Byron Nelson Tournament Matchup Picks

Some of the biggest guns in golfing, including Vijay Singh and Justin Leonard, will try their hand at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas, in Irving, Texas, for this week’s PGA Tour Event, the Byron Nelson Championship.

Vijay Singh finished 9th at TPC Sawgrass. It was his best finish of the year and perhaps a sign that things have turned around for him.

In any case, like almost all PGA Events, the BetOnline online sportsbook is offering wagering on Tournament Matchups.

Let’s analyze the best Tournament Matchups in this week’s event.

Golf Betting: Byron Nelson Championship Tournament Matchup

1. Kevin Na -115 vs. Charlie Wi -115 – - This is an easy one in my mind because even though Na is up there at +5000 to win, his odds should be closer to +2500. In his last two tournaments, Wi has been awful. He finished 40th in the Valero last week and missed the cut at TPC Sawgrass. Compared to Na, who has five top tens this year including a 3rd at TPC Sawgrass in his last start, and Wi looks like a terrible underlay.

Pick: Kevin Na at -115

2. Brian Davis -110 vs. Jonathan Byrd -120 – - The golf odds are strange in this one as Davis has had 16 straight rounds of par or better and finished 5th at TPC Sawgrass and 5th at the Valero Open last week. Byrd is a decent golfer with 4 top 20 finishes in his last 6 tournaments, but Davis is absolutely on fire right now. I see Davis winning this matchup.

Pick: Brian Davis at -110

3. David Toms -115 vs. Justin Leonard -115 – - Leonard finished 5th in the Valero last week but before that he finished 32 at TPC Sawgrass, 48th at the Verizon Heritage, and missed the cut at the Masters. Toms missed the cut at the Shell Houston Open a few weeks ago, but since then he’s been very good with a 5th place finish in the Zurich Classic, an 18th place finish at Quail Hollow and a 9th place finish at TPC Sawgrass. He’s the play because he’s more consistent than Leonard.

Pick: David Toms at -115

4. Brian Gay -130 vs. Davis Love III Ev – - Gay just didn’t have it at TPC Sawgrass and withdrew after a first round of 80, but before that he was exceptional in the Verizon Heritage when shooting a 20 under. Davis Love III missed the cut at TPC Sawgrass but before that had two top 25 finishes in a row at Quail Hollow and the Verizon Heritage. If Gay is on his game, then forget it, this guy is really good, but if he’s not, then Love has a shot. I have to go with Gay.

Pick: Brian Gay at -130

Last Chance Before the Preakness

We have one last shot of padding our bankroll before Preakness Day on Friday, and there are a couple of races at Belmont Park that can make that happen.

Today’s play of the day is a $35,000 maiden claiming race and we are going to go with comebacker Pienteous, who will be making his first start since last summer.

Our Pick 3 play starts with the seventh race and is a $24 investment. We don’t have any bombs in the three race sequence, but in each race, it appears we might be able to beat the likely favorite.

Today’s Play of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 6 Md $35,000 (3:40 et)

#6 Pienteous 6/1

#5 Fair Catch 7/2

#3 He Struck It Rich 2/1

#9 Winloc’s Big D 8/1

Analysis: #6 Pienteous makes his first start since last July for the Seewald barn that is showing a 6% win clip (with a +ROI) with a limited numbers of runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. The colt was in the mix in each of his three starts, with a third and a couple of fourth place finishes. The colt has two sibs that are turf winners including a stakes winner. The colt has a light work tab, just a pair of published drills, but this looks like a good spot for his return here tagged for $35K.

#5 Fair Catch returns from Florida where the colt had two trips on the turf. The colt checked in fourth two back and last out running for an $80K tag looked like he was in a good spot, was in the mix as they turned for home but he ran out of gas and checked in seventh. He drops into an easier spot here for the Hennig barn.

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 4/1 or better.

