BSNblog

Chicago White Sox vs Kansas City Royals

Jake Peavy vd Zack Greinke

White Sox

With the big bat of Paul Konerko swinging for the baseball betting fences, the White Sox offense has made an impact in the month of June, and is a big reason why Chicago has climbed to within two games of the division-leading Minnesota Twins. Konerko’s 20 home runs are good for first in the Majors, tied with Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays and. The White Sox are 8-2 over their past ten games, which has improved their record in the month of June to 50-31 over the past three seasons. Over that span, Chicago has not only played well on offense, but improved their fielding as well, and in the past 14 games, the White Sox have committed just three errors combined as a team. Playing solid baseball on the road as well as at home, as evidenced by their 20-17 away record, Chicago now turns to Jake Peavy once again to help close the gap between them and first place Minnesota even further.

Royals

Despite being tied with the Texas Rangers for best bet on baseball team batting average in the major leagues, an item that was a big weakness for Kansas City only one year ago, the Royals have not competed in the American League Central as expected this season. Currently 13 games below .500, the Royals are 9.5 back of division-leading Minnesota, and have struggled mightily both at home and on the road. Now, they put the ball in the hand of ace Zach Grienke, whose pitching struggles serve as an appropriate representation of just how bad the Royals have been this year. The clock is ticking for both Grienke and the Royals, and it is only a matter of time before it is too late for Kansas City once again.

The Game

The White Sox took the second of the three-game set between these teams Tuesday night in Kansas City 4-3, just 24 hours after dropping the opener in a 3-1 loss. Losers of two of their past three after winning an incredible 11 straight, Chicago is looking to get back on track against a Royals team that has struggled this season, but it could be tougher than it looks, especially given the capabilities of starting pitcher Zach Grienke, and the disappointing season that he has had so far.

In South Africa, meanwhile, only eight teams remain as Friday kicks off the quarterfinals; those competing only have three more games, and three more wins to achieve greatness.

What looks to be one of the most competitive and close matches of the tournament starts the round in beautiful Port Elizabeth at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium between Netherlands and Brazil.

While Italy, the United States, and England have all faltered and failed to meet expectations, two teams thought to win their respective groups and make their way to the finals have done just that. Both Netherlands and Brazil were destined to meet in the quarterfinals should they top the group stage, and they did just that. Among the top teams in the world, the winner is likely to compete for the trophy on July 11th.

The Oranje have yet to lose in the tournament, and have yet to concede a goal during normal play. The Dutch beat Denmark 2-0 to open the competition, edged Japan 1-0, and beat Cameroon 2-1 in a virtually meaningless final game. To advance to the quarterfinal, Netherlands beat surprise Slovakia, a team simply happy to be in the round of 16, quite handily. The final score, 2-1, was not indicative of a team that allowed only two genuine goal scoring opportunities, both to the Slovakia star Robert Vittek.

After earning nine points in the group stage the Dutch seemed to improve in the knock out round as Arjen Robben started the match and notched an impressive goal, cutting back to centre after taking a pass on the side, and delivering a low strike inside the post past the diving keeper.

As good as the Oranje have been, Brazil has been too. They beat a passionate and defensive North Korea team to open the competition, dominated Ivory Coast 3-1, and then drew Portugal in a half hearted effort by both clubs. To move to the quarters, Brazil manhandled fellow South Americans Chile, by a score of 3-0.

Juan and Fabiano strike within three minutes of one another to take a 2-0 lead into the half, and Robinho scored in the second for the decisive victory.

Betting lines: Brazil will be favoured slightly, but the game is indeed a toss -up. Netherlands have historically underachieved at this point in the tournament despite dominating the group stage. Brazil too have looked strong, but some thought their hearts would not be in it as they look to the games in 2014 as the host nation. The stars on both sides are performing to expectations and between Robben, Van Persie, and Snjieder for the Dutch, and Kaka, Fabiano, and Robinho for Brazil, this will be the most exciting game yet. History goes to Brazil, and they will edge the Dutch in a very close game that will likely see extra time.

