MLB Picks, May 29th

I like one game on today's schedule.

Sorry MOJO.

$10 @ +135 on San Francisco (Vogelsong) over St. Louis (Garcia)

Vogelsong is 2-1 with a 1.83 ERA in his last three trips to the hill. Garcia is 1-0 with a 4.26 in his 2 starts this season. The Giants have won 6 of their last 7. The Cardinals are 3-2 in their last 5.

Starting Bankroll              $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                         ($15.50)
Current Bankroll               $1,484.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 28th

One game is worth a peek on today's menu.

$20 on San Francisco (Lincecum) [-1.5 @ +145] over ChiCubs (Jackson)

Lincecum is 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA in his last three trips to the bump. In contrast, Jackson is 1-2 with a 5.82 in his last 3, including a 4 inning 8 run effort against the light-hitting Padres in his last start. The Giants have won 5 of 6 and the Cubs have dropped 3 of 5. 5Dimes has the best price.

Starting Bankroll         $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                   ($44.50)
Current Bankroll         $1,455.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 26th

One game on the Memorial Day menu looks good.

$13 @ -130 on Milwaukee (Lohse) over Baltimore (Tillman)

Lohse is 6-1 with a 2.67 ERA this season and is coming off an 8 inning, 1 run outing against the Braves. Tillman is 4-2 with a 4.21, but was rocked for 6 runs in 1 inning versus the Pirates his last start. The Brewers have won 3 of their last 5 while the Orioles have dropped 5 of 8.

Starting Bankroll         $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                   ($31.50)
Current Bankroll         $1,468.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

One Saturday in Texas

My daughter M2 asked me several weeks ago if I would teach her how to shoot a shotgun. Although she had shot a pistol, she had never fired a shotgun (I know, I'm a terrible parent).

We headed out this morning to our 20 acres of heaven, which we affectionately call "Belly Achers," for a day of shooting and fishing. Also in tow were her boyfriend Ben and Sonny Boy. 

We used a styrofoam plate as a target and after a short course in gun safety, M2 was ready to line up her first shot.

I brought my old 16ga Ithaca pump to break her in. The Ithaca is a smooth shooting gun with a minimal kick to it. She also fired a few rounds with Ben's 12ga Browning.

Although she missed the target on her first shot, she peppered the target on her second try. Success!

Sonny Boy wanted to try my Ithaca too and hit the bulls-eye on his first try.

We then took turns firing Sonny Boy's 75 year old Russian made rifle. That one didn't have a stock pad and provided quite a kick. And a bruised shoulder.

Sonny Boy with his rifle.

Once the last shot was fired, we decided to wet a few hooks. Between us we caught about 20 fish, mostly bluegill, but also a few bass. 

Sonny Boy, Ben, and M2.

M2 caught the most fish, but Papa Duck caught the biggest one with a top water lure. 

First fish!

Biggest fish!

 A fun day with my kiddos at a time when I needed it :)

Cancer Returns Update

Mom with my daughter at last year's graduation.

Those of you that regularly follow this rag are up to date on my mother's situation. If you're a newbie, you can catch up by clicking HERE and HERE.

Mom's biopsy results are in and they are not good. All three lymph nodes contain cancer cells.

She meets with her doctors on June 3rd to discuss options.

Thank you to all for your well wishes. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Lucki

MLB Picks, May 20th

Only one game looks good today. Going back to the well and taking the A's again.

$21 @ -105 on Oakland (Pomeranz) over Tampa Bay (Odorizzi)

The A's give the ball to leftie Pomeranz, who is 3-1 with a 1.14 ERA this season. The Rays trot out Odorizzi, who brings a 2-3 record with a 4.89 ERA to the dance. He's thrown better lately though, as evidenced by his 1-0, 1.80 in his last 3 starts. Oakland has won 3 in a row and 9 of 10. Tampa Bay has lost 3 of 4 and are 5-8 against left handed starters this year. CG Tech has the best line.

Starting Bankroll         $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                   ($51.50)
Current Bankroll         $1,448.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 19th

One game is worth a peek on a short MLB schedule.

$10 on Detroit (Smyly) [+100] over Cleveland (Kluber)

Two hot pitchers square off in Cleveland tonight. Leftie Smyly toes the rubber for the Tigers, bringing a 1-1 record with a 1.96 ERA in his last 3 starts to the party. The Indians counter with Kluber, 2-0 with a 2.08 in his last 3. Detroit has won 6 straight while Cleveland has dropped 4 in a row. The Indians are 4-11 against southpaws this season.

