Current Lines

Monday, April 30, 2012

MLB Picks, April 30th

One game today that's worth a stab.

$15 on Pittsburgh (McDonald) vs. Atlanta (Minor) UNDER 7 1/2 @ -$120

McDonald has a career 0.98 ERA against the Braves and sports a nifty 2.78 on the season. Minor has a 1.59 lifetime ERA versus the Bucs and has thrown the pill well so far this year, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.53 ERA in his last three trips to the bump. The UNDER has paid in 15 of the Pirates' last 18 games.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 189.50
Current Bankroll            $1,689.50

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, April 29, 2012

The Big 'C'- Update

My daughter and my Mom
Mom's CyberKnife treatment begins tomorrow afternoon.

She'll have sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with each session lasting 2- 2 1/2 hours. If all goes well, after she completes all three she'll be able to come home.

She's been gone for almost a month, so I'm sure her cat and dog will be glad to see her.

She will go back to Houston in approximately six weeks for a check-up.

MLB Picks, April 29th

Only one game on Sunday's menu that looks good enough to throw a few dollars at.

$15 on San Francisco (Bumgarner) over San Diego (Richard) -1 1/2 @ +$125
Bumgarner is 3-0, with a 1.77 ERA in his last three starts. Richard is 0-1, 9.77 in his last three. The Giants have won 7of their last 10 games. The Padres have dropped 6 of 8 on the highway.




Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 170.75
Current Bankroll            $1,670.75

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, April 28, 2012

Snowmen Shot Down By Bullet

We had seven runners sit down at the poker table to play in Tin Man's $5 NLHE Tourney last Friday. Seated clockwise were Big Daddy, Ranger Rick, Philly Phanatic, Lil' Annie Okie, Tin Man, Music Man, and your humble scribe.

Philly started fast and busted Big Daddy first, then Music Man, Annie, Tin Man, and me. Don to three players, the blinds had gotten large and I pushed pocket eights from UTG. Ranger Rick folded his SB, but Philly said, "You messed up this time!" I was expecting pocket aces or kings, and was relieved when he flipped over A-Q.

The first four board cards were harmless. "I'm not worried," Philly said, "I'm gonna hit an ace on the river."

Uh huh.

The river? Ace of course and I was a dead duck.

Rick managed to come back from a 3-1 chip disadvantage to win the tourney when his 7-2 flopped trip sevens on the final hand.

The $2 buy-in cash game went much better for me. I had decided to play my 'A' game and throw away all the marginal hands I had been playing the past few weeks. My strategy worked well, and I was able to cash out with a $17 profit. Combined with my tourney buy-in, I came out $11 to the good for the evening.

I'll take it : )

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks, April 28th

A couple of AL games are worth a peek today.

$20 on Texas (Lewis) over Tampa Bay (Niemann) -1 1/2 @ +$120
Lewis is 2-0, with a 2.02 ERA this season and is 3-0, 2.89 lifetime against the Rays. Niemann has a 5.87 ERA this year and is 0-2, 11.17 versus Texas in his career.
$10 on Chi Sox (Peavy) over Boston (Lester) -1 1/2 @ +$180
Peavy has been throwing BBs this year and has piled up some impressive numbers.Thus far this season he's 3-0, with a 1.88 ERA. Lester is 0-2, with a 6.00 ERA this year. The Red Sox are 1-7 in Lester's last eight starts.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 156.75
Current Bankroll            $1,656.75

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!

Friday, April 27, 2012

MLB Picks, April 27th

Although the line is a little expensive, I think the Phillies/Cubs match up provides an opportunity to pad the ol' bankroll.

$15 on Philadelphia (Halladay) over Chi Cubs (Maholm) -1 1/2 @ -$120
Halladay is off to a good start, posting a 3-1 record, with a 1.50 ERA this season. Maholm has been shelled thus far this year and carries an 8.36 ERA into tonight's contest.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 171.75
Current Bankroll            $1,671.75

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!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Tuesday Night Pokerpalooza

We had eight runners show up to pitch a few cards, eat a little grub, and consume some adult beverages at the Duck Blind last Tuesday.

From left to right on your radio dial were Ray-Ray, Bobby Dee, Gentleman Jim, Cell, Stamps, Farmer Harry, J-Dawg, and yours truly.

I got involved early, raising from middle position with A-K in a hand of hold 'em, only the second hand of the evening in this $20 buy-in, dealer's choice limit game. I got two callers, including Farmer Harry who came along for the ride with 6-2 offsuit. An A-6-9 flop put me in good shape, but a deuce on the turn gave Harry his first pot of what would be a big night for him.

