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Bob Acton Profile and Articles
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1). Baseball Betting: bet on Phillies & Dodgers to continue streak!
The good thing about wagering on sports this time of year is that with a plethora of activity, you may fine a soft line here or there if you probe hard enough. Two teams who are beginning to get healthy and make some noise are the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Philadelphia Phillies seek to push their winning streak to 10 games for the first time in nearly 15 years when they wrap up a three-game series against resurgent Tom Glavine and the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday.
2). Baseball Betting: number’s don’t lie!
When betting major league baseball it is very wise to pay attention to the numbers, as teams and players seem to own certain pitchers or clubs, but also struggled mightily against others. We warned you at the start of the year about Johnson for the Yankees.
Randy Johnson is 5-2 through seven starts. But that's not as good as it looks.
Facing a Tampa.
3). New York Mets Strike Early By Signing El Duque!
The New York Mets are 5 games ahead in the race for the NL East division title but they are not taking any chances as evidence by their deal on Wednesday. General Manager Omar Minaya went to the Valley of the Sun and snatched experienced starter Orlando Hernandez from the Diamondbacks.
Listed at 36 years old and a proven postseason pitcher, Hernandez was struggling in his first season in the National League.
4). Florida State Players Must Check Their Guns Out?
July 25, 2006 (Dublin, Ohio)- Training camps are opening up all over America and two of the most celebrated ones in college football are the University of Miami and Florida State.
Disturbing reports out of the Sunshine State indicate that two of their players were involved in a dangerous shooting incident over the weekend. This is definitely something you should know about if you’re into sports betting.
5). Bob’s venting: I tried to tell you in February!
Back in late February I was getting nauseous listening to the garbage resonating from the San Francisco Giants training camp in regards to drug user Barry Bonds. He was as usual complaining about his aching knees, when what it really was the withdrawal symptoms from all the “ROIDS” that were being flushed out of his system. I suggested at this time that Barry would not hit over 25 homeruns in 2006, and urged you to place a bet if it was available.
6). England – Portugal rematch from 1966 will highlight World Cup!
The last and only time that England won the FIFA World Cup was in 1966 and of the obstacles they removed from their path on that journey was Portugal, whom they defeated in the semi finals. With the Brit’s victory over Ecuador and the Portuguese rugged win over the Netherlands, these two will get at it this Saturday.
While a win is a win the play of England was uninspired and it took a free-kick by overrated David Beckham to allow the lads a chance at redemption this Saturday.
7). National League Is Heavy Dog For All Star Classic!
My, oh my, how time flies as it seems like yesterday that the National Leagues were the big bully on the block and the American League was snickered at by baseball insiders. Not these days however, as the AL heads into the Mid-Summer Classic winner of nine straight contests and also having not lost a World Series game in eight straight contests.
If we start at the catcher’s position you will notice a huge disparity in production between the NL’s Paul Lo Duca and the Braves’ Brian McCann.
8). MLB All-Star Game Preview!
“It’s a far superior league right now”, is how Alex Rodriguez declared his honest opinion of the situation between the AL and NL in major league baseball.
The American League is 8-0-1 in the last nine All-Star games. AL teams also swept the past two World Series and won an overwhelming 61 percent of interleague games this season.
The NL fired off the first bullet last night when they completely overwhelmed their AL cohorts in the Home Run Derby.
9). Dysfunction Reigns Supreme In Blue Jays’ Clubhouse!
Just when I leave Toronto, all the fun begins. In Cincinnati, where I sit in the rain, the Reds finally ended up in the black against the Mets. On Wednesday the Jays gave the boot to .300 perennial hitter Shea Hillenbrand after manager John Gibbons reamed him out in front of the entire team. Just prior to the All-Star break, general manager J.P. Ricciardi blasted the Jays’ 3, 4, and 5 hitters as the reason for the Jays not being on top of the division.
10). I’ll Be Betting The Redskins If The Newspapers Slam Them!
Week one is almost on the books and the team taking the most shots in the media certainly has to be Joe Gibbs’ Washington Redskins. With the addition of Al Saunders as the offensive coordinator, Brandon Lloyd and Antwann Randle El at wideouts, and an explosive defense, the Skins were highly regarded.