The defeat against Switzerland (0-1) in the first game of the World Cup betting had changed the plans of Fury, which was classified for this match and even speculated that against the South Americans would only be a game to choose his opponent in round.

But the story was over and now Spain has to go out to "kill or be killed, without even afford to choose between Portugal and Brazil, potential rivals if they make the ticket.

"We are preparing for battle on Friday (today), which is the most important," said the Spanish tactician, Vicente del Bosque, aware that the Red will have to play a pass to round to the rival "in theory" more strong.

Spain's victory can only afford to not have to depend on a positive outcome of Honduras against Switzerland in the other game of the key, while to the South American Red tie is enough to lead his group.

To achieve a victory over European champions, Chile won three consecutive games, something unprecedented for this country that still stands the disastrous earthquake in February.

Airtight. During the course of the week, the importance of play made the teams were too tight and did not give any clue to his rival on what appear today in the Pretoria Loftus Versfeld.

From the little that is known is that Spain will come out with David Villa and Fernando Torres El Niño on the offense, where they are most criticized the actions of the Spanish.

The most important novelty will be the entry of retrieved Andres Iniesta instead of Jesus Navas, to give greater support and capacity to the area of gestation.

For the Chileans could affect absences Matias Fernandez and midfielder Carlos Carmona, yellow-accumulating. Substitutes will be Jorge Valdivia and Arturo Vidal.

If anything is certain is that both Chile and Spain do not speculate and seek rate, so expect a good show.

"They're two different styles but two good choices. We face a Chilean team very good, "analyzed the Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque.

Mexico Uruguay Betting – Tuesday, 10:00 AM ET

A draw is favored at -130 as these two are atop Group A with four points each, three ahead of France and South Africa. Mexico is coming off a comprehensive 2-0 win over France, but they’re going have to find a way to deal with Uruguay’s Diego Forlan, who spearheaded a 3-0 win over South Africa, and he may be the best player in the World Cup so far. These two countries have met 17 times, with Mexico winning seven and drawing seven while outscoring Uruguay 25-21. The Mexicans could also be going into this match without forward Carlos Vela, who hurt his leg against France and will probably sit this one out, but that could mean a starting role for Javier Hernandez, who scored as a substitute against France. The matchup to watch if you write a World Cup blog is Forlan against Mexico’s Rafael Marquez, and these two are familiar with each other after playing in La Liga. If Marquez can nullify Forlan, the Mexicans can grab a point, and first place is important as the runner-up will likely face Argentina.

Betting pick: Draw -130

France South Africa Betting – Tuesday, 10:00 AM ET

France is a +110 favorite in this World Cup contest, and are on the verge of going out in the first round for the second time in four World Cups. Les Bleus have been, easily, the biggest disappointments thus far, and it may not even due to their on-field play. After the Mexico loss, forward Nicolas Anelka was sent away from the team for arguing with manager Raymond Domenech, and then the team refused to train in protest of Anelka’s expulsion. South Africa will be aiming for an upset to give their fans something to cheer about, as they will likely be the first host country to be eliminated in the first round of the World Cup. It’s not a matter of work ethic, but the gulf in class was highlighted in the loss to Uruguay. France has won two and drawn one of their three meetings with South Africa, outscoring them 5-1, but Bafana Bafana definely has a chance to pull out the soccer betting upset in this one. The French camp is in disarray and are playing without pride, which is something that you can’t say about the South Africans. The host team needs to go at the defensive pairing of William Gallas and Eric Abidal, who has had a horror tournament playing out of position in the middle of the defense.

Gambling Advisor blog pick: South Africa +230

England left the court twice and both bored. They allow mediocre draws into question what brings Capello's team. But it is not the only candidates who looks lost.

Except Argentina, candidates to be crowned in the Soccer City began to stumble. Germany feasted against innocent Australia, competing in featherweight, and then went to the losing side when he threw a middleweight, Serbia.

