NBA Variety
Orlando sends Brian Cook, Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, Martin Gorat and a 2009 1st Round Pick to Oklahoma City for Earl Watson
The Magic would get a dependable point guard in Watson to compensate for the season-ending injury of Jameer Nelson. A starting five of Dwight Howard-Hedo Turkoglu-Rashard Lewis-Mikael Pietrus-Watson can certainly compete for the Eastern Conference crown.
The Thunder would add about $6m of salaries set to expire at the end of the year and another 1st Round pick.
MLB Variety
Washington sends 1B Nick Johnson to San Francisco for LHP Noah Lowry
The Nationals have a glut of first basemen but lack any depth in their rotation while the Giants have an abundance of number four / five starters without any proven corner infielders. The deal seems to work for both teams.
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
World Series Odds - Breakdown
Your team can win the World Series if....
On Second Thought, There's No Chance
Arizona Diamondbacks 30/1; Baltimore Orioles 150/1; Chicago White Sox 25/1 ; Cincinnati Reds 50/1; Colorado Rockies 60/1; Houston Astros 40/1; Kansas City Royals 150/1; Milwaukee Brewers 35/1; Minnesota Twins 25/1; Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1; San Diego Padres 200/1; San Francisco Giants 40/1; Seattle Mariners 100/1; Toronto Blue Jays 60/1; Washington Nationals 150/1
If one of these teams comes close, I'd be shocked.
Just Not Worth It
If these teams can survive a brutal regular season, they will still have to win three arduous playoff series.
No, For One Major Reason
Chicago Cubs 7/1: If they can overcome the curse, the North Siders will be ecstatic.
Philadelphia Phillies 11/1: If they can repeat, they would be the first since the 1999-2000 Yankees.
Decent Value
Great Value
Atlanta Braves 35/1: If Jeff Francoeur can bounce back and Chipper Jones can stay healthy, the Braves can take the NL East. If they do that, Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez provide a nice 1-2 punch in a playoff series.
Florida Marlins 40/1: If the Marlins young pitching staff takes strikes to deliver upon high expectations, they can surprise some people.
St Louis Cardinals 30/1: If the Cubs falter, Albert Pujols can carry this team on his back.
Texas Rangers 60/1: If the Rangers can add two arms through their farm system or free agency, the offense can compete with anyone.
The Contenders
On Second Thought, There's No Chance
Arizona Diamondbacks 30/1; Baltimore Orioles 150/1; Chicago White Sox 25/1 ; Cincinnati Reds 50/1; Colorado Rockies 60/1; Houston Astros 40/1; Kansas City Royals 150/1; Milwaukee Brewers 35/1; Minnesota Twins 25/1; Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1; San Diego Padres 200/1; San Francisco Giants 40/1; Seattle Mariners 100/1; Toronto Blue Jays 60/1; Washington Nationals 150/1
If one of these teams comes close, I'd be shocked.
Just Not Worth It
Boston Red Sox 15/2; New York Yankees 5/2; Tampa Bay Rays 12/1
If these teams can survive a brutal regular season, they will still have to win three arduous playoff series.
No, For One Major Reason
Chicago Cubs 7/1: If they can overcome the curse, the North Siders will be ecstatic.
Philadelphia Phillies 11/1: If they can repeat, they would be the first since the 1999-2000 Yankees.
Decent Value
Detroit Tigers 20/1: If they get offensive contributions from players other than Miguel Cabrera and if Carlos Guillen, Justin Verlander, and Jeremy Bonderman are healthy, they have a shot.
Los Angeles Angels 11/1: If they have a cake-walk into the postseason, anything can happen.
Great Value
Atlanta Braves 35/1: If Jeff Francoeur can bounce back and Chipper Jones can stay healthy, the Braves can take the NL East. If they do that, Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez provide a nice 1-2 punch in a playoff series.
Florida Marlins 40/1: If the Marlins young pitching staff takes strikes to deliver upon high expectations, they can surprise some people.
St Louis Cardinals 30/1: If the Cubs falter, Albert Pujols can carry this team on his back.
Texas Rangers 60/1: If the Rangers can add two arms through their farm system or free agency, the offense can compete with anyone.
