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Bob Acton Profile and Articles
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51). The Atlanta Braves Will Not Go Away Quietly!
Every year, all of us bettors peruse the newspapers, magazines and internet searching for a team that will give us a nice return on our investment. I would love to be able to tell you all that for the past 14 seasons, from 1991-2005, I have wagered on the Atlanta Braves at the start of every year to win the division title. Had I wagered a $100 in 1991 on the Braves to win the pennant and then parlayed it every year for the past 14, I would probably be listed in Forbes magazine as one of the richest men in North America.
52). Big Ben Spells Big Trouble For The Steelers!
I have always said that the ride from the penthouse to the outhouse is a matter of seconds in pro sports and the latest news out of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania supports my claim. Former Miami of Ohio Red Hawks QB Ben Roethlisberger has hit another bump in the road, with his emergency appendectomy that will shelve him for at least the first game of the season.
53). Basketball betting: now the Clippers are the flavor of the week!
As mentioned here yesterday the Phoenix Suns have once again teased the public long enough to the point that they are a very difficult team to bet at this stage of the season. After dispatching the Clippers in a wild shootout in game one, the Suns were annihilated on the boards in game two as the Clippers won by 25!
Game three goes tonight at the Staples Center where the Suns are brimming with confidence after winning a sudden death game last week against the Lakers.
54). Sports betting: Colorado Rockies sweep Toronto!
Good pitching and the Rocky Mountains are not usually mentioned in the same sentence, but the 2006 Colorado Rockies staff is certainly doing their best to change that notion. Their starting staff is just 17-15 but they have thrown well enough to keep their team close and then timely hitting and solid bullpen performances, have propelled them into first place in the NL West.
55). World Cup Betting: repeating as world cup champions is not a good bet!
The 18th FIFA World Cup will begin play June 9th when the top 32 nations battle for world soccer supremacy and the Brazilians looked like the favorites at most betting shops. They bring a wealth of scoring power with the likes of Ronoldo, Ronoldinho, Gaúcho, Kaká, and Robinho, but defense wins championships and they are loaded on the backend!
The Brazilians.
56). MLB betting: the numbers don’t lie!
Toronto has without a doubt the best catching in the major leagues with the duo of Benjie Molina and Greg Zaun. They have 9 homeruns and 27 RBI’s in the first 4o games and Zaun has been on fire with 16 hits in 16 games, including 5 round trippers and 15 RBI’s.
CF Vernon Wells was charged with his third error of the season Tuesday when he bounced a throw to second base in the opening inning after a single by Julio Lugo.
57). Betting Line For Rockies-Oakland Game Is Enticing!
The 2006 MLB season has been one of streaks for several teams and the most impressive recent one was the Oakland A’s 10 game streak prior to their trek to the Rocky Mountains! Oakland is one the verge of being swept by the surging Colorado Rockies and is you like playing home underdogs on the verge of a sweep tonight is the night.
In fact not only is Clint Hurdle’s team +112 tonight, the over/under is 9 and that is surprising considering the fact that the A’s have not scored a run in 22 innings.
58). The next time you screw up bad, just ask your boss to think of Isiah Thomas!
I realize we are all guilty of colossal mistakes in our lifetime, but as bad as I have been several times in my life, I cannot hold a candle to Isiah Thomas of the New York Knicks. While I’m on a roll, I may as well throw in the name James Dolan the owner and chairman of the New York losers.
These two gentlemen are responsible for the latest multi-million dollar blunder that will see them issue a cheque to ousted coach Larry Brown in the amount of $40 million.
59). The Red Sox Pitching Staff Is In Trouble!
In the past several years, as the Boston Red Sox have lurked around the top of the American League East, the one constant and reliable figure on the hill has been Tim Wakefield. The knuckleballer was second on the team with 119 2/3 innings, but after grappling with back discomfort for the better part of a month he could land on the disabled list.
For now he is considered ‘day-to-day’ and will undergo a more thorough medical evaluation on Tuesday.
60). Betting The Over On Atlanta Spells Money!
