The verdict is in on the Deshaun Watson case and we wonder a couple of things.
The Luis Castillo trade was not a surprise, just where he went was.
This plus a baseball rarity, Dodgers pass Yankees for the best record and a Mountain West preview in Football Focus.
About Last Weekend…
MLB – Weekend Recap
In one we did not see coming, Seattle traded for Luis Castillo of Cincinnati, giving them one of the best starting staffs in the American League. The Mariners gave four truly top prospects but felt they had enough talent in lower minors to replenish themselves.
Maybe it should not have been a stunner because these clubs were trading partners in the off-season, but unless the Mariners add another bat, their 4.0 runs per game might not get it done unless they can win a lot of 4-3, 3-2 games.
The Texas Rangers beat the L.A. Angels 5-2 but were again the victim of an – Immaculate Inning. What is that? A pitcher throws nine pitches that strike out three batters in one inning. That is just the fourth time that has happened this year and Texas batters have been the victim three times.
The L.A. Dodgers have surpassed the New York Yankees for the best record in the majors. The Yankees overcame a 4-0 deficit Sunday to take a 6-4 in the bottom of the 8th inning, only to see the bullpen implode and ended up falling to Kansas City 8-6.
NFL: Big News
This morning, Deshaun Watson was suspended six games by former federal judge Sue L. Robinson for what he did. Calvin Ridley was suspended for a year for betting on his team.
We are not going to dive into the rabbit hole and try and tell you what is right or wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion on this matter. However, one of these two decisions is way off and we’ll leave it at that.
NBA: Bill Russell Rest in Peace
Bill Russell is the most accomplished champion in basketball history. He won two NCAA championships at San Francisco and 11 NBA championships during his 13-year professional career. He did the latter in Boston, which was not known for welcoming those of color, yet they loved Russell.
His cackling laugh is well known and his willingness to speak on various issues only made him stand out with greater importance. A true legend of a man.
Trendy Talk
MLB
- The Mets are 10-0 against the RL vs. an NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 5.40 or worse this season.
- The White Sox are 8-17 (-15.6 Units) in home games vs. a starting pitcher who gives up 5.5 or less hits a start this season.
- Arizona is 16-3 Over after three or more consecutive Unders.
- The Dodgers are 11-1 Under on the road with a money line of -100 to -150 this season
BMR’s Betting Pulse
MLB
Talk about a tough road trip! Seattle just spent four days in Houston and lost three games and next face the Yankees three times starting Monday.
Those same Astros are hosting Boston to start the week. Lastly, we have the first two encounters with the Dodgers visiting their rivals to the north in San Francisco.
NFL
Catch our NFL season previews and win total predictions to start the week with a breakdown of the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and another one of the Baltimore Ravens.
The Buzz
NFL – Who Knew What?
One cannot help but wonder if Cleveland owners Jimmy and Dee Haslem had a strong indication about Watson’s penalty.
It never made sense why the Browns only gave him a one million dollar salary for 2022 and why they seemed to be willing to just toss this season away if Watson was suspended for the year or more than half the season.
MLB – Soto and Outman
With the clock running, San Diego, St. Louis and the L.A. Dodgers are considered the suitors for Juan Soto. This morning, Washington announced that if they don’t get a deal they like, Soto will remain with the Nationals the rest of the season.
How about the debut of James Outman for the Dodgers? He is the only player in Dodgers franchise history to debut with:
- 1 HR
- 3 Hits
- 3 RBI
- 2 Runs
Football Focus
As we get closer to the start of football, we will have a report on every college football conference and each NFL division before their season starts. Wednesday: Sun Belt
Odds to win AAC Conference 2022
- Boise State +200
- Fresno State +225
- Air Force +425
- San Diego State +650
- Utah State +900
- San Jose State +2500
- Colorado State +2500
- Wyoming +4000
- Nevada +6600
- UNLV +8000
- Hawai’i +10000
- New Mexico +25000
*Odds via BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Football Pulse
Since the inception of the Mountain West Conference, Boise State, Fresno State or San Diego State won the titles from 2013-19. In 2020, after six straight losing years, San Jose State was the shocking winner and last season, Utah State after a 1-5 Covid campaign, the Aggies earned the title. The last two champs were enormous long shots in the preseason.
Boise State has not claimed the MWC title in three years and there is a direct reason why, as the offensive and defensive line play has not been up to the previous standard. There is talent offensively, but quarterback Hank Bachmeier needs a running game to make the offense more efficient.
The Broncos are favored to win the MTN Division and Fresno State in the West Division. Jeff Tedford is back for a second stint in raisin country as head coach and as opposed to his first trip, this Bulldogs team is ready to win now with QB Jake Haener and an experienced defense.
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Air Force will expertly run the option with QB Haaziq Daniels and he’s a good deeper passer when needed. Fullback Brad Roberts keys the Falcons’ run game between the tackles. Air Force was 4th in total defense (true) last season and brings back six starters, though replacing top linemen won’t be simple.
San Diego State always has a defense that is fast, quick to the ball and has sure tacklers, that will be the case in 2022. Also, the Aztecs seldom have a quarterback that hits targets down the field. That is expected to be true again this season.
Defending champion Utah State returns QB Logan Bonner and top rusher Calvin Tyler Jr. What should hold the Aggies back is the loss of their three top pass-catchers and four of the best five tacklers moving on.
Going to pick Fresno State preferring their head coach, QB and line play over Boise State. Hard to find a team that is a surprise, with the Flyboys from Colorado Springs the closest and they have the Broncos at home.
MWC Champion Pick: Fresno State (+225)
MWC Darkhorse Pick: Air Force (+425)
Out The Door
PGA Tour
Shout out to Tony Finau who won the Rocket Mortgage Classic 2022 and made it back-to-back PGA tourneys as among the top 3 favorites both times.
Baseball Schedules
Sunday, when listening to Howie Rose, the Mets radio announcer (I had the Mets for a bet), he was talking about New York playing five games in four days against Atlanta starting Thursday.
He spoke of the research department saying in 1968 when it was common for teams to play true doubleheaders on Sundays. That season in August, the Mets played four doubleheaders in five days (only two were the day/night variety) with a 10-man pitching staff. (typical at the time)
It was a different time, but crazy to imagine how managers whine about one double dip today with 13 pitchers.
Who Is Right?
San Diego opened as a -220 home favorite over Colorado Monday night and bets placed are running around 85 percent and 90% on cash on the Padres, Funny thing, San Diego has dipped to -200 or lower as of 1:30 PM EDT today.
Let’s get some winners! We’ll be back on Wednesday.
Calculators