The Contenders
Oakland Athletics 55/1: If they can add an arm, their revamped offense will make them a serious threat.
Los Angeles Dodgers 17/1: If they sign Manny, they become the favorite in NL West.
New York Mets 7/1: If the starting pitching can hold up, there's no reason they cannot win the National League pennant.
The One
Cleveland Indians 25/1: If Fausto Carmona can bounce back and Carl Pavano gives them any positive contributions I love Cleveland's chances. At 25-1, they represent the best value on the board. And yes, I realize I am counting on that Carl Pavano.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
MLB - Odds to Win Division
A mere 12 hours after the Banter's Bobby Abreu bashing, oddsmakers unveiled the odds to win each Major League division. And wouldn't you know it, the Angels open up as the largest favorite in any division (-220). One man's way too early breakdown:
AL West: Angels -220; A's +300; Rangers +600; Mariners +1200
This division reminds me of the 2004 election. Did 51% of the country really want another four years of President Bush? Probably not. More likely, many of the voters simply opted not-Kerry. Betting on the Angels would be akin to voting not-Kerry. I'm not ready to go down that path again (yes, I voted for Bush in '04).
Sure, the Angels won the division by 20 games last year, but loyal readers know how dismayed I am with their off season efforts. Complacency does not breed division champions - unless your manager is Bobby Cox. I strongly believe the A's are just one player away from taking this division. Brad Pitt, err, Billy Beane make me look smart.
Pick: A's +300.
AL Central: Twins +175; Indians +200; White Sox +400; Tigers +400; Royals +1500
This division looks ripe for the picking, and the Indians seem most likely to take advantage.
The division favorite Twins have not added or lost any significant players this off season. Apparently, owner Carl Pohlad decided to cut costs and give the entire front office a four-month vacation.
The White Sox lost Javier Vazquez, Nick Swisher, Orlando Cabrera, Joe Crede and Ken Griffey, Jr. To compensate, they added... well, some spare parts (Wilson Betemit, Bartolo Colon).
The Tigers, coming off an uber-disappointing last place finish, made some minor changes such as replacing Edgar Renteria with Adam Everett (please, contain your excitement).
The Royals are the Royals.
That leaves us with the Indians who finished 2008 with a .500 record despite dealing CC Sabathia before the deadline. They revamped the bullpen with guys like sidewinder Joe Smith and fireballer Kerry Wood. The Indians also added Mark DeRosa who was disposed of by the Cubs for a reason unbeknown to most. The team underachieved last season and seems poised to take this division running away this season.
Pick: Indians +200.
AL East: Yankees -125; Red Sox +175; Rays +400; Blue Jays +1500; Orioles +4000
Talk all you want about the A-Rod distraction, lack of chemistry, and questionable health of some key contributors (Chien-Ming Wang, Jorge Posada), but the Yankees are clearly the team to beat. Wang, who sports a 54-20 career record, will be the team's third starter. No team in baseball can compete with the Sabathia-Burnett-Wang troika.
Pick: As much as it pains me, Yankees -125.
NL West: Dodgers +140; D'backs +160; Giants +500; Rockies +600; Padres +2000
Once the Dodgers sign Manny Ramirez, these odds will drop to -125. Don't wait. Jump on the Dodgers now. They have no competition.
If anyone wants to take the D'backs at +160, forget Vegas, and place your bets with the Banter. This team was decimated during the off season. They lost Randy Johnson, Orlando Hudson, Juan Cruz (presumably), Banter-favorite Adam Dunn, and Brandon Lyon. They took fliers on Tom Gordon - yes, "Flash" - Jon Garland, Scott Schoeneweis, and Felipe Lopez which wouldn't have been bad if the year were 2003. This will be a long, long season in the desert.
If you are a Giants' fan, I have some good news: Tim Lincecum will be your Opening Day starter. After that, things get murky. The front office failed to address the glaring need: offense. The Giants scored the second-fewest runs in the Majors last season. Signing Edgar Renteria won't do much to help.
The Rockies would intrigue me a whole lot more if not for the following three matters:
1. Aaron Cook is their #1 starter;
2. They traded their best player, Matt Holliday; and
3. Jeff Francis faces season-ending surgery.
Case closed.
