The Bum's Sports Page For Monday June 22nd Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

CFL season betting preview: How to bet the East Division

The 2015 season will begin on Thursday night, with the Montreal Alouettes hosting the Ottawa Redblacks. We didn't see a single team in the East Division finish with a winning record last year, and the bookmakers are expecting the West to be superior again this season. According to the Grey Cup odds, Hamilton is the front runner in a jam-packed East.

Here's a look at how the teams in the East Division stack up entering the new campaign.

EAST DIVISION

Hamilton Tigers-Cats (2014: 9-9 SU, 9-9 ATS)

Odds to win Grey Cup: +660

Why bet the Tiger-Cats: Hamilton lost to Calgary in the Grey Cup last year, and finished first in the division during the regular season despite a .500 record. The Ti-Cats appear to be in good hands with a young quarterback in Zack Collaros, who comes off an outstanding rookie campaign. The 26 year old showed steady improvement throughout his first season as a starter, and his coach is expecting him to be even better in 2015. “He’s got some Doug Flutie in him,” said head coach Kent Austin, comparing him to one of the greatest quarterbacks the league has ever seen.

Why not to bet the Tiger-Cats: They were terrible on the road last year, winning just two of their nine games away from Tim Hortons Field. They might struggle to improve on that record with a young defense in 2015, and they'll have a tough time replacing Delvin Breaux, who left for the NFL. C.J. Gable, Nic Grigsby and Mossis Madu gave them depth in the backfield last year, but nobody stepped up as a true No. 1 running back.

Grey Cup Outlook: Good as long as Collaros can stay healthy.

Montreal Alouettes (2014: 9-9 SU, 9-9 ATS)

Odds to win the Grey Cup: +820

Why bet the Alouettes: Montreal finished last season winning eight of its last 10 games, and won its first playoff game in a 50-17 rout of the B.C. Lions. The Als are deep at running back with Brandon Whitaker, Brandon Rutley, Rainey and Logan, and they signed receivers Fred Stamps, Nik Lewis and Sam Giguere. The defense remains a strength, with Chip Cox and John Bowman both resigning.

Why not to bet the Alouettes: Jonathan Crompton took the team to the playoffs in 2014, but GM Jim Popp isn't convinced he has what it takes to be the starting quarterback. “Crompton won the job last year. The bottom line is can we win with him?” said Popp. Rakeem Cato led the Als in passing in their first preseason game, a 26-9 win over Ottawa. Brandon Bridge threw for 52 yards and a TD, while Crompton was just 2-of-6 for 17 yards. Who will start on opening night is anybody's guess.

Grey Cup Outlook: Fair. If they can find themselves a capable quarterback, they should be as good as anybody in the East.

Toronto Argonauts (2014: 8-10 SU, 7-11 ATS)

Odds to win the Grey Cup: +950

Why bet the Argos: While the Argos will begin the season with Trevor Harris filling in for Ricky Ray at quarterback, he'll have a stout offensive line protecting him. He's looked capable so far in the preseason. The receiving corps looks strong with Chad Owens and Andre Durie returning and a handful of veterans all competing for a roster spot. Rookie Tori Gurley impressed with seven catches for 188 yards and a TD in his first appearance of the preseason.

Why not to bet the Argos: Toronto hopes to make improvements on the defensive side of the ball, but it has a long way to go as its secondary allowed the most touchdowns in the CFL last season. The Argos’ success will likely depend on how Ricky Ray recovers from offseason shoulder surgery, and we saw last season how Travis Lulay struggled for B.C. coming off the same injury. Top it all off with a nightmare of a schedule to start the season, and the Argos have plenty to overcome.

Grey Cup Outlook: Poor. There are too many question marks surrounding this team, and if Ray has any setbacks returning from injury, the season will likely be a disaster.

Ottawa Redblacks (2014: 2-16 SU, 7-11 ATS)

Odds to win the Grey Cup: +3550

Why bet on the Redblacks: Ottawa added a lot of star power on offense heading into this season, with Maurice Price, Ernest Jackson and Greg Ellingson coming into to bolster the receiving corps. Ellingson has established chemistry with veteran quarterback Henry Burris from their time together in Hamilton. Chris Williams returns after spending the last two seasons in the NFL, and he'll give them a boost on offense as well as special teams.

Why not to bet on the Redblacks: While improvement appears inevitable for Ottawa, its got a long way to go after winning just two games all of last season. The prognosis on the defensive side of the ball is a lot less positive than it is on offense, and there’s a lot riding on the 40-year-old arm of Burris.

Grey Cup Outlook: Poor. This team should be vastly improved but they've still got a long way to go before they can expect to complete with the best teams in the league.

[StarDust Bum]

Book releases CFL Week 1 opening lines

Looking for a place to wager on the Canadian Football League? TheGreek.com opened their Week 1 CFL lines on Sunday.

Here's a look at what the shop is dealing for the first week of the regular season:

Montreal (-7.5) vs. Ottawa. Over/Under: 46.

Saskatchewan (-7) vs. Winnipeg. Over/Under: 49.

Calgary (-6.5) vs. Hamilton. Over/Under: 52.

Edmonton (-5) vs. Toronto. Over/Under: 50.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Top six QBs in passing yardage in NFL history.......

6) John Elway 51,475-- Now he's a pretty good team executive.

5) Tom Brady 53,258-- Think he'll watch DirecTV the first four weeks?

4) Drew Brees 56,033-- Saints are expected to run ball more this year.

3) Dan Marino 61,361-- Only guy on this list who never won a Super Bowl

2) Peyton Manning 69,691-- Brother Eli is number 15 in passing yards.

1) Brett Favre 71,838-- Is an offensive coordinator at a Mississippi high school.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend......