EX: 5,6 / 3,5,6,9

TRI: 5,6 / 3,5,6,9 / 3,5,6,8,9

Today’s Pick 3 Play from Belmont Park:

Starting in Race 7: $1: 4,5,6 / 1,4 / 1,4,8,14 = $24

BEL Race 7 OClm $75,000N3X (4:12 et)

#4 Giant Chieftan, #6 Dubai Gold, #5 Keep Laughing

#4 Giant Chieftan is returning off nearly a four month break for the Hough barn that is 13% winners (with a +ROI) with horses coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. Last out the gelding was a good second behind a loose on the lead gate to wire winner, which came off a three month break. His last win came over the main track here last summer versus Alw-2 optional claimers. He is the lone runner in this compact field that has won over the track.

#6 Dubai Gold steps up a notch here after a runner up finish versus Alw-2 optional claimers last out. The winner of the race was Dr. Pleasure, who came back to beat Alw-3 optional claimers in his next outing on 3/27 with a 102 Beyer. The gelding was claimed out of his last start by the Jacobson barn that is 17% winners first off the claim. The gelding has run well fresh throughout his career.

BEL Race 8 OClm $50,000N2X (4:45 et)

#4 Dr. Decter, #1 Redefined / #1a Silver Timber

#4 Dr. Decter showed some talent last fall with back to back wins on the turf here, breaking his maiden in his second career start and then taking a first level allowance race. He did not show much in two starts in Florida against open company and last out caught a muddy surface when returning to New York. The switch back to the turf here should suit this guy and if he runs back to his other two trips over the turf course here, he will prove tough to beat.

#1 Redefined dueled for the early lead and weakened in the stretch to finish sixth last out in a $50K stake at AC last out, his first go off nearly a seven month break. Last fall this guy won back to back races over the turf here at this condition and has won eight times over the turf course here. The eight year old has not missed a exacta finish in nine trips at today’s distance. Entry mate #1a Silver Timber beat $25K claimers last out going five furlongs on the turf at Gulfstream Park in his first start off a five month break. That was his first victory since ’07. He makes his first start for the Chad Brown barn that is 23% winners first off the claim.

BEL Race 9 Clm $25,000N2L (5:17 et)

#1 Suite Ernie B, #14 Manhattan Star, #4 Skyebay, #8 Pop Panebianco

#1 Suite Ernie B gets the nod and there are a couple on the AE list that fit well here, so keep an eye on late scratches in case they draw in. Our top pick faces winners for the first time here after breaking his maiden last out against $25K maiden claimers at Gulfstream Park in his eighth career start. The son of Lemon Drop Kid looks like he has appreciated the surface switch to turf and still looks like he may have some upside potential on the grass. The Rice barn is always dangerous on the turf, hitting at a 22% clip overall. He looks like he is primed for another good effort as he makes his third start off the bench.

#14 Manhattan Star is a good fit here if he draws into the race. He is coming off a third last out at this level, which was off a three month layoff.

Price Plays From Belmont Park:

These are price plays to watch today. A small win-place wager is in order or if your pockets are deep enough, use these runners in your trifecta and Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagers. One or two of these could be the difference between a regular day at the track and hitting the IRS window with a signer.

R2: #6 La Menina 8/1

R3: #4 Daily Star 8/1

R6: #9 Winloc’s Big D 8/1

Good luck padding your bankroll today!

Estoril Open Quarterfinal – Simon and Hernandez favored

Estoril, Portugal – The field that assembled at the Estoril Open was by far the strongest this week and as the quarterfinal line-up took shape today, six of the eight seeds advanced making the late stages of this tournament one of the more exciting in the tennis betting market.

In the top half of the draw, top seed Gilles Simon is through to the final eight and next up for the Frenchman is Albert Montanes, seeded seventh. Meanwhile, Oscar Hernandez upset David Ferrer to book his place opposite Paul Capdeville. Both players are not seeded in Estoril. Here is a look at their upcoming clashes.

Tennis Betting Line: Gilles Simon -250 Albert Montanes +175

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Friday May 8, 2009

Tennis Betting Analysis: Gilles Simon entered the Estoril Open on a wild card and so far, he has put it to good use, moving within two matches of the title match. He opened his campaign against Robert Kendrick who really took it to him in the second set before succumbing 6-3, 7-6(7). Next up was Fabio Fognini and though Simon wasn’t troubled in the first set he had to battle for the second to win 6-0, 7-5. Encouraging is the fact that Simon has not dropped a set in Estoril. On the season, Simon is 15-11.

