AL Central: Belcher making impact on Tribe's pitching staff

Baseball Betting Lines

04/30/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cleveland Indians' first-year pitching coach Tim Belcher has been around the block.

A 14-year pitcher in the big leagues, Belcher's 2,442 career innings are the most of any active pitching coach in Major League Baseball. And although this is Belcher's first year as Cleveland's pitching coach, he has spent the last eight years in the organization as a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations.

With all of the roster turnover during the past two seasons, Cleveland's average age is now only 27 years old. While the lineup continues to be a work in progress, the pitching staff will have to shoulder much of the load.

That's where Belcher comes in. As a pitcher for the Dodgers, he compiled seven seasons of 200+ innings pitched, even leading the National League with 10 complete games in 1989. Under his tutelage, Cleveland's starters rank fifth in the American League with a combined 3.98 ERA. That has helped to atone for an offense that ranks 12th in the AL with a .238 team batting average.

Angels' manager Mike Scioscia recently said of his former Los Angeles Dodgers teammate, "I think (Belcher) can help pitchers get through a pitch count barrier and be more efficient with their pitches."

That has certainly rubbed off on 26-year-old rookie Mitch Talbot, who has allowed just two earned runs (0.84) over his last three starts, a span of 21 1/3 innings. His 2.05 ERA is bound to climb at some point, particularly for a pitcher who has fanned only seven batters through four starts. But Belcher points to the youngster's wide array of pitches -- which includes a sinker, cutter, changeup and slider -- as the main reason Talbot has been able to keep hitters off balance.

"He's been good about staying with what's working and knowing what the game plan calls for," Belcher told the team's website. "He's not one of those guys that thinks he has to throw every pitch to every hitter."

Meanwhile, Fausto Carmona has spent the last few seasons trying to rediscover his form of 2007, when he burst onto the scene with 19 wins. Now, a more confident and mechanically sound Carmona brings a 2.96 ERA into tonight's start against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field, in which he'll try to improve to 4-0.

Carmona credits an adjustment to the first-base side of the mound, which he tried during the Dominican Winter League, as a big reason for his early-season success. He's also been relying on his slider a lot more and his changeup a lot less.

"Pitching on the right-hand side of the rubber did not help him at all," manager Manny Acta said. "He was pitching everybody the same way, sinking it in to righties and away to lefties. He had success with it in 2007, but the league adjusted to him."

Elsewhere in the rotation, Justin Masterson is 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA thus far. However, he does have a team-high 24 strikeouts through 19 innings. On Wednesday against the Angels, starter Jake Westbrook was cruising along through five innings, aiming for his first win in two years after Tommy John surgery sidetracked his career. But he allowed a game-tying three-run homer to Torii Hunter in the sixth inning, and the Angels went on to win.

Losing steam in the middle innings has been a problem for Westbrook so far this season, though he isn't blaming his physical condition.

"I'm tired of being part of the problem," Westbrook said. "I feel good about where I am. I'm just not getting the job done. Hopefully I can find a way to put up zeroes when we need them."

ROYALS BACK IN FAMILIAR TERRITORY

Having lost three straight, the Kansas City Royals (8-14) are back in the basement of the AL Central standings, six games back of division-leading Minnesota. Last night, they kicked off an 11-game road trip in Tampa with an 11-1 loss to the Rays, who have now won 14 of their last 16.

So much for a fresh start.

But while the wins and losses -- and the impending road swing -- don't inspire a whole lot of confidence, there is reason for optimism. Consider, even with last night's ugly loss, the Royals still lead the American League with a .302 team batting average on the road. The catalyst has been Scott Podsednik, who leads all AL hitters with a .484 (15-for-31) average in road games. However, it's now up to the pitching staff to hold up their end of the deal.

Starting pitcher Luke Hochevar entered Thursday's tilt with an unblemished record, but he left with a black eye. All told, he allowed 11 hits and a career-high nine earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings against the red-hot Rays.

At the moment, Zack Greinke is the only sure thing on the starting rotation, though he has only an 0-2 record to show for his 2.56 ERA. With three more games on tap in Tampa, followed by two series against the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers, Kansas City will need some other guys to step up. If not, things could turn real ugly by mid-May.

TWINS' PITCHING LOOKING TO STAY SHARP

Minnesota finally lost its first series of the season this week, dropping two of three at Detroit. Still, entering tonight's series opener with Cleveland, the Twins (14-8) have allowed the fourth-fewest runs in the American League. And now they'll be facing the Indians, who have struggled mightily at the plate thus far.

They'll be doing so without Nick Blackburn (1-1, 6.85), who was due to start tonight but went home for family reasons. Manager Ron Gardenhire will now give the ball to Kevin Slowey (2-2, 3.42), who will be starting on regular rest. Given how things have gone for those two, the switch would appear to be a good thing. The resurgent Francisco Liriano (3-0, 0.93) is slated to pitch Sunday's series finale, while Saturday's starter has not yet been announced.

The Twins will also welcome offensive stalwarts Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau back to the lineup tonight, as both had the day off in Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers. It marked the first time since May 2006 that both Mauer and Morneau were given the same day off. Considering the outcome, don't expect it to happen again anytime soon.

NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO COOL TIGERS' CABRERA

As the Detroit Tigers prepare for one of Major League Baseball's most notorious road teams in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, they'll once again look to Miguel Cabrera to ignite the offense.

Entering tonight's series opener, Cabrera leads the majors with 25 RBI and ranks second with 10 doubles. Despite going hitless on Wednesday and Thursday, he is still batting .330 while boasting a .419 on-base percentage.

Without question, he has been one of the main reasons why Detroit (13-10) is within 1 1/2 games of the division-leading Twins. Earlier this week, Cabrera hit a go-ahead homer in the top of the ninth inning to help the Tigers knock off Texas, 8-6.

At the very least, his hot start has cooled offseason concerns around the Motor City, which stemmed from his alcohol-related domestic violence arrest on the eve of last season's one-game playoff with the Twins for the AL's final playoff spot. Considering his $20 million price tag for this season, Cabrera would've been under a great deal of pressure had he gotten off to a poor start.

QUESTIONS AT THE TOP FOR GUILLEN, WHITE SOX

When your leadoff man is hitting .200 and the team is 9-13, changes are bound to be made.

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen will do just that, after watching newly-acquired leadoff man Juan Pierre go 1-for-16 over the last four games .

"He ain't playing (Friday night)," Guillen told the Chicago Tribune after an 0-for-5 night from Pierre on Thursday. "I don't know if he's putting a lot of pressure on himself or trying to do too much, but I'll try and give him a breather."

Guillen added that he'd consider moving Pierre to either the No. 9 spot of the No. 2 spot in the lineup. That of course leaves the question, who bats first?

The primary options -- at least right now -- are Omar Vizquel, Gordon Beckham or Mark Teahen. But each comes with his own question marks. Vizquel is 43. Guillen indicated he prefers Beckham lower in the lineup to drive in runs. Teahen ranks third on the team with a .379 on-base percentage, but he doesn't have a ton of speed and seems to feel most comfortable batting fifth.

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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. 

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.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.