13) Difference between first and second place at the US Open was $720,000; thats how much Dustin Johnson's 3-putt on 18th green cost him Sunday night in Tacoma. Dramatic ending to an interesting week of golf.

12) Johnson didn't seem all that upset after the dramatic finish; he made $1M+ for the week, he's engaged to Paulina Gretzky, his life is pretty damn good, he just didn't get the championship trophy. He'll win a major eventually.

11) Louis Oosthuizen shot 29 on the back side Sunday, damn near snuck into a playoff today; he shot 77 Thursday, has to be kicking himself for that.

10) Tom Brady got paid $170K for a speech at Salem State last month; he donated all that money to charity. Not sure why they paid him $170K, but they did.

9) It is June 22 and Albert Pujols already has ten homers this month; teams had been walking Mike Trout intentionally in key spots to pitch to Pujols, which at the time we said was stupid and I'm sticking with that. Pujols can still crush the ball.

8) I'm grocery shopping this weekend and noticed Steph Curry on a Wheaties box; didn't know they still did that. Wheaties are horrible, but it is cool that guys like Curry gets recognized for their excellence.

7) If you're a blood donor in Sweden, they text you when the blood you donated gets used by another person. Must make people feel good.

6) Opening Day baseball rosters this year, there were 83 players from the Dominican Republic, 65 from Venezuela, 18 from Cuba.

5) Florida State hired former SE Missouri State hoop coach Dickey Nutt as its video coordinator/dirctor of ops. Nutt is way over-qualified for the post and he cannot go off-campus to recruit, but he'll be a big help to old friend Leonard Hamilton's program.

4) Rough weekend in Washington for the Pirates, who came into the nation's capital on an 8-game win streak- they got outscored 19-3 in a three-game sweep, and got no-hit by Max Scherzer Saturday.

3) Mets didn't fare any better in Atlanta; they're 3-16 in last 19 road games, 56-103 at Turner Field. At 36-35, they're a pretty big disappointment. Matt Harvey is very good, but they're still just 3-6 in his last nine starts.

2) Orioles 13, Blue Jays 9-- Game was 7-6 in second inning. Then there are the White Sox, who scored 11 runs in their last seven games. Not good.

1) Vanderbilt-Virginia start best-of-3 College World Series tonight in Omaha.

[StarDust Bum]

U.S. Open Recap


June 22, 2015




"I just can't believe I did that…I am such an idiot."


Oops, right major, wrong person.


I literally don’t even know where to begin after what I just watched. That was one of the most unbelievable and strangest endings to any golf tournament I have ever witnessed. Not just the 18th hole, but basically the entire final round from start to finish. Don’t get me wrong, there have definitely been more historic Sunday’s in major Championships (Jack in ’86 among them) and more infamous endings as well (Jean Van de Velde), but what played out Sunday afternoon on that goat ranch in the Pacific Northwest will not soon be forgotten.


Look, I’m as big a Jordan Spieth fan as you will find (admittedly) and had him at 9/1 to win as well, but I absolutely felt sick to my stomach for DJ watching his second putt slide by. That’s just wrong on so many levels.


All joking aside, I really hope someone takes DJ’s cash and credit cards and gets him a handler like Josh Hamilton had. Otherwise, his face might end up in a mountain full of powder that would make Tony Montoya jealous. I'm literally worried for his safety at this point.


DJ has lost a US Open with a big number at Pebble Beach early in the round…ok, it happens. He lost a chance at the PGA because of the dumbest bunker setup ever…that sucked but wasn’t really his fault. He lost a chance at the British Open with a 2-iron OB in the middle of the round…that’s just golf.


But after what happened to him on Sunday he may never recover, and I wouldn’t blame him. He didn’t “just” three putt from 12 feet to lose the US Open by a shot, the guy should have won that tournament by 6 shots…minimum. He absolutely played better than anyone in the field this week from tee to green (and it wasn’t even close) and had countless chances to put that tournament away early on Sunday. The three putt on the 72nd hole was just icing on the cake. I’m just not sure you ever get over a loss like that.


The big story after the round was that DJ didn’t attend the award ceremony on the 18th green as the runner-up typically does. Personally, I don’t blame him.


“Hey DJ, you just blew the US Open 4 minutes ago, can you come sit on the 18th green and smile for the cameras?” Cut the guy some slack. That tradition is stupid anyway.


As for the guy that won…my man Jordan Spieth! Sure, DJ may have lost the US Open more so than Spieth won it, but he put himself in that position when no one else did. Last I checked, Jack was handed a few of his 18 majors as well.


The number of records Spieth has set or tied already at his age is just silly and naming them all would take me all night to list. Bottom line, Spieth is half way to the 2015 Grand Slam after the first two majors of the year and my man crush is officially through the roof. I’m pretty sure you will hear the phrase #SpiethSlam about 5,000,000 times between now and St Andrews. I want to get that trending now!


I said last week I wasn’t as confident Spieth would win at Chambers Bay as I was at Augusta in April, but I would definitely put a little scratch on him just in case (as well as a Top 5 and Top 10 bet). The guy is a frickin’ ATM machine right now. If you haven’t been cashing in on him, well, that’s on you.


Regarding my pick to win IF Spieth didn’t win…Rickie Fowler… I of course give both Rickie and myself a huge F for that call. In fact, if there is a grade worse than that, I will take it. Wow.


Fowler’s round was so bad Thursday that he was the butt of Tiger’s post round joke, “But the bright side is at least I kicked Rickie’s butt today.” You know you had a bad day when a guy that shot 80 is making fun of your round.


