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Saturday, September 29, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Week 4


Less then 20% into the season and we're already down to heads-up play.

Here are the picks for week 4.

ggrouchie- Houston
Vegas Vic- Atlanta

Good luck!

MLB Picks, Sept 29th


There are several games on today's MLB docket that are interesting, but only one worth betting and I'm a little hesitant about it.

I like the pitching match ups in both the Yankees/Blue Jays game (Pettitte vs Romero) and the Detroit/Minnesota tilt (Verlander vs Walters), but the price is so high, even laying a run and a half (-$130 to -$135) that it's just not worth the risk.

$15 on Houston (Keuchel) over Milwaukee (Estrada) @ +$235
Dallas Keuchel gets the nod for the Astros in Milwaukee tonight. Keuchel has thrown the pill well lately, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.10 ERA in his last three starts.Thw Brew Crew counters with Marco Estrada, who is having a solid season, but has struggled lately. In his last start he surrendered 6 runs in 4 innings against the Nats and has a 4.37 ERA in his last four outings. Houston is 7-8 this season versus Milwaukee, which doesn't sound too good, but when you consider the Astronauts have only won 52 games all year, it looks pretty good. Houston has won 4 of their last 7 games and the Brewers have dropped 5 of 7.

I have to admit that I'm a little hesitant about this one, but the price is too good to ignore. Besides, how often do I get an excuse to bet on my favorite team?

LVH has the best price on this one.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 273.50
Current Bankroll            $1,773.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Friday, September 28, 2012

College Football Picks, Sept 29th

Three games on the college schedule that look interesting.

$33 @ 11/10 on Texas Tech (-2 1/2) over Iowa State
The Red Raiders are averaging over 50 points a game. The difference this year is that they are actually playing some defense, surrendering 10 points per game.
$22 @ 11/10 on Florida State (-16) over South Florida
FSU average winning margin this season is 46 points per game. South Florida QB Daniels has already thrown 6 interceptions this season. If that continues, this one might be over early.
$22 @ 11/10 on Texas (-2 1/2) over Oklahoma State
Longhorn QBs have thrown zero interceptions this season, Cowboy QBs  have tossed four. Turnovers decide the close ones and Texas has the edge.
Starting Bankroll         $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                   <$ 13.00>
Current Bankroll          $1,987.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, Sept 28th

Two games on the MLB menu today that are worth a nibble.

$20 on Philadelphia (Lee) over Miami (Buehrle) -1 1/2 @ +$115
Cliff Lee gets the nod for a Phillies team on the brink of elimination. Lee is 4-1 with a 1.45 ERA in his last 5 starts and is 4-2 with a 2.84 ERA on the highway. The Marlins send Mark Buehrle to the bump. Buehrle sports a 1-2 record with a 5.20 ERA in his previous four outings. Miami has lost 7 straight and 9 of their last 10.

LVH and Caesars has the best line on this one.
$15 on Milwaukee (Gallardo) over Houston (Gonzalez) -1 1/2 @ -$125
The Brewers send Yovani Gallardo to the hill in Milwaukee tonight. Gallardo is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in his last three starts. The Astros counter with Edgar Gonzalez, who is making his fifth start. Gonzalez is 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA in his last three trips to the mound and is suffering from a gimpy hamstring. The Astros are 16-59 on the road this season.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 308.50
Current Bankroll            $1,808.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Week 4, Heads-Up


We had two more causalities in week three when the Vikings upset the 49ers, so now we're down to heads-up play. . . in week 4. . . which illustrates how bad poker players and bloggers are at picking football games :)

Here are the survivors.

ggrouchie
Vegas Vic

If you're picking tonight's game, I need your pick by 6 pm (CDT) today. If you're picking a Sunday game, I need your pick by midnight Saturday. 

Good luck!

MLB Picks, Sept 27th

Two games on today's docket that are worth a peek.

$15 on San Francisco (Zito) over Arizona (Corbin) -1 1/2 @ +$185
Barry Zito takes the ball for the Giants in this battle of southpaws by the bay. Zito is 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA in his last three starts. The Diamondbacks send Pat Corbin to the mound. Corbin is 1-3 with a 5.91 ERA in his last six outings and is 3-4, 5.40 on the highway this season. Both teams have won 7 of their last 10 games. The Giants have fared well against leftys, posting a 37-17 record.

LVH has the best price on this one.