As my mother often told me, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." (Thinking.... thinking... Got it!) San Diego is a beautiful city. I was always a momma's boy.
Pick: Dodgers +140.
NL Central: Cubs -160; Brewers +500; Cardinals +600; Reds +600; Astros +1300; Pirates +3000
The Brewers lost CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets leaving Dave Bush to be the team's second starter.
The Reds are MLB's version of the NFL's Detroit Lions. Never interesting, often terrible, and just plain blah. They are a difficult team to get excited about.
The 'stros overachieved last season and figure to regress towards the mean.
The Pirates have a beautiful stadium (thanks, Mom).
That leaves the Cubs and Cards as the only two teams that have a chance of winning this division. Chicago won the division last season by seven games and made only minor changes. They figure to win about 92-94 games. Can St. Louis win more than that? Doubtful, but at +600, I'll take my chances. They have the best hitter in baseball (Albert Pujols) and an ace in Adam Wainwright. I'm also bullish on the idea of Skip Schumaker playing second base.
Pick: Cardinals +600.
NL East: Mets +130; Phillies +160; Braves +450; Marlins +600; Nationals +6000
Both East divisions figure to be very competitive throughout the season. The NL East has four teams capable of winning the division.
The defending Wold Series champion Phillies essentially swapped Raul Ibanez for Pat Burrell. The thing that concerns me with this team is the health of Cole Hamels. He threw the most pitches of any Major Leaguer last season. Can he repeat?
The Mets addressed their most glaring weakness, the bullpen, but failed to add an impact starter (although, they did retain Olly Perez). Will it be enough?
The Braves lost John Smoltz but added Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. If Chipper can stay healthy, a big "if," Atlanta can stay competitive.
The Marlins provide a nice value at +600 but lost a lot of talent from last year.
Since Washington remains irrelevant, here's an interesting Nationals-related fact: I was a better pro prospect than my high school teammate John Lannan, who happens to be the Nationals' number two starter.
Pick: Mets +130.
Coming later in the week: Full NL East Preview & World Series Odds breakdown.
AL West: Angels -220; A's +300; Rangers +600; Mariners +1200
This division reminds me of the 2004 election. Did 51% of the country really want another four years of President Bush? Probably not. More likely, many of the voters simply opted not-Kerry. Betting on the Angels would be akin to voting not-Kerry. I'm not ready to go down that path again (yes, I voted for Bush in '04).
Sure, the Angels won the division by 20 games last year, but loyal readers know how dismayed I am with their off season efforts. Complacency does not breed division champions - unless your manager is Bobby Cox. I strongly believe the A's are just one player away from taking this division. Brad Pitt, err, Billy Beane make me look smart.
Pick: A's +300.
AL Central: Twins +175; Indians +200; White Sox +400; Tigers +400; Royals +1500
This division looks ripe for the picking, and the Indians seem most likely to take advantage.
The division favorite Twins have not added or lost any significant players this off season. Apparently, owner Carl Pohlad decided to cut costs and give the entire front office a four-month vacation.
The White Sox lost Javier Vazquez, Nick Swisher, Orlando Cabrera, Joe Crede and Ken Griffey, Jr. To compensate, they added... well, some spare parts (Wilson Betemit, Bartolo Colon).
The Tigers, coming off an uber-disappointing last place finish, made some minor changes such as replacing Edgar Renteria with Adam Everett (please, contain your excitement).
The Royals are the Royals.
That leaves us with the Indians who finished 2008 with a .500 record despite dealing CC Sabathia before the deadline. They revamped the bullpen with guys like sidewinder Joe Smith and fireballer Kerry Wood. The Indians also added Mark DeRosa who was disposed of by the Cubs for a reason unbeknown to most. The team underachieved last season and seems poised to take this division running away this season.
Pick: Indians +200.
AL East: Yankees -125; Red Sox +175; Rays +400; Blue Jays +1500; Orioles +4000
Talk all you want about the A-Rod distraction, lack of chemistry, and questionable health of some key contributors (Chien-Ming Wang, Jorge Posada), but the Yankees are clearly the team to beat. Wang, who sports a 54-20 career record, will be the team's third starter. No team in baseball can compete with the Sabathia-Burnett-Wang troika.
Pick: As much as it pains me, Yankees -125.