The very next hand I got big slick again playing hold 'em. Once again I raised and once again Harry called, this time with 5-3 offsuit. On this hand however, he rivered the wheel. I knew then that it could be a looooong night!

Harry also collected the High Hand Jackpot with a straight flush to the ten, and pocketed $72 at the end of play. Ray-Ray won $12, J-Dawg won $6, with Bobby and Jim breaking even. Cell, Stamps and I were the big losers, dropping $25, $30, and $20 respectively.

All in all it was another fun evening with friends. And I got reminded that you can't expect to win every time you take a chair around the felted table.

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks, April 26th

There's one game in each league that looks interesting.

$15 on the OVER San Francisco (Vogelsong) at Cincinnati (Bailey) 8 runs @ -$115
Vogelsong has a 6.75 career ERA against the Reds. Bailey isn't much better versus the G-men, posting a 6.35 ERA. Bailey has also struggled this season, posting a 1-2 record, with a 5.30 ERA on the season.
$10 on Cleveland (Tomlin) over Kansas City (Mendoza) -1 1/2 @ +$150
Tomlin is 4-1 with a 3.76 ERA against the Royals in his career. Mendoza hasn't thrown against the Tribe very much, but when he does, it doesn't go well. His lifetime ERA against Cleveland is 11.25. Cleveland has won 5 of the last 6 games versus KC.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 169.00
Current Bankroll            $1,669.00

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 your own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

MLB Picks, April 25th

 Two games on the NL schedule that are worth a look.

$10 on Washington (Zimmerman) over San Diego (Wieland) -1 1/2 @ +$125
Zimmermann sports a 1.29 ERA so far this season. Wieland is 0-2, with a 5.73 ERA this year. The Nats are 13-4 this season. The Padres are 5-13.
$10 on Philadelphia (Hamels) over Arizona (Cahill) -1 1/2 @ +$155
Hamels is 2-0, with a 2.07 ERA in his last two trips to the bump. Cahill is 1-1, but has a 4.26 ERA this year. The Phillies have won 6 of their last 9 games. The D-Backs have lost 6 of 8.
 Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                     $ 141.00
Current Bankroll            $1,641.00

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 your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Poker Stars To Buy Full Tilt?

And the never ending saga of Full Tilt opens yet another chapter. The rumor mill is churning that Poker Stars is ready to close a deal to purchase the asses assets of Full Tilt.

rumors began swirling Tuesday that PokerStars had swooped in and purchased Full Tilt Poker's assets for $750 million from the DOJ. Following initial rumors started in a 2+2 thread, ChiliGaming CEO Alex Dreyfus posted via Twitter that $330 million will go toward the repayment of players, while the rest will settle the outstanding charges against PokerStars.
PokerNews has the complete story. Click here for the latest.

MLB Picks, April 24th

 One game on the menu today that looks tasty.

$15 on Washington (Gonzalez) over San Diego (Richard)         -1 1/2 @ +$150
Gonzalez has been almost unhittable lately, going 2-0, with a 0.00 ERA in his last two starts. Richard has been finding opponent's bats regularly, giving up 16 runs in his last 11+ innings. The Padres are 3-8 in thier last 11 games. The Nats have won 14 of their last 17 games on the highway.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                      $ 118.50
Current Bankroll            $1,618.50

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, April 23, 2012

MLB Picks, April 23rd

A couple games on todays NL schedule that are worth a peek.

$10 on Colorado (Moyer) over Pittsburgh (Correia) @ +$100
The Rockies are hot, winning 4 of 5 games. They've also won 4 of their last 5 in Pittsburgh. The Bucs can't score. They've scored 3 or more runs in a game only 3 times this season. Correia has a 4.35 lifetime ERA versus Colorado.
$10 on St. Louis (Garcia) over Chi Cubs (Garza) -1 1/2 @ +$145
The Redbirds have won 4 of their last 5 against the Cubs. Garza sports a 5.32 career ERA when he toes the rubber versus the Cards.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                      $ 128.50
Current Bankroll            $1,628.50

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!

Two Years and Counting!

Another year is in the can for Small Potatoes Poker and Sports Betting. This little corner of the blogosphere came into being two years ago today.

For a peek at my maiden post just click here and my first anniversary entry is here.

Online poker was humming two years ago. The Mookie was one of the favorite blogger tournaments, and then Josie had the "Very Josie" once a month. Both had good turnouts, and the banter was always much better then the poker.

