8-5-11

[timbob]

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[Mr. IWS]

MLB NEWS AND NOTES
New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox MLB Betting Preview
By: Michael Robinson

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-150, 9.5)

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are in a heated battle for the AL East title as they start a weekend series Friday night at Fenway Park (4:10 p.m. PT). The Sox have dominated their rival this year (8-1 overall, 2-1 at home).

Boston (68-41) leads New York (67-42) by one game in the AL East standings, with the Yanks currently leading the wild card by eight games. Both squads desperately want to win the division and there’s a good chance they’ll have their first playoff matchup since 2004.

Both team’s records are pending Thursday night contests. Boston is trying to take three of four at home against Cleveland, while New York is looking for its first 4-game sweep at the White Sox since 1976. Note that Erik Bedard makes his Sox debut Thursday night.

Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) opens this series for the Red Sox. He’s made just two starts since the All-Star break as they were careful with him coming off a strained lat. He has a 2.03 ERA in those two starts, including allowing two runs over eight innings at the White last Saturday (10-2 win).

The 27-year-old lefty has a higher ERA at home (3.86) than away (2.75). Boston is 1-3 in his last four home starts, giving little run support at 2.25 per game. That wasn’t expected for MLB’s most prolific offense (5.49 per game).

The ‘under’ is 4-0-1 in Lester’s last five starts (3-0 at home).

Lester has won both starts against the Yankees this year despite a 5.25 ERA. Both were in the Bronx. He has a 3.60 ERA in four home starts against them from 2008-2010, with Boston winning three.

The Yankees are 24-7 against a lefty starter this year, excluding Lester.

The Yankees and GM Brian Cashman were criticized for being quiet at the trade deadline, but they’re 14-5 in their last 19 and getting unexpected contributions from starters Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon.

Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) will try to continue his Cinderella story Friday night. He didn’t even pitch in the majors last year and almost everyone thought he was done in his late 30s. However, he underwent a controversial stem cell procedure in his elbow and shoulder, and has turned back the clock.

Colon is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his last three starts, winning his last two at home against Baltimore and Oakland. He did have a hamstring injury in June and then some struggles in the first half of July, but he appears to be past that.

This is Colon’s third appearance against Boston this year. He had a quality start (two earned runs over six innings) at home in May, with the Yanks losing 5-4. He made a relief appearance for Phil Hughes at Fenway back in early April. He pitched a solid 4 1/3 innings, surrendering just one earned run.

Colon has an impressive 2.81 road ERA this season, with the ‘under’ 5-1 in his last six away.

New York is 30-20 on the road this year (+8.4 units), 7-2 in the last nine. The ‘under’ is 7-2 in those last nine away.

Boston is 35-20 at home this year (-1.4 units), but 19-7 in the last 26 there.

The ‘under’ is 5-2 in the Red Sox’ last seven games, scoring a pedestrian (for them) 4.57 runs per game.

Boston could be without Clay Buchholz (back injury) for the entire season, putting more pressure on guys like Lester and Josh Beckett. The Yanks are still without Alex Rodriguez (knee), who keeps making off-the field headlines as well.

Weather should be beautiful, clear and in the low 70s. Saturday afternoon’s pitching matchup is a major advantage for the Yanks with CC Sabathia going for his 14th win in 16 games. The less-than-impressive John Lackey pitches for the home team.

[Mr. IWS]

MLB NEWS AND NOTES
New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox MLB Betting Preview
By: Michael Robinson

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-150, 9.5)

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are in a heated battle for the AL East title as they start a weekend series Friday night at Fenway Park (4:10 p.m. PT). The Sox have dominated their rival this year (8-1 overall, 2-1 at home).

Boston (68-41) leads New York (67-42) by one game in the AL East standings, with the Yanks currently leading the wild card by eight games. Both squads desperately want to win the division and there’s a good chance they’ll have their first playoff matchup since 2004.

Both team’s records are pending Thursday night contests. Boston is trying to take three of four at home against Cleveland, while New York is looking for its first 4-game sweep at the White Sox since 1976. Note that Erik Bedard makes his Sox debut Thursday night.

Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) opens this series for the Red Sox. He’s made just two starts since the All-Star break as they were careful with him coming off a strained lat. He has a 2.03 ERA in those two starts, including allowing two runs over eight innings at the White last Saturday (10-2 win).