As for Tiger, there is bottom, there is rock bottom and then there is 350 yards of crap below that; which is where you will find him these days. It’s becoming extremely painful to watch (or joyful for some I’m sure). Before this year, Tiger had played 1,241 rounds on the PGA Tour and had exactly one round in the 80s (and that was in conditions that even the Bishop from Caddyshack wouldn’t have played in). This year…he played 3 out of his first 15 rounds (20%) in the 80s. Basically the dude has gone from the greatest golfer on the planet to a 10 handicap. It’s truly amazing…I don’t even know what else to say at this point.


As for the guy that tied DJ for second (and actually showed up to the award ceremony). The fact that Louis Oosthuizen shot an opening round 77 and missed a playoff by one shot may be the most overlooked thing that happened all week. Not to mention the guy missed at least 15 putts inside of 10 feet…just that I saw. He is the defending champion [at St Andrews] next month and if he hits it like he did over the weekend at Chambers Bay he may run away with that thing. Again, that is a big IF.


Speaking of St Andrews…Rory certainly made things interesting on Sunday. After his weekend at Augusta and the way he closed at the US Open, if the guy can actually get off to a decent start at the British Open he could run away with that tournament as well.


Just checked….yep, Brandon Grace’s tee shot on 16 is still out of bounds. Man I missed having Johnny in the booth when he hit that shot.


Jason Day left the US Open in a neck brace (literally). I’m not a doctor but that’s probably not good.


Bubba Watson…Yep, still a huge douchebag.


On the other hand, I never thought I would say this but Ian Poulter’s “rant” following his round Sunday was not only well thought out and well-articulated, I actually agree with him. I knew something was coming from him after this tournament but I never imagined this. Rant


I knew FOX was going to be bad, but WOW, I had no idea just how bad they were going to be. That was the worst coverage of any sporting event I have ever seen. Ever. To name all the ways FOX dropped the ball this week up would take me longer than listing all of the records Jordan Spieth has already set. However a few of their commentary “highlights”…after the round Sunday Curt Menefee said that Spieth "doesn't do anything great." You mean other than winning back-to-back majors Curt? That is literally the stupidest statement ever made on live television. A distant second was Greg Norman saying “fellow Australian Brandon Grace,” well, except that Brandon Grace is from South Africa? South Africa/Australia…yeah, basically the same place.


The “talent” aside, which was unbearable, they failed at basically every single aspect of covering a golf tournament. The sporadic TV coverage of actual play was almost impossible to keep up with Thursday and Friday and even at times during the closing stretch on Sunday. It certainly made me appreciate CBS and NBC a hell of a lot more this weekend, that’s for sure.


However, to no one’s surprise, the biggest loser this week (outside of DJ) was Mike Davis and the USGA. They got absolutely bailed out by the finish on Sunday. There is no other way to put it. Yes, the leaderboard was fantastic, and yes the rating will be through the roof because of it (and the west coast finish) but that was all in spite of Mike Davis and the USGA, not because of. Up until the finish on Sunday the deafening narrative was about the course itself and not the players.


Let’s just forget about the fact for a minute that the set up was stupid and balls were banging off hills and slopes and banks as if they were in a pinball machine. The greens were an absolute joke. Anyone that has ever watched one minute of US Open coverage can tell you that the greens and the overall difficulty of the course will only become more problematic on the weekend when the sun comes out and the tournament starts, yet the USGA let that course turn into a goat ranch.


Hell, even the guy that won it thought the USGA did a horrible job. On Friday Spieth said that the 18th hole was "the dumbest hole I've ever played in my life," and he didn't apologize after the round, either. "If microphones are going to pick it up, they're going to pick it up. I'm not going to put a smile on and be happy.” When ask about the course and the greens Sunday by Joe Buck in his post-round interview Spieth literally changed the subject entirely and refused to comment. It was THAT bad.


Yet, despite the obvious eff up by the USGA, Mike Davis still insisted that the color of the greens were “tricking the viewer’s eyes” and “there really quite good.”


Ummm, ok Mike. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.


There are countless quotes and comments from players on it (including Gary Player’s epic rant Friday) but basically when you make Ian Poulter sound smart you know the USGA has failed miserably.


Basically, it was the best, worst US Open ever.

[StarDust Bum]

Heartbreak and some consolation for DJ


June 21, 2015


UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. (AP) - Dustin Johnson had his baby in his arms, a smile of sorts frozen on his face.


There would be plenty of time later to sort through the pain and the what-ifs. Still in shock from the events of a few moments earlier, he walked from the 18th green, holding little Tatum, with fiancee Paulina Gretzky lending a comforting hand on his back.


The U.S. Open would have been his had he made a 12-footer on the final green. An 18-hole playoff with Jordan Spieth would have been scheduled for Monday with a 3-footer coming back.


He missed both, and one of the most dramatic U.S. Opens ended in the worst way imaginable. The cruelest of games had dealt Johnson the cruelest of blows.


Instead of holding the Open trophy on the 18th green, he was looking for a quick exit from the chamber of horrors that was Chambers Bay. Instead of resting up for an 18-hole playoff on Monday, he was heading home wondering how it could have all gone wrong.


He tried to keep it in perspective the only way he knew how.


''I'm proud of the way I played and I'm most proud of my family,'' Johnson said outside the locker room. ''So I did get to hold up my trophy at the end of the day, which is my son.''


That a long week at Chambers Bay ended on such a sour note wasn't lost on Johnson. He skipped the trophy ceremony and didn't come into the media center to answer questions, though he did spend some time signing autographs for kids before leaving.


He had put himself in position with a great birdie on the 17th hole when it seemed as if Spieth wouldn't be caught. Then he hit a massive drive and 5-iron to the final green that were striped to perfection.