Starting Bankroll         $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                   ($41.50)
Current Bankroll         $1,458.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 18th

One game on the Sunday MLB schedule is worth a peek.

$10 on Oakland (Chavez) [-1.5 @ +145] over Cleveland (Masterson)

Chavez is 3-1 with a 2.44 ERA this season. Masterson is 2-2 with a 4.31, but pitches better at home. The A's are red hot, winning 8 of 9. The Indians have lost 3 straight and 4 of 5.

Starting Bankroll         $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                   ($56.00)
Current Bankroll         $1,444.00

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

Cancer Returns-Update

My mother's biopsy procedure is scheduled for this morning at 9:30 CDT in Houston. Please send some positive vibes to H-Town for her.

CLICK HERE to catch up on the story thus far.

Thanks.

Lucki

Vegas or Bust Poker League- Season 3

We began the third season of our Vegas or Bust Poker League last Friday. At stake is two seats to the 2015 WSOP in Vegas. Included in both packages is the buy-in, round trip airfare, and hotel.

I have been fortunate to win a seat in the first two seasons, so my goal is to hit the trifecta!

We have the same line-up again this season with one exception. Dealer Larry dropped out and was replaced by his Dad, Ollie the Accountant. Ollie played in our first season and narrowly missed winning a seat.

We had some big hands early as Ranger Rick and Stamps got it all in on the second level of blinds. Stamps flopped a straight and Rick two pair. The board didn'r pair and Rick was the first casualty of the new season.

Big Daddy was next to go, followed by Ollie, who had a straight flush to the jack early in the tourney. Play was tight and it was a while before anyone else was eliminated. Unfortunately for Stamps, he was unable to hold on to the chips he won from Rick and was knocked out in seventh.

Bobby Dee was next to fall on his sword, then J-Dawg received his toe-tag. One of our season 2 winners, Lil' Annie Okie went out in fourth.

Blinds were huge at this point ($500-1000 with only $15,000 in play), so the game was pretty much bingo at this point. You just had to get decent cards, shove it in, and hope for the best.

I was able to felt Philly Phanatic, but lost a coin toss to Tin Man when his pocket eights beat my two overs.

I was disappointed I didn't win the tournament, but I was pleased to get off to a good start. Only 11 more to go!

CLICK HERE for the league standings.

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks, May 14th

One game looks good today.

$12 @ -115 on Detroit (Verlander) over Baltimore (Gausman)

Verlander is 4-2 with a 2.67 ERA this season. Gausman is making his first start. Detroit has won 3 of 4 and is 4-1 against the Birds this season. The Orioles have lost 3 straight.

Starting Bankroll         $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                   ($66.50)
Current Bankroll         $1,433.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 13th

Going to give the A's another shot today.

$30 on Oakland (Pomeran) [-1.5 @ +125] over ChiSox (Carroll)

Pomeran is making his second start of the season. He threw 5 innings of shutout ball against Seattle in his first. Overall he is 2-1 with a 1.45 ERA this season. Carroll is making his fourth start, bringing a 1-2 record with a 3.63 ERA to the party. He was rocked for 6 runs in 4 innings of work against the Cubs his last time out. The A's have won 5 straight. The White Sox have lost 3 in a row and 4 of 5. William Hill has the best line.

Starting Bankroll         $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                   ($104.00)
Current Bankroll         $1,396.00

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 12th

One game on tap today looks good.

$20 on Oakland (Chavez) [-1.5 @ +115] over ChiSox (Danks)

The A's send Chavez to the bump tonight. He is 2-1 with a nice 2.47 ERA this season. The Palehose counter with Danks, who is 1-2 with a lofty 8.10 ERA in his last three starts. Oakland has won 4 straight and the White Sox have lost 3 of 4. Pinnacle Sports has the best line.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                                  ($84.00)
Current Bankroll                                        $1,416.00

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

Hockey Picks, May 9th

One playoff game looks good.

$17 on Pittsburgh (-170) over NY Rangers

The Penguins have beaten the Rangers 3 straight and look to close out the series tonight. Pittsburgh has outscored New York 9-2 in the last 3 games.

Starting Bankroll                           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                       $66.00
Current Bankroll                           $1,566.00

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

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 9th

One game on the left coast is worth a peek.