Montanes has had a good tournament but that might be because he hasn’t faced a high-quality player yet. He opened against a qualifier Ryan Sweeting and advanced 6-1, 7-6(4). He then faced Simon Gruel and dismissed the German 6-2, 6-2. Montanes arrived in Estoril 9-13 on the season.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Simon is the bookies clear favorite and for the most part a solid bet. He has had an encouraging run so far and adding to that a 2-0 lifetime edge over Montanes and he would appear to be the better play. Montanes has not faced stiff opposition yet. This will be his first real test. He has done well to reach the final eight but backing him to go to the semis is not a value play as the odds are stacked against him. However, I do expect an extended contest.

Tennis Betting Picks: Simon in three sets.

Tennis Betting Line: Oscar Hernandez -200 Paul Capdeville +150

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Friday May 8, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: No.69 Oscar Hernandez sent seismic shockwaves through the tournament when he beat David Ferrer in the second round and in straight sets, I might add, 6-2, 6-4. The scalp was huge because David Ferrer was held from the start as the player to beat in Estoril. Well he was beaten. And by an unheralded Oscar Hernandez to boot. Hernandez arrived in Estoril 5-12 on the season and the last time he reached the quarterfinal was in Buenos Aires in February. Next up for the Spaniard is Paul Capdeville of Chile. The Chilean weighs in at No.91 in the ranks and prior to Estoril he had a 3-5 mark on the season.

This is the first-ever meeting between the two. Neither player has had a great season so it all comes down to this match. Who wants it more? I like Hernandez to take this. Given how easily he beat Ferrer he should draw confidence from the victory and go one further in Estoril.

Tennis Betting Picks: Hernandez in straight sets

BMW Open Picks – Mathieu and Youzhny clash in Final Eight

Munich, Germany – BetOnline has rolled out quarterfinal tennis lines and odds on the BMW Open. Tennis bettors looking for value should spot some of these matches. To help you speculate on your tennis wagers, here are some free tennis picks to consider, complete with BetOnline tennis odds.

Mikhail Youzhny and Paul Henri Mathieu are in the midst of good form as they reach the quarters. Both have had a poor season thus far but in reaching the final eight (in the top half of the draw), they may be back on track. However, they are set to clash in the final eight so for one, the tournament will end. Elsewhere, Potito Starace and Daniel Brands emerge to take the two other quarterfinal spots in the top half of the draw. With the stakes high, a semi-final berth on the line. Who will advance?

Tennis Betting Line: Mikhail Youzhny +105 Paul Henri Mathieu -145

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Tuesday May 5 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Paul-Henri Mathieu and Mikhail Youzhny are hugely talented and versatile players so it is with some surprise that both players continue to struggle in tournaments. It goes to show how mental this game is as well as being skillful, strategic and tactical.

Mathieu enters this matchup as the bookies favorite. He weighs in as the world No.39 compared to Youzhny’s current ranking of No.64. Though Mathieu outranks Youzhny, Mathieu has been slowly slipping in the ranks, on the heels of abysmal turnouts highlighted by numerous first round exits.

Meanwhile, Youzhny has managed to gain a little ground recently after reaching the R32 in Rome he moved up from No. 70 to his current No.64 rank. A good run in Germany would see him climb further up the ranks.

Youzhny has the 3-0 edge over Mathieu – albeit the last time they played against each other was in 2003.

This should be a tight affair. Both players have serious weapons in their game. Youzhny has had encouraging results lately and I believe he is the better play. Moreover, he has the comfort, no matter how old the record is, of knowing that he has never lost to Mathieu. Mathieu has a tendency to go for too much.