It is widely acknowledge around the NFL that running back Clinton Portis is the real deal and as long as aging Mark Brunell does not cough up the rock too many times, that Washington will be favored in the majority of the games.
11). Huge Pointspreads In Meaningless Preseason Games?
We enter week three of the dreaded 4-game preseason schedule in the NFL and hopefully the sports betting public is not getting caught up in the hoopla, surrounding several teams. In Denver it sounds like the writers have witnessed the second coming of John Elway in Jay Cutler, the rookie QB out of Vandy.
I was scanning the odds for this weeks exhibition tilts and was quite surprised by the lines at my local sportsbook.
12). Baseball betting: Diamondbacks latest Arizona team to impress!
Last week I praised Bobby Cox and his Atlanta Braves on their 6-3 road trip and suggested they were beginning to play like manager Cox’s previous NL East teams. Then the Dodgers and Arizona came to Turner Field and suddenly the Braves are 1-6 on this current homestand.
The Braves got swept by Arizona on the weekend and the Diamondbacks are beginning to play great ball and this comes on the heels of the Phoenix Suns getting turfed from the NBA Playoffs.
13). Hockey betting: Canes bettors are ecstatic with win and loss of Oiler Goalie!
I like many other fans were frustrated with the less then inspired by the play of the Edmonton Oilers early in the NHL season and that both veterans Mike Peca and Chris Pronger were grossly underachieving. The team was struggling to make the playoffs and as usual the inconsistent play of the goalies between the pipes, forced Edmonton management to make a move.
14). Yankees are consistent with their inconsistencies!
June 12, 2006 (New York, NY) - the New York Yankees were at it again this weekend at the venerable ball park and if you had your cash on them against the Oakland A’s, the overpaid ballplayers sure burned you dough!
In the three game set with the A’s and the game before against the Red Sox, the Yankee pitchers yielded 26 runs, while the vaunted New York hitting attack, delivered just 15.
15). Suggesting you bet the AL over the NL would be an understatement!
From the first time I stepped in Tiger Stadium in the 60’s I have been a diehard American league fan and these days that is a real good thing, from a sports betting perspective. Through last night’s games the AL is a remarkable 127-75 (62.8%) which with the exception of the Tigers and White Sox would be the best record in baseball.
The White Sox and the Red Sox are a ridiculous 25-3, Tampa 10-5 and even the pathetic Royals are 8-7.
16). Cincinnati Gives Bettors Food For Thought!
The Cincinnati Reds sent the loud message to the rest of major league baseball that they are playing for keeps this season by completing an eight player deal just a week after acquiring Seattle’s ace in the bullpen, Eddie Guardado. Any time you ship out two starting position players, one who was an All-Star last year and the other who has 16 homeruns and 50 RBI’s, there must be method to your madness.
17). Wagering on the Under with The Tigers Could Be Good Medicine!
If you are anything like me then your palms are getting sweaty in anticipation of the College and Pro Football seasons. With less than a month to go it’s time to start building a little nest egg and betting that the Tigers’ games will go under could give you some much needed extra cash.
If you recall back in early May I wrote a little piece about the Tigers’ middle relievers, but just in case, I’ll refresh your memory.
18). Don’t Cash In Your Bonds Yet-The Giants Are Contenders In The West!
Has there ever been a manager in baseball like Felipe Alou who can get results while playing with less then a full deck? With all the swirling controversy in San Francisco, Alou has been able to keep his players focused long enough to post a 49-47 record, good enough for second place and just 1 ½ games out of first.
Tonight, they host the division leading Padres and unfortunately for the Bay area team, Jake Peavy will be standing on the hill.
19). Let The Dreams Begin At The WSOP!
This Friday, over 7,000 men and women from all walks of life will sit down at THE Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and bet $10,000 that they can bluff with the best poker players in the World.
Last year's World Series of Poker shattered all participation and prize money records for a live poker tournament. The 45 events generated 32,341 player entries and more than $106 million in gross prize money.
20). Are The Padres Pulling Away For Good?
Whether it’s the AL West or the NL West in MLB, the level of play seems to drop off substantially when rating the various divisions. In the AL West, the LA Angels and the Oakland A’s are presently tied for the lead, but then a team like Texas drops four in a row and they still only find themselves 1 ½ games back of first place.