The 27-year-old lefty has a higher ERA at home (3.86) than away (2.75). Boston is 1-3 in his last four home starts, giving little run support at 2.25 per game. That wasn’t expected for MLB’s most prolific offense (5.49 per game).

The ‘under’ is 4-0-1 in Lester’s last five starts (3-0 at home).

Lester has won both starts against the Yankees this year despite a 5.25 ERA. Both were in the Bronx. He has a 3.60 ERA in four home starts against them from 2008-2010, with Boston winning three.

The Yankees are 24-7 against a lefty starter this year, excluding Lester.

The Yankees and GM Brian Cashman were criticized for being quiet at the trade deadline, but they’re 14-5 in their last 19 and getting unexpected contributions from starters Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon.

Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) will try to continue his Cinderella story Friday night. He didn’t even pitch in the majors last year and almost everyone thought he was done in his late 30s. However, he underwent a controversial stem cell procedure in his elbow and shoulder, and has turned back the clock.

Colon is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his last three starts, winning his last two at home against Baltimore and Oakland. He did have a hamstring injury in June and then some struggles in the first half of July, but he appears to be past that.

This is Colon’s third appearance against Boston this year. He had a quality start (two earned runs over six innings) at home in May, with the Yanks losing 5-4. He made a relief appearance for Phil Hughes at Fenway back in early April. He pitched a solid 4 1/3 innings, surrendering just one earned run.

Colon has an impressive 2.81 road ERA this season, with the ‘under’ 5-1 in his last six away.

New York is 30-20 on the road this year (+8.4 units), 7-2 in the last nine. The ‘under’ is 7-2 in those last nine away.

Boston is 35-20 at home this year (-1.4 units), but 19-7 in the last 26 there.

The ‘under’ is 5-2 in the Red Sox’ last seven games, scoring a pedestrian (for them) 4.57 runs per game.

Boston could be without Clay Buchholz (back injury) for the entire season, putting more pressure on guys like Lester and Josh Beckett. The Yanks are still without Alex Rodriguez (knee), who keeps making off-the field headlines as well.

Weather should be beautiful, clear and in the low 70s. Saturday afternoon’s pitching matchup is a major advantage for the Yanks with CC Sabathia going for his 14th win in 16 games. The less-than-impressive John Lackey pitches for the home team.

[Mr. IWS]

Friday’s Streaking And Slumping Starting Pitchers

STREAKING

Vance Worley (7-1, 2.33 ERA), Philadelphia Phillies

It doesn’t seem fair that a team with aces like Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels can trot out a fourth starter like this overachieving youngster. The Phillies are 10-2 in Worley’s 12 starts this season and the best part is you get the club at a discount price anytime he takes the bump.

Philly’s never been priced any than -185 with Worley on the mound, which is why he’s in the top 10 of Covers.com’s money pitcher list at +8.77 units.

Jeff Niemann (5-4, 3.51 ERA) Tampa Bay Rays

Niemann is dialed in these days. The imposing right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.06 ERA in his last five trips to the bump and the Rays are 5-2 in his last seven starts.

“He’s been outstanding the whole month,” Rays manager Joe Maddon told reporters after Niemann struck out 11 in six innings of scoreless ball in his last appearance. “It’s great to see him get back in this manner.”


SLUMPING

Aaron Harang (9-3, 3.76 ERA), San Diego Padres

The Padres are starting to see the Aaron Harang Cincinnati backers had grown to despise over the last couple seasons. After starting off the year on fire, Harang has come back down to earth.

He’s given up 10 earned runs in his last 11 2/3 innings pitched and the over is 6-1 in his last seven outings.

Nick Blackburn (7-8, 4.49 ERA), Minnesota Twins

A 20-6 loss isn’t one you can just shake off. Just ask Nick Blackburn. The Twins hurler was the starter pitcher in the massacre against the Rangers a couple weeks ago, giving up six runs on 11 hits in under three innings of work.

He surrendered six runs on 10 hits and five walks in just 4 1/3 innings’ work in his next trip to the mound. Total bettors will be happy to know the over is 6-1 in Blackburn’s last seven appearances.