Tennis Betting Picks: Youzhny in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Potito Starace -275 Daniel Brands +190

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Tuesday May 5 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Potito Starace had a good Barcelona tournament when he reached the R16. He failed at his home event in Rome, falling at the first hurdle. On the season, he is 7-12; on clay, he is 3-4. In Estoril, he reaches the quarters with some good performances over Igor Kunitysn and Simone Bolelli. Next up for Starace is Germany’s Daniel Brands. Brands is not only in his first ATP level quarterfinal, but he is competing in his first ATP level tournament of the season. That is an impressive accomplishment. season. Going on experience, Starace is the better play. Yet, the underdog Brands has punched above his weight class to get this far. Might he surprise Starace?

Tennis Betting Picks: Starace in straight sets

MLB Power Rankings – Best Bets in Baseball

No Manny?  No Problem!  Dodgers Still Tops in Power Rankings

The fall-out regarding Manny Ramirez’s suspension from baseball, at least as far as his team, the Los Angeles Dodgers are concerned, was minimal.  Yes, Manny apologized to the Dodgers over this past weekend.

But the apology didn’t mean anything.  L.A. is too strong of a team to let a single player dictate how they will fare.  The Dodgers had a few games where they looked weak, but they bounced back against both Florida and Philadelphia. 

So much for the suspension’s impact on the best team in baseball.

Let’s take a look at the power rankings.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers 28-13 ATS +1159 units  23-16 RL +919 units – - L.A. stubbed their toes against both Washington and San Francisco but they defeated the World Series Champion, Philadelphia Phillies, 3 out of 4 and the Florida Marlins 2 out of 3.  A series with the streaking New York Mets looms before a showdown with A.L. rival, the L.A. Angels.

2. Toronto Blue Jays 27-15 ATS +1128 units  20-20 RL +6 units – - The Blue Jays aren’t that great on the run line, but their overall winning record is fantastic.  With +1128 units so far this season, they are second only to the Dodgers and, more importantly, are two games ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the tough A.L. East Division. 

3. Texas Rangers 23-15 ATS +1101 units  22-15 ATS +665 units – - Talk about a surprise team!  The Rangers have no business being atop the A.L.West but that’s where they are.  They’ve won 7 in a row and have gone 8 and 2 in their last 10 games.  They beat the rival Los Angeles Angels 3 to 0 in their last series.

4. Milwaukee Brewers 23-14 ATS +924  22-15 +945 units – -  The Brewers are the top team in the N.L. Central after sweepint the Cardinals over the weekend.  Milwaukee swept Florida 3 to 0 and beat the Chicago Cubs 2 to 1 in their two series before taking on the Cards.

5. Cincinnati Reds 20-18 ATS +511 units  23-14 RL +896 units – - They are four and a half games out of first place in the N.L. Central, but for gamblers, this team has been very consistent.  They have lost four in a row, but before that, they went 2 and 1 against St. Louis and 3 and 0 against Arizona.  They begin a three game series against the Phillies on Tuesday night.

6. Detroit Tigers 21-16 ATS +367 units  20-16 RL +384 units – - The Tigers have a tenuous lead over the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins in the A.L. Central.  Detroit swept Cleveland, 3 to 0, was swept by Minnesota, 3 to 0, and then swept the Oakland Athletics.  They face the hot Texas Rangers in a key series for them before taking on the Colorado Rockies in inter-league play.

7. Kansas City Royals 20-18 ATS +356 units  24-14 RL +1157 units – - The Royals are only a game behind the Tigers and have continued to keep pace even though in their last 10 games they have gone 3 and 7.  They take on the Cleveland Indians before having to face the St. Louis Cardinals.

8. St. Louis Cardinals 22-17 ATS +239 units  19-18 RL +361 units - – The Cardinals are three games behind the Brewers for the N.L. Central lead.  They went 1 and 2 against Cincinnati, 1 and 2 against Pittsburgh and could get swept by the Brewers on Monday night.  They aren’t performing very well right now and with a series looming against the Cubs, the Cardinals could be in some trouble.