Over in the NL West, I have a sneaky suspicion that the San Diego Padres are about to make a definitive move on their rivals who are playing sub-par ball.
21). Is Ozzie Going To Blow A Gasket?
Last season, Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was making all the right moves and the Chicago White Sox stunned America with a World Series victory. The 2006 season started off in much the same way that the previous fall ended and the addition of Jim Thome had the South Side team ready to defend the title.
Suddenly the White Sox are about to be overtaken by the surging Twins of Minnesota and Guillen could be go off the deep end.
22). Betting On Baseball Has Never Been Better
July 31, 2006 (Toronto, Canada) – The road show in Ohio has come to a halt and I am back north of the border where former NFL running back Ricky Williams is once again passing the time not playing football. With less than a month to go ‘till the start of the College Football season and with the NFL right behind the kids, bettors are rubbing their hands in gleeful anticipation.
23). The Rams Winning 8 Games Is A Great Future Bet!
Hey, it’s that time of year when we all go gazing into the crystal ball trying to foresee what will happen in the upcoming NFL season. Last year, the Seattle Seahawks got to the doorstep but were turned back by the Pittsburgh Steelers, so they will be the odds on favorite to win the NFC Western Conference. Another team from that division, the Arizona Cardinals, is the flavor of the year it seems for prognosticators since the addition of Edgerrin James.
24). Saban Gives Cold Shoulder At Bush Bash!
As the Miami Dolphins football team battles through the dog days of summer, you can be sure that the general Nick Saban is planting the seed about focus and the team concept rather than personal achievements and awards.
This past week Saban was invited to a dinner that included President Bush and a host of former Dolphins including Dan Marino. Saban was polite in suggesting that his schedule was far too busy and that he has a major project on his hands which would be preparing his team for a brutal NFL season.
25). Loose Tiger Finally Hunted Down On South Side!
Since early April there has been a ferocious Tiger on the loose and he has been devouring anyone who dares get in his way throughout the United States. On the weekend there were reports that he has been spotted on the South Side of Chicago and the Mayor of Chicago placed a call to no-nonsense Ozzie Guillen to bring on his boys.
Guillan began setting the trap Friday night and they hunted this tenacious foe with a fury.
26). Want A Tip? The Price On Gold Will Go Up Today!
In Las Vegas, money usually does all the talking, but at the WSOP final table this week, it will be Gold that dominates the party! Unheralded talent agent Jamie Gold has racked up a staggering $25.7 million and if he can dispose of 4-time event winner Allen Cunningham ($17.8 million) he may well star in his own flick down the road.
The amazing part of this event is the emergence of several poker players who have honed their skills on the Internet.
27). Let’s Hope Marbury’s $15.00 Shoe Is Winner!
Today is the official unveiling of the Starbury, an athletic sneaker that will be offered throughout America at all Steve and Barry’s. The Starbury is the brainchild of New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, who has been anything but a bargain in his last 5 years with the Suns and Knicks.
I must be honest with you, I’ve visited Steve and Barry’s several times in Buffalo and find the place outstanding if you are looking for a gift for a relative or a friend.
28). Defining Weekend In Major League Baseball!
The Minnesota Twins have rebounded from an atrocious start and are now positioned for a serious run at the wild card spot. Tonight, they welcome the World Champion Chicago White Sox for a crucial three game set that may have them sitting in the penthouse come Sunday night.
While all this is going on in the Twin Cities, the Boston Red Sox will host Johnny Damon and his teammates for an unusual 5-game weekend tilt.
29). If You Live In These NFL Cities I Would Be Concerned!
When handicapping any football team, a lot of bettors will focus on the quarterback, running back, defense and even special teams, yet very few look at the offensive line. Yet without a line (not the football betting kind) the quarterback will not have time to throw to his gifted receivers and the star running back will have no holes to run through.
30). Bettors Have Their Hands Full With MLB Race!
Just when we thought that the L.A. Dodgers had begun to pull away from the pack in the wild, wacky and underachieving NL West the San Diego Padres pitching staff decided to put on a clinic. Now, judging by the way the Padre hitters are singing the lumber, it’s safe to say that of those of us who love sports betting, few will be playing the OVER totals any time soon.