[Mr. IWS]

HOT LINES

Friday’s Best MLB Bets

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-150, 9.5)

Top spot in the AL East is on the line again this weekend and the Yankees desperately need to make a stand against their rivals.

The Red Sox have won 13 of the last 16 meetings between the two clubs, including each of the last seven matchups.

But this could be the weekend New York snaps that trend. The Yankees are riding a hot streak and had won six straight games heading into Thursday night’s action. All of a sudden everybody in pinstripes seems to be hammering the cover off the ball.

“We’ve been swinging the bats collectively,” Yankees captain Derek Jeter said after Wednesday’s 18-7 blowout of the White Sox. “Guys are having good at-bats, hitting balls hard, finding holes. It’s not too often during the course of the season where it seems like everyone is swinging the bat well at the same time, but it’s been the case for us the last few days.”

The Yanks will be fired up for this one looking to start this series with a bang.

PICK: Yankees


Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles (+105, 9.5)

The Blue Jays probably don’t have much of a shot at challenging the Yanks and BoSox for the division title at this point, but you have to like some of the pieces they have in place for the future.

One of those pieces is prospect Brett Lawrie, who was just called up from Triple-A Las Vegas Thursday. The third baseman will make his MLB debut Friday and he has definitely put the work in to deserve the promotion, leading the farm club with .353 batting average and 18 home runs.

"We wanted to find out about Brett Lawrie sooner rather than later," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said on a conference call. "We wanted to get him some August at-bats to get a little bit more of a read on him so he deserved to be up here.”

The move allows the team to start Lawrie at the hot corner while moving Jose Bautista back to right field, where he’s more comfortable. After a long wait in the minors, it’s going to be fun to see if the kid can stick with the big club.

PICK: Blue Jays

[Mr. IWS]

WNBA NEWS AND NOTES
WNBA: Fever - Shock Preview
By Associated Press

Indiana Fever at Tulsa Shock (+10, 144.5)

The Indiana Fever have been streaky over the past six weeks, sandwiching three consecutive losses between winning streaks of seven and four games.

The Tulsa Shock only wish a three-game skid was the worst of their problems.

The Shock could have trouble avoiding a 13th loss in a row Friday night when they face the visiting Fever, who should feel confident in their chances for a fifth straight victory coming off a 35-point rout.

Indiana (14-6) moved atop the Eastern Conference after winning seven consecutive games June 21-July 13, then briefly fell behind Connecticut after losing three times in five days.

The Fever are alone in first again thanks to four straight victories, the latest of which was never in question. Indiana jumped out to a 12-point lead after one quarter against Los Angeles on Sunday and never looked back, leading by as many as 41 in a 98-63 demolition of the Sparks.

Jessica Davenport was the Fever's high scorer with 16 as Indiana's reserves scored a WNBA-record 57 points.

"Everybody had energy,'' said Davenport, who has scored in double figures in 11 straight games. "We're playing well as a unit right now. We have a balanced effort.''

Things just keep getting worse for the Shock (1-17), who are looking like a real threat to challenge the 1998 Washington Mystics' 3-27 record as the worst in league history.

Seven of the 12 losses during Tulsa's current skid have come by double digits, with four by 20 or more points. That disturbing gap is enough for even the team's management to acknowledge there's a long way to go.

"I look at ourselves as an expansion team,'' president Steve Swetoha said last week. "And it's going to take a little bit longer than we anticipated.''

Swetoha's comments came prior to Saturday's visit from Seattle, which had little trouble against the Shock. Tulsa did pull to within five late in the third quarter, but that was as close as it would get in an 89-72 loss.

The Shock have been outscored by 14.6 points per game.

"We've got to do things that will not harm ourselves. I think more often than not, we've beaten ourselves more than other teams have beat us,'' interim coach Teresa Edwards said.

"Nailing that in the heads of these young ladies is kind of tough. They hear me, but we're not implementing it yet.''

The Shock actually put up a pretty impressive fight at Conseco Fieldhouse on June 14 when Nolan Richardson was still on the sidelines, leading by one with 4:37 left. Davenport, though, scored nine of her 14 points in the next three minutes to rally the Fever to an 82-74 win.

All-Star Katie Douglas, who has averaged 7.3 points in her last four games, led Indiana with 22.