$15 on Tampa Bay (Shields) over Chi Sox (Peavy) -1 1/2 @ +$150
James Shields gets the nod for a red hot Rays team in the Windy City today. Shields is 3-2 with a 1.93 ERA in his last five trips to the bump. The Sox counter with Jake Peavy, who is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in his last three appearances. Tampa has won 7 straight games and Chicago has dropped 7 of their last 8.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 295.75
Current Bankroll            $1,795.75

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Pokerpalooza and ESPN


 We had seven runners show for our Tuesday Pokerpalooza at the Duck Blind last night. Farmer Harry brought pizza and M2 baked chocolate chip cookies for our gang, so no one went home hungry.


Seated from left to right on your radio dial were Glass Man, Farmer Harry, J-Dawg, Stamps, Bobby Dee, Dealer Larry, and moi.

One player who was not there was Ray-Ray, who was scoring a volleyball match between Baylor and Texas. The match was televised by ESPN-U, so we spent a lot of time trying to find Ray-Ray on the boob tube. It wasn't until the very end of the telecast that his mug flashed across the screen for his 15 seconds of fame. Did you see him?

Once again I was the big winner on the night, almost doubling my money in this $20 buy in, dealer's choice limit game. I was able to win the High Hand Jackpot again with a full house, kings over nines. J-Dawg and Stamps both took home an extra $10, with Harry and Bobby breaking even. Dealer Larry and Glass Man both took it on the chin and limped home with lighter wallets.

We'll have our game again next Tuesday, but after that we'll skip a couple weeks. The local fair begins a week from Friday and most of our poker players are members of the local Lions Club, which has a "Wheel of Fortune" game there.  The game is one of their largest fundraisers and involves a lot of man hours by the members, so we figured we wouldn't be able to get enough players together for a decent game.

So, we're taking a break.

Till next time, win the flips.


MLB Picks, Sept 26th


I don't see anything I like well enough to bet on today's MLB schedule, so I'm going to take a seat on the bench and hope tomorrow brings better options.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 295.75
Current Bankroll            $1,795.75

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Replacement Refs

The runner did not touch second... LOL!


That was some PRO-FRESS-ON-ALLL refereeing last night...no?

MLB Picks, Sept 25th

There are a couple of games on the menu today, although the prices are a little high.

$15 on Atlanta (Medlen) over Miami (Eovaldi) -1 1/2 @ -$120
Kris Medlen takes the ball for the Braves at home tonight. Medlen is having a breakout year, posting a 9-1 record with a stellar 1.51 ERA. In his last three starts he is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA. The Fish counter with Nathan Eovaldi, who is 4-12 with a 4.36 ERA this year. In his last 5 trips to the bump he is 0-4 with a 5.33 ERA. Atlanta is hot, winning 7 of their last 9 games while Miami is struggling, losing 4 straight and 6 of 7. Heads up the Braves have won 11 of 15 this year.
$15 on NYY (Hughes) over Minnesota (Vasquez) -1 1/2 @ -$115
Phil Hughes gets the nod for the Pinstripers in Minnesota this evening. Hughes is 3-0 with a 2.95 ERA in his last three starts. Esmerling Vasquez throws the pill for the Twins, brings a 0-2 record with a 6.75 ERA to the party and has a 7.27 ERA when pitching at home. New York has won 10 of their last 12 games and the Twins have dropped 6 of their last 7 home games.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 325.75
Current Bankroll            $1,825.75

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Pokerpalooza!

We had six donkeys show for our Tuesday night Pokerpalooza, Thursday night edition. For the first time in quite a while, we didn't eat a meal before playing. My daughter made some dip for some friends she had coming over, and was kind enough to share with us. Plus, she made strawberry flavored cupcakes, so no one starved :)

Seated from left to right on your radio dial were Dealer Larry, Ollie the Accountant, Stamps, Ray-Ray, Glass Man, and your humble scribe.

I was able to win the High Hand Jackpot for the evening with jacks full of kings in a hand of Omaha High. It's unusual for a full house to hold up for the HHJ, as someone will usually hit quads (and sometimes better) in some of our wilder games.

Double Flop Nuclear Omaha comes to mind. In DFNO, each player is dealt 5 hole cards and as in regular Omaha, you must play two of your hole cards. There are two flops, one turn, and one river card. You can combine your hand with either flop and needless to say, there are some big hands and big pots. It's like bingo with cards!

I was the big winner for the evening, walking away $23 to the good. Everyone else walked away pretty close to even, except Ray-Ray, who dropped $30. Ray is a decent player, so it was surprising to see him lose so much, but he kept getting run down on the river. As you know, second place in poker gets expensive.