Even when they win they are wrong. The triumphs of the Netherlands should be welcomed but generate more criticism for the lack of firepower orange team.

Combined the six major contenders for the crown (Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Holland), the balance is six victories in nine games. They tied one and lost two. Sounds ok. But on the court the balance is negative: they are the best in the world, not enough to win, they have to raise admiration. And so far heard tune.

If we add the host, the statistics are going down. When the giants no carbides and the host country lives shortages, the World Cup costs a lot of hot.

France is a special case: a computer is broken inside and out and is on its way to a cliff.

South Korea, Greece and Slovenia, among others, won some games, but people just found out. Fans ask the marker to write it down in the calendar of pocket. Nothing more. None of these choices will save the low-profile tournament, need to wake up the big ones.

Fatigue. Maybe the stars get tired after a fire season. Arjen Robben broke his back in the final of the Champions League with Bayern, ten days after he broke a muscle.

Lukas Podolski is staying her shirt large Germanic figure. Cristiano Ronaldo has to forget the bad years at Real Madrid and salvage the season with the Portuguese.

Only Argentina can go these days with their heads up, thanks to the oxygen of his four goals against South Korea. But beware, that in the World Cup betting just one stumbling block to go into the ravine. So he went to Germany: nobody talks about the beating to Australia, but the presentation loose against Serbia.

Brazil and Spain face their next commitments with many obligations. The measured Canarinha Ivory Coast today in order to secure your ticket and dispel the doubts. Beat North Korea 2-1 in the previous game was almost a moral defeat against players who earn a hundredth of the Brazilians.

Spain disappointed against Switzerland, if the matter falls back becomes tragedy. Les touches the easiest opponent in Group Theory, Honduras. If the Red Fury does not win, and it qualifies, will become the laughing stock of South Africa 2010.

Celtics Lakers Betting – Thursday, June 17, 9:00 PM ET

Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 26 points, but this time he got more help than he did in Game 5 when he scored 44% of the Lakers’ points. But with the defense the Lakers were playing in their 89-67 win over the Celtics on Tuesday, they really didn’t need much scoring help for Bryant as they held Boston to 33.3% from the field, and only 10 free-throw attempts. Pau Gasol had a massive game, coming up just short of a triple-double with 17 points, 13 boards and nine assists, while Ron Artest had 15 points and was a game-high +26 for the Lakers as he was all over Paul Pierce.

Ray Allen was the high man with 19 points for the Celtics, while Pierce was next with 13 points, and the Celtics looked out-of-sorts from the opening period, when they were down by 10. It didn’t get better as they were down by 20 at the half, and the lead was as high as 25 in the second half. This was not a team prepared to play, which is strange when you consider their veteran leadership in the team, and now matters are made worse as Kendrick Perkins played just seven minutes before suffering a knee injury that will probably keep him out of this critical affair.

The Lakers are a 7-point NBA betting favorite in this clash, and they also have an injury worry as Andrew Bynum left in the third quarter of Game 6 and didn’t return as a precaution, and there was no need for him to push it with the Lakers up by so much. The Lakers have been dealing with this during this whole postseason, so it’s not as big a deal to them as it is to the Celtics to not have Perkins in the post. The Lakers are going to need another team effort to put the Celtics away, because Boston is going to come out with more fight than they did in the last game, but the onus will be Bryant and Gasol to be at their best. We’re banking on a big night from Bryant as the Lakers get revenge for the 2008 Finals.

Online betting pick: Lakers -7

Portugal Ivory Coast Betting – Tuesday, June 15, 10:00 AM ET

The Portuguese struggled in qualifying, particularly at the offensive end, which is strange when you consider that they’re led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a brilliant first season at Real Madrid when he got healthy. Ronaldo failed to score during qualification, and you can bet that he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder. He may have to carry more of a load as the man who replaced him at Manchester United, Nani, had to withdrawal because of a collarbone injury. The Portuguese are actually very stout defensively, but they’re going to have to find the back of the net to win this World Cup contest.

