Selig and MLB slow to stifle replay controversy

Baseball Betting Lines

06/07/2010 - Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - To say Jim Joyce feels bad for costing Armando Galarraga's chance at history would be a gross understatement. But consider the silver lining that came from one of the game's all-time gaffes; the realization that baseball is less than perfect.

Such sentiment is far from enlightening but until a blown call took away the extremely rare feat from the Tiger's pitcher, it was never more apparent. What is also clear is that culpability falls far from the men in blue and black who externally govern the sport. They are human beings who are professionals at their craft - one which requires split-second decisions that demand accuracy in every instance - yet inevitably make mistakes.

The blame falls squarely on the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig. And unlike the steroid controversy, implementation of expanded instant replay is not at the mercy of stringent union negotiations.

Which makes Selig's reluctance to explicitly acknowledge the issue of instant replay in the wake of the incident all the more perplexing. Consider some of the language Selig used in addressing the now-infamous moment in baseball history.

In a statement released Thursday, Selig said he would "examine our umpiring system, the expanded use of instant replay and all other related features".

The key words there are "examine our umpiring system". What that statement tells us is that Selig is completely unaware - or refuses to admit - where the root of "blown calls" exists. The fact of the matter is the case being built for widening the scope of replay in baseball has been strong for quite some time. No training seminar or officials' manual will prepare an umpire to make a call that can only be verified through the use of video review.

It's a concept that was quickly addressed by other major sports to maintain the credibility and integrity of their games. That's where the contradiction within baseball exists. The commissioner is under the impression that integrity comes from the tradition of the game and that anything that challenges such should be met with resistance and skepticism.

In considering a way that baseball can incorporate video review outside of home run calls - and there are many ways this can be done - the goal should be to create a system that maintains a sense of tradition, is cost effective, does not slow the game down, and ensures accuracy.

First off, narrow the scope of what can be reviewed. For obvious reasons, the strike zone is off limits. Until there is a censor-based strike zone that lights up when a pitch enters the "box", balls and strikes will forever be at the mercy of an umpire's discretion. While such measures sound like they belong more in Star Wars than on a baseball diamond, it seems logical that something of the like may eventually creep its way into the game.

Under such a proposed plan, all "safe" or "out" calls at or between any base in any circumstance (including stolen bases) would be subject to review, as would "fair" or "foul" and home run calls. The purpose is self-explanatory, any calls that fall outside of the realm of discretion and opinion, for which there can be conclusive evidence derived from review, should fall within the umbrella of instant reply.

With games already north of three hours in duration and even longer in some cases, the responsibility of reviewing these calls should rest within control rooms similar to that of press boxes, where a combination of different representatives would be present.

What the "review room" might consist of: a head umpire who supersedes all officials on the field, an MLB representative and, assuming it was a point of contention for teams, club representatives. It would be complete with flat screen televisions and the same broadcast feed viewers at home are privy to. (Since the MLB generates a few dollars every year, they could even approach the networks to help fund new cameras that could provide a more optimal view of the base paths.)

To the last point, there are very few replays that do not provide the viewer an accurate perspective of any given play within 60-90 seconds of it occurring. Which goes to the next point, how to decide what's reviewable? Again, no discretion needed, every play is under review.

In keeping with tradition, umpires would have free reign to officiate the game as they have for 135 years. Rarely do umpires mess up a call (although fair and foul gaffes are a bit more commonplace, and those too can have serious implications - see Joe Mauer's would-be double in Game 2 the 2009 ALDS), so there is no need to dramatically change the way the game is officiated from a cosmetics standpoint.

Instead, the aforementioned "room" would have an eye on every play and have the opportunity to see the replays of every call. In those instances where a call must be overturned, the head umpire in the control room would page the home plate umpire, who would be equipped with a device slightly bigger than a balls- and-strikes counter, that would indicate a call must be overturned.

In almost any situation, the game would not slow down as a result. Even though it is still reasonable to expect delays in any sport that implements video replay, it would be the goal of baseball to limit, where they could, any potential stoppage in play. During the time it takes a runner to head back to the dugout, the pitcher to grab the rosin bag and a new hitter to emerge from the on deck circle, viewers at home or at the stadium have already seen at least two or three angles of the play in question.

