under 4,150 Passing Yards (-115): Romo had a career-year in 2009, throwing for over 4,400 yards, leading the NFL’s 6th ranking passing offense (267.9 yards/game). Can the 30-year-old Dallas signal-caller possibly do better in 2010?

There’s good reason to think the answer is yes. He returns four receivers who made at least 25 catches last year, including the surprising Miles Austin, (81 grabs) and maybe the game’s best tight end in Jason Witten (94 catches). Also, the Cowboys added Dez Bryant- college football’s top wide receiver a year ago- through the last NFL Draft. Romo will have plenty of targets to throw the ball to.

While there’s reason for concern with Romo (mainly a below average offensive line), the guy has topped 4,100 yards in two of the last three years, and with more talent around him, should have no problem doing the same this year. Also remember, that when wagering on Romo in the NFL picks, you’re getting one of the most durable quarterbacks in the NFL: He was the only player to throw a pass for the Cowboys last year.

If you’re ready to get in on the NFL picks action, there’s only bet you need to make. Take Tony Romo to go OVER 4,150 yards passing this season.

The Pick: Tony Romo OVER 4,150 yards passing

Proposition Betting – Packers, Vikings Battle for NFC North

Those doing proposition betting in the NFL know that unless some surprising development takes place, the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings will battle it out for the NFC North title. The arrival of Brett Favre in Vikings’ camp gives their fans some Super Bowl hope for the coming season, while the Packers are not sorry that they let him go for the sake of Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay rebounded well to make it to last season’s playoffs, and they have the potential for a juggernaut. The Packers are the +110 favorite in the proposition betting to win the division, while the Vikings are priced at +150.

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Proposition Betting Odds
To Win NFC North        

Minnesota Vikings       +150
Green Bay Packers       +110
Chicago Bears              +450
Detroit Lions                +2000

I find it interesting that with everyone so fascinated with Brett Favre, the Minnesota Vikings wouldn’t be favored in proposition betting for this division. After all, the Vikings have a lot of qualities one can point to. Favre is one of them, especially if he can stay healthy. When you throw for 33 touchdowns, with just seven interceptions, and you have done everything necessary to start every game, can’t you be confident that he is the difference-maker in this division? When you have one of the league’s most prolific passers, with the dimension of running back Adrian Peterson, who ran for 1383 yards last season, doesn’t that constitute more than enough balance to confound the division’s other defensive coordinators? And when you can control the line of scrimmage like this team can, not to mention rush the passer with people like Jared Allen (55 sacks total), how can you not be one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl?

Well, it would appear that proposition bettors are not giving all of that enough consideration. The reasons are actually pretty clear. One is the question mark surrounding the Minnesota receiving corps. Sidney Rice, who made the Pro Bowl for this team last year, has elected to have hip surgery, which will put him out for bout half the season, and Percy Harvin, the rookie of the year last season, has these migraines that are certain to continue being a problem, since no one really knows how to deal with them.

Another reason is that team up in Green Bay. The Packers, who are the NFC North favorites at +110 in proposition betting, seem to have enough ingredients to make a Super Bowl run. It starts with Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 4434 yards and 30 TD’s, and by now probably ranks right up there in the second tier of quarterbacks, behind the likes of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, and perhaps Favre. Rodgers has a load of receivers to throw to, and this team is very deep at the tight end position, which is big in this offense. The defense should be more comfortable in its second year under Dom Capers; they were more than credible against both the run and the pass last year. Ryan Grant provides just enough balance to help Rodgers out, and there is momentum from the playoff bid last year. It also didn’t stunt the enthusiasm of proposition bettors that this team looked very sharp on offense in the pre-season. Of course, that can be deceiving. The offensive line will have to show that it can protect Rodgers better over the course of a full season.