The Ivory Coast are sweating the fitness of captain Didier Drogba, who broke his arm in a friendly before the World Cup. Drogba is coming off a marvelous season at Chelsea and is the target man for the Ivorians, supported by Chelsea teammate Salomon Kolou, but how effective is the physical Drogba going to be with a cast on his arm, if he even plays at all? If Drogba can’t go, that puts pressure on the Ivorian defense to be strong, powered by the brother duo of Yaya and Kolo Toure.

This will be one of the toughest World Cup predictions to make, and Portugal comes at as the favorite at +110, while the Ivory Coast is listed at +245, and a draw is rated at +225. Les Elephants really need Drogba on the field for a number of reasons, and we can see the captain doing everything he can to get on the field, but we’re not sure if he can boss around the Portugal defense with just one arm. Ronaldo is going to need some help in the attacking third, most likely from Simao and Deco, and the Ivorian fullbacks are going to have to keep Ronaldo in front of them, although he has license to float around the pitch. This is going to be an open match, so expect it to go over the posted total of 2. It’s a shame that Drogba is hurt, or the Ivory Coast would have a much better shot at taking something from this match.

Online sports betting pick: Portugal +110

In a game that began with a selection albiceleste at full throttle, with the expectation of the African box, the Argentines were quickly opened the scoring with a goal from Heinz to 6 '.

The Nigerian goalkeeper, Vincet Enyeama was the great protagonist of the first half to get three plays to score from the superstar Lionel Messi.

Despite the Argentine domain, Nigerians are betting on the counterattack and have threatened to Diego Armando Maradona led by more than one occasion.

For the second time is expected to increase the impact of gambling in the world cup odds.

Another Spanish, Marcel Granollers, was also out of round by winning the Frenchman Marc Gicquel 6-1, 6-4 while Colombian Santiago Giraldo leaned against American Mardy Fish 7-6 (7 / 5), 6-2 .

Results of the ATP tennis tournament in London

Second Round:

Rafael Nadal (ESP/N.1) beat Marcos Daniel (BRA) 6-2, 6-2

Denis Istomin (UZB) Dustin Brown (JAM) 7-6 (9 / 7), 6-4

Julien Benneteau (FRA) Kevin Anderson (RSA) 7-5, 6-3

Feliciano Lopez (ESP/N.8) to Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 6-2, 6-4

Mardy Fish (USA) Santiago Giraldo (COL) 7-6 (7 / 5), 6-2

Dudi Sela (ISR/N.14) Gilles Muller (LUX) 7-5, 6-2

Sam Querrey (USA) Robby Ginepri (USA) 7-6 (7 / 4), 6-2

Marcel Granollers (ESP) Marc Gicquel (FRA) 6-1, 6-4

Celtics Lakers Betting – Tuesday, June 8, 9:00 PM ET

Ray Allen set a Finals record with eight three-pointers, going 7-of-7 from beyond the arc in the first half of a 103-94 win in the Staples Center. Allen led the way with a game-high 32 points, while Rajon Rondo had his fifth career playoff triple-double with 19 points, 12 boards and 10 assists for the Celtics. Boston was embarrassed by their Game 1 effort and came out with fire from the beginning, jumping out to a seven-point lead after the first 12 minutes, and Allen was at the heart of their best play with his long-range shooting, but it was Rondo who took over in the second half for the Celtics.

Pau Gasol had 25 points, eight boards and six blocks, while Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant had 21 points each for the Lakers, who set their own Finals record with 14 blocks. Bynum added seven swats of his own, but that didn’t stop the Celtics from attacking the lane. The Lakers shot 40.8% from the field, including 5-of-22 from beyond the arc, and the Celtics outscored them 36-26 in the paint. The Lakers also wasted a big advantage at the foul line, going 31-of-41 from the charity stripe, while the Celtics were only 20-of-26.

