05/09/2008 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Beginning tonight against Toronto, the Cleveland Indians will play each of their next seven games at home.
While that usually is a blessing for any team, the Indians are just 8-11 at Progressive Field. Last weekend, they were swept in a two-game home set against the lowly Royals, totaling just two runs in the process.
History suggests the Tribe will, at some point, rebound at home. After all, their 52 home wins last year were the second-most in the majors, trailing only the Angels. Then again, that was when the park was still called 'Jacobs Field.'
Regardless whether you believe in omens, the Indians enter this particular homestand with several factors working in their favor, not the least of which is their near sweep of the Yankees in the Bronx. Of course, their first sweep at Yankee Stadium since 1989 could have happened had starter Paul Byrd not been tagged for three home runs.
On top of that, all of Cleveland's horses will be on the mound for this weekend's four-game set against the Blue Jays, who are in last place in the American League East (albeit with virtually the same record as the Tribe). And the Indians, despite their sub-.500 record, are within 1 1/2 games of the division lead.
So, yes, there is quite an upside for the coming homestand. Should Cleveland resort back to dominating at Progressive Field, the AL Central could have a whole new look this time next week.
But first thing's first; the Indians, having just returned to Cleveland, now must face Toronto's Roy Halladay, who came just shy of posting a fifth straight complete game his last time out.
That's never good news, especially considering Cleveland's offense ranks second to last in the AL. Apart from catcher Victor Martinez (.337), no other Indians regular is sporting a batting average above .265.
MICHAELS TRADED
Two days after designating Jason Michaels for assignment, the team on Thursday traded the struggling outfielder to the Pirates for a Minor Leaguer to be named later.
The Indians will most likely have to eat a healthy portion of the $2.15 million remaining on Michaels' contract, which was inked prior to the '07 season.
A platoon player out in left field who primarily saw action against lefties, Michaels was hitting just .207.
BOROWSKI UPDATE
Closer Joe Borowski is apparently making progress from the strained triceps muscle that landed him on the DL. Borowski, who had been sidelined since mid- April, tossed his first bullpen session Thursday in Yankee Stadium without any setbacks.
Manager Eric Wedge was hopeful the bullpen session is a big step forward for his closer, who was struggling with an 0-2 record and a 18.00 ERA in five games before being shut down.
"A huge difference," Borowski told the team's Web site of how his arm felt. "I could see my arm speed, compared with the way it was before, was decidedly better."
If all goes well with his rehab track, Borowski could rejoin the team in a couple of weeks.
WHO'S HOT
How about left-hander Cliff Lee off to a perfect 6-0 record through six starts. He calmly blanked the Yankees on Tuesday, lowering his ERA to a Major League- best 0.81.
WHO'S NOT
Fausto Carmona's sinker is not doing what it's supposed to be doing, which is, of course, sinking. Consequently, that has aided in him issuing 31 walks over 39 2/3 innings. Walks were never a problem for the youngster in his breakout season last year.
Wedge suggested to the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Carmona is overthrowing.
"It's a concern," he said. "He makes it more difficult on himself with the walks."
Also, designated hitter Travis Hafner, thanks to his .209 batting average, has more or less been a healthy scratch in three of the last seven games. He has just 10 hits in his last 65 at-bats, with just three homers on the season.
A LOOK AHEAD
For the Toronto series, the Indians will send out C.C. Sabathia (1-5, 7.51), Aaron Laffey (0-2, 2.84), Carmona (3-1, 2.95) and Lee (6-0, 0.81), in that order. The Blue Jays will counter with Halladay (3-4, 3.00), Dustin McGowan (2-2, 2.95), A.J. Burnett (3-3, 5.19) and Shaun Marcum (4-2, 2.59). The Tribe continues its homestand against the A's on Tuesday.
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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout
An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.
Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off. Randy was not impressed though. Paula thought he started off fantastic. "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either.
Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed. Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact. He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition.
Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula. Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.
Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next. Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential. Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell. He sang "Careless Whisper".
22 year old Chris Richardson was up next. He was listed with +1100 odds coming in. He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great.
Nick was boring and pitchy. Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week. Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition.
Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds . These of course were the early odds. He was considered original for picking an "odd song". He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night.
Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good.
Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds. Great voice and a great sense of humor. He's a real standout. Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig".
Jared Cotter followed. He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition. The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good.
22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next. "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon. Though the judges felt he performed okay. Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.
Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition. He was the last to perform. He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start.
Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys. Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.
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