The Chicago Bears, at +450 in the NFC North proposition betting odds, could very easily be an also-ran. They brought in Mike Martz, an offensive coordinator who is known to demand a lot of precision on his passing routes, and the trigger-man, Jay Cutler, would seem very well-suited for it. I know how they inserted Kurt Warner into the lineup and got magic when Martz was at St. Louis, but this team doesn’t have Torry Holt or Isaac Bruce at wide receiver either (you know, as they were then). Instead, they have Devin Hester, who is going to have a very hard time getting this whole thing down. They’ve also got a problem to work out with Greg Olson, the tight end, because tight ends hardly exist for Martz. Somehow, I see a clash between him and Lovie Smith.

What can I say about the Detroit Lions, who are the +2000 longshot in these proposition betting odds, except to say that there is very little for them to do but improve from a season where they went 3-13 straight-up. The maturation of Matthew Stafford is obviously a key factor, and I’m relatively confident that they’ll have more support for Calvin Johnson in the receiving corps. Jahvid Best is a potentially explosive runner, but can he be a guy who can line up on every down? Ndamukong Suh could wind up s good as advertised on the defensive line, but this secondary allowed 68% completions last year. That’s right, 68%.

In this proposition bet, for me it is a matter of the price. I would be willing to take whichever side was the underdog, between Minnesota and Green Bay. I will go with the Vikings because their fundamentals are a little better than the Packers’, and because I am confident in Favre’s ability to improvise with these receivers. He made Rice into a Pro Bowler and has a couple of newcomers he can feel comfortable with, in Jevon Walker (whom he played with at Green Bay) and Greg Camarillo (a poor man’s Wes Welker). So for me it’s Minnesota for a repeat, at +150 in the NFC North proposition betting odds.

Bet NFL propositions right now at BetOnline Sportsbook!

Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox – Baseball Pick

The Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox are wary from a long season competing against the New York Yankees and each other, but tonight bring another key AL East showdown to the forefront for MLB betting fans.

Boston’s playoff hopes are on life support while Tampa is chasing the Yankees in the division. Which team can bring home a win in yet another key divisional matchup at Fenway?

Tampa Bay Rays (Matt Garza, R) at Boston Red Sox (Tim Wakefield, R)

7:10 pm ET, Fenway Park

MLB betting line: Red Sox favored at -1 ½.

For the Red Sox to win this one, Wakefield will have to have the knuckler dancing. He has performed well late into September and October with the Red Sox but it’s still a fluid situation as to whether or not the knuckleball will move the way it’s supposed to during each game.

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As for Garza, who has a no-hitter to his credit against a similarly injury-depleted lineup (the Detroit Tigers), he has the pitching edge on paper against Wakefield. Garza is 5-1 against the Sox on the year as the Rays have beaten them consistently behind the strength of their pitching as many MLB betting fans know. Garza’s 3.46 ERA represents the hope of the Rays in this one and the strength of the team.

The Red Sox have a lot of pride as they haven’t missed MLB’s post-season since 2006, but the truth of the matter is that their hope is fading. Trying to hard against a pitcher like Garza could be their downfall, and Wakefield is getting up there in age.

Some knuckleballers get better with age and Wakefield has to a certain extent, but at age 44 a below-average year has many fans wondering if he’s taken it a little too far. With Wakefield replacing Clay Bucholz, the Red Sox will have a hard time winning this pitcher’s duel against Garza.

Tampa has the best record against Boston of any team since June 2008 as they are ten games over .500 and that trend will continue tonight.

MLB betting pick: Tampa Bay Rays (-1 ½).

Parlay Pick from the Diamond – Twins and Giants in Playoff Races

The Parlay pick for Wednesday night features two teams that are in a heated playoff race taking on two teams looking to play spoiler. Last year’s AL Cy Young winner, Zack Greinke, takes on the Brian Duensing and the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 while Barry Zito tries to help his Giants move one step closer to a playoff berth when they take on Arizona.

MLB Betting Line – Game 1:

Spread: Royals +1 ½ (-160), Twins -1 ½ (+140)

MLB Moneyline: Royals (+140), Twins (-160)

Over/Under: 7 ½

Date: Wednesday, September 8th – 8:10 PM ET
TV: FSKC-HD, FS-N

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Probable Pitchers:
KC Zac Greinke, RHP (8-11, 3.87 ERA), MIN Brian Duensing, LHP (7-2, 2.09 ERA)

Anytime Greinke steps on the rubber, he has the ability to completely shut you down. But this year, he has been far from the guy that won 16 games last year. His 3.87 ERA is a full run and a half higher than his 2009 Cy Young campaign as well, but like I said, on any given night, he can be lights out.