Then the DOJ turned the poker world on it's head. We learned a lot about Full Tilt Poker, the site that hosted both the Mookie and the Very Josie, and what we learned was not pleasant. We had been seduced by the slick packaging of the televised  poker shows and magazines, only to learn that some of the people we entrusted with our bankrolls were not trustworthy at all. A little over a year after the walls came tumbling down on internet poker in the US, the online poker community is a shell of its former self. And "the land of the free" lost some of that freedom last April.

Because poker content became, not extinct, but certainly endangered, the bloggers that hung on had to adapt, and quickly. For me, I had some success betting Major League Baseball over the past few seasons, and decided to start posting my picks. After a rough start last season, I finished with another winning year. I also posted my college and pro football wagers last season and won a little more cash-ola. And now we're about a month in to another MLB seasson and off to a much better start than last year.

Because of this blog, I was able to make a circle of new friends, and have had the pleasure of meeting several of you in Vegas, including Grrouchie, lighting, and Neo. Josie was very supportive from the beginning, and was the first to add a link to Small Potatoes. Gary, Memphis MOJO, Waffles, crAAKKer, Wolfman and Ken P, are a few of the folks I hope to meet one of these days. And now we have a few new bloggers that have settled in to our little corner of the world. Rob, Carmel, Grrouchie, and probably a few I've forgotten, all have interesting blogs that are worth a peek.

I mentioned in my "1st Anniversary" post that I had seven followers. That number is now 19, so I guess that means I'm headed in the right direction? Anyhoo, thank you to everyone who has stopped by for a read and left a comment. I've enjoyed the ride and hope it continues for a while longer.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Another Dubya

We had six runners show up for Tin Man's $5 NLHE Tourney last Friday to pitch a few cards.

I was surprised we were able to get together and play since Tin Man had leg bypass surgery on Wednesday. When I went by the hospital to see him on Tuesday, he said that he was planning on hosting the Friday game.

"Uh-huh," I said, "Let's wait and see how you're feeling."

Friday morning his wife, Lil Okie Annie called to say that poker night was on. In the words of the world's greatest pet detective, "Well ... alrighty then!"

Seated clockwise around the table were Big Daddy, Ranger Rick, Philly Phanatic, Lil' Okie Annie, Tin Man, and your humble scribe.

Philly was the first to go when his top two pair lost to Big Daddy's set. He couldn't hold onto his stack however, and was second out when Tin Man's top pair held against Big Daddy's second pair with a busted straight draw.

Annie felted Tin Man, sore leg non-withstanding and suddenly we were down to three.

Ranger Rick pushed with his last two BB. I insta called when the first card I peeked at was a king.

"Ouch'" Rick said when I flipped my cards and fanned them, exposing my kicker. Another king!

"I have one over," he said, tabling A-J.

"Don't let me get "Rob'd'," I thought as the flop was exposed. Fortunately, my kings held and it was down to heads-up with Annie, who was severely short stacked.

We only played three hands before she pushed with the best hand, but I paired my queen on the river for the W!

As is usually the case, I donked around in the $2 cash game and ended up losing four dollars. However, combined with my tournament win, I still cashed out $16 to the good.

I'll be hosting the Pokerpalooza party at the Duck Blind on Tuesday, so be looking for a write-up on it next week.

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks, April 22nd

I missed the early games, but there is one late game on the docket that looks good.

$10 on Oakland (Ross) over Cleveland (Masterson) -1 1/2 @ +$200
Ross has a 1.42 ERA against the Indians in his career. Masterson is 1-2, 9.00 ERA versus the A's in his career.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                      $ 108.50
Current Bankroll            $1,608.50

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!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

MLB Picks, April 21st

Two games on the menu that I like, but I waited too late to get in on the Reds/Cubs game. I hope you were able to see the value in betting against the Cubs' Maholm, who is 0-2 with a 13+ ERA this season, and get your money down on Cincy. As for me, "you snooze, you lose."

$10 on Tampa Bay (Shields) over Minnesota (Pavano) -1 1/2 @ +$110
The Rays are 8-0 in Shields last eight starts at home. Shields has been great in his last two outings, posting a 2-0 record, with a 1.10 ERA. Pavano is 1-1, 5.23 ERA for the season.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 97.50
Current Bankroll            $1,597.50

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, April 20, 2012

MLB Picks, April 20th

Only one game that I like on the MLB docket today.

$10 on St. Louis (Lynn) over Pittsburgh (Morton) -1 1/2 @ +$130
Lynn has thrown the pill well this season, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.50 ERA. Morton has struggled in his career versus the Redbirds, going 2-5, with a 6.25 ERA. The Cards have won 4 of their last 5 games.



Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 84.50
Current Bankroll            $1,584.50

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!