NL West: Dodgers +140; D'backs +160; Giants +500; Rockies +600; Padres +2000
Once the Dodgers sign Manny Ramirez, these odds will drop to -125. Don't wait. Jump on the Dodgers now. They have no competition.
If anyone wants to take the D'backs at +160, forget Vegas, and place your bets with the Banter. This team was decimated during the off season. They lost Randy Johnson, Orlando Hudson, Juan Cruz (presumably), Banter-favorite Adam Dunn, and Brandon Lyon. They took fliers on Tom Gordon - yes, "Flash" - Jon Garland, Scott Schoeneweis, and Felipe Lopez which wouldn't have been bad if the year were 2003. This will be a long, long season in the desert.
If you are a Giants' fan, I have some good news: Tim Lincecum will be your Opening Day starter. After that, things get murky. The front office failed to address the glaring need: offense. The Giants scored the second-fewest runs in the Majors last season. Signing Edgar Renteria won't do much to help.
The Rockies would intrigue me a whole lot more if not for the following three matters:
1. Aaron Cook is their #1 starter;
2. They traded their best player, Matt Holliday; and
3. Jeff Francis faces season-ending surgery.
Case closed.
As my mother often told me, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." (Thinking.... thinking... Got it!) San Diego is a beautiful city. I was always a momma's boy.
Pick: Dodgers +140.
NL Central: Cubs -160; Brewers +500; Cardinals +600; Reds +600; Astros +1300; Pirates +3000
The Brewers lost CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets leaving Dave Bush to be the team's second starter.
The Reds are MLB's version of the NFL's Detroit Lions. Never interesting, often terrible, and just plain blah. They are a difficult team to get excited about.
The 'stros overachieved last season and figure to regress towards the mean.
The Pirates have a beautiful stadium (thanks, Mom).
That leaves the Cubs and Cards as the only two teams that have a chance of winning this division. Chicago won the division last season by seven games and made only minor changes. They figure to win about 92-94 games. Can St. Louis win more than that? Doubtful, but at +600, I'll take my chances. They have the best hitter in baseball (Albert Pujols) and an ace in Adam Wainwright. I'm also bullish on the idea of Skip Schumaker playing second base.
Pick: Cardinals +600.
NL East: Mets +130; Phillies +160; Braves +450; Marlins +600; Nationals +6000
Both East divisions figure to be very competitive throughout the season. The NL East has four teams capable of winning the division.
The defending Wold Series champion Phillies essentially swapped Raul Ibanez for Pat Burrell. The thing that concerns me with this team is the health of Cole Hamels. He threw the most pitches of any Major Leaguer last season. Can he repeat?
The Mets addressed their most glaring weakness, the bullpen, but failed to add an impact starter (although, they did retain Olly Perez). Will it be enough?
The Braves lost John Smoltz but added Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. If Chipper can stay healthy, a big "if," Atlanta can stay competitive.
The Marlins provide a nice value at +600 but lost a lot of talent from last year.
Since Washington remains irrelevant, here's an interesting Nationals-related fact: I was a better pro prospect than my high school teammate John Lannan, who happens to be the Nationals' number two starter.
Pick: Mets +130.
Coming later in the week: Full NL East Preview & World Series Odds breakdown.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
What Were You Thinking...
San Diego Padres?
You have no chance of competing this season, none. With that in mind, what did you do? You signed Cliff Floyd and released Matt Bush. This could be one of the most egregious player personnel decisions in all of sports since Isiah Thomas was fired as GM of the Knicks.
Let's break this down.
The 36-year old Floyd makes his offseason home in Florida and his in season home on the DL. In the last five years, he has spent time on the shelf with injuries to his knees, ankles, thighs and feet. He has no real position making him a terrible fit in the the National League. He had a decent season last year with the Rays hitting .268/.349/.455, but the Pads need a lot more than Cliff Floyd to compete in the short term. At 36, he has no chance of being a long-term solution.
Bush was the first overall selection in the 2004 Rule IV Draft. Sure, you drafted him as a shortstop only to convert him back into a pitcher, and he has struggled on the mound and off (he had Tommy John surgery two years ago), but why give up now? Isn't he worth the flier?