If one team has given him fits this year though, it has been the Twins. Greinke has lost all three of his decisions against Minnesota, lasting a total of only 14 innings in total. His inflated ERA may be a direct result of this team as he has been rocked for 18 runs and 23 hits over that span.

Brian Duensing, his counterpart, comes in with a 7-2 record and a 2.09 ERA on the year.
That earned run average just happens to be the lowest among AL starters, but he just falls too short of the innings needed to qualify for the official leader board.

Considering how the Twins have hit the reigning Cy Young, and are desperate for wins right now, they are my pick tonight.

MLB Betting Line – Game 2:

Spread: Giants -1 ½ (+120), D-Backs +1 ½ (-140)

MLB Moneyline: Giants (-135), D-Backs (+115)

Over/Under: 6 ½

Date: Wednesday, September 8th – 9:40 PM ET
TV: CSN-BA HD, FS-A

Probable Pitchers: SF Barry Zito, LHP (8-11, 4.18 ERA), ARI Daniel Hudson, RHP (4-1, 1.99 ERA)

San Fran can thank the Padres for letting them get back into the AL West pennant race as they just ended a 10-game losing streak. But now, it’s up to them to take advantage of that opportunity as they are just one game back of the Padres in the AL West, and just one game back of the Braves for the Wild Card.

Giants fans can’t ever feel too confident though when Barry Zito gets the call as he can be good one night, and one of the worst pitchers in the league the next. After a very strong start to the season that saw him go 7-2 in his first 13-games, he’s gone 1-7 since the All-Star Break.

Even if he pitches decent, it may not matter as his counterpart, Dan Hudson, has been lights out all year. In fact, his last outing was the first time he hadn’t gone at least seven full innings in one of his starts. The way he’s been pitching, you can’t bet against him.

MLB Parlay Pick: Twins (-160), D-Back (+115)

US Open 2010 Betting Trends – Federer vs. Soderling Rematch

Flushing Meadows, New York – The Roger Federer and Robin Soderling match is very much anticipated today. It is the feature match of the night and the highlight of the day’s tennis betting card at BetOnline.

It’s been anticipated since the draw was released almost two weeks ago now. Federer has to win this match if he is to remain in the running of a record 17 th Grand Slam title. Soderling however owns the last victory between the pair; he defeated Federer at the 2010 French Open quarterfinals and in that fell swoop, he ended the maestro’s record run of 23 consecutive major semi-finals or better at a Grand Slam.

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The rematch between Federer and Soderling sets up a slate full of exciting tennis betting markets tennis bettors can really sink their teeth into.

A mere glance at their head-to-head confirms the overwhelming edge Federer has over Soderling in spite of having suffered a defeat to the Swede three months ago. Federer owns Soderling 12-1 lifetime.

Federer is also without a doubt the better player in every sense. There is no comparison between these two, especially when it comes to career wins on any surface, including hard courts.

Perhaps the most significant divider is their accounts at majors. Nowhere is the measure of Federer more evinced than by his record at majors. A record 16 Grand Slam titles, which includes five successive US Open titles from six straight final appearances. Juan Martin Del Potro snapped his run at this event last year.

However, the defining aspect of their clash is going to be partly form and partly mental. Where form is concerned, we can make some summations from their accounts in the lead up and during the US Open. As to the mental part of the game, we can but make some conjectures.

Tennis Betting Line:

Robin Soderling +5 +100 +300 37½ O -150 U +110
Roger Federer -5 -140 -500 37½ O -150 U +110

Match Time:08:30 PM Eastern Time (05:30 PM Pacific Time) Wednesday September 8, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict :Bookies aren’t cooing over Federer as they normally do and that has everything to do with Soderling’s recent win over the maestro. That he’s beaten the maestro at a major makes the likelihood of doing so again even higher than before. Federer had been nigh infallible at this level before Soderling got to him –he’d never lost to anybody other than Nadal (more often than not), Djokovic and Del Potro at the majors in the last five years.