The Big 'C'- Update

The picture to the right is of my mother, at 83 years old, putting her foot behind her head. Let's see you do that when you're 83. Hell, let's see you do it now!      >>>>>

Her procedure, where they place the 18k gold marker on her lung tumor so the computer can track it as she breathes and still "hit the mark" with the radiation, was successful.

The procedure was scheduled to last two hours, with another four hours to be spent in recovery. The lung doc came out of the operating room in less than an hour and said that the procedure "was an easy one" and that she was able to place the marker right on the tumor.

"Bulls eye," is how she described it.

Now we wait to be sure any coughing that occurs doesn't move the marker before the scar tissue forms that will secure it. Her next appointment is Monday and we hope a treatment schedule will be set at that time.

Thank you to all who have left comments, sent notes, and made phone calls. Trust me, it helps.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

MLB Picks, April 19th

We've got a couple of interesting NL games today.

$10 on Miami (Nolasco) over Chi Cubs (Samardzija) -1 1/2 @ +$145
Nolasco has decent career numbers against the Cubs, posting a 2.70 ERA. Samardzija, not so much against the Fish, sporting a 5.27 lifetime ERA. Miami has won 4 of the last 5 match ups between the teams, and has won 4 of their last 5 overall. Chicago has only won 2 of their last 9 games.
$10 on Atlanta (Minor) over Arizona (Collmenter) - 1 1/2 @ +$140
The Braves have won 7 of their last 8 games. Collmenter has been roughed up in his two starts this season, surrendering 11 runs in only 7 innings. He has pitched well against Atlanta in the past though, and has a career 0.69 ERA against the Braves.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 56.00
Current Bankroll            $1,556.00

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 your own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Quad Ducks Shot Down

We had nine runners at the Duck Blind last night for our poker palooza. After some grub and a chocolate chip cookie or two, we had cards flying thru the air at seven.

J-Dawg was the big dawg for the evening in our $20 buy-in, dealers choice limit game, cashing out for $58. Cell won the High Hand Jackpot with quad rulers in a hand of Omaha High. Glass Man had a profitable night, winning $15, with Farmer Harry, and Cell pretty much breaking even. Bobby Dee and Stamps and Gentleman Jim got their eyes blackened, with each of them dropping around $20.

I walked away with a $10 profit.

The hand of the night was between Harry and I in a hand of double-flop Omaha High. I rivered quad ducks, with Harry and I capping the betting. I put my twos on their backs and Harry said, "That's pretty good," then turned over two snowmen. Unfortunately for me, there were two more of them on the board.

It's only the second time I've ever lost with quads. I can't believe the ducks let me down!

Good food, good fun, good times : )

Till next time, win the flips.

The Big 'C'- Update

Sonny Boy, Lucki Duck and Mom
As many of you know, my mother was recently diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. For those of you who haven't been playing along, you can get caught up by reading my previous posts on the subject here and here.

My mother has been through a battery of tests on her heart the past 10 days, to make sure she is able to handle the two hour procedure in which she will be under a general anesthesia.

She got the okay from her cardio doc last Friday, and the procedure will take place tomorrow at 9am. What the doctors will do tomorrow is called "Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy" (Superdimension) The lung doc says this has been around for about 2 years. They will go through the breathing tube down through the windpipe and down into the lung using something like a "GPS system". They will be inserting an 18K gold bar that will go next to the lesion and will act as a marker for when they do the radiation treatments with the Cyber Knife.

If you knew my Mom and her love of gold jewelry, you understand that the idea of having gold inside her body is pretty funny. And NO, I don't know if she gets to keep it once it comes out, but if she does, I'm almost certain she'll find a way to make jewelry out of it...
Lung doc says 2 - 3% of these procedures end up in a collapsed lung, whereas 20 - 30% of needle biopsies end up in collapse-which hers did when they did the needle biopsy.  They don't want to risk doing any other procedures involving needles in the lung.
They will do another CT scan next week to check that the marker is still in place and then they will actually mark her on the outside and come up with a treatment plan and schedule for radiation.
Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow morning and send those positive vibes her way.

MLB Picks, April 18th

Several games of interest on a busy MLB schedule today.

$20 on St. Louis (Garcia) over Cincinnati (Latos) -1 1/2 @ +$160
Garcia is 6-1, 3.00 versus the Redlegs in his career. Latos is 1-2, 10.80 against the Cards in his career.
$10 on Colorado (Nicasio) over San Diego (Richard) -1 1/2 @ +$135
Nicasio has a 2.08 ERA against the Padres for his career. Richard has struggled against the Rockies, posting career numbers of 1-3, 5.05.
$10 on Texas (Holland) over Boston (Beckett) @ +$105
The Rangers are hot and Holland has an ERA of less than three against Boston over his career. Beckett has a career winning record against the Rangers, but his ERA is north of five. Texas lit up the Fenway scoreboard to the tune of 18 runs yesterday, so they are hitting the ball well right now.. 