Day 19 of July, 2006 and to suggest that the Atlanta Braves are swinging the lumber would be a bit of an understatement. They have played 14 games in the seventh month of the year and are 13-1 on the over total in that span. Do you have your sportsbook on speed dial yet?
That, folks, is an astonishing 93% and I can live with those numbers any time of the year.
61). You May Want To Bet Nebraska At + 13 ½
The USC Trojans have had a stormy off-season that included the defection of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinhart, LenDale White, Dominique Byrd, Darnell Bing and a host of other starters that totals 13 in number.
While I realize that Pete Carroll is an exceptional coach and that USC is a football factory, I predict a whole lot of trouble will be headed their way in 2006.
62). Dodgers Will Be Giant Killers This Weekend!
August 11, 2006 (Los Angeles, CA) – The Los Angeles Dodgers have finally arrived in the penthouse in the underachieving, wild and wacky NL West division. Led by veteran outfielder Kenny Lofton, who always makes a habit of playing in the playoffs for whatever uniform he seems to put on, LA host Barry and his mates this weekend.
The Dodgers were in first place on June 26th and with the exception of the last few weeks, their record since then of 19-20 is not what you would consider eye-popping.
63). Are The Fighting Irish An Overlay In Georgia?
August 24, 2006 (Chicago, Il) – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been getting a ton of press this off-season with the return of Brady Quinn to the helm and the momentum that has been established under second year boss Charlie Weiss. They take to the road for their first tilt with a game in Atlanta against a very underrated Georgia Tech team and the line sits at ND – 7 ½ .
64). Patriots Bettors Will Rely On Rookie Kicker!
When gamblers invested in the New England Patriots the past several years they were confident in the fact that should the game come down to a last second field goal, they stood a great chance of cashing a ticket. You see, the Brady Bunch had Adam Vinatieri on the sidelines and that was like money in the bank, but not any more!
Coach Bill Bellichick announced this week that they have axed incumbent kicker Martin Gramatica and handed the reins to rookie Stephen Gostkowski.
65). Do You Want Some Good Betting Advice? Buy Stock When It Is Low!
This is a very exciting time of year with College Football kicking off their season last night, the MLB playoff race in frenzy, and the NFL ready to pounce on us. These are anxiety-filled times for all of us when we are trying to figure out what teams are going to make us our next million in sports betting.
In the NCAA there are a few schools that fall into this category and it would be wise to pay attention to the games they are involved in.
66). Notre Dame- Penn State Will Get Good Two Way Action!
Last week leading up to the opening game between Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, I thought that with all the praise being heaped on Charlie Weiss and his troops, they might as well hand him the BCS Championship trophy. I mean, the way things were going Weiss and his QB Quinn may have been elected President and Vice President of the United States had they run for office.
67). Baseball Betting: the White Sox send the Twins a crystal clear message!
I mentioned in this space recently that I thought Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire could be the first to get the axe in the 2006 MLB season, as his team is grossly underachieving.
There were reports of lack of discipline in the clubhouse and on the field last year and it looks like things have gone from bad to worse this year. On Sunday the Twins scored 7 runs in the first inning, to answer the 3 that the White Sox had posted in the top of the frame.
68). Horse Betting: Brother Derek is my bet for the Preakness!
"Barbaro was so overpowering in his Kentucky Derby romp that winning next Saturday's Preakness seems to be a foregone conclusion."
- Associated Press
"Unbeaten Barbaro looks invincible."
- Asbury Park Press
"I'd say he's the best horse I've seen in the past 25 years ... on the dirt, turf, any age group."
- Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens
The 131st Preakness Stakes will be run Saturday at Pimlico and most horsemen are fairly certain that Barbaro will show the rest of his challengers his backside in the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
69). The numbers don’t lie when betting on baseball!
This is a great time of year for betting on sports as you have the major league baseball season in full swing, the NBA playoffs have been spectacular and who would have thought that the final four in the NHL would be Carolina, Buffalo, Anaheim and Edmonton.
Throw in the PGA Tour, NASCAR and the Triple Crown in horse racing and this is quite the betting.