The putt was above the hole and it wasn't easy. No putts were easy on the bumpy greens at Chambers Bay that were crusty in the early evening sun.


''It was a tough putt. It was going to be a difficult putt to make,'' Johnson said. ''But I don't understand how my ball ended up there. I thought it might have crept back down a little bit.''


By the time the ball had finally stopped rolling it was a bit over 3 feet past the hole. Johnson wasted little time - just 48 seconds before he made his stroke - with the second putt, drawing a gasp from the 6,000 in the bleachers around the 18th green as it slipped by left of the hole.


''I had it inside right,'' Johnson said. ''I don't know. I hit it, thought I hit it pretty decent. Just missed left.''


Johnson had seemingly shot himself out of the tournament with a series of missed putts after taking a two-shot lead at the turn. Back-to-back bogeys on Nos. 10 and 11 and a missed birdie opportunity on the driveable par-4 12th appeared to doom his chances.


But Spieth hit his worst shot of the tournament on the par-3 17th, making double bogey right on front of him. And Johnson hit an iron to 5-feet and calmly made the putt to briefly tie for the lead.


With Spieth making a great birdie of his own to regain the lead on 18, Johnson hit a huge drive down the middle, and then laced a 5-iron to within 12 feet to set himself up for his first major championship.


Make the putt and he would have exorcised the demons of an Open he threw away at Pebble Beach in 2010. Make it and people would have stopped asking why he took a long break from the PGA Tour to deal with what he vaguely described as personal issues.


But Johnson missed. And his first major championship was not to be.


''This is why I play the game of golf is to get a chance to win the U.S. Open on the last hole,'' he said. ''I was trying. It just didn't work out.''

[StarDust Bum]

Spieth wins a stunner at Chambers Bay

June 21, 2015

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. (AP) - Jordan Spieth is halfway home to the Grand Slam, a prize only three of the biggest names in modern golf have ever chased.

And he still can't believe how he got there.

Spieth won the U.S. Open in a heart-stopper Sunday with a turn of events even more wild than the terrain at Chambers Bay. He thought he had it won with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole. He threw away a three-shot lead one hole later. He made birdie on the final hole. And then he thought it was over as Dustin Johnson settled in over a 12-foot eagle putt for the victory.

Three putts later, Spieth was the U.S. Open champion.

''I'm still in shock,'' he said with the gleaming U.S. Open trophy at his side. ''I've never experienced a feeling like this. It was a very intense back nine.''

Spieth became only the sixth player to win the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year, and he joined Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in getting the first two legs of the modern slam that Palmer created on his way to St. Andrews in 1960.

That's the next stop for the 21-year-old Texan whose two major championships could not be any more different. A wire-to-wire runaway at Augusta National. A nail-biter on the edge of Puget Sound.

And another major heartache for Johnson.

''I had all the chances in the world,'' said Johnson, who missed six putts inside 10 feet on the back nine and finished one shot behind.

Spieth, the youngest U.S. Open champion since Bobby Jones in 1923, did his part. Even after letting Johnson and fast-closing Louis Oosthuizen back into the game with his double bogey on the 17th hole, Spieth responded with a 3-wood that caught the backboard on the 18th hole and settled below the hole for an eagle putt. He missed it left, made birdie and walked off the green feeling more regret than excitement over his 1-under 69 for a one-shot lead with the big-hitting Johnson behind him.

Johnson reached the par-5 18th with a 5-iron - that's how far he smashed his tee shot on the 601-yard hole.

Make the putt and he wins the U.S. Open. Two putts would force an 18-hole playoff Monday on a course that favors power.

''I'm still amazed that I won, let alone that we weren't playing tomorrow,'' Spieth said. ''So for that turnaround right there, to watch that happen, I feel for Dustin, but I haven't been able to put anything in perspective yet.''

Spieth now prepares for St. Andrews, the next stop on this improbable ride.

Woods in 2002 was the last player to get the first two legs of the slam.

The others to win the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year were Craig Wood in 1941 and Ben Hogan in 1951 and 1953. Hogan won the British Open in 1953, though he never played the PGA Championship because it was held roughly the same time as the British.

Spieth finished at 5-under 275 in winning for the third time this year. He is still No. 2 and closing fast on Rory McIlroy, who has top 10s in both majors this year without being a serious contender.

Spieth becomes the first player since Jones to make birdie on the 72nd hole to win the U.S. Open by one shot - all because of Johnson's three-putt. He also became the youngest player with two majors since Gene Sarazen in 1922.

For all the criticism of the unique course at Chambers Bay, this was the theater at its finest.

But there will be lingering questions about the condition of the greens, so bumpy that they were referred to as broccoli and Billy Horschel said he lost respect for the USGA. This championship ended with a short miss, the target of complaints all week.

''As you can tell, it's very difficult to get them in the hole out there,'' Johnson said. ''The greens were really fast and they were rolling fairly smooth, but it was still bouncing a little bit.''

The final hour was so wild that four players could have won over the last two holes.

Branden Grace of South Africa was tied for the lead when he hit his tee shot on the reachable 16th hole over the fence and onto the railroads that run along Puget Sound. He made double bogey and never challenged again.

Spieth hit into the fescue-covered mounds right of the 17th and made double bogey just as Oosthuizen made one last birdie - his sixth over the last seven holes - for a 67 to post at 4-under 276.

Johnson, who had a two-shot lead at the turn until missing so many putts on the back nine, was forgotten until he stuffed his tee shot on the par-3 17th to 4 feet for birdie. He just couldn't make one from a little closer when it mattered even more.

''I did everything I was supposed to do,'' he said. ''I hit the ball really well. I'm proud of the way I handled myself and the way I played today. I just really struggled getting it in the hole today. I didn't think I was hitting bad putts. I thought I was hitting them pretty good they just weren't going in.''