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                        $ 7.14
Current Bankroll            $1,507.14

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, April 17, 2012

MLB Picks, April 17th

Happy tax day! If there is such a thing.

A couple of games on the docket that are worth a few bucks.

$15 on the OVER (7), Cleveland (Masterson) vs. Seattle (Milwood) @-$110
The Tribe have been knocking the cover of the ball this season, averaging over six runs per game. If they hit their average, surely the M's can push a run or two across the plate. On the down side, Milwood has thrown the pill well this season, and carries a 1.38 ERA into today's game.
$15 on ChiCubs (Dempster) over Miami (Johnson) @ +$150
Dempster has a 1.88 ERA this season, and has a 1.80 against the Fish in his career. Johnson is one of the games best pitchers, but has struggled out of the gate this year, going 0-2, 8.38 so far.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                        $ 8.50
Current Bankroll            $1,508.50

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!

For Carmel

Another child can now hear!
I wrote a post a few days ago about the local community service organization of which I have been a member for almost a decade. In the comments, Carmel expressed an interest in learning more about the Sertoma organization, which is worldwide (including Vegas).

Since I'm not tech-savey enough to post a link in the comments section, and since I've written about Sertoma on this blog several times in the last couple of years, I've decided to link one of those posts.

So, here it is Carmel. Thanks for your interest :)

Monday, April 16, 2012

MLB Picks, April 16th

Only one game worth a look on a lite MLB schedule today.

$20 on Philadelphia (Halladay) over San Fran (Lincecum) @ -$110
Halladay is 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA this season. Lincecum, on the other hand, is off to a rocky start. posting a 0-1 record with a 12.91 ERA. In his last outing he surrendered 6 runs in 2+ innings against the Rockies. Also, the Giants have lost their closer for an extended period, so the bullpen roles will change. There's usually an adjustment period for the relief staff, so it's good timing for the Phils.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       <$ 9.50>
Current Bankroll            $1,490.50

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!

Duck Dynasty

Have you seen the new TV show on the A&E network? Duck Dynasty has gone to the top five on my "must watch" list. My favorite scene is the two boys practicing tee shots, with their dad and uncle standing off to the side shooting the driven golf balls like you would skeet. Hilarious!

However, this post isn't really about the show, but about my recent run in our Vegas Or Bust Poker League. I've been runnin' goot!

Seated from left to right on your radio dial were all ten league players, Ollie the Accountant, Philly Phanatic, Lil' Annie Okie, Stamps, J-Dawg, Bobby Dee, Tin Man, Dealer Larry, Big Daddy, and yours truly, Lucki Duck.

This was the fourth of 16 league tournaments. At the end of league play, seats to the 2013 WSOP will be awarded to the first and second place finishers.

Blinds start low and increase slowly to allow for plenty of play. Because of that, all ten players were still alive almost two hours in. Stamps was the first casualty of the evening when he ran his pocket queens into my aces and didn't improve. Big Daddy was next out, when Dealer Larry's set beat his two pair. J-Dawg was the next to fall when his pocket jacks got run down by A-K.

Philly busted in seventh, followed by Bobby Dee, who had built a nice stack early, but couldn't hold onto it. Dealer Larry exited in fifth, followed by Tin Man in fourth.

I felted Ollie when my A-K held over his A-T.

As Annie and I entered heads-up play, she held a slight lead, but with blinds at $500-1000 (only $15,000 in play), it was anyone's tourney to win. I was able to win a couple hands and steal the blinds a couple of times, and suddenly I held a 4-1 chip advantage.

On the final hand, Annie was the SB ($500), and pushed her $1,200 chip stack. With the pot at $2,700 and only $700 more for me to call, I threw in the $700 blind, knowing it was a call with ATC.

Annie tables 9-6 off and I said "I hope mine are good," and turned over a 5, followed by a 6.

Damn. Dominated.

But, as I mentioned earlier, I have been running good in these tourneys. This hand was no exception, as I rivered a gut shot straight for the win!

After finishing third in the first tournament, I've now won three in a row.

Duck Dynasty indeed : )

Till next time, win the flips.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Happy Anniversary

April 15, 2011, the beginning of the end to online poker as we know knew it.

Here's my post from that Black Friday.

A year later we learn that several of the owners and players of Full Tilt owe as much as $20 million to the company and because of this the deal with the Tapie Group may fall thru. That means that no one will see any of their bankroll.