NBA betting odds are favoring the Celtics by 2.5 points at home, where they are 7-2 in the playoffs this season. The Lakers are 4-4 in eight road games in this postseason run, but they can take some encouragement from their 90-89 win in Boston on January 31 thanks to a jumper from Bryant with 7.3 seconds remaining. The Lakers are going to have to figure out a way to keep Allen under wraps without letting Rondo dominate the game as he did in the second half of Game 2. Lamar Odom also has to step up his game as he’s been awful in the Finals so far, averaging 4.0 points and 4.5 boards in 18.0 minutes over the first two games of the series. Odom provides a boost off the bench, and even though Bynum played 39 minutes on Sunday, that was his high of the playoffs and we’re not certain that his knee will hold up for another game like that. But we’re betting on a Lakers’ comeback after their showing in Game 2, as we don’t think the Celtics will get another game like that from Allen.

Betting pick: Lakers +2.5

France is the favorite in this group, the team arrived to South Africa on June 1st.

France will spend 4 days on Reunion Island. Where they will play their third and final friendly against China.

Uruguay is the next on the list of the World Cup Soccer picks and odds.

They have been competing internationally since 1901, far longer than many of the more developed international countries that compete in the World Cup.

Their success came almost immediately on the international stage for the Uruguayans, winning the South American Championships three of their first four tournaments beginning in 1916.

Mexico is the number 3 on the odds but they are on the World Cup Brackets as a favorites.

Mexico will play against Italy in the opening day.

FIFA World Cup champions Italy lock horns with Mexico this evening in a tuneup before heading to South Africa.

Last but not least... South Africa.. in the group A. The odds are not in favor but they have too much to do on this world cup.

The world wants South Africa to do well but current form suggests they will do well to progress from the group stage.

Here are the odds to win for the Group A in the world cup:

France 19/20

Uruguay 15/4

Mexico 7/2

South Africa 6/1

Celtics Lakers Betting – Game 1 is on Thursday, June 3 in Los Angeles

The Celtics were an afterthought coming into the playoffs, and no one even paid them much attention after they beat Miami in five games, and it would have been a sweep if not for one out-of-this-world game by Dwyane Wade. Boston then went on to eliminate two-time MVP LeBron James and Cleveland, the team with the league’s best record in the regular season, and followed that up by defeating Orlando in six after the Magic had steamrolled Charlotte and Atlanta. They’re doing it with defense as the Celtics are holding the opposition to 91.4 points on 43.8% shooting, but they may be meeting their most complete opponent.

The Lakers had a tough time dispatching of Oklahoma City in six games after emerging with the best record in the Western Conference, then they swept Utah before eliminating Phoenix in six. The defending NBA champions had a tough time matching up against Oklahoma City and their athleticism before they made some changes, and the Utah sweep wasn’t nearly as easy as it sounded, but that’s when Kobe Bryant started to heat up. After notching 23.5 points on 40.8% shooting against the Thunder, Bryant had his right knee drained and blazed the Jazz for 32.0 points on 52.3% shooting. Against the Suns, the former MVP had 33.7 points on 52.1% shooting.

The Lakers are a -185 favorite in this series according to NBA betting odds, and they’ve lost nine of their 11 Finals meetings with the Celtics in their history, including the 2008 loss that was stamped with a 39-point loss in Boston in Game 6. That sparked the Lakers to their title last season, but you know that they wished that it was the Celtics they faced and not Orlando, who they romped through in five games. This is all about revenge: Pau Gasol was pushed all over the place by Kevin Garnett and company in 2008, and he won’t let that happen again. Bryant will be up for another meeting with rival Ray Allen, as the two haven’t gotten along since Allen was in Seattle. The most important part of this series may be the acquisition of Ron Artest by the Lakers, as he’s going to make Paul Pierce work for every single point he gets. The Lakers are the better and more motivated team this time around.

BSN Sports Betting Pick: Lakers -185