Nationals-Marlins Odds Preview

The Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Dolphin Stadium.
Righthander Daniel Cabrera will take the mound for the Nationals to start this game. Cabrera is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
Starting this game for the Marlins will be Chris Volstad. The righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Marlins listed as 140-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Jorge Cantu was 2-for-3 with a two-run jack, as the Marlins ripped the Nationals 8-3 on Tuesday night.
Florida won as -165 home favorites as the game played over the 8-run total set by sportsbooks.
Dan Uggla also hit a two-run homer for the Marlins, who got 6 2-3 scoreless innings from winning pitcher Josh Johnson in the payday.
Austin Kearns went deep for a two-run big fly for Washington, while Scott Olsen was rocked for eight runs over three innings to take the loss for the Nationals.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Florida has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 0-2 SU
Florida: 2-0 SU
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8

Florida most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing NY Mets are 4-6
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Florida
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
Florida is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Washington at Atlanta, Friday, April 10
Florida home to NY Mets, Friday, April 10

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson Heavy Favorites in 2009 Masters Betting

It’s a tradition like no other—betting on the U.S. Masters.

The only suspense about the 2009 Masters odds is how prohibitive of a favorite Tiger Woods would be. “We’ve saw him even money at the US Open” says sports handicapper Stevie Vincent, a Vegas betting line unprecedented in the PGA Majors.

Eldrick Woods is a slightly more mortal 7-4 to wear the Green Jacket again. Chief rival Phil Mickelson is next at 7-1, while the rest of the field qualifies as long shots. Padraig Harrington and Geoff Ogilvy top the best of the rest at 16-1.

For those looking for dark horses in their Masters Calcutta, one top golf expert says there are some quality long shot bets to beat the Masters betting line. The possibilities are headlined by Henrik Stenson.

Will there by a hole in one at the 2009 Masters? The oddsmakers say yes is a 5-4 prospect.

Golf experts can also choose from endless proposition bets. Who will be the top Spaniard, European, Asian, teenager, or left-hander? All these options are available.

CBS is streaming exclusive coverage of Amen Corner and bettors can wager on the “Amen Corner Special.” Who will complete holes 11, 12 and 13 in the fewest strokes? Not surprisingly Tiger Woods is the favorite, but at a tempting +300.

“Handicap” in golf has a completely different meaning at the sportsbooks than on the hallowed grounds of Augusta. The best golf handicappers can have their own personal “Win for the Ages.”

2009 Masters and Nobel Peace Prize Odds, Plus Tuesday Betting

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Red Sox meet the Rays, the Phillies battle the Braves, and the NBA and NHL head into their league’s home stretches.

Tipping off on the hardwood  . . .

The NBA takes back the basketball spotlight from the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday, with nine games set for the pro hardwood. The Bobcats will be looking to keep their slim playoff hopes alive on Tuesday by getting past the Sixers in Charlotte. The Bobcats enter play this week on a three-game losing streak, and they’re three games back of the Bulls and the Pistons for eighth place in the East.

The Bulls will host New York on Tuesday, while it’ll also be Atlanta at Toronto, New Orleans at Miami, Portland at Memphis, the Lakers at Sacramento, Minnesota at the Clippers, San Antonio at Oklahoma City, and Orlando at Houston. The Spurs are just a half-game ahead of the Rockets in the Southwest Division standings heading into Tuesday night, with the Hornets two games back.

Masters Calcutta betting…

The 2009 Masters odds are up. The world’s top sportsbooks all have their own proposition bets. Don’t be a blind pilot before placing those bets.

Our Bet Online reporter says whether it’s Masters 2009 Calcutta betting or in the individual matchups, there are some legitimate long shots to consider.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Braves will be looking to knock off the defending-champion Phillies for the second straight game on Tuesday night when they continue their season-opening series in Philadelphia. Atlanta got a strong pitching performance from Derek Lowe on Sunday as they won their opener by a score of 4-1. Righthander Jair Jurrjens (13-10, 3.68 ERA in 2008) will take to the mound for Atlanta on Tuesday; the Phillies will counter with lefthander Jamie Moyer (16-7, 3.71 ERA).

The other National League matchups on Tuesday: Milwaukee at San Francisco, Washington at Florida, the Cubs at Houston, Pittsburgh at St. Louis, the Dodgers at San Diego, and Colorado at Arizona. The Rockies will go with righthander Ubaldo Jimenez on Tuesday; he was 12-12 with a 3.99 ERA last season. The D-Backs counter Jimenez with Dan Haren, who was 16-8 with a 3.33 ERA in 2008.

Over in the American League, the Red Sox and Rays will try to get their season started in Boston; their Monday matchup was called off due to the threat of rain. Boston’s Josh Beckett (12-10, 4.03 ERA in 2008) will take on Tampa Bay’s James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA), weather permitting. Also on the AL slate: Kansas City at the White Sox, Detroit at Toronto, Seattle at Minnesota, and Oakland at the Angels. Jered Weaver (11-10, 4.33 ERA) will get the call for L.A.