What a bunch of douchbags.

Happy Frickin' Anniversary suckers (me included)!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

MLB Picks, April 14th

There are several games of interest on the MLB schedule today.

$15 on Philadelphia (Worley) over NY Mets (Niese) -1 1/2 @ +$135
Worley is 7-2, 2.33 at home and is 3-1, 2.95 against the Mets in his career. Niese is 3-4, 4.07 versus the Phils in his career.
$10 on Miami (Zambrano) over Houston (Norris) - 1 1/2 @ +$150
Zambrano has alway been tough on my Astros, going 15-8, 2.74 in his career. Norris has a 6.65 ERA against the Fish in his career. Houston has dropped five straight in Miami and is 6-19 in their last 25 games on the highway going back to last season.
$10 on LA Dodgers (Lilly) over San Diego (Wieland) -1 1/2 @ +$160
Lilly is 10-4, 2.37 versus the Padres in his career. The Dodgers have won 8 of their last 9 games while San Diego has dropped 6 of 8.
$15 on the OVER (7 1/2) Philadelphia vs. NY Mets @ -$115
The OVER is 10-1 in the last 11 games between these two teams. That's a trend my friends.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 14.50
Current Bankroll            $1,514.50

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, April 13, 2012

MLB Picks, April 13th


One game in today's line up that looks like a good bet.

$10 on Tampa Bay (Price) over Boston (Beckett) @ +$115
Beckett and the Red Sox are both off to bad starts. The Sox are a dismal 1-5, mainly due to poor pitching. Beckett hasn't had a good game in a while, going 0-3 with a 9+ ERA in his last three starts dating back to last season. In his first outing this year he was lit up for five long balls in 4+ innings against the Tigers. Price gave up just two runs in 6+ innings versus the Yankees in his only start. All indicators point towards a Rays win, but you never know.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 24.50
Current Bankroll            $1,524.50

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, April 12, 2012

Pop Quiz For Grrouchie

I went to visit a friend who is in a local hospital this afternoon. When I walked in, she introduced me to her "dear friend" who happens to be this guy.




After I shook his hand, she mentioned that he used to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I immediately started wiping my hand on my pants, trying to get the cooties off.

He laughed and said "Must be a Cowboys fan."

Well . . . yeah!

I know grrouchie is a big Steelers fan, so I thought a Steelers' pop quiz was in order.

One gold star if you can name the player in the picture. Another star if you can name from which college he came. Finally, a third star for the year he was drafted.

*no cheating*

Of course, any of you Steelers fans (all three of you) are welcome to beat grrouchie to the punch and steal (steel?) his gold stars.

Good luck!

MLB Picks, April12th

 One game on today's docket that's worth a look.

$20 on Tampa Bay (Niemann) over Detroit (Smyly) @ +$165
The Rays are 9-2 in Niemann's last 11 starts on the highway. Smyly makes his debut, but did give up 3 runs in 1+ innings in his last start at the AAA level.
Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 44.50
Current Bankroll            $1,544.50

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, April 11, 2012

Funny, I Don't Feel Like 100!

For the past eight or nine years, I've been a member of a local Sertoma (SERvice TO MAnkind) club.

The original Sertoma Club was formed in Kansas City on April 11, 1912.

100 years ago today!

Other events that happened 100 years ago this month were the opening of both Fenway Park and Tiger Stadium. Also, the Titanic had it's maiden and final voyage.

Happy Birthday Sertoma! Here's to another century of service!

Pokerpalooza

WSOP Pokerpalooza logo
We had eight runners show up for our Tuesday night pokerpalooza. Bobby Dee had hit the local deli and brought turkey and pastrami, both sliced wafer thin, just the way I like it. Add some lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, and mayo, combined with fresh bread, and it made for a tasty meal. My daughter baked some brownies for our dessert, so if anyone left hungry, it was their own fault.

We had the Rangers/Mariners game on in the background, which I was interested in because I had a little moolah on the game. It was good news/bad news, as the Texas victory was nice, but cost me ten bucks. Oh well.

I won a nice pot early to get off to a good start in this $20 buy-in, dealer's choice limit game, but gave most of my winnings back in a hand of hybrid Pai Gow. We had too many players to deal everyone the standard seven cards, so J-Dawg's rules were two cards up front and your back hand would be four cards. Straights and flushes count in your back hand. This was important, as my next two hole cards produced a four card straight and I three bet Ray-Ray's bet from UTG. Dealer Larry and Farmer Harry came along for the ride.

We capped the betting three times, and by the time it was over, Harry scooped the $25 pot with a pair of aces up front and a four card, king high flush behind.