Till next time, win the flips.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

MLB Picks, Sept 24th


There are a couple of games I like on the MLB schedule today, but as I write this, the line on the SL/Houston game hasn't been posted. If the price is decent, the Cards are a good bet.

$15 on Detroit (Verlander) over Kansas City (Hochevar) -1 1/2 @ -$120
Detroit ace Justin Verlander gets the nod for the Tigers tonight. Verlander is 8-2 with a 1.60 ERA at home this season and is 14-2 in his career against the Royals. Luke Hochevar takes the ball for the Royals, bringing a 8-14 record with a 5.40 ERA to the party. In his last 8 starts, Hochevar is 1-5. Detroit has won 7 of the 11 games between the teams this season.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 313.75
Current Bankroll            $1,813.75

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Saturday, September 22, 2012

MLB Picks, Sept 23rd


 Three games on the MLB docket today that look interesting.


$10 on Baltimore (Tillman) over Boston (Doubrount) -1 1/2 @ +$135
Chris Tillman takes the ball for the Orioles against the Red Sox in Fenway. Tillman is 8-2 with a 3.22 ERA this season and is 2-0, 1.69 in his last three starts. Boston counters with southpaw Felix Doubrount, who is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA in his last three. Baltimore has won 6 straight and 8 of their last 10. They are also 25-15 this year versus leftys. The Red Sox have dropped 18 of their last 24. The Birds lead the season series 9-4.
$10 on Milwaukee (Gallardo) over Washington (Wang) -1 1/2 @ +$125
Yovani Gallardo toes the rubber for a hot Brewers team today in our nation's capitol. Gallardo has thrown the pill well lately, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.83 ERA in his last three starts. The Nats hand the ball to Chein-Ming Wang, who has a 10.13 ERA in his last three trips to the bump. Milwaukee has won 24 of their last 31 games.
$10 on St. Louis (Lohse) over Chi Cubs (Germano) -1 1/2 @ +$115
Kyle Lohse gets the nod for the Redbirds today at Wrigley. Lohse has a stellar 15-3 record this season, with a 3.27 ERA. In his last three outings his ERA is even lower, checking in at 1.86. The Cubs pin their hopes on Justin Germano, who brings a 2-8 record, with a 6.17 ERA to the party. St. Louis has won 5 of their last 6 games. Chicago has dropped 6 of 8.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 299.75
Current Bankroll            $1,799.75

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

NFL Picks Contest- Week 3 Selections


The list is quite a bit shorter this week after the New England debacle. Here are the Week 3 picks by the four survivors. The match ups this week don't have any huge favorites like the first two weeks, so it should be interesting.

ggrouchie- Buffalo
Vegas Vic- Chicago
Two Minute Warning- San Francisco
grange95- San Francisco

Good luck!

College Football Picks, Sept 22nd

Four games on the college football menu that look interesting.

$33 @ 11/10 on TCU (-17 1/2) over Virginia
Frogs are tough at home and looking to bounce back after a sloppy win last week.

$22 @11/10 on North Texas St (Pk) over Troy
The Mean Green has outscored its opponents by 79 points in their last two home games.

$22 @ 11/10 on LSU (-18 1/2) over Auburn
Tiger's first road game against a struggling Auburn team. LSU is 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 games as a road favorite.

$22 @ 11/10 on Georgia (-14) over Vanderbilt 
Teams had a "testy" game last year that finished with some hard feelings. Bulldogs haves won 14 of the last 15 games between the two teams.

Starting Bankroll         $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                   <$ 19.00>
Current Bankroll          $1,981.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

Friday, September 21, 2012

MLB Picks, Sept 21st



Only one game on the MLB docket today that's worth a sniff.

$10 on Tampa Bay )Shields) over Toronto (Villanueva) -1 1/2 @ +$105
James Shields gets the nod for the Rays tonight in Tampa. Shields is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in his last three outings. Toronto counters with Carlos Villanueva, who is 0-1 with a 5.03 ERA in his last three. The Blue Jays have lost 7 of their last 9. The Rays haven't fared much better, losing 7 of 10, which is why I'm betting light on this one. Tampa has won 11 of the 15 games between the two teams this season.
 LVH has the best price on this game.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 289.25
Current Bankroll            $1,789.25

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times


It was the best of times, it was the worst. There were a couple of decisions (to be made by others), that the Duck household had been waiting on, and wouldn't you know it, both came down yesterday.