70). Toronto Taking Ownership of Red Sox’s Beckett!
The Toronto Blue Jays are making noise in the American League East and are doing so with a patchwork starting pitching staff and a less then stellar middle infield. Last night they took apart prize free agent Josh Beckett who has had his way with the rest of the American League, but is struggling mightily with Toronto.
The right-hander, who entered this season without a single regular-season start against his new division rivals, grabbed wins against Toronto, New York, Baltimore and Tampa Bay in his first start against each club.
71). Baseball Betting: Yankees Bring Brooms to Motown!
The New York Yankees look like they flew to Detroit on a broom rather then a jet and they may leave the wooden sweeper when they depart the motor city just before midnight tonight.
The pinstripers have sent an emphatic message to the upstart bengals, that they are the bullies of the American East. I have been propping the Tigers pitching but both the starters and relievers have been awful this week, being outscored 21-7.
72). Dirk Goes Wild And Suns Fail To Cover!
I was going to come on here yesterday and give you my usual dose about how the smart guys were begging the public to take the Suns and the +7 points as they knew the sharp money would be all over the Mavericks.
The problem for me this spring is that I have been burned (no pun intended) by the Suns far too many times against the Lakers, Clippers and the Mavs that I have stopped betting this series.
73). Betting frenzy this weekend!
If your looking for wagering action this weekend, it doesn’t get much better then this as the World Cup of soccer, the Belmont Stakes, NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA and NASCAR are all front and center.
In Germany there will be 12 stadiums, hosting 64 games that will put 3 million derrieres in the seat and the host country tackles Costa Rica on day one. Staggering numbers reveal 1.
74). Baseball betting numbers that matter!
The good news for the LA Angels is that they are only four game back in the loss column in the wacky AL West. The bad news is that 2005 CY Young award winner Bartolo Colon is returning and has looked brutal in 2006.
In his third minor league rehabilitation start, Colon gave up six earned runs and nine hits against the Fresno Grizzlies. In three starts for the Angels this season, Colon is 0-2 with a 7.
75). NBA final to be decided at the charity stripe!
Millions of kids around the world every day pick up a basketball and spend an inordinate amount of time trying to get the round ball in the basket and some become very good at it. Most kids however find shooting to be boring and would rather try all those fancy dribbles and spectacular dunks that bring the crowd to their feet.
Game 4 of the NBA finals will be contested in South Beach tonight and on the court will be several millionaires applying their trade.
76). The US team may want to score a goal!
I’m never going to try and persuade anyone that I am a soccer fan, as I find it hard to respect some of these players who get carried off on a stretcher, only to return minutes later and score a goal. This Thursday there will be a huge throng of Americans and Italians glued to the set as both their teams try and advance to the second round of the World Cup.
77). Jose can you see that the gig is up!
With his career on the “Surreal Life” on hold, former major league baseball player Jose Canseco has decided to join a baseball team known as the San Diego Surf Dawgs. This is the lowest rung in professional baseball and you may recall that future hall of famer Ricky Henderson played for the same team last year.
Far too many times in the past we have seen athletes in usually baseball and boxing not have the ability to let the game go and they hang around one too many games or fights and then the door gets slammed completely.
78). Will the Victory Celebration be Serving Chianti or Pinot Noir?
With Le Bleus victory over Portugal on Wednesday the stage is set for a thriller in Berlin on Sunday featuring the versatility of Italy and the crafty leadership of the veteran laden France squad.
In the World Cup to this point, Italy has tallied 11 goals and they have come at the head or toe of 10 different players.
Italy’s scorers on the way to.
79). The Angels Are Flying High In The West!
The Los Angeles Angels have fired off the loudest shot in week one of the second half of the major league season and that is bad news for the Oakland A’s and the Texas Rangers. The halos have now won 11 of their past 12 games and have taken their record above .500 (46-45) for the first time since April 28th.
If they want to contend they will need the continued support of several key players such as Rob Quinlan, Howie Kendrick, Kendry Morales and tonight’s emergency starter Dustin Moseley.