31). What’s On Tap? A Whole Lot Of College Football?
Most people look forward to Christmas or New Year’s as it gives them a chance to raise a cheer with all their good friends and family members. I, on the other hand, am completely dysfunctional and my greatest moment every year is the start of the College Football season. That’s when the excitement of football betting kicks off. The 2006 season is right at our doorstep and will begin Thursday at 6:00 pm EST when the Central Michigan Chippewas host ACC powerhouse, Boston College.
32). Texas Sports Fans Are Ready To Explode!
With all due respect for the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros, the sports season officially opens for residents of the Lone Star State this weekend when the 2006 College Football season gets underway…and so does college football betting.
Could there be a better name for the new starting quarterback of the Texas Longhorns then Colt McCoy? After.
33). The Next Week Will Define The Astros Season!
Just like in 2005 the Houston Astros led by their general Phil Garner are making a huge push which has vaulted them into contention for the NL Wild Card Playoff race. With 28 games to go and a record that is sub .500, Houston will welcome the dominating New York Mets to Texas and then head to the City of Brotherly Love to face the Phillies.
Houston.
34). Bettors Beware - You Must Learn From Opening Night!
The defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers launched the NFL 2006-2007 season Thursday night, when they hosted the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field.
Normally, when a defending champion is playing in their crib, you would think that the host would be laying big numbers in the game.
It’s amazing what a whole lot of positive propaganda about a football team can do to affect a point spread by 3-4 points.
35). Online Baseball Betting: the numbers don’t lie!
The Arizona Diamondbacks are hot on the heels of the Colorado Rockies these days and several players are making major contributions. Defense has been a major player, as the Diamondbacks have turned a major league-leading 39 double plays and were tied with the Padres for the best fielding percentage (.989) in the National League.
Third baseman Chad Tracy has now homered in three straight games, hitting a solo shot (his sixth of the season) off Cubs starter Rich Hill in the third inning.
36). American Idol Betting Odds: when will you American Idol fans start listening?
Everyone snickered a month ago when there were still 8 singers in contention for the coveted American Idol crown and at 18-1, I must have been the only person in the world that suggested you plunk down so hard earned cash on Elliot Yamin. Yesterday highly touted publications were predicting the demise of my main man.
I mean even one of my own employer’s followed up my so called perceived ridiculous statement, with a rebuttal from another writer.
37). Baseball betting: will the Cubs start winning or will Dusty get dusted?
The Chicago Cubs are on a mini two game winnings streak at the expense of the inept Washington Nationals and is this cause for optimism, or do we throw in the towel for the 98th year on the Cubs.
Yes the story has been told far too many times about the last Chicago Cub’s team to win the World Series in 1908 and most sportsbooks have them at 50-1 to win the October Classic, while their South Side neighbors the White Sox are 3-1 to repeat.
38). World Cup Betting Update
For many years there has been an argument in sports circles regarding the partaking in sexual activity prior to and leading up to a game, match or prize fight. I mean even in the movie Rocky 1 the Italian Stallion had to say “Yo Adrian no fooling around” the night before he met Apollo Creed in the square circle.
Word has come out of the Ukraine soccer camp that coach Oleg Blokhin has decided to use the promise of sex for his players if they reach the semi finals.
39). Betting on baseball has never been better!
Now that we have put the Barry Bonds/ Babe Ruth blah, blah, blah to sleep, I think it’s time that we sat back and wagered a few bucks on our favorite MLB team. Parity is here and every one of the six divisions is up for grabs this year and handicapping these teams, takes patience and talent.
Let’s start with the glamour division and of course I am referring to the American League East where the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have been trading punches since the opening week of April and George’s boys are now sitting in the penthouse.
40). Baseball betting: did you bet the Reds on their road trip?
There has to be at least one gambling fan of the Cincinnati Reds in America who woke up May 31st after the Reds had lost their first two games of the road trip to the Cubbies and decided the Reds would win that day!
John Q Public then probably decided to take the Big Red Machine in Texas as they played the Astros and by the time they left the Lone Star state had compiled a nice big bankroll as Cinci swept Houston.
41). Erica makes Shaq pay for smack talk!