First the good.

My daughter is majoring in psychology at Tarleton State and had applied for an internship at the school. Only one student is selected and she learned a few weeks ago that she was one of five finalists for the position. She was informed yesterday that she had been selected and will begin her internship in the very near future. The woman she will be working under is one of a very few who decide which students will be accepted into he University's graduate program. So this certainly gives M2 an inside track to acceptance at the next level of education. And it will look great on her resume'.

Needless to say, I'm one proud Dad :)

Now the bad.

Ms. Duck heard rumors a few months ago that her employer, State Farm might be closing the office in which she works. She was informed yesterday, by conference call (ah, the sensitivity of the corporate world), that her office, along with all Agency Field Offices across the country, will be closed as of March 30, 2013. She has been offered her position in their new centralized office in Dallas, but a four hour commute every day (two up, two back), seems a little extreme. So, after 30+ years with one company, suddenly it's over.

Needless to say, she is going through the gambit of emotions.

Next week she will be part of another conference call where she will learn what type of severance package State Farm will offer. A week later she'll find out about accessing her retirement fund.

Needless to say, I'm one upset husband.

Life is interesting sometimes. My daughter is not getting paid to work and my wife will be getting paid not to work.

Yesterday was certainly an eventful day. The best of times, the worst of times.

MLB Picks, Sept 20th

One game on the schedule today that looks promising.

$20 on San Francisco (Zito) over Colorado (De La Rosa) -1 1/2 @ +$145
In a battle of left handers by the bay, Barry Zito takes the ball for the Giants versus Jorge De La Rosa  and the Rockies. Zito is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in his last three starts and has only given up 1 earned run in his last 13 innings. De La Rosa is coming off an injury and is making his first start of the season. His career ERA is a little over 4 in 120+ games. San Fran has won 15 of their last 21 games and are 13-4 against the Rockies this year. The Mountain Men have dropped 12 of their last 14. The Giants are 34-16 versus southpaws while the Rockies are 13-30 against leftys.

LVH has the best price on this one.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 260.25
Current Bankroll            $1,760.25

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Duck Tape- Thoughts That Stick in My Empty Head


I took my kids, Sonny Boy and M2, along with Sonny Boy's new girlfriend, to see the Baylor/Sam Houston State match up on Saturday evening. We had a good time overall, and saw most of a pretty entertaining football game.

I say "most" because we left after the third quarter and here's why. The game started at six o'clock and I figured it would last about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, because Baylor likes to fling the ball around the field kinda like we all used to do in our backyards. Incomplete passes cause the clock to stop, so I knew it wouldn't be a short game.

Boy, was I right.

Being such a huge match up, obviously having national championship implications, the game was televised by one of the networks (ESPN 8 I believe..."The Ocho!") which meant TV timeouts. In addition, the referees must have wanted a lot of face time on the Ocho, because about every third play they would throw a flag.

And the clock would stop.

On top of the laundry issue, were the reviews. Oh my dear Lord in heaven, I don't know how many booth reviews there were in the first three quarters, but it was more than you can count on your fingers.

And the clock would stop. For a long time.

After a little over three hours, the third quarter ended with Baylor leading 24-23 and Sam Houston with a fourth and goal on Baylor's one yard line. Our group still hadn't eaten dinner, so we left.

Three hours is long enough for any sporting event. There were too many flags, too many reviews, and way too many TV timeouts. I've already pretty much quit watching the NFL because of all the commercial breaks and it looks like college football might get crossed off my list too.

I know commercials pay the bills for both levels of football, but the games are going to have to be shortened or I'll find something better to do with my time.

Back with more after this brief commercial break :)


MLB Picks, Sept 19th

Again today, I only see one game on the MLB schedule that's worth betting.

$15 on Chi Sox (Sale) over Kansas City (Chen) -1 1/2 @ -$110
Chris Sale gets the nod for the White Sox in Kansas City tonight. Sale has had a stellar season, posting a 17-6 record with a 2.78 ERA. Bruce Chen toes the rubber for the Royals, bringing a 10-12 record and a 5.42 ERA to the dance. Chen has been roughed up lately as evidenced by his 0-2 record and 7.85 ERA in his last three starts. Chicago enters tonight's game on a 5 game winning streak and the Royals have dropped 4 of their last 5.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 275.25
Current Bankroll            $1,775.25

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Black Sunday, Week 2 Results

Oh, the humanity!

