Dallas Update: Mavericks Stars Cowboys & Texas Rangers

NBA: Dallas Mavericks (45-21, 2^nd in Western Conference)

-       The Mavericks keep on rolling and have now won 13 games in a row after dispatching the Kings, the Bulls, the Timberwolves and the Nets in the past week. Dirk Nowitzki and crew