Suffice to say the “Diesel” Shaquille O’Neal has the weight of the state of Florida on his shoulders as he prepares for game three in Miami tonight. After the worst performance of his career five points on Sunday, 22 in 2 games, 2 for 17 foul shooting and oh yes outrebounded 13-6 by Mavericks Eric Dampier.
Dampier came to the Mavericks three years ago and signed a hefty $70 million contract at which time O’Neal suggested that “Erica” would be a star but he would have to play in the WNBA to do it.
42). My bet is on Dallas in game 6!
Last week I warned you that the NBA Finals would be won at the charity stripe and that comment has been money in the bank. Especially in game 5 last night, when Dwayne Wade literally won the game with two foul shots in the last 1.9 seconds.
As of this moment there have been 5 games and let’s take a look at the statistics! Game 1 was won by Dallas and they made 20-26 shots to Miami’s 7 of 19.
43). Zidane inflicts pain on Spain!
Les Bleus dismantled España yesterday behind the brilliant performance of 34-year old Zinedine Zidane and he and his mates are confident heading into their showdown in Frankfurt this weekend.
Once again these championships were marred by questionable officiating, although it must be difficult for these guys as the players are constantly diving to the field.
44). Football betting frenzy begins in one month!
While you all are sitting around sucking on a Pina Colada, I hope you are doing your due diligence and keeping up with the goings on in the National Football League. The Hall of Fame game will kickoff on August 6th from Canton, Ohio and will mark the return of Art Schell to the Raiders family!
Also setting up shop in Raider land is former Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks and he will have some healthy wide receivers in Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and Doug Gabriel as well as talented running back Lamont Gordon.
45). Tigers Begin Second Half Against Pathetic Royals!
All the planets seem to be aligned for the 2006 Detroit Tigers since they are holders of the best record in baseball as we head into the dog days of summer. While their hitting statistics place them in the middle of the pack their pitching is on a different level than most other teams.
Their ERA of 3.46 puts them 45 points ahead of the next best team which would be San Diego and they’re the only two teams below 4.
46). Larussa’s Cardinals Begin To Fly Away From The Pack!
The St. Louis Cardinals visited Hollywood on the weekend and in sweeping the series against the Dodgers, sent a statement to the rest of the NL that they are getting their act together.
The three-game sweep was the Cardinals' first at Dodger Stadium since April 1993. They have won nine straight against Los Angeles and 15 of the last 19 meetings -- including a four-game sweep last week in St.
47). NFL Football (Browns Dealt Cruel Blow)
July 28, 2006 (Cleveland, Ohio) – This city was once dubbed “the mistake by the lake” and they have done a heck of a job trying to change the impression that visitors like myself get when we visit this blue collar city. The Cleveland Indians have played some inspired baseball the past few years. King James rules the throne in basketball with the Cavaliers and the Cleveland Browns, with their rich traditions, have made some great moves during the offseason.
48). The Vikings Are In A Heap Of Trouble!
The Minnesota Vikings’ 2005-2006 season began with the news that their coach and leader, Mike Tice, had illegally distributed Super Bowl tickets. In other words he was scalping tickets! We had the sudden demise of QB Daunte Culpepper not only on the football field, but also on a cruise ship in some sexual shenanigans involving hookers and teammates.
49). Look For Navarre Not Leinart To Relieve Warner!
The wait is over in Arizona as former USC Heisman Trophy winner of 2004, Matt Leinart, has ended his holdout with the Cardinals. Leinart made a mistake in coming back to USC in 2005 as he would have been the first overall pick in the 2005 draft. Scouts had an extra year to poke and probe and they realized that maybe Leinart was the beneficiary of an outstanding surrounding cast.
50). These Pointspreads Are Food For Thought!
I’m falling all over myself these days as my mind is swirling 24/7 thanks to the upcoming College Football season and like all of you I am looking for that diamond in the rough this weekend. I have been all over the USC – Arkansas match-up for months and truly believe that the Trojans are walking into a hornet’s nest!
In Georgia, the line on the Notre Dame - Georgia Tech game has me looking the Yellow Jackets’ way as considering how much publicity Charlie Weiss, Brady Quinn, and the boys have been getting, I thought the Irish would be -10.
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