It was an ugly Sunday for most of you, with the Patriots coughing up a big luge against the Cards. I mentioned in an earlier post how bad everyone did last season, with the contest ending only 9 weeks in, but that looks pretty good right now!

I listed ggrouchie's pick incorrectly, as he went with the Bengals over Cleveland. If the Giants hadn't made a miracle comeback in the fourth quarter last weekend, the contest would be over after two weeks with ggrouchie winning. And I'd have to purchase a stinkin' Pittsburgh Steelers shirt for him. Geez!

Here are the survivors;

ggrouchie
Vegas Vic
Two Minute Warning
grange95

Here's the list of those who were toe-tagged;

Memphis MOJO- New England
lightning36- New England
Music City Momma- New England
One & Done- New England
Coach- New England
Very Josie- New England
Neophyte- New England
M Prosk- New England
angerisagift- New England
Waffles- New England

At least you can say you came in fifth :)

Good luck to the survivors! I'll need your picks by midnight tomorrow if you're picking the Thursday night game this week. Otherwise, your pick will be due by midnight Saturday.

Thanks for playing.

MLB Picks, Sept 18th

Only one game on the menu today that's worth a peek.

$15 on Cincinnati (Bailey) over Chi Cubs (Germano) -1 1/2 @ +$105
Homer Bailey gets the start for the Reds at Wrigley Field tonight against a Cubs team that has been paying better of late. Bailey is 1-0 with a tidy 1.66 ERA in his last three starts and is 7-2 on the highway this season. Chicago counters with Justin Germano, who is struggling. Germano is 0-5 with a 9.51 ERA in his last five trips to the bump. His season hasn't gone so well either, posting a 2-7 record and a 6.24 ERA. The Reds are 9-4 versus the Cubs this season and have won 8 of their last 12 road games.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 259.50
Current Bankroll            $1,759.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Vegas or Bust Poker League

The ten members of our Vegas or Bust Poker League met last Friday for our ninth of 16 monthly tournaments. The players who occupy the top two positions after 16 tourneys win a trip to the 2013 WSOP.

Seated around the table were J-Dawg, Tin Man, Lil' Annie Okie, Philly Phanatic, Ollie the Accountant, Dealer Larry, Stamps, Bobby Dee, Big Daddy, and your truly.

My first notable hand was against Big Daddy, which is both good and bad. Big Daddy usually overplays his hands, which can be very profitable, but unless you have a big hand it's difficult to put him on a hand and know what to do. I was UTG +1 when I looked down at A-A. Blinds were at $30-60 and Big Daddy had limped, so I popped it to $160, hoping to play heads up with him. Bobby Dee decided to protect his BB and called with 8-8. Big Daddy completed the betting with a call and the three of us saw a Q high flop. Bobby checked and Big Daddy min bet $60. I raised to $160 to find out if he was serious and after Bobby folded, he called. The turn was harmless and he min bet again, but this time I just called, wondering if he had stumbled into two pair or a set. He checked the river and I checked behind. Big Daddy tabled A-Q for top pair, but my unimproved aces were good enough.

Big Daddy was the first to fall on his sword, followed by Dealer Larry. Bobby Dee was next to go when Philly hit runner-runner for a flush. I would later fall victim to the same later in the tournament.

Lil' Annie Okie went out in seventh, followed by J-Dawg. Ollie and Tin Man were the next two to receive toe tags, which meant that I had reached my first goal which was to finish in the top three. Now my challenge was to win it!

With blinds at $300-600, Philly raised to $1500 from the dealer button. Stamps folded and I peeked down at K-K. I figured Philly would push any flop, so I smooth called with my plan being to check the flop and call Philly's push unless an ace showed. Then I would have to go with my gut. The flop had two spades and one of them was a K, giving me the set. I checked and was not disappointed when Philly shoved with A-Q offsuit. I called, only to lose to runner-runner spades, giving Philly the flush and knocking me down to 4 BB.

The very next hand Philly and Stamps got it all in on the flop when Philly flopped top and bottom pair, but Stamps hit a set of eights. Philly didn't improve and strangely enough, both players had exactly the same amount of chips, even this late in the tourney, so Philly was felted and Stamps and I were down to heads-up play.

With only 3 BB, I picked up K-9 offsuit and thought it was good enough to go with, so I pushed, only to be insta-called by Stamps. That was bad news, because Stamps is one of our tightest players. As I feared, he turned over a premium hand, pocket queens and just that quickly the tournament ended.