Today’s best bets…

What a shock! The best in the business, Grandmaster sports handicapper Joe Duffy is who to bet with today. GodsTips closes out the NCAA Tournament with North Carolina and the over, another sweep. They finish the Big Dance on a 10-2 tear. Atlanta +120 Sunday and Pittsburgh +155 yesterday makes GodsTips a perfect 2-0 in MLB so far.

Three MLB small favorites and underdogs have been added to the NBA Wise Guy and Major! Two of the MLB plays are day, another night. Click now to purchase

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Panthers and Rangers will continue their respective quests for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, with Florida in Philadelphia and New York hosting Montreal. The Panthers picked up a big win at home against the Penguins on Sunday, which moved them into a tie with the Rangers at 89 points through 79 games. New York fell to the Bruins on Saturday.

A busy Tuesday night schedule in the National Hockey League has 11 other games on tap, including the Islanders at Carolina, Toronto at New Jersey, Washington at Atlanta, Boston at Ottawa, Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, Dallas at Minnesota, Chicago at Nashville, Los Angeles at Edmonton, St. Louis at Phoenix, and Colorado at San Jose. As well, the Flames will be in Vancouver to take on the Canucks, with both teams looking to end in top spot in the Northwest.

Other odds…

Wow, Adam Lambert is a prohibitive favorite in the latest American Idol betting lines and odds. Meanwhile Hu Lia is the favorite to win the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize according to Irish sportsbook Paddy Power. However, as the award has become more and more political and left leaning, Barack Obama at 18-1 seems like a fantastic long shot.  Paddy Power lists the odds as “noble prize”.

Masters Odds – Searching for Super Sleepers

When handicapping the Masters odds, finding the heavy favorites isn’t exactly rocket science. It doesn’t take a genius to know Tiger Woods (four green jackets), Retief Goosen (four top-threes at Augusta in five years), Phil Mickelson (nine top 10s in last 10 years at Augusta), Padraig Harrington (won the last two majors) or Geoff Ogilvy (two PGA betting wins this year) warrant consideration. But what about the sleepers? Here are a few under-the-radar guys to consider at the sportsbook in Masters betting this week.

Henrik Stenson (+4000)

The Swedish putting machine is playing his best golf at just the right time, as he finished third at last week’s Shell Houston Open. He has two straight 17th-place finishes at the Masters and has drained 80 per cent of his putts from four to eight feet this season. Anyone who excels on the greens has a shot at Augusta, so don’t forget Stenson at the sportsbook.

Mike Weir (+6600)

Sticking with the putting theme, the diminutive Weir could sneak up on the field the same way he did in the 2003 Masters odds. He started the year strongly with a T-3 at the Bob Hope Classic and a second-place finish at Pebble Beach. He’s fourth on Tour in putting average this season and already has a green jacket, so he could contend this week.

Steve Stricker (+6600)

Even though he missed the cut at last week’s Shell Houston Open, Stricker’s peripherals suggest he has a shot to surprise in the Masters odds. He has three top-four finishes this season and ranks in the top 10 on Tour in scoring average and putting average. The main problem: he has missed two straight cuts at Augusta. Does that mean he’ll flop again, or does that just give him even better value this week?

Rory McIlroy (+3300)

Due to his media hype, sportsbook odds don’t really peg him as a sleeper, but he still deserves that label considering this is his first Masters odds. He’s a bomber off the tee who is also accurate in his approaches, as he has hit almost 70 per cent of greens in regulation this season. The youngster hasn’t looked overmatched this season, cracking the top 20 in each of his four tournaments. Can he handle the Augusta greens?

Dodgers-Padres Lines Preview

The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at PETCO Park.
Randy Wolf will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on this day. Lefthander Wolf is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
Starting this game for the Padres will be Chris Young. The righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Padres listed as 110-moneyline favorites versus the Dodgers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
James Loney went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in to lead the Dodgers over the Padres 4-1 on Monday night.
Los Angeles cashed as +120 road underdogs as the teams played under the 6.5-run total set by oddsmakers.
Matt Kemp went deep for a solo shot for the Dodgers, while winning pitcher Hiroki Kuroda gave up one run over 5 2-3 innings for Los Angeles.
Brian Giles drove in the lone run for San Diego, as Jake Peavy allowed three earned runs over seven innings to take the loss for the Padres.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 1-0 SU
San Diego: 0-1 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing San Diego are 7-3
After playing San Diego are 7-3
After a win are 3-7

San Diego most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Dodgers are 5-5
After playing LA Dodgers are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Diego's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Diego's last 18 games
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
San Diego home to LA Dodgers, Wednesday, April 8