[Mr. IWS]

LADY LUCK

Friday's Best WNBA Bets

Indiana Fever at Tulsa Shock (+10, 144.5)

The Shock continue to sink lower in the WNBA standings, dropping 12 straight games since June 8 and posting a dismal 3-7-1 record against the spread in that span.

"I look at ourselves as an expansion team,'' Tulsa president Steve Swetoha told reporters about the team’s woes. "And it's going to take a little bit longer than we anticipated.”

While faithful basketball fans in Oklahoma may be patient with the Shock’s success, bettors won’t be so gracious. In its two years in the WNBA, Tulsa is a dismal 7-45 SU and 19-32-1 ATS.

The team’s most recent loss was just another crushing blow for a young team struggling to find a positive note in a losing season. The Shock were thumped 89-72 by the Seattle Storm, a team playing without league MVP Lauren Jackson. Saturday’s defeat was Tulsa’s third game in five nights, before an extended break heading into Friday’s contest versus the Fever.

"I'm hoping I can sleep without worrying at least one night," coach Teresa Edward said about her days off. "It's been a tough week."

PICK: Indiana


Connecticut Sun at Seattle Storm (-5, 147)

The Storm appeared lost without Lauren Jackson for a while, but the defending WNBA champs are learning to play without their standout center, winning four of their last five outings SU and ATS.

Seattle stumbled when Jackson went down with a hip injury which required surgery. It dropped five of the first nine games without Jackson, going 4-5 against the spread and falling off the pace in the Western Conference standings.

However, the Storm evolved in Jackson’s absence. They’ve leaned on their defense to generate easy buckets on offense, forcing an average of almost 13 turnovers and scoring more than 80 points a night in those four wins. In its most recent win, Seattle downed the San Antonio Silver Stars 78-64 – outscoring their opponents 31-19 in the opening quarter.

"I think what you saw in the beginning was us kind of playing off our defense," veteran guard Sue Bird told reporters. "I know you've heard that a lot this season, but it's really what makes us such a good team."

Connecticut has dominated recent meetings with the Storm, winning eight of their last 10 meetings and posting an 8-2 ATS record, going back to 2006. However, Seattle is far from those squads of the past, especially the team that lost 75-70 to the Sun on July 1 – the second game without Jackson in the lineup.

PICK: Seattle

[Mr. IWS]

CFL NEWS AND NOTES
Eskimos and Blue Bombers: It's All About Respect
By Ken Webe

Edmonton Eskimos at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+1, 49.5)

Perhaps we should call this the Rodney Dangerfield Bowl.

Coming into the 2011 CFL season, not too many people were giving the Winnipeg Blue Bombers or Edmonton Eskimos much, if any, respect.

Most pundits had them both finishing in last place in their respective divisions — after 4-14 and 7-11 campaigns respectfully.

Instead, when the two teams battle it out at Canad Inns Stadium on Friday night (6:30 p.m., CJOB, TSN), the 4-1 Blue Bombers and 5-0 Eskimos are both in first place.

“Excited? I don’t think that’s the word for it,” said Blue Bombers defensive end Odell Willis. “I mean, I can’t explain it. Best in the East, best in the West. The fireworks are coming (Friday) night. I don’t think it’s a statement game. We just want to come out and see who can be the best.

“They have the best offence, we have the best defence. We just want to see if we can come out on top.”

The Eskimos have the same thing on their collective minds.

“That’s the thing, you’ve got to earn your respect,” said Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray, who has thrown for 1,492 yards with 10 touchdowns and just one interception through five weeks. “It’s not something that’s on paper or you talk about. It’s about going out there and earning it. By doing that, you have to win football games. This is one of the bigger games of the year for us. Definitely, it’s going to be our biggest challenge.

“These are the fun games, when teams are playing well and you’re in first place and you’re trying to prove to everybody else that you’re the better team.”

Blue Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice got straight to the point when asked what the Eskimos are doing better this season compared with 2010.

“The quarterback play is much better than it was the previous year, they’re not turning the ball over, and they’re running the ball better,” said LaPolice. “Defensively, they’re not giving up as many big plays.”

Ray is enjoying a bounce-back season, but was quick to credit the Eskimos turnaround to new head coach Kavis Reed.

“He’s done a great job of making guys realize what it means to play in Edmonton and kind of changing the culture,” said Ray.