My second place finish enabled me to extend my lead to 12 points over Ollie and 15 over J-Dawg, so things are looking good right now. I'm not ready to go ultra conservative yet, but if I can hold this big a lead for another three tournaments, I will have to reconsider my strategy. After all, second place is as good as first!

Click here for the results and updated standings.

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks, Sept 17th


 After a rough weekend picking both MLB and NCAA games, it's back on the horse today. There's only one game that's worth a peek today on an abbreviated schedule.

$10 on Tampa Bay (Cobb) over Boston (Cook) -1 1/2 @ +$105
A hot Alex Cobb takes the ball for the Rays against a Red Sox team that has already packed it in for the season. Cobb is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in his last 4 trips to the bump. Boston counters with Aaron Cook, who has been hit hard in his last several appearances, posting a 0-5 record with a 7.20 ERA in his last 6 outings. The Red Sox have dropped 14 of their last 18 games and the Rays are 3-7 in their last 10, which is why I'm not betting more on this one.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 269.50
Current Bankroll            $1,769.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Week 2 Picks

The picks for Week 2 of the Small Potatoes NFL Picks Contest are in and are listed below.


It looks like the Patriots are team of choice this week.

Memphis MOJO- New England
ggrouchie- NY Giants
lightning36- New England
Vegas Vic- NY Giants
Music City Momma- New England
Two Minute Warning- NY Giants
One & Done- New England
Coach- New England
Very Josie- New England
Neophyte- New England
M Prosk- New England
angerisagift- New England
Waffles- New England
grange95- NY Giants

Good luck everyone!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Picks Due Today

Don't forget to send your picks to me by midnight (CDT) tonight for the NFL Picks Contest.

I'll post everyone's picks as soon as I have them all.

Good luck!

Friday, September 14, 2012

College Football Picks, Sept 15th


There are five games ripe for the pickin' on Saturday's college football schedule.

$22 @ 11/10 on TCU (-21) over Kansas
The Frogs opening Big 12 game should be a good one for them. Good offense (TCU) + bad defense (Kansas) = Cha-Ching!

$22 @ 11/10 on UCLA (-17 1/2) over Houston
This should be a track meet, but the Cougars won't be able to keep up.

$11 @ 11/10 on Baylor (-28 1/2) over Sam Houston
The Bears picked up where they left off last year with RG3, scoring 59 against SMU in their opening game. The Southland Conference's Bearkats thrashed Incarnate Word 54-7 last week, but will find their reading assignment this week to be a lot tougher.

$11 @ 11/10 on Michigan St (-4) over Notre Dame
The Irish struggled on the ground last week against Purdue. Will they be able to run the ball against State?

$11 @ 11/10 on Mississippi St. (-16 1/2) over Troy
The Bulldogs are coming off a big win against Auburn. Will they be flat? The Trojans have a prolific offense, but a porous defense.

Starting Bankroll         $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                   <$ 2.00>
Current Bankroll          $1,998.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

50,000 and Counting


Earlier this week I noticed the hit counter on the blog passed the 50K mark and I thought it would be an appropriate time to thank all of you who read this drivel and especially those of you who "follow" Small Potatoes.

In addition, thanks to each of you who have linked me to your site. It's the lifeblood of any blog and I really appreciate it. Josie was the first to provide a link, so she gets a special shout out.

Here's to the next 50K :)

Poker Update

I've been on a nice run at the poker table since returning from Vegas a couple weeks ago. In three home games I've come home a winner in all of them.

Last week in the game I host at the Duck Blind, I won the High Hand Jackpot with a straight flush to the 9 in a hand of Pai Gow, which was the only thing that saved me from ending the evening in the red.

Last Tuesday, again in my home game, it was one of those nights where all my draws were hitting. I finished with a $25 gain on a $20 investment. Not bad :)

Tonight is out monthly Vegas or Bust League tournament at Tin Man's house. We've completed the first half of league play, and I have built a decent lead. My goal in the second half is the same as the first, finish no lower than third. I've missed my goal the last two months with 7th and 4th place finishes, so I hope to do better tonight.

I'll post the results sometime this weekend.

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks, Sept 14th

Only one game worth a peek on today's MLB menu.