9. Boston Red Sox 23-16 ATS +191 units  20-18 RL +506 units – - The Red Sox just can’t leapfrog the Blue Jays for the top spot in the A.L. East Division.  Losing 2 out of 3 against the L.A. Angles and Seattle Mariners will do that to you.  Boston faces Toronto in a three game series that got off on the right foot thanks to a gem from Tim Wakefield as they took game one 3-2.  That series will determine who is in the lead in the A.L. East going into an interleague play series versus the New York Mets.

10. Chicago Cubs 21-16 ATS +187 units  20-16 RL +789 units – - The Cubs return to the power rankings after going 6 and 4  in their last 10 games.  A key series against St. Louis started on Tuesday night and they dropped the first game 3-0.  The Cubs will need to continue to perform well because the N.L. Central is now one of the toughest divisions in baseball.

The Battle Begins – Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 1

Can Superman Challenge The King? Cavaliers Host Magic Tonight!

Up until this point, the Cavs haven’t had a real challenge. They’ve blown out their last eight games by double-digit margins and have had nearly two weeks of rest as they prepare to host the Orlando Magic. The line is fairly modest. A lot of people are expecting the red-hot Magic to stone wall the ice-cold Cavs, since many assume the layover for the Cavs may be too great for them to come fresh off a week of practice to compete in an Eastern Conference Championship opener.

My message to those guys is pretty simple: Don’t be stupid.

The Magic are a great team, using a combination of towering defense and perimeter shooting to quell the threat of Boston from repeating. The truth is, however, that the Magic were tested by a team with a deadly backcourt and two role-players in the front court. Getting past Cleveland is a whole different story. Dwight Howard knows this. So does LeBron.

Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Wednesday, May 20th — Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland — 8:30pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Cleveland -8.5 (184.5)

The Magic have always fared well against the Cleveland Cavs against the betting line. Their 5-0 ATS record over the past 5 games, is backed up by a 4-1 SU record. The road isn’t too scary for the Magic either, with a 5-0 ATS record when playing on the road in Cleveland. So why do I not exactly care about those trends?

Because the Cavs are on a mission. They’ve proven it by going 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games, remaining undefeated through two rounds of fierce playoff competition and stomping to a 20-1 SU record at home. LeBron is ready to hoist the championship and the Magic are not going to stand in their way.

Top to bottom the Cavs are a better team, only being outdueled at the center position. But even there, Big Z can hold his own offensively against the monster known as Superman. The Cavs’ defense is going to take center stage as they stifle the Magic’s onslaught of perimeter shooting.

And just tell me this one thing. As good as the Magic are, who exactly is going to cover LeBron? Rashard Lewis? Hedo? Seriously…is anyone gifted enough to even consider slowing him down while he’s on an MVP caliber rampage? That’s the question you should be trying to answer in the face of insurmountable betting trends.

NBA Free Pick: Cleveland -8.5 (UNDER)

Estoril Open Picks – Davydenko and Blake to the Semi’s

Estoril, Portugal – American James Blake is excited about his Estoril campaign and the fact that he has booked his place in the final eight. His fans are too as for the most part, Blake has been mired in a slump thus far in the season, punching below his weight class in the tennis betting marketplace. Yet after recording his first clay court victory and backing it up with another, some believe he might be at a turning point. Might the elation be premature? Next up for Blake is Florent Serra of France.

Elsewhere, Nikolay Davydenko also advanced into the final eight. Consistency is something tennis bettors have come to expect from the Russian. He does not always win events but he typically factors deep in a tournament. Next up for Davydenko is another American who is having a surprisingly good run on clay, Mardy Fish.

Here is a look at the BetOnline tennis betting market on their upcoming quarterfinal matchups.

Tennis Betting Line: Florent Serra +135 James Blake -175

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Friday May 8 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: James Blake is a likeable player so it is heartwarming to see him finally hit a run of good form. Moreover, to do so on a surface not his best is even more encouraging. Going on his run in Estoril therefore, there is value to be had in his favorite odds where otherwise there would not have been. Next up though will be a player that has been tricky for Blake over the years. Florent Serra and Blake are level 2-2 lifetime, but earlier this year, before San Jose, Serra lead 2-1. Blake recently beat Serra in the R16 at San Jose 6-4, 6-3. Their contest should be a tight affair but I believe with the recent turnaround and the confidence from it, Blake will take this one in straight sets.

