Baseball Betting

Smoltz activated from DL, makes season debut

Baseball Betting Lines

06/25/2009 - Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Right-handed pitcher John Smoltz was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday in time to make his season and Red Sox debut.

It was not a successful one for the 42-year-old, who was charged with seven hits and five runs over five innings in the Sox' 9-3 loss to the Washington Nationals.

The veteran hurler signed a one-year deal with Boston back in January, ending a run of more than two decades with the Atlanta Braves. However, he had not pitched since June 2, 2008 and shortly thereafter had a procedure to repair the labrum in his right shoulder.

Smoltz did become the 41st pitcher in major-league history to appear in 21 different seasons, fourth most among active pitchers. Only Jamie Moyer, Randy Johnson and Tom Glavine have toed the rubber in more years.

To make room on the roster, Boston optioned catcher Dusty Brown to Triple-A Pawtucket after Tuesday's game.


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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.