“He’s been in that locker room before so he brings credibility with that. He’s just done a good job of challenging the guys. He has good balance of being a player’s coach but also giving you a kick in the butt when you need it. He has a lot of emotion for the game. He knows how to push our buttons in the right way.”

When asked how he’s created a winning environment, Reed didn’t take any credit.

“Because I have great character players,” said Reed. “I’m blessed with a group of guys that are supreme characters. Those guys come to work every day prepared to work and wanting to work. That translates on the field.”

[Mr. IWS]

CANADIAN BACON

Friday's Best CFL Bets

Edmonton Eskimos at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+1, 49.5)

The Eskimos are still unbeaten but they have shown signs that they're slowing down in the last two games against the Stampeders and the Argonauts.

The Blue Bombers are on top of the East with a surprising 4-1 record but they aren’t satisfied yet. They could brag about a perfect record if not for a missed field goal by Justin Palardy in the dying seconds of their 1-point loss to Calgary.

Winnipeg’s new defensive coordinator Tim Burke, the mastermind behind the Alouettes defense over the last few years, has done wonders and you can trust him to find the Eskimos’ weaknesses. Don’t forget that the Bombers lead the CFL with 21 sacks in five games despite losing their ace Philip Hunt to the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason.

As long as Buck Pierce stays healthy, he will keep leading the Bombers’ attack and Winnipeg will be a tough team to beat. Pierce was shook up in the last game but will start against the Eskimos.

It will be a close one and most likely the best game of Week 6. With the way things are trickling down, you have to go with the Blue Bombers.

PICK: Winnipeg


Saskatchewan Roughriders at B.C. Lions (-3, 53.5)

These two teams were supposedly the ones to watch in the West. Well, they have been - for all the wrong reasons. Instead of this being a battle for first place, it’s now a game of survival for two teams already afraid of missing the playoffs.

The Lions have picked up two players heading into this week: Tad Kornegay, who was released by the Roughriders, and Arland Bruce, who was traded for a third round pick. Kornegay will play in the secondary in place of J.R. Ruffin (knee) and will be more than motivated against his former teammates. Bruce (hamstring) will have to wait before helping the Lions.

After five straight losses, B.C. is in a must-win situation as a wind of panic starts to blow on the West Coast. Not only did Wally Buono reach for Kornegay and Bruce but he also gave a call to the agent of RB and kick returner Arkee Whitlock, released earlier this week by the Eskimos.

The Roughriders’ lack depth and the departure of Andy Fantuz to the NFL have proven catastrophic so far this season. Weston Dressler is now the only reliable threat for QB Darian Durant. Chris Getzlaf has been offering sub-par performances, and so has Jason Clermont.

PICK: B.C.

[Mr. IWS]

Friday’s Betting Tips: Ubaldo Dogged In Tribe Debute

Who's Hot

MLB: Cincinnati has won 19 of its last 26 matchups with the Chicago Cubs.

MLB: The New York Mets are riding a 6-2 run in R.A. Dickey’s last eight starts.

CFL: The CFL’s two best teams against the spread face off Friday when the Edmonton Eskimos (5-0 ATS) visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-1 ATS).

WNBA: Indiana is 10-4 against the spread in its last 14.

Who’s Not

MLB: Milwaukee has won eight of its last nine overall but is just 2-8 in its last 10 games in Houston.

MLB: Florida is 10-21 in its last 31 home games.

CFL: Saskatchewan is 3-8 against the spread in its last 11 meetings with B.C.

WNBA: Seattle is just 2-8 against the spread in its last 10 meetings with Connecticut.

Key Stat

68 – Tiger Woods shot a 2-under 68 in Thursday’s opening round at Bridgestone, six strokes behind tournament leader Adam Scott. Woods has fired an opening-round 68 five times at this tournament and the last two times he posted that number, he ended up winning the tourney. Woods went into the opening round as a +1200 favorite.

Injury That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Derrek Lee, Pittsburgh Pirates – Lee is listed as day-to-day with a sore hand after being scratched from Thursday’s game against the Cubs. Lee has been fantastic for the Pirates since coming over in last weekend’s trade, going 3-for-10 with two home runs.