Tennis Betting Picks: Blake in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Mardy Fish +250 Nikolay Davydenko -400

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Friday May 8 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: For my part, Nikolay Davydenko is the value play in this match. Since coming back to fulltime action, he has been solid. Then again, he has always been synonymous with consistency. Did we expect any less of him? No. He is seeded second in Estoril and the hot favorite in the bottom half of the draw to reach the final. Sixth seed Mardy Fish steps up to challenge Davydenko in the quarters – a bit surprising as he isn’t known for his clay court skills – but as they are level 1-1 lifetime, some tennis bettors believe the American has a shot. Truth be told, they have only met on hard courts. Fish is not particularly good on clay – his movement is not the best, making him less threatening on the gritty surface. He has done well to reach the quarters but he has yet to play against a player as skillful as Davydenko is on this surface. For that reason, the Russian should improve his score against Fish with relative ease tomorrow.

Tennis Betting Picks: Davydenko in straight sets

Pimlico Race 12 – Black Eyed Susan Stakes

The Black Eyed Susan stakes is the highlighted race today in the BetOnline Racbook which the only race that is being offered for today.

That’s okay, because the odds are lower on both the favorite in the matchup and the winner in the matchup.

Let’s take a look at the best Daily Horse Matchup wager in the Black Eyed Susan today.

Dailey Horse Matchup: Black Eyed Susan Stakes

Race-day: 5/15/2009

Race-time: 5:50 pm est.

Hooh Why -135 vs. Casanova Move +105

Analysis: Hooh Why is the favorite in this matchup and she certainly could win this having gotten a terrific draw for her style and getting Rafael Bejarano to take the call. Hooh Why is a front runner. She won the Grade I Ashland Stakes by taking the lead and hanging on at Keeneland. But as good as that race looked; she bounced terribly in her next race, a $50,000 stakes on Arlington’s Polytrack. In fact, Hooh Why’s best race was in the Grade I Ashland. She hasn’t run a faster race than that one in her life.

By contrast, Casanova Move has been consistent finishing second to Justwhistledixie in both the Grade II Davona Dale and the Grade II Bonnie Miss. She looks like a bit of a hanger as she couldn’t pass Justwhistledixie in either race, but I believe that Justwhistledixie is almost as good as Rachel Alexandra and would have challenged that one if she hadn’t scratched out of the Kentucky Oaks. Casanova Move is coming off of a short layoff. That shouldn’t be a problem as she has done some pretty good racing coming off of a layoff.

She is a front runner, like Hooh Why, and should go after that one early, laying about a length or too off. At the top of the stretch, the two could battle it out to the finish line but I believe that Hooh Why folds, like she has done in the past outside of her Ashland victory, and Casanova Move goes by her to win this matchup.

I love getting Casanova Move at the odds of +105 in this. To me, this is one of the best wagers in the entire sportsbook today.

Pick: Casanova Move at +105

Madrid Masters Early Action – All the Best in Town

Madrid, Spain –With all the top players taking to the Madrid Masters in what will be for most their last chance to tune-up their game for the French Open the Mutua Madrilena promises to be a thrilling betting affair in the online tennis betting market.

Most of the main draw action is still in the first round with only a few entering the second round on Tuesday. Here is a look at some of the early round action, complete with BetOnline tennis odds and lines.

Tennis Betting Line: Marcel Granollers +275 Marin Cilic -450

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time Tuesday May 12 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: No.14 Cilic owns a 2-0 edge over Spain’s Marcel Granollers but the partisan crowd in Madrid will hope Granollers will prove the mark a mute point. Cilic beat No.19 Granollers earlier this season in Chennai and late last season in Paris. Both victories came on hard – a surface better suited to the Croatian’s game. This is the first time they meet on clay.

While the surface might favour Granollers, Cilic is a quality player that outranks Granollers and can outplay the Spaniard more or less all the time. He is the better play as such. The Spaniard has home edge (naturally) and it may prove significant but it would be more likely than otherwise that it will not be enough to upset the Croatian.