Further, by implementing instant replay without the caveat of managers having to ration the number of challenges at their disposal - which makes the point of review more of a chess game than fulfilling its fundamental purpose - there would be a significant decrease in time spent arguing calls between managers and umpires since the final word will have become officially streamlined.

And to recap, all technology used, save for any extra cameras on the field, amounts to devices that any viewer at home already has.

Although it's reasonable to suggest baseball could adopt a more advanced way for reviewing calls, the purpose of such is to prove it can be done, and done so rather easily. The game doesn't have to slow down, umpires can remain the face of authority and integrity of the sport is maintained.

Don't blame Jim Joyce for the latest humanization of baseball. Flaws will be found in any person, game or layman's idea for instant replay.

To heed the words of Blue Jays' pitcher Dave Stieb, "Tomorrow, I'll be perfect."

That's all we ask of baseball. Wouldn't perfection be something to "rejoyce" in?

Lesseters Baseball Betting News

<< Dodgers, Cardinals to face off in NLDS rematch
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Playing in close games has become a habit of the Los Angeles Dodgers as of late. That wasn't the case the last time they faced the St. Louis Cardinals. Los Angeles and St. Louis square off for the first time since last sea

<< Rangers host Mariners at the Ballpark
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Texas Rangers will attempt to continue their season- long success at home when the current American League West leaders welcome one of the worst road teams in the majors, the Seattle Mariners, to Rangers Ballpar

<< Braves' trip continues with stop in Arizona
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Atlanta Braves cooled off a bit out West at the start of their 11-game road trip. A trip to Arizona to facing the struggling Diamondbacks should be enough to get them rolling again. National League East-leading Atlanta

<< Martinez, Red Sox invade Cleveland's Progressive Field
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Outstanding play over the past three weeks has made the Boston Red Sox a factor once again in the American League East race. If the team's performance against the Cleveland Indians in recent years is any indicat

<< Astros head to Colorado hoping to continue strong stretch
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Offense hasn't been the Houston Astros' strength this season, but they were able to swing the bats well over a recently-completed homestand. That has Houston looking for a sixth victory in seven games this evening, when i

Drosselmeyer: Not the best horse last Saturday >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Drosselmeyer won the 142nd Belmont Stakes but the most promising colt that ran at Belmont Park was not even entered in a stakes race. The fourth race on the card gave horseplayers a glimpse of future grea

NBA finals are Boston bound tied at a game apiece >>
BOSTON (AP) -Chin resting in his hand, mouth barely moving as he spoke, Kobe Bryant had the look of someone who would have rather been anywhere but Staples Center.The next few nights might make him long to be back home.The NBA's best rivalry is retu

Allen's sweet stroke saves Celtics >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - There is nothing more deflating for an NBA team than watching a great shooter get a good look from the three-point line. The ball comes off the hand and almost seems frozen in time for a second or two before splashing thro

Rodriguez leads Independence past Sky Blue FC >>
West Chester, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Amy Rodriguez assisted on the opening goal and tallied the winner as the Philadelphia Independence downed Sky Blue FC, 2-1, on Sunday at John A. Farrell Stadium. Lori Lindsey opened the scoring jus

Etherington close to new Stoke deal >>
Stoke-on-Trent, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has confirmed that Matthew Etherington is close to penning a new contract at the Britannia Stadium. The former West Ham star enjoyed a fine 2009-10 campaign and

American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6  

The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.

Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com.  "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.

It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis.  It's like Week 1 of the NFL.  Pre-season means nada!

We do know the 24 finalists however.

Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24.  He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway.  He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien. 

Brandon Rogers - Who?

Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition.  He should go a good distance.

Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was.  And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition.  He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice!  People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way. 

"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks.  He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes.  But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.

A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”

Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes. 

"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate.  "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past.  He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far.  Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."

Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts) 

And the others:

Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter

The girls

"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis.  "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has.  The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive.  I think she will go far."

Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.

"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams.  Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth.  "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.

Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.

Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.

Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan

MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with). 

Last two contestants will be?

1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)

2 Males +170 (a $10 bet pays $17 plus your initial $17)

2 Females +130 (a $10 bet pays $13 plus your initial $10)

MySportsbook.com is an online sportsbook accepts Visa Credit Cards and online sportsbook accepts Mastercard Credit Cards for easy American Idol betting lines. 

Football Betting

NFL Football Betting Online

The San Francisco 49ers (5-11 SU, 5-10-1 ATS in 2007; 1-1 SU & ATS in pre-season) found some offensive life last week, and they will try to build some momentum on Thursday night as they travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears (7-9 SU & ATS in 2007; 0-2 SU, 0-1-1 ATS in pre-season) in an NFL matchup that is set to get underway at 8 PM ET at Soldier Field (natural turf) in Chicago.

Thursday, August 21

NFL betting odds: CHICAGO -3 (-120), Total 37

NOTABLE STAT: San Francisco was last in points, last in total offense in 2007
KEY NFL BETTING TREND: SF has lost its last seven SU on pre-season road

In the BetUS NFL pre-season football betting odds, the Bears are listed as a three-point favorite (laying -120), with the total posted at 37 points.

Here are some NFL football betting trends as they relate to this matchup (reflecting numbers going into the 2008 season):

* SF has lost 11 of its last 14 games SU
* SF has covered three of its last 11 games
* SF has lost six of its last seven road games SU
* SF has covered one of its last seven road games
* CHI has covered five of its last eight games
* CHI has played five of its last seven games OVER the total
* CHI has covered four of its last 13 home games
* SF has lost its last seven pre-season road games SU
* CHI has covered two of its last seven home pre-season games

Well, I guess we should congratulate the Bears on making their quarterback choice for the season's opening game, as they have designated Kyle Orton the starter against Indianapolis. The Bears obviously have lost patience with Rex Grossman, and what they do with him at this point is anybody's guess. But suffice it to say that there isn't a quarterback competition anymore, at least in training camp.

Meanwhile, the quarterback competition may also be settled in San Francisco, where the Niners bounced back from a lackluster 18-6 loss to the Raiders, in which they turned the ball over four times, to execute a 34-6 rout of the Packers last Saturday. However, coach Mike Nolan has stopped short of saying that, insisting that the job is still open. But J.T. O'Sullivan, the longshot of the trio of Niner signal-callers who opened camp, will start his third straight pre-season game here. Against Green Bay, O'Sullivan was only 8-for-17, and was intercepted, but he also threw for 9.1 yards an attempt, which included a 59-yard TD pass to Josh Morgan. The others struggled.

Some offensive cohesion is badly needed, in light of the Niners' dismal 2007 campaign, in which they were dead last in the NFL in scoring, with just 13.7 points a game. And O'Sullivan is the guy who is most familiar with offensive coordinator Mike Martz's exacting system, because he learned it last year in Detroit. O'Sullivan will go at least the entire first half and may even last longer. He'll be relieved by Alex Smith, with Shawn Hill doing the mop-up work. Three receivers who were out last week - Bryant Johnson, Ashley Lelie and Arnaz Battle - will miss this game too.

That may hurt a little here, especially since the Bears will be using a lot of their defensive starters. And it's the defense that has been keeping the Bears in games thus far. In fact, the defense and special teams were responsible for the first 19 points Chicago scored against Seattle last time out, as the offense really struggled with Grossman at the controls. But maybe the first-team offense has a chance to settle a little bit as it works more with Orton at the helm.

Certainly we have concerns about the Bears' offensive line, but we like the scenario for them here, especially if O'Sullivan doesn't make some bis plays. The Niners may have nowhere else to turn right now, and they have lost seven straight road games in the pre-season. Let's take Chicago, the three-point favorite in the NFL football betting odds.

CHICAGO -3 (-120) **
(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

The 2008 NFL betting lines season is almost upon us! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join sportbook today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLIII and beyond!

Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting odds .