$20 on Cincinnati (Arroyo) over Miami (Turner) -1 1/2 @ +$115
Bronson Arroyo gets the nod for the Reds in Miami tonight. Arroyo has pitched well over the last month, posting a 5-0 record with a 2.40 ERA in his last six trips to the hill. The Fish counter with Jacob Turner, who is making his fourth start. In his first three he has posted a 0-2 record with a 5.29 ERA. Miami has lost 10 of their last 14 games.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 289.50
Current Bankroll            $1,789.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

MLB Picks, Sept 13th

Don't look now, but the Phillies are making a run at the wild card.

Only one game on the menu today that's worth betting.


$15 on Texas (Holland) over Cleveland (McAllister) -1 1/2 @ -$120
Southpaw Derek Holland takes the ball for the Rangers tonight in Arlington. Holland is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his last three outings. A struggling Zach McAllister gets the nod for the Tribe. McAllister hasn't won in his last 5 starts and is 0-3 with a 10.32 ERA in his last three. Texas has won 10 of their last 13 home games, while Cleveland has dropped 14 of their last 17 on the highway. The Indians also have a tough time against leftys, posting a 14-32 record this season.

Caesars/Harrahs has the best line on this one.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 304.50
Current Bankroll            $1,804.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Week 2

Just a reminder that I need your pick by midnight tonight if you are picking the Bears/Packers game tomorrow. The rest of the games are Sunday, so your picks aren't due until Saturday at midnight if you are picking one of them.

Either leave a comment or e-mail your pick to nfl.picks@ymail com.

Good luck!

In the Red

I went 2-2 on my first weekend of football picks, which means a net loss because of the vig.

Both Kansas and Arkansas lost their games outright as double digit favorites, Arkansas a 30 1/2 point fav.

Hopefully, this week will bring better results.

Starting Bankroll         $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                   <$ 2.00>
Current Bankroll          $1,998.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, Sept 12th

Only one game worth a peek on today's MLB lineup.

$20 on Texas (Dempster) over Cleveland (Gomez) -1 1/2 @ -$120
The Rangers Ryan Dempster gets the nod tonight against a struggling Indians team. After a rough start in Arlington, Dempster has found his feet and is throwing well, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.08 ERA in his last four trips to the bump. Cleveland counters with Jeanmar Gomez, who has had a tough time getting anyone out lately. In his last 5 starts, Gomez is 1-3 with an 8.37 ERA. The Rangers have won 9 of their last 12 home games and the Tribe has lost 13 of 16 in enemy territory.

Caesars/Harrahs has the best line on this one.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 288.50
Current Bankroll            $1,788.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

One Final Thing Concerning 911

A gripping interview with a victim in the WTC when it was hit by the first plane. A fascinating read.

 


Duck Tape- Thoughts That Stick In My Empty Head


As you know, today is the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. And we can't forget the plane that the passengers forced down in a field in Pennsylvania.

It's a day we all remember.

I was working and had the radio on in my office. WBAP out of Dallas runs a news talk format and I usually had it on just for background noise. Occasionally a big news story would break and I would pay attention.

September 11, 2001 was one of those days.

By the time I turned the radio on, the first plane had already hit one of the towers.. "What a tragedy'" I thought. Then a few minutes later the second plane hit and we knew our country was under attack.

I called my sister and asked if she had the TV on.

"No," she said. "Why."

"Just turn it on."

"What channel," she asked.

"Pick one."

"Oh my God," she said when she saw the smoke coming out of the towers. "What happened?"

My mother was visiting friends in Louisville, Kentucky and was scheduled to catch a plane home the next day. Needless to say, she didn't make that flight. When I picked her up at the Waco airport several days later, I found it curious that the airport security was going thru everyone's luggage after they had gotten off the plane. Seemed like it was a little late to be checking for explosives then.

It was a time of fear and uncertainty, but it was also a time that the country truly united. Even our government leaders put aside their politics for a brief time and put the country's interests ahead of their own. It had been a long time since that had happened and it hasn't happened since, but it's good to know that we can rally together when we have to.

So, where were you and what were you doing when you heard the news of the attacks?

MLB Picks Sept 11th

I don't see anything that excites me too much on today's MLB docket. The Dodgers/ D-Backs pitching match up (Kershaw vs. Kennedy) looks favorable for LA, but Arizona has a decent record against left handed pitchers this season and they have beaten the Dodgers in 10 of the 16 games they have played. So, I think I'll take a day of rest today and look for a better opportunity tomorrow.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 288.50
Current Bankroll            $1,788.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Monday, September 10, 2012

NFL Picks Contest -Week 1 Results (Update)

It has been pointed out to me by two contestants (one smarter than me, one not- I'll let you figure out which is which) that Josie's Boytoy picked Seattle and has been toe-tagged. Sorry JBT :(

Week 1 of the Small Potatoes NFL Picks Contest is history with no one casualty. A couple of you had a sweat with the Iggles, but everyone else sailed thru pretty easily.