Crap. I had half of it until he hit his flush on the last card.

Harry managed to give away his winnings by the end of the evening, finishing with a small loss. Cell was the big winner, pocketing a $32 profit.

J-Dawg had the High Hand Jackpot won until the last hand, with aces full of sevens, but Cell hit aces full of nines on the very last hand to take it away.

Stamps, Dealer Larry, and Bobby Dee all lost around $20, J-Dawg won $8, Ray-Ray broke even, and I had a nice evening, booking a $21 win.

Friday is our fourth (of 16) tournament in our Vegas Or Bust Poker League. I'm off to a good start in the league, with two firsts and a third so far. I should have a report up this weekend on how this one went.

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks, April 11th

 Only one game in today's line-up looks interesting.

$15 on San Francisco (Lincecum) over Colorado (Guthrie) -1 1/2 @ +$135
Although Lincecum had a disappointing outing in his last start, I look for him to bounce back against a Rockies club that has struggled at the plate thus far this season. The Giants, on the other hand, have hit the horsehide well, scoring at least four runs in each of their games.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 59.50
Current Bankroll            $1,559.50

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, April 10, 2012

MLB Picks, April 10th

There are three games on today's schedule that are worth a peek.

$10 on Milwaukee (Narveson) over Chi Cubs (Maholm) -1 1/2 @ +$145
Narveson is 5-1, with a 2.75 ERA in his career versus the Cubbies. Maholm is 3-8, 4.45 career against the Brew Crew.
$10 on Cleveland (Gomez) over Chi Sox (Humber) -1 1/2 @ +$165
Gomez's career numbers against the Pale Hose is 2-0, with a 2.25 ERA. Humber is 0-1, 6.08 versus the Tribe.
$10 on Seattle (Beavan) over Texas (Feliz) @ +$225
Beavan has a career 1.84 ERA against the Rangers. Feliz has spent his career to date in the closer role. The Rangers have converted him to a starter this season, with today's start his first. I hate to bet against one of my favorite teams, but +$225 is too good to pass up.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 55.00
Current Bankroll            $1,555.00

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 your own risk.

Good luck!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Tourney Win

We had seven runners show for Tin Man's $5 NLHE Tourney last Friday. From left to right were Ranger Rick (who is still not over the Rangers coughing up the World Series last season), Big Daddy, Philly Phanatic, Lil' Annie Okie, Tin Man, Music Man, and yours truly.

Philly got into several large pots early and was the first man out when Big Daddy toe-tagged him with two pair versus TPTK. Just a few hands later Tin Man took down Big Daddy and won the bounty with the nut flush.

Music Man and Tin Man were the next to fall, which left Rick, Annie, and Lucki. We traded chips for a few rounds, but the blinds had increased to the point that we were basically playing "bingo poker," just hoping to get good enough cards to pull off the win. I was able to knock out Rick when I raised with A-K and Rick pushed for 4 BB with K-J. The door card was a J and I thought "uh-oh'" but there was also an A on the flop. My hand held and Annie and I negotiated a chop, with me taking the bulk of the prize money since I had a 3-1 chip advantage.

I played my usually LAG style in the $2 cash game. I think I get bored with just a $2 buy-in and don't play my best. In fact, no where near my best. I call with second pair, gut shots, bluff too much, raise with air, etc. Things I just don't do when there's a decent amount of cashola at stake. Even with my shoddy play, I only lost $6 in the game and left with a bigger roll than I arrived with, because of my tourney win.

This coming Friday is our fourth league tournament in our Vegas or Bust Poker League. I'm sure my play will be more serious next week with a trip to the WSOP on the line.

Till next time, win the flips.

MLB Picks April 9th

The Cardinals travel to the River City tonight to take on the Reds. I think putting a little scratch on the Birds might be a +EV play.

$10 on St. Louis (Westbrook) over Cincinnati (Bailey) @ +$115
Homer Bailey pitched more like Homer Simpson this spring, posting an alarming 7.98 ERA. He's had a tough go of it against the Cards too, losing 7 of his last 9 decisions.



Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 43.50
Current Bankroll            $1,543.50

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!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

MLB Picks, April 8th

One game on today's docket that looks worthwhile.

$10 on NY Mets (Niese) over Atlanta (Minor) -1 1/2 @ +$185

Niese has been effective against the Braves, going 3-2 with a 3.55 ERA in his career. Minor has struggled on the highway, posting an ERA of almost 6 last season. He also had three rough outings against the Mets in 2011.



Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 25.00
Current Bankroll            $1,525.00

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 your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

MLB Picks, April 6th

The Bronx Bombers travel down to Tampa to take on the Rays in both team's season openers. Neo will be pleased with my pick, especially if I happen to get it right.

$10 on Tampa Bay (Shields) over NYY (Sabathia) @ +$115
Shields had a good spring, posting a 3-0 record and a 2.08 ERA. Sabathia struggled in the pre season, giving up 21 hits in 18 innings.
 Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                       $ 13.50
Current Bankroll            $1,513.50

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!

MLB Picks, April 5th

The first day of the new season that has more than one game on the schedule. It's time to wipe the dust off the desk, sweep out the spider webs, and open the Small Potatoes Sports Betting Division for business. My last wager was on the Super Bowl, and seems ages ago. So let's get started, shall we?

$10 on Toronto (Romero) over Cleveland (Masterson) -1 1/2 @ +$135
Spring Training records usually don't mean much, but the Jays went 24-7 and have a lot of confidence going into the regular season. They feel like they are ready to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox this year and will want to get off to a good start. Southpaw Romero takes the ball and is 2-1 career against the Tribe.

Starting Bankroll           $1,500.00
Profit/Loss                        $0
Current Bankroll           $1,500.00

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 your own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Lucki Duck's Pokerpalooza

We had seven runners show for the second round of my Pokerpalooza. Farmer Harry brought pizza and my daughter baked some cupcakes for dessert. Good stuff!

From left to right on your radio dial were Dealer Larry, Glass Man, Farmer Harry, J-Dawg, Riverboat J, Ollie the Accountant and yours truly. Play was sluggish in this $20 buy-in, dealer's choice limit game, because all of us had one eye on the felt and one on the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game.

Dealer Larry won the High Hand Jackpot by flopping a straight flush in a hand of hold-em. He limped with 8d-5d and saw a flop of 6d-7d-9d. Wow! After being the big winner last week, Larry walked away with most of the cash again, doubling his buy-in.

I managed a $10 win, as did J-Dawg. Riverboat J broke even, with Harry and Ollie both dropping less than $10 each. Glass Man took the biggest hit, dropping almost $40.

Everyone left in a good mood since the hometown team won the basketball game. Sonny Boy helped me put up the poker table and chairs, which beats having to drive home after a night of pitching cards.

I am going to have to buy a bigger garbage can though. My current one is no match for the amount of beer cans and bottles this group is discarding!

Till next time, win the flips.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Forty and Oh My!


Congratulations to the Baylor Lady Bears basketball team. The locals did themselves proud, finishing a perfect 40-0 season by beating Notre Dame by 19 points. Nineteen points is actually a pretty close game for this team, who smoked almost every team they played.

Well done girls!

The Big 'C'- Update

After five days of worry and one panic attack, my mother finally saw her oncologist for the first time yesterday. My hope was that the doctor would be encouraging and that her load would be lightened.

One of my biggest concerns was the treatment, which is sometimes worse than the disease. My mother turns 83 tomorrow and was not in the best of health (COPD) before the lung cancer diagnosis. I felt like surgery was a bad option, because I don't really think she would survive being fileted like a fish. Chemo can also be rough, so I was hoping the treatment might be limited to radiation.

I wasn't disappointed.

Her cancer was in the stage 1 category. She will undergo five "cyberknife" radiation treatments, one every other day for 10 days. Her doctor said the success rate of the cyberknife procedure is comparable to surgical removal, and the side effects will be minimal. Mainly tiredness.



She will go back for a check up to see if the radiation was successful two weeks after the treatment is completed. I know oncologists have a habit of feeding you a little information at a time, possibly to keep you from becoming overwhelmed by the situation. I hope the check up will be the end of it, but I won't be surprised if more treatment is required.

For now our family can finally exhale.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Did You Dress Yourself In The Dark?

Even her dog wears accessories!
Anyone who knows me will tell you what a snazzy dresser I am. Yes, I do buy the $9 "Faded Glory" jeans at Walmart, but dammit, I make them look good! 


Fortunately, my college-aged daughter has picked up the fashion gene from me and has decided to share her gift with the world in the form of a blog.


Basically she discusses dressing 'chic' on a college budget. She explains how to look like you wear expensive clothes, but they're not. 


So hit the link here and take a look. Leave a comment, click on an ad, become a follower, anything to help kick off her entrance into the blogosphere.


Chic genius!

Bluebonnets

It was an unusually wet and mild winter, which means a bumper crop of bluebonnets in the spring.

Well, spring has sprung and the bluebonnets are at their peak right now, so I thought I might share a few scenes from deep in the heart of Texas.

Click on the picture for full screen goodness.