It was the fourth heartache for Johnson in the majors, and this was the worst.

Jason Day, who collapsed on Friday with vertigo only to rally for a share of the 54-hole lead, fell back with missed putt and was never in the hunt on the back nine. He closed with a 74 to finish five shots behind.

Grace never recovered from that double bogey on No. 16 and shot 71 to tie for fourth with Adam Scott (64) and Cameron Smith (68).

[StarDust Bum]

Horschel unloads on USGA for condition

June 21, 2015

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. (AP) - Billy Horschel stepped to the microphone with an air of excitement.

Now that his U.S. Open was complete, Horschel let loose with a string of complaints about the condition of Chambers Bay this week, specifically the quality of the putting surfaces.

''We're looking for something that's very consistent. Every green is very consistent. And this week they're not,'' Horschel said. ''The only two greens out here that are really good are 13 and 7. And No. 10 is not too bad. But other than that, it's just a very disappointing week to be here.''

Horschel's emotions were on full display during his final round on Sunday. After missing a short par putt on the sixth hole, Horschel feigned slamming his putter into the green - although he says he was at least a foot above the putting surface. On the ninth hole, Horschel made emphatic zig-zag motions with his hand after his putt hopped back and forth on its way past the hole.

Normally a 3-under par round in the final round of the U.S. Open would be cherished.

''I played awesome golf today. I played out my tail to shoot 3-under par. And I really felt like I should have shot 6, 7 or 8-under, but I wasn't able to due to the fact that some of the putts I hit just hit some really bad spots on the greens and got off line and didn't go in,'' Horschel said.

Horschel added he understands that fans are not interested in hearing complaints from players but that the conditions of this week needed to be brought to attention. He also brought up the fans and the difficulty in spectators being able to get around the course and close to the action. The course has been roped for safety and not for the ability of fans to clearly see what's happening.

''I think a lot of players, and I'm one of them, have lost some respect for the USGA and this championship this year for the greens,'' Horschel said. ''And not only the greens, one of the biggest issues I have is for the fans. Here we are in the Pacific Northwest, where we haven't been since the late `90s for the PGA Championship, and the viewing is awful.''

TOO FAR BEHIND:

Adam Scott and Louis Oosthuizen both made major charges on Sunday that fell short.

Scott shot 64, making six birdies and no bogeys, and tied for the second lowest final round in U.S. Open history. Only Johnny Miller's 63 at Oakmont in 1973 was better. Scott finished at 3 under and tied for fourth.

''I feel like I had nothing to lose today and everything to gain. And I knew I was playing well and I just couldn't quite put it all together the first three days. And I really wanted to today,'' Scott said. ''It was a big effort for me today. To be honest, it's the kind of round I needed to get things going for me this year, hopefully.

Oosthuizen shot 29 on the back nine and finish at 4 under and a tie for second, but was left lamenting three bogeys in his first four holes to start the final round.

Still, the 67 completed a remarkable turnaround. Oosthuizen was 9 over thru his first 20 holes, including a 77 in the first round, and 13 under over the final 52.

''Proud of myself the way I came back and kept on playing and knew my game was not far off,'' Oosthuizen said. ''That 77 was - I could have easily had a horrible Friday and watched this on television.''

CHARGE HALTED:

Rory McIlroy was cruising. He was at 6 under for his round after making a 70-footer on the 13th hole and 2 under for the tournament. His entire thought was finishing with a number that could linger as something to think about for the leaders well behind him.

And then his charge was stopped when he came up just a couple of feet short with his tee shot on the par 3 15th. Instead of settling next to the pin, the shot rolled down the slope into the rough. He made bogey and also bogeyed the par 3 17th. McIlroy shot 66, but was too far behind to threaten the leaders.

''When I look back, obviously the last few holes of this golf course haven't been kind to me all week. And when I look back at this tournament that's where I'll rue some missed opportunities,'' McIlroy said.

McIlroy said he'll spend the majority of his time between now and the British Open at St. Andrews at home in Northern Ireland.

GRAND SLAM WAIT:

Phil Mickelson's quest for the career Grand Slam will have to wait for Oakmont 12 months from now.

Mickelson concluded a disappointing week at Chambers Bay with a 73 in the final round, making double bogey on the 72nd hole to conclude his week of golf in the Pacific Northwest.

Mickelson was never in contention after the first nine holes as he tried to add the U.S. Open to his titles at the Masters, British Open and PGA Championship. Mickelson has been the runner-up six times at the U.S. Open.

Mickelson played his first nine at Chambers Bay in 3-under par and the final 63 holes in 16 over.

''It was fun to play here. The community helped run a really first-class event, and I wish I had played better,'' Mickelson said.

Mickelson was considered a favorite because of his imagination around the challenging greens of Chambers Bay and he heeded the message of USGA executive director Mike Davis by getting a good look at the course prior to the arrival of tournament week.

But his iron play struggled, hitting only 43 of 72 greens in regulation. Mickelson noted after his round on Saturday that he had yet to make a double bogey despite his inability to score low.

That double bogey finally arrived on his last hole, his farewell to Chambers Bay.

AMATEUR HOUR:

Brian Campbell, who shot 67 in the first round and briefly had a share of the lead in the second round, finished as the low amateur at 2-over par and in a tie for 27th.

Six amateurs made the cut, the most in 49 years. Campbell was one of two amateur to shoot in the 60s in the final round. Campbell shot 68 and Nick Hardy, whose bogey on his final hole late Friday night let 15 additional players into the weekend, also shot 68 and finished at 10 over.