I cannot fathom the thought process of the Pads' front office. How desperate was the need for a left-handed hitter that you decided to give up on Bush? There is zero upside in this move.
Note: This has nothing to do with Floyd as a person because he has been a popular clubhouse presence everywhere he's gone.
******************
Jon Heyman?
I have always been weary of your work since your days at Newsday but couldn't explain why until now. Turns out you could be in Scott Boras' back pocket (hopefully, Boras at least has you on his payroll). I hope you sleep well at night knowing that you are a direct cause of inflated ticket prices.
******************
Government of South Carolina?
According to a 2006 FBI report, more violent crimes occur in your state (per capita) than any other state in the country.
According to 2005 Census data, your state ranks 41st in literacy rates in our country.
Spend your money elsewhere. Drop the idea of pressing charges against Michael Phelps, and focus on some important things.
******************
Bud Selig?
Most of us can agree you've done a great job running the League during your tenure as Commish. However, the country still finds itself in a depression. Employees of almost every Major League team have lost their jobs. You are a millionaire dozens of times over. Do the right thing and say "no" to your $3m raise.
At least one other person agrees.
******************
Walt "Clyde" Frazier?
My fiance and I were watching the Cavs-Knicks a few nights back and happened to hear you say, "It's Boobie-time" after Daniel Gibson hit a three. You kill us night in and night out. Keep doing what you do.
******************
Gregg Popovich?
First off, you look like a cross between Santa Claus and Harrison Ford in The Fugitive. Please rectify this situation by shaving your beard.
Which one of these guys coaches the Spurs?
You have no chance of competing this season, none. With that in mind, what did you do? You signed Cliff Floyd and released Matt Bush. This could be one of the most egregious player personnel decisions in all of sports since Isiah Thomas was fired as GM of the Knicks.
Let's break this down.
The 36-year old Floyd makes his offseason home in Florida and his in season home on the DL. In the last five years, he has spent time on the shelf with injuries to his knees, ankles, thighs and feet. He has no real position making him a terrible fit in the the National League. He had a decent season last year with the Rays hitting .268/.349/.455, but the Pads need a lot more than Cliff Floyd to compete in the short term. At 36, he has no chance of being a long-term solution.
Bush was the first overall selection in the 2004 Rule IV Draft. Sure, you drafted him as a shortstop only to convert him back into a pitcher, and he has struggled on the mound and off (he had Tommy John surgery two years ago), but why give up now? Isn't he worth the flier?
I cannot fathom the thought process of the Pads' front office. How desperate was the need for a left-handed hitter that you decided to give up on Bush? There is zero upside in this move.
Note: This has nothing to do with Floyd as a person because he has been a popular clubhouse presence everywhere he's gone.
******************
Jon Heyman?
I have always been weary of your work since your days at Newsday but couldn't explain why until now. Turns out you could be in Scott Boras' back pocket (hopefully, Boras at least has you on his payroll). I hope you sleep well at night knowing that you are a direct cause of inflated ticket prices.
******************
Government of South Carolina?
According to a 2006 FBI report, more violent crimes occur in your state (per capita) than any other state in the country.
According to 2005 Census data, your state ranks 41st in literacy rates in our country.
Spend your money elsewhere. Drop the idea of pressing charges against Michael Phelps, and focus on some important things.
******************
Bud Selig?
Most of us can agree you've done a great job running the League during your tenure as Commish. However, the country still finds itself in a depression. Employees of almost every Major League team have lost their jobs. You are a millionaire dozens of times over. Do the right thing and say "no" to your $3m raise.
At least one other person agrees.
******************
Walt "Clyde" Frazier?
My fiance and I were watching the Cavs-Knicks a few nights back and happened to hear you say, "It's Boobie-time" after Daniel Gibson hit a three. You kill us night in and night out. Keep doing what you do.
******************
Gregg Popovich?
First off, you look like a cross between Santa Claus and Harrison Ford in The Fugitive. Please rectify this situation by shaving your beard.
Which one of these guys coaches the Spurs?
Second off, why would you ever bench your three best players in a single game? You sat Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili the night before you started a four-day break. If karma can hear me, your squad will finish in fifth place in the West, one game behind the Nuggets team you let beat your shorthanded bunch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