Game Of The Day

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-150, 9.5)

Notable Quotable

"I’m ready for it. It probably will be a little different, but I realized that I don’t have to hit or run. The only thing I have to think about is pitching." – Ubaldo Jimenez on making his first start with the Cleveland Indians following last weekend’s deal with the Colorado Rockies. Jimenez, who was working on a 4.46 ERA in 123 innings pitched with Colorado, is set as a +115 underdog Friday at Texas.

Tips And Notes

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was handed a five-game suspension for his altercation with umpire Rob Drake Wednesday night. Molina decided not to appeal the ban and served the first game of his suspension Thursday. He’s hitting .293 with eight homers and 40 RBIs for the Cardinals, who will turn to Gerald Laird to handle their catching duties until Molina is back.

The B.C. Lions made a major splash this week by swinging a deal for veteran wideout Arlan Bruce from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for a couple of draft picks. However, Lions supporters will have to wait at least another week until the three-time all-star can lend a helping hand. Lions coach Wally Buono says he hasn’t had time to be comfortable in the offense yet. B.C. has lost all five of its games this year, covering just once.

[Mr. IWS]

Friday’s Betting Tips: Ubaldo Dogged In Tribe Debute

Who's Hot

MLB: Cincinnati has won 19 of its last 26 matchups with the Chicago Cubs.

MLB: The New York Mets are riding a 6-2 run in R.A. Dickey’s last eight starts.

CFL: The CFL’s two best teams against the spread face off Friday when the Edmonton Eskimos (5-0 ATS) visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-1 ATS).

WNBA: Indiana is 10-4 against the spread in its last 14.

Who’s Not

MLB: Milwaukee has won eight of its last nine overall but is just 2-8 in its last 10 games in Houston.

MLB: Florida is 10-21 in its last 31 home games.

CFL: Saskatchewan is 3-8 against the spread in its last 11 meetings with B.C.

WNBA: Seattle is just 2-8 against the spread in its last 10 meetings with Connecticut.

Key Stat

68 – Tiger Woods shot a 2-under 68 in Thursday’s opening round at Bridgestone, six strokes behind tournament leader Adam Scott. Woods has fired an opening-round 68 five times at this tournament and the last two times he posted that number, he ended up winning the tourney. Woods went into the opening round as a +1200 favorite.

Injury That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Derrek Lee, Pittsburgh Pirates – Lee is listed as day-to-day with a sore hand after being scratched from Thursday’s game against the Cubs. Lee has been fantastic for the Pirates since coming over in last weekend’s trade, going 3-for-10 with two home runs.

Game Of The Day

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-150, 9.5)

Notable Quotable

"I’m ready for it. It probably will be a little different, but I realized that I don’t have to hit or run. The only thing I have to think about is pitching." – Ubaldo Jimenez on making his first start with the Cleveland Indians following last weekend’s deal with the Colorado Rockies. Jimenez, who was working on a 4.46 ERA in 123 innings pitched with Colorado, is set as a +115 underdog Friday at Texas.

Tips And Notes

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was handed a five-game suspension for his altercation with umpire Rob Drake Wednesday night. Molina decided not to appeal the ban and served the first game of his suspension Thursday. He’s hitting .293 with eight homers and 40 RBIs for the Cardinals, who will turn to Gerald Laird to handle their catching duties until Molina is back.

The B.C. Lions made a major splash this week by swinging a deal for veteran wideout Arlan Bruce from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for a couple of draft picks. However, Lions supporters will have to wait at least another week until the three-time all-star can lend a helping hand. Lions coach Wally Buono says he hasn’t had time to be comfortable in the offense yet. B.C. has lost all five of its games this year, covering just once.

[Mr. IWS]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

691- 516 57 % Run over 3 YEARS

Free one Fri: Red Sox -160

[Mr. IWS]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with the Rays Thursday.

Friday it's the Tigers. The deficit is 2724 sirignanos.

[Mr. IWS]

Hondo

Hondo bounced back from yesterday afternoon's painful loss with the Blue Jays by breezing with the Yankees last night to leave the deficit holding steady at a crisp 2,215 stankiewiczes.

Tonight, Mr. Aitch expects Colon to come out smelling like a rose against the Sawx -- 20 units on the Yankees. Also, he will bother Harang for some help -- 20 on the Padres.

[Mr. IWS]

Gamblers Data

Free Play FRIDAY

Blue Jays -120