Denny McCarthy and Ollie Schniederjans both finished at 7 over, and Beau Hossler and Jack Maguire both finished at 12 over.

DIVOTS:

The USGA played the 18th as a par 5 rather than keeping with the rotation from the first three days and playing it as a par 4. The reason was a change in the winds from southwest to north on Sunday. Players had said the 18th was a great par 5 and questionable par 4. ... Chris Kirk finished last among those that made the cut at 21 over and was 18 over on the weekend. He started his final round with a 10 on the first hole. ... Cheng-Tsung Pan, who just turned pro after completing his college career at nearby Washington, was the last player in the field not to make a three-putt. That run lasted for 66 holes before a three-putt bogey on the 13th hole Sunday. ... Ben Martin shot 86 in the third round. He shot even-par 70 on Sunday.

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WNBA Betting Recap - 6/15-6/21

June 21, 2015

League Betting Notes (from Monday, June 15 through Sunday, June 21)

-- Underdogs went 8-7 straight up
-- Underdogs went 8-7 against the spread (ATS)
-- Road teams posted a 13-2 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 13-2 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 8-7

Team Betting Notes

-- It was all about the road team in WNBA this week, as only Atlanta (3-5) and Tulsa (6-1) defended their home courts successfully this week.

-- Speaking of the Shock, they posted a 3-0 week and have covered each of their seven games this season (7-0 ATS).

-- For the Dream, the home win was about the only thing positive this week. They went 1-2 SU/ATS, and slipped to 2-6 ATS through eight games this season. One of the only things consistent about the Dream is the 'under', going 5-2-1 through their first outings.

-- Phoenix (3-3) scratched out an impressive road win at Seattle (2-4), improving to 3-2-1 ATS. It was also their first straight-up win in three tries on the road, while they improved to 2-1 ATS away from the desert.

-- Minnesota (5-2) suffered a rare loss at home to the Shock Sunday, just their second setback in seven tries this season. Even more rare was an offer in Sunday's clash of the titans, as the 'under' had hit in five of six games for the Lynx until the over was smashed against the Shock.

-- Connecticut (6-1) continues to roll right along, wrapping up a west coast road trip this week by going 3-0 SU/ATS. Like the Shock, the Sun have covered each of their seven games this season (7-0 ATS). They have a rematch with Los Angeles (0-4) at home on Friday.

-- Indiana (3-5) was a little better this week, going 2-1 SU/ATS, with their only setback against a good Washington (4-2) squad. The Fever have been involved in many high-scoring games, with the 'over' going 6-2.

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Diamond Trends - Monday

June 22, 2015


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Indians are 10-0 SU since Sep 24, 2014 after a game in which they were shut out in the first 6 innings.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Clayton Kershaw starts the Dodgers are 11-0 since July 02, 2013 in the first game of a series in the regular season if the team allowed runs last game for a net profit of $1100.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Indians are 0-7 (+$1,050) since June 20, 2005 as a favorite after scoring 3 runs or less and winning as a favorite, and it is the first game of a series.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Mariners are 0-10-1 OU (-3.05 ppg) since May 14, 2015 when they are off a home game in which they did not score more than one run in any inning.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Astros are 9-0 SU since May 27, 2014 on the road when they are off a game in which they scored in at least five separate innings.

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Ex-MLB player Darryl Hamilton killed

June 22, 2015

PEARLAND, Texas (AP) - Former Major League Baseball player Darryl Hamilton, a standout center fielder and a member of the New York Mets team that reached the 2000 World Series, was killed in a murder-suicide in a suburban Houston home, authorities said Monday.

Hamilton was found Sunday after he was fatally shot in a house in Pearland. He was 50 and had worked for the MLB Network since 2013.

An initial investigation determined Hamilton was shot several times and that a woman in the home died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She was identified as 44-year-old Monica Jordan, Pearland Police Lt. Patrick Savage said.

Police said the 14-month old child of Hamilton and Jordan found unharmed at the home was turned over to Child Protective Services.

Hamilton, who was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, played for five teams over 13 seasons in the majors before retiring in 2001. He reached the postseason in four of his final five seasons.

He had a career batting average of .291 in 1,328 games with Milwaukee (1988, 1990-95), Texas (1996), San Francisco (1997-98), Colorado (1998-99) and the Mets (1999-2001). He batted left, but threw with his right arm and had a career fielding percentage of .995 with only 14 errors in 2,770 defensive chances.

In Hamilton's only season with the Rangers, they made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history after winning the AL West title. He also went to the postseason with the Giants and two consecutive years in New York.

Hamilton later worked in operations for the commissioner's office and for baseball's digital arm, MLB Advanced Media.

''All of us at Major League Baseball are shocked and saddened by this tragedy,'' Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. ''He was a talented and personable individual, and we were proud to call him a member of the baseball family. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathies to Darryl's family and his many friends throughout our game.''

The Mets mourned the loss and said they planned to hold a moment of silence before Friday night's home game to honor both Hamilton and Nelson Doubleday Jr., their former owner who died last week at the age of 81.

The Rangers praised Hamilton as well and singled out his ''memorable'' year in Texas.

''He was not only an offensive catalyst and defensive standout on the field but also was a club leader and an outstanding teammate,'' said the team, which planned a moment of silence before Tuesday night's home game against Oakland.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the team was stunned by the tragedy, ''something that is impossible for us to even begin to comprehend.''

''Darryl was a wonderful player for our organization, but more importantly, he was a true gentleman and a great friend to many here,'' said Melvin, who was with Texas during Hamilton's lone season with the Rangers.

Police responded to the home Sunday afternoon after receiving a 911 call. Hamilton's body was found near the home's main entry, while Jordan's body was located in another area of the house, Savage said. Autopsies on both were pending and Savage said the investigation was ongoing.