Here are the survivors;

Memphis MOJO
ggrouchie
lightning36
Vegas Vic
Music City Momma
Two Minute Warning
One & Done
Coach
Very Josie
Neophyte
M Prosk
angerisagift
Waffles
grange95
Josie's Boytoy




There is a Thursday game this week, so if you are picking that game I'll need your pick by midnight (CDT) Wednesday night. If you are picking a Sunday game, I'll need your pick by midnight Saturday night.

Good luck everyone!

Thanks for playing.

MLB Picks, Sept 10th

Two games on the MLB menu that are worth a nibble.

$20 on Washington (Gonzales) over NY Mets (McHugh) -1 1/2 @ +$110
A hot Gio Gonzales toes the rubber for the Nats against Colin McHugh and the Mets in the Big Apple. Gonzales is 18-7 this year and is 5-1 with a 1.87 ERA in his last six starts. He also throws from the port side and the Mets are 19-31 versus leftys this season. McHugh is making his third start for the Mets, and is 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA thus far. Washington has won 11 of the 15 games against New York this year.
$10 on LA Angels (Haren) over Oakland (Parker) -1 1/2 @ +$135
Dan Haren takes the ball for a red hot Angels club tonight against the A's, who are playing pretty well themselves. Haren is 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in his last three starts. Oakland counters with Jarrod Parker, who sports a 1-1 record with a 5.00 ERA in his last three trips to the bump. The Halos have won 11 of their last 12 games. Oakland has won 7 of their last 10.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 276.50
Current Bankroll            $1,776.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Duck Tape- Thoughts That Stick in My Empty Head

I saw an article late last week that was centered around a deal that the NBA made with the owners of the St. Louis Spirits of the old ABA. The deal was struck in 1976 when the NBA refused to allow the Spirits to enter the league, instead opting for the Nets, Nuggets, Pacers, and Spurs. As part of the deal the Silna brothers, owners of the Spirits, would receive 1/7 of the four teams TV revenue... forever!

Of course this was before the Bird/Johnson rivalry of the '80s, which caused the TV revenues to explode. Although the Silnas haven't sold a ticket in over 35 years, they have received approximately $255 million from the NBA since the deal was made. Not a bad payoff for not being invited to the party!

The play by play man for the Spirits?
A young Bob Costas
From Wikipedia;
 The Spirits were not included in the merger, but the Silna brothers nonetheless managed to turn it into one of the greatest deals in the history of professional sports. In June 1976 the remaining ABA owners agreed, in return for the Spirits folding, to pay the St. Louis owners $2.2 million in cash up front in addition to a 1/7 share of the four remaining teams' television revenues in perpetuity. As the NBA's popularity exploded in 1980s and 1990s, the league's television rights were sold to CBS and then NBC and additional deals were struck with the TNT and TBS cable networks; league television revenue soared into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Over the past 30-plus years, the Silnas have collected over $200 million from the NBA, despite the fact that the Spirits never played an NBA game.
Click here for the complete article.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Week 1 Selections

Week 1 of the Small Potatoes NFL Picks Contest is underway with the Houston Texans being the team of choice. Picks are listed below.

Memphis MOJO- Houston
ggrouchie- Detroit
lightning36- da Bears
Vegas Vic- Houston
Music City Momma- Philadelphia
Two Minute Warning- Chicago
One & Done- Philadelphia
Coach- Houston
Very Josie- Houston
Neophyte- Houston
M Prosk- Houston
angerisagift- Houston
Waffles- New England
grange95- Detroit
Josie's Boytoy- Seattle

Looks like the contest will be half over if the Fish manage to pull the upset in Houston.

Good luck everyone! I hope you don't get toe tagged the first week.

Thanks for playing.

MLB Picks, Sept 9th

One game on the Sunday MLB schedule that's worth a peek.

$15 on Baltimore (Britton) over NY Yankees (Garcia) -1 1/2 @ +$155
Zach Britton toes the rubber for the Orioles against the Yankees and Freddy Garcia. Britton is 4-0 with a 0.94 ERA in his last four starts. Garcia is 0-1 with a 7.53 in his last three. Baltimore has won 7 of their last 10 and New York has lost 7 of 10.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 291.50
Current Bankroll            $1,791.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!