80). 02/09/06 Could Be a Betting Bonanza For Football Fans
September 2, 2006 will be a special day in college football as the PAC 10 invades the unfriendly confines of SEC country, for a tripleheader that will quickly define who has a powerful conference in 2006.
This is USC coach Pete Carroll's year to re-load and before anyone feels too sorry for him understand that the two players vying to replace Leinart were both regarded as the top prep quarterback in America their senior years.
81). Warning--Two Tigers Are On The Prowl!
July 21, 2006 (Cincinnati, Ohio)- Hello once again from Buckeye country as the Ohio State football team readies itself for the BCS tournament and the Bengals continue to do damage control.
Just across the border in Michigan the Detroit Tigers once again served notice that they are planning on hanging around the dance for a lot longer than most folks expected as they squeaked by the defending World Series Champion Chicago White Sox yesterday.
82). Tiger Devours Open Field Without Driver!
July 24, 2006 (Dublin, Ohio) – With the precision of Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Tiger Woods created a masterpiece on the Royal Liverpool golf course Sunday and laid waste to the rest of the field.
While Chris DiMarco played remarkably to finish second just two strokes off the paste, the result was never in doubt as Woods hit consistent shot after shot for eighteen holes.
83). Betting On The Tigers This Weekend Gets Tricky!
Wasn’t it me that predicted that Twins manager Ron Gardenhire would be the first baseball manager to be shown the door in 2006? Yes I also think that Barry Bonds is being unfairly accused of using performance enhancing drugs? No Gardenhire is doing just fine these days as he and his troops prepare for a crucial three game set in the Twin Cities tonight.
84). WSOP Entries Push Grand Prize To $11 Million!
The main event, held at the Rio, lasts 13 days, most of which are 16-hour marathons in a convention room filled with 1,500 to 2,000 fellow competitors, all seated elbow to elbow. Sure, they’re only sitting there throwing cards around, but this isn’t a friendly game in your buddy’s basement. This is hours and hours of monotony, sitting in a thinly padded.
85). Dodgers Win 17 Of 18 But They’re Not In The Clear!
The wild and wacky NL has suddenly quieted down as the surging L.A. Dodgers have assumed a 3 ½ game lead over the Diamondbacks and Padres. With just over 40 games remaining in the schedule the fickle fans at Chez Ravine are beginning to bleed Dodger Blue once again.
While a lot of the attention is being focused on veterans Maddux, Lowe, Sele and Penny, there is a strong case to be made for pitcher Chad Billingsley.
86). A Vicious Cat Fight In The Desert Is Looming!
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.
87). You Would Think A Former Trojan Would Use A Condom!
It has been an interesting year for Matt Leinhart with the January BCS Championship loss to Texas, his brief affair with Paris Hilton, his stock dropping in the NFL draft and subsequent holdout, and then the news that he’s about to become Big Papi!
Word leaked out of California yesterday that Brynn Cameron is due to deliver a boy in November according to her father, Stan Cameron who told the Ventura County Star for Wednesday’s editions.
88). Big Ben’s Latest Injury Has The Books Scrambling!
It has been a wild year in Pennsylvania for Steeler sports fans as they waved goodbye to the ‘Bus’ Jerome Bettis and hoisted the Super Bowl. Just as fans were recuperating from their hangover, word arrived that Ben Roethlisberger handsome face had collided with a windshield, courtesy of his motorcycle colliding with a car. Once back on the field Big Ben looked smooth and the Steelers were looking forward to frying the fish on opening night of the 2006=2007 season in front of the entire football nation.
89). Flying Way Beneath The Radar Is The Buccaneers!
The NFL is here and there are stories resonating from every city about the chances of their local teams, but somewhere lost in all the hoopla, is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I mean even with the superiority of the AFC over the NFC, it seems like the Cowboys, Redskins, and Panthers garner most of the public’s attention. They seem to be the favorites for sports betting.
90). Why do i torture myself like this?