[StarDust Bum]

Jays activate Dickey from bereavement list

June 22, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Pitcher R.A. Dickey has been activated from the bereavement list by the Toronto Blue Jays, who have recalled left-hander Rob Rasmussen from Buffalo and have selected the contract of right-hander Todd Redmond from Triple-A club.

Dickey's father, Harry Lee Dickey, died last Tuesday at age 63, and Dickey was placed on the bereavement list Thursday.

Rasmussen is 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 21 games with Buffalo. Redmond has a 11.88 ERA over 8 1-3 innings in three appearances with the Blue Jays this season and is 1-2 with a 4.81 ERA in 10 appearances with Buffalo.

Toronto made the moves Monday, a day after optioning pitchers Scott Copeland, Phil Coke and Ryan Tepera to Buffalo.

[StarDust Bum]

White Sox visit Twins

June 22, 2015


CHICAGO WHITE SOX (30-38) at MINNESOTA TWINS (37-32)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Minnesota -135, Chicago +125, Total: 8.5

The Minnesota Twins look to continue their nice turn-around season when they host the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

The White Sox made a ton of moves this offseason to compete within their tough division, but they have not paid off up to this point and come into this one with losses in eight of the last 10 games. The offense was putrid during the poor stretch, averaging 2.1 runs per game and had a streak of six defeats where they scored a total of six runs. Chicago was able to grab a rare series win over the weekend, though, when they hosted the Rangers, and after losing game one 2-1, were able to get two consecutive 3-2 victories. Sunday’s series clincher went 11 innings and with a two-hit game, 1B Jose Abreu (.288) continued a solid sophomore season as he comes into this one with a six-game hitting streak.

The Twins already spent some of this year in first place of the AL Central and now sit 3.5-games behind the Royals after losing 11 of their last 16 contests. They played the last five games at home and were able to go 3-2 with two wins against the Cardinals followed by a 2-1 series loss at the hands of Cincinnati. Minnesota was outmatched in the rubber-match on Sunday, losing 8-0 with just four hits in the game. Top prospect OF Byron Buxton (.120) has not injected energy into this lineup like they were hoping as he has just one hit in the last five games (.067) with at least one strikeout in each of those performances.

A couple of lefties will toe the rubber to start this divisional battle with LHP John Danks (3-7, 5.16 ERA) going for the Sox and LHP Tommy Milone (3-1, 3.67 ERA) for the host Twins. Chicago has been horrible when on the road with a record of 12-23 (.343) and that mark could get worse against a Minnesota group which is 23-14 (.622) at home. These two clubs have had plenty of experience against each other in recent years and the Twins hold a 28-20 (.583) advantage overall in that time, going 15-9 at home.

This year they’ve already played seven times and Minnesota has dominated with a 6-1 record, outscoring the White Sox 45-15. The Chicago has been solid as an underdog since 1997, going 618-757 (.449) with a moneyline of +100 or worse since then and the Twins are 16-10 (.615) against left-handed starters in 2015. Both teams are fairly healthy with the only omissions being OFs Jordan Schafer (Knee) and Aaron Hicks (Elbow) from Minnesota.

Danks has had a rocky career, all with the White Sox, but after failing to reach 30 starts from 2011-2013, he took the mound 32 times last year and posted a 4.74 ERA with 11 wins. He has gone backwards from there this season with his biggest problem being homers (1.32 HR/9) behind minimal groundballs (36.7% GB). One area he has improved slightly in this year is strikeouts with his highest mark (6.4 K/9) since 2011 while also showing solid control (2.5 BB/9). His team has lost in five of his last six starts, with his only winning effort being a gem against the Astros when he threw a complete game shutout with six strikeouts (1 walk). Danks has had a rough go of things against the Twins in his career, going 7-14 (8-20 team record) with a 5.67 ERA (1.55 WHIP) and has allowed 14 runs (10 ER) in two losses over his past two goes against them.

Veterans 1B Joe Mauer (23-for-60, 3 doubles, 9 RBI) and OF Torii Hunter (17-for-52, 2 doubles, 4 HR, 11 RBI) have teed off against him as C Kurt Suzuki is a meager 3-for-20 (.150) with a strikeout in the matchup. The relievers for Chicago have gone 11-11 with a 3.84 ERA (1.45 WHIP) and are 16-for-21 (76%) in save chances. David Robertson (2.35 ERA, 14 saves) has four blown saves on the year while posting an amazing 42:5 K/BB ratio over 30.2 frames.

Milone has moved around quite a bit since coming to the big leagues in 2011 and is now with his third team in that time. Looking at Milone’s stats, it is hard to believe that he has done as well as he has with over 1.20 HR/9 in each of the last three years as he is on pace for his highest career mark in the category with eight long balls given up in his 41.2 innings (1.73 HR/9). He also does not possess the ability to get many strikeouts, mowing down a mere 5.6 batters per nine innings this season while benefitting from the opposition hitting a meager .246 against him. He has been great when facing Chicago in his career, taking them on five times with a 2-0 record (2-3 team record), 1.39 ERA (0.80 WHIP) and had a nice showing (7.2 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 7 K) in a win over them back in April.

Nobody on the White Sox has done very well against the lefty with C Tyler Flowers (2-for-13) and 3B Gordon Beckham (3-for-11) each having a homer in the matchup while SS Alexei Ramirez, 1B Jose Abreu, DH Adam LaRoche and OF Adam Eaton are a combined 1-for-29 (.034) when batting against the 28-year-old. The bullpen for Minnesota has gone 11-10 with a 3.84 ERA (1.31 WHIP) and are 25-for-28 (89%) in saves. Glen Perkins (1.48 ERA, 23 saves) has been phenomenal with no blown saves on the year and comes into this contest with 7.1 scoreless innings in his last seven outings, allowing four hits with a 7:1 K/BB ratio during the stretch.