$35 @ -125 on Miami (Fernandez)  over San Diego (Ross)

Fernandez is 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA in his last three trips to the hill. Ross is 1-1 with a 4.91 in his last three, but had a nice outing against the Braves his last start, surrendering 1 run in 7 innings. The Marlins have won 5 straight and 9 of 10. The Padres have lost 3 in a row and 7 of 9. 5Dimes has the best line.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                                  ($49.00)
Current Bankroll                                        $1,451.00

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 8th

One afternoon tilt looks good.

$20 on Detroit (Smyly) [-1.5 @ +105] over Houston (Kuechel)

A battle of lefties in the Motor City today. Smyly is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA this season including a 7 inning shutout against Kansas City in his last outing. Kuechel is 1-1 with a 4.42 ERA in his last three starts. The Tigers have won 8 straight and are 9-1 this season versus southpaws. The Astros have dropped 7 of 8 and are 2-8 against left-handed starters. 5Dimes has the best price.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                                  ($29.00)
Current Bankroll                                        $1,471.00

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 7th

Only one game is worth a peek on today's schedule.

$11 on Detroit (Porcello) [-1.5 @ -110] over Houston (Peacock)

Porcello is 3-0 with a 3.32 ERA in his last three starts. At home this season he is 2-0 with a 1.32. Peacock is 0-2 with a 5.26 ERA this season. The Tigers have won 7 straight and the Astros have dropped 6 of 7.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                                  ($18.00)
Current Bankroll                                        $1,482.00

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 6th

A couple games on Tuesday's docket look good.

$10 on Colorado (Nicasio) [-1.5 @ +175] over Texas (Ross)

Nicasio is 3-1 with a 4.19 ERA this season. He tossed 7 innings of shut out ball against the Mets in his last outing. Ross is 0-2 with a 7.36 in his last 3, including surrendering 6 runs in 6 innings against the A's in his last start. The Rockies have won 7 of 9 and the Rangers have dropped 6 of 8. 5Dimes.eu has the best line on this one.

$10 on LA Angels (Wilson) [-1.5 @ +155] over NY Yankees (Kuroda)

Wilson is 2-1 with a 2.37 ERA in his last three trips to the bump, including an 8 inning, 1 run outing against the Indians in his last start. Kuroda is 0-2 with a 6.61 in his last 3. The Angels have won 5 of 7 while the Yankees have dropped 5 of 6. 5Dimes has the best price on this one.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                                  ($25.50)
Current Bankroll                                        $1,474.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, May 5th

Three games on tap tonight look worthwhile.

$40 on Detroit (Scherzer) [-1.5 @ -120] over Houston (Cosart)

Scherzer is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA in his last 3 starts. Cosart is 0-1, 7.62 in his last 3. The Tigers have won 5 straight while the Astros have dropped 4 of 5.

$10 on Colorado (Lyles) [-1.5 @ +170] over Texas (Perez)

Lyles is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in his last 3 trips to the bump. He's 2-0 with a 0.66 at home this season. Perez is 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in his last 3 starts. The Rockies have won 6 of their last 8 and the Rangers have dropped 5 of 7.

$10 on LA Angels (Weaver) [-1.5 @ +140] over NY Yankees (Phelps)

Weaver is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his last 3 outings. Phelps is making his first start. The Angels have won 4 of 6 and the Yankees have lost 4 of 5. New York leads the season series 2-1.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                                  ($88.50)
Current Bankroll                                        $1,421.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!

Cancer Returns

Easter 2014

A little over two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was caught early and treated successfully with a cyberknife procedure.

After an early April catscan revealed some change in the lymph nodes in the same area of her right lung, a petscan was ordered. The petscan is used to reveal cancerous cells by "lighting up" during the test. Mom had several that lit up.

She'll head down to Houston later this month for a biopsy and then we will see what lies ahead. The last time she had this procedure done her lung collapsed and she spent a couple days in the hospital. It's likely to happen again according to her doctor.

Wonderful.

So it looks like the road will get bumpy for Ma Duck and the rest of us. Prayers, good thoughts, positive karma... whatever good energy you can provide will be appreciated as we begin this journey once again.

As my friend Josie says, "Cancer sucks."

Amen.

MLB Picks, May 2nd

Only one game look good on today's schedule.

$33 @ -165 on St. Louis (Wainwright) over ChiCubs (Wood)

Wainwright hasn't surrendered a run in his last 3 starts. Wood is 1-2 with a 3.93 ERA in his last 3. The Cubs have dropped 5 of 7.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                                                  ($55.50)
Current Bankroll                                        $1,444.50

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 you own risk.

Good luck!