The Phoenix Suns are playing tonight and that means I will be loading up with both hands when I bet on the Dallas Mavericks to extract some serious payback on the Steve Nash led Arizona boys. I’ve lost count on how much Phoenix has removed from my savings account as they mowed down first the Lakers, then the Clippers and now the Mavs in game 1!
If I was smart and we all know I’m not I would not have taken a peek at the morning line which shows Dallas as being a very heavy -7 ½ favorite in tonight’s tilt at the America Airlines building.
91). Tigers Keep Winning And Now Get The Yankees In Motown!
The Detroit Tigers won another series this past weekend at the hands of a division rival in Cleveland and continue to own the best record in the majors at 35-15, but now they get the acid test!
They are about to throw a week long party in their house at Comerica Park and they have invited some very raucous folks in the name of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.
92). Baseball betting: placing a bet on the white sox is risky business!
Any time you start think about investing money in a defending World Champion you do so with a great deal of risk as Las Vegas linemakers are going to make you pay a premium to back them.
Case in point is the Chicago White Sox who stunned the world last year when they knocked off the Houston Astros and stormed out of the gate this year, in impressive fashion.
93). The Mets will have it wrapped up by the All Star break!
A quick scan around Major League Baseball will reveal some really tight races in 5 out of the 6 divisions, but make no mistake about it, the Atlanta Braves reign at the top of the NL East is over. The New York Mets have been money in the bank for bettors all year and especially in their most recent road trip.
How about a 9-1 mark on the 10-games road.
94). Grand Old Saratoga Opens 36-Day Meeting on July 26
Saratoga Springs has been attracting travelers even before the American Revolution when wealthy pilgrims journeyed to the carbonated mineral springs running through the area.
It’s where decisive battles were fought during the American Revolution and Civil War. The 1777 Battle of Saratoga, considered the first Colonial victory and a turning point in the Revolutionary War, ended with General John Burgoyne surrendering his British troops.
95). Twins Mauer & Morneau lead the surging team!
Very few teams win 21 of 23 games and still find themselves on the ground floor but that is the case with the Minnesota Twins and the AL Central division. They have won 11 straight but the Tigers and White Sox refuse to let them into the party as we head to the All Star break.
Joe Mauer will part company with his teammate Justin Morneau who was neglected by AL manager Ozzie Guillen when he filled out his all star roster this past weekend.
96). Thome’s numbers are disgusting!
The Chicago White Sox did the improbable last year and rewarded the Windy City with their first World Series Championship since 1917 and shocked the hell out of the average baseball fan. In the off-season general manager went shopping for a hitter to improve on the designated hitter position that had underachieved in 2005.
When he was done fishing and reeled in his line, attached was one of the best power hitters in baseball named Jim Thome.
97). Hey I’m In Cincinnati And The Bengals Have Some Troubled Players!
Just stepped off a small plane in Ohio as I begin my college football scouting trip and the Bengals are certainly raising the eyebrows of the locals in Cincinnati.
Why else would owner Mike Brown issue a public statement after the Bengals drafted former Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks? Second-year receiver Chris Henry and 2006 draft picks Frostee Rucker and A.
98). Tigers Might Get Gunned Down By Texas Rangers!
The Detroit Tigers have been on the prowl since spring and they have been devouring their prey at a feverish pace, but now they are being scoped by a bounty hunter known as the Texas Rangers. The Rangers are coming off a fight-filled game against their rival, the Angels, and head to Motown with their six-shooter in tow.
Who better to invite to a lynching.
99). Faster College Games Mean Less Points!
College football betting early in the season can be a tricky proposition at best, but now that the NCAA has decided to speed up the game with more running clock, the point total (over/under) have been affected mightily!
The case in point is on kickoffs where normally the clock would not start until the receiving team had touched the ball. Now as soon as tow hits the ball, the clock is moving.
100). I Think The Chiefs Are In Trouble!
The Kansas City Chiefs begin the Herman Edwards era on Sunday at Arrowhead when they welcome the ferocious Cincinnati Bengals and this could be the start of a very long season for Trent Green and his mates.
When handicapping a team my first inclination is too look for an experienced offensive line that can run the ball and keep the quarterback vertical.
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