[StarDust Bum]

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores

8:05 EDT

951 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (L) Kershaw, C -175 -178 / -190 / -191 -190 -1.5(-119)
952 CHICAGO CUBS (L) Wada, T 9u20 9u25 / 8.5o15 / 8.5 8.5u20 +1.5(-101)

TV: WGN, DTV: 307 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 60% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WIND OUT TO CENTER 12-17, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 82, RH 64% HEAT INDEX 86

7:10 PM EDT

953 DETROIT TIGERS (L) Ryan, K 8 9u20 / 9u15 / 8.5o15 8.5o20 +1.5(-165)
954 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Bauer, T -140 -140 -1.5(+145)

TV: FS-Detroit, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 662, 663 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 6-11. GAME TEMP 80, RH 64% HEAT INDEX 83

7:10 PM EDT

955 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Hutchison, D 8o15 7.5u15 / 7o20 / 7o21 7o25 +1.5(-200)
956 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Andriese, M -106 -123 / -121 / -120 -121 -1.5(+170)

TOR-3B-Josh Donaldson-Doubtful | TV: SunSports, DTV: 653 | Dome

8:10 PM EDT

957 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (L) Danks, J 8.5u20 8.5o20 / 9 / 9u11 9 +1.5(-170)
958 MINNESOTA TWINS (L) Milone, T -140 -169 / -160 / -141 -143 -1.5(+150)

TV: CSN-Chicago, ESPN2, FS-North, DTV: 209, 665, 668 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO RIGHT 11-16, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 79, RH 45% HEAT INDEX 80

10:05 PM EDT

959 HOUSTON ASTROS (L) Oberholtzer, B 8 8u18 / 8u19 / 7.5 7.5o15 +1.5(-190)
960 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (L) Santiago, H -130 -130 / -125 / -124 -125 -1.5(+160)

TV: FS-West, ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 674, 692 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 8-13. GAME TEMP 73, RH 63% HEAT INDEX 76

10:10 PM EDT

961 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (R) Blanton, J 6.5o20 6.5u25 / 6.5u24 / 6.5u25 6.5u30 +1.5(-170)
962 SEATTLE MARINERS (R) Hernandez, F -165 -149 / -148 / -150 -151 -1.5(+150)

TV: FS-Kansas City, ROOT-Northwest, DTV: 672, 687 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO RIGHT CENTER 3-8. GAME TEMP 72, RH 40% HEAT INDEX 71

7:05 PM EDT

963 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (R) Correia, K 7.5o20 8.5u20 / 8.5u19 / 8.5u18 8.5u15 +1.5(+115)
964 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Pineda, M -280 -287 / -290 / -295 -290 -1.5(-135)

NYY-1B-Mark Teixeira-Doubtful | TV: CSN-Philadelphia, PIX11 | CLEAR, WIND OUT TO CENTER 6-11. GAME TEMP 86, RH 41% HEAT INDEX 87

[StarDust Bum]

MLB Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

8:10 PM Chi. White Sox +127 342 27.38% Minnesota -138 907 72.62% View View

7:05 PM Philadelphia +248 365 29.92% NY Yankees -273 855 70.08% View View

10:10 PM Kansas City +136 506 42.49% Seattle -148 685 57.51% View View

10:05 PM Houston +114 565 47.20% LA Angels -123 632 52.80% View View

7:10 PM Toronto +110 637 52.34% Tampa Bay -119 580 47.66% View View

8:05 PM LA Dodgers -181 668 55.12% Chi. Cubs +166 544 44.88% View View

7:10 PM Detroit +130 729 59.85% Cleveland -141 489 40.15% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

8:05 PM LA Dodgers 8.5 155 33.62% Chi. Cubs 8.5 306 66.38% View View

8:10 PM Chi. White Sox 9 306 42.56% Minnesota 9 413 57.44% View View

7:10 PM Detroit 9 359 50.21% Cleveland 9 356 49.79% View View

10:10 PM Kansas City 6.5 393 53.40% Seattle 6.5 343 46.60% View View

10:05 PM Houston 7.5 425 58.54% LA Angels 7.5 301 41.46% View View

7:05 PM Philadelphia 8.5 480 63.41% NY Yankees 8.5 277 36.59% View View

7:10 PM Toronto 7.5 509 63.63% Tampa Bay 7.5 291 36.38% View View

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA JUNE RECORD:

*****...............................2 - 4 - 1
DOUBLE PLAY....................8 - 9
TRIPLE PLAY......................1 - 1
SLAM DUNK.......................5 - 3

MLB RECORD FOR JUNE:

*****.............................32 - 24 - 1 .............................+ 5.26
double play......................54 - 61 ..................................- 15.45
triple play........................18 - 13 - 1 .............................+ 21.36
grand slam......................26 - 33...................................- 33.05



MONDAY, JUNE 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Philadelphia - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -273 500
NY Yankees - Under 8.5 500 *****

Detroit - 7:10 PM ET Detroit +130 500 GRAND SLAM
Cleveland - Over 9 500

Toronto - 7:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -122 500
Tampa Bay - Over 7.5 500

LA Dodgers - 8:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +166 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Chi. Cubs - Under 8.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 8:10 PM ET Minnesota -138 500 *****
Minnesota - Under 9 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Houston - 10:05 PM ET LA Angels -123 500
LA Angels - Under 7.5 500 *****

Kansas City - 10:10 PM ET Seattle -148 500 GRAND SLAM
Seattle - Over 6.5 500