Nevertheless, Roger Federer is the -500 favourite and he has the form to back up these odds. In the lead ups to the French Open and Wimbledon Championships, Federer seemed to be struggling with an existential crisis and there was a sense of trouble ahead. There is nothing of that here.

Federer has looked his formidable old-self in the lead up and during the US Open that it’s an almost certainty he’ll exact his revenge today.

Robin Soderling, tipped at +300 to win outright, would really have to come up with something special to take out Federer tonight. I don’t think his win over Federer at the French Open was a thing of beauty. It got the job done but I think Federer had a lot to do with his defeat.

Federer won’t be so careless this time. He’s more focused and determined than ever before.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Soderling cannot beat Federer. He can. It would be silly to say he cannot. What I am getting at is that he’ll have to WIN the match, effectively wrestle it from Federer because he’s not going to LOSE it, as he did at the French Open.

Tennis Free Picks : Federer in five sets

D’Backs Ready to Take Advantage of Zito’s Struggles as Baseball Betting Faves

The Arizona Diamondbacks are poised to take advantage of San Francisco’s struggling pitcher Barry Zito on Wednesday night as baseball betting favorites in the sportsbook.

The D’Backs send pitcher Daniel Hudson to the mound to take on the suddenly flabbergasted Zito. I’m not sure if flabbergasted is the right word to use.

Zito hasn’t pitched more than 4 innings in any of his last 4 starts and he’s lost 5 games in a row.

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I assume that Zito probably is feeling a bit flabbergasted as to why he’s pitching so badly.

So, maybe, the word is just fine to use. The D’Backs could care less as to why Zito is pitching so badly right now. They’re just hoping that he continues to pitch badly.

San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Where: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ

When: September 8th, 2010 at 9:40 pm EST

TV: San Francisco – CSN-BA HD
Arizona – FS-A

Radio: San Francisco – KNBR 680
Arizona – KTAR 620, KSUN 1400

Baseball Betting Lines

San Francisco Giants
Barry Zito – L +1 ½ -175 +115 O 8 ½ -115

Arizona Diamondbacks
Daniel Hudson – R -1 ½ +155 -135 U 8 ½ -105

Based on the baseball betting trends, the Giants should beat the D’Backs tonight.

• The San Francisco Giants are 6 and 0 in their last 6 games as the favorite on the road.
• The San Francisco Giants are 14 and 3 in their last 17 games on the road vs. a team with a losing record.
• The San Francisco Giants are 4 and 1 in their last 5 games following a victory.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks are 0 and 4 in their last 4 games at home.

Overall, Zito’s numbers aren’t bad, but who cares? The man hasn’t pitched a solid 6 innings since August 11th. In his last 5 starts, all losses, Barry’s pitched 5 innings, 3.2 innings, 1 inning, 3.2 innings and 4 innings.

Does he have any shot against the D’Backs and pitcher Daniel Hudson on Wednesday night? I don’t think so. Against AZ, Barry’s been even worse than usual. He’s 3 and 7 in 13 career starts versus the D’Backs with a 5.33 ERA. He gave up 9 runs and 5 walks in only 3.2 innings of an 11 to 3 San Francisco loss the last time he faced ‘Zona.

To make matters worse for the Giants in this game, Daniel Hudson, Arizona’s pitcher, has been en fuego lately. He’s 1 and 0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last 3 starts. He’s given up a total of 4 runs in his last 20 innings pitched and he’s struck out 21 batters in those last 20 innings pitched.

Those are awesome numbers. As much as I’d like to back Zito and the G-Men in this game, I can’t. Hudson is pitching too well and the Giants haven’t figured out how to get themselves out of the trouble that Barry’s put them in during his 5 game losing streak.

I don’t see Barry ending that streak tonight. I have to go with the chalk in this game.

MLB Sportsbook Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks -135

Log onto the sportsbook for baseball betting odds for all of Wednesday’s games, click here.

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