Athletics-Angels Odds Preview

The fans at Angel Stadium will be treated to a game between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels when they take their seats on Tuesday.
The Athletics will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Trevor Cahill in this game. Cahill has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Angels will be Dustin Moseley. The righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Joe Saunders tossed 6 2-3 innings of scoreless baseball to earn the win, as the Angels shut out the Athletics 3-0 on Monday night.
Los Angeles cashed as -165 home favorites as the teams played under the 8.5-run total posted by sportsbooks.
Howie Kendrick was 2-for-4 with a homer and two runs batted in for the Angels, while Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Los Angeles.
Dallas Braden gave up three runs over six innings to take the loss for Oakland, which managed only three hits in the loss.
Team records:
Oakland: 0-1 SU
Los Angeles: 1-0 SU
Oakland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing LA Angels are 6-4
After playing LA Angels are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Oakland are 6-4
After playing Oakland are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Angels's last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 9 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
Next up:
LA Angels home to Oakland, Wednesday, April 8

Rockies-Diamondbacks Lines Preview

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Tuesday when the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks meet at Chase Field.
Righthander Ubaldo Jimenez will take the mound for the Rockies to start this game. Jimenez is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
Starting this game for the Diamondbacks will be Dan Haren. The righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 160-moneyline favorites versus the Rockies, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Chad Tracy's solo shot in the bottom of the seventh inning lifted the Diamondbacks past the Rockies 9-8 on Monday.
Arizona cashed as -170 home favorites as the teams played over the 7.5-run total set by sportsbooks.
Tracy finished 3-for-4 with two runs batted in for the Diamondbacks, while Tony Pena Jr. picked up the win in relief of starter Brandon Webb for Arizona.
Brad Hawpe went 3-for-4 with three RBIs for Colorado, as Jason Grilli was tagged with the loss after allowing the dinger to Tracy.
Team records:
Colorado: 0-1 SU
Arizona: 1-0 SU
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Arizona are 4-6
After playing Arizona are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

Arizona most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Colorado are 9-1
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games
Next up:
Arizona home to Colorado, Wednesday, April 8

Pirates-Cardinals Lines Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Busch Stadium.
Righthander Ian Snell will take the mound for the Pirates to start this game. Snell is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
It'll be Kyle Lohse toeing the rubber for the Cardinals in this contest. Righthander Lohse is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 155-moneyline favorites versus the Pirates, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Jack Wilson's three-run double in the top of the ninth inning lifted the Pirates past the Cardinals 6-4 on Monday.
Pittsburgh cashed as +175 road underdogs as the teams played over the 8-run total set by oddsmakers.
Nyjer Morgan went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in for the Pirates, while John Grabow picked up the win in relief of starter Paul Maholm for Pittsburgh.
Ryan Ludwick was 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs for St. Louis, as Jason Motte was hit with the loss after surrendering four runs in the ninth inning for the Cardinals.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 1-0 SU
St. Louis: 0-1 SU
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 7-3
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a win are 3-7

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Pittsburgh are 2-8
After playing Pittsburgh are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
St. Louis home to Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 8

Mariners-Twins Lines Preview

The Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at The Metrodome.
Ace Erik Bedard will be the starting pitcher for the Mariners on this day. Lefthander Bedard is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
It'll be Nick Blackburn toeing the rubber for the Twins in this contest. Righthander Blackburn is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Twins listed as 115-moneyline favorites versus the Mariners, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Felix Hernandez allowed only one run over eight innings to earn the win, as the Mariners bounced the Twins 6-1 on Monday night.
Seattle won as +135 road underdogs as the teams played under the 7.5-run total set by oddsmakers.
Jose Lopez had three runs batted in for the Mariners, who got a two-run homer from Franklin Gutierrez in the win.
Michael Cuddyer drove in the lone run for Minnesota, while losing pitcher Francisco Liriano gave up four runs over seven innings for the Twins.
Team records:
Seattle: 1-0 SU
Minnesota: 0-1 SU
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 1-9
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Seattle are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Seattle's last 13 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing Seattle
Next up:
Minnesota home to Seattle, Wednesday, April 8

Cubs-Astros Lines Preview

The Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Minute Maid Park.
The Cubs will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Ryan Dempster in this game. Dempster has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season.
Dempster's opponent in this one will be Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros lefthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Alfonso Soriano went 2-for-5 with a homer to lead the Cubs past the Astros 4-2 on Monday night.
Chicago cashed as -115 road favorites as the game played under the 8-run total listed by oddsmakers.
Aramis Ramirez also went yard for the Cubs, while Carlos Zambrano allowed one run over six innings to get the win for Chicago.
Michael Bourn was 2-for-4 with a run batted in for Houston, as Roy Oswalt allowed three runs over seven innings to take the loss for the Astros.
Team records:
Chicago: 1-0 SU
Houston: 0-1 SU
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Houston are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Chi Cubs are 8-2
After playing Chi Cubs are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Chi Cubs's last 12 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Houston
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 12 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games
Next up:
Houston home to Chi Cubs, Wednesday, April 8