Tennis Betting Picks: Cilic in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Andreas Seppi -200 Eduardo Schwank +150

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time Tuesday May 12 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Last season, Andreas Seppi had a memorably clay court swing which was highlighted by his deep run in Hamburg. We are now knee deep into the clay court swing and Seppi has not been able to replicate the heroics that saw him reach the quarters in Hamburg. He is 9-13 on the season, which includes a 4-4 mark on clay. Had it not been for his run into the Belgrade semis (lost to Djokovic) last week he would have cut a worse figure this week as prior to the Serbian Open he was only 2-3 on clay. His struggles aside, Seppi should move into the second round tomorrow. Schwank is 2-8 on the season. He can’t seem to buy a win even if he tries and it doesn’t look like it might change any time soon. Take the bookies favourite Seppi at -200

The bookies favour Seppi at -200 but he isn’t a sure play.

Tennis Betting Picks: Seppi in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Paul Henri Mathieu -200 Fabio Fognini +150

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time Tuesday May 12 2009

Tennis Betting Line: I think that now as some time has passed since the Monte Carlo Masters and Fognini hasn’t managed to replicate his heroics we can chalk it off to a one-off. After Fognini made a rare R16 appearance at the Masters stage in Monty last month he went backwards. In Barcelona, he fell in the first round; in Rome, he fell in the second round; and in Estoril, he fell in the second round. Since Monty, Fognini has tallied a 2-3 mark on clay.

Meanwhile, Paul-Henri Mathieu hit a fine run of form in Munich last week to reach the quarters. It was his first winning streak – albeit short at two consecutive matches – since January. Prior to Munich, Mathieu couldn’t win two matches in a row.

Some would have Mathieu’s Munich run a sign of a turnaround for the Frenchman in his so far disappointing season. I am not convinced. Not yet at least. Let’s see how he fairs in the next few weeks. That said, in terms of this match, Mathieu is the better play.

Tennis Betting Picks: Mathieu in straight sets

American League’s Best – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox

Two teams ranked in the MLB Power Rankings, the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, continue their battle for the lead in the A.L. East Division when they clash in the second of a three game series on Wednesday night. Toronto lost the first game of the series, 2 to 1, on Wednesday night and now will look to make amends when they send pitcher Brett Cecil to the mound. Cecil has been fantastic so far this season with a 2 and 0 record, a 1.80 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.

The BoSox counter with pitcher Brad Penny. Penny has a decent 3 and 1 record, but the two key stats regarding his pitching this year are atrocious. His ERA is a terrible 6.69 and his WHIP is an awful 1.68.

Here is the BetOnline MLB betting line for this game.

Toronto Blue Jays
Brett Cecil – L +1 ½ -170 +115 O 10 -105 O/U 4 ½ -125/-105

Boston Red Sox
Brad Penny – R -1 ½ +150 -135 U 10 -115 O/U 4 ½ -130/Ev

Here are a few online wagering trends for this game.

The Boston Red Sox are 8 and 2 in their last 10 games versus a left handed starter.

The Under is 7 and 3 in the last ten meetings between these two teams in Boston.

The Toronto Blue Jays are 4 and 1 in their last 5 games overall.

The Under is 4 and 1 in the Toronto Blue Jays last 5 games on the road.

The real key in this game is Brad Penny. If bettors believe that Penny will be able to shut the Blue Jays down, then the obvious wager is under the BetOnline Total at -115.

However, if gamblers believe that the Blue Jays will score runs versus Penny, then the obvious wager is the Blue Jays at +115 to win this game straight up.

I believe that Brett Cecil is going to pitch very well against the Red Sox in this game and should do enough to keep his stats right around where they should be. So, the key to almost all of the wagers in the sportsbook will be Penny.

How do I think Penny will do? I see him getting lit up by a Toronto team that more often than not has put runs on the board this season. To me, Penny doesn’t have much of a shot in this game.

For that reason, I’ll be betting the Toronto Blue Jays to win straight up at +115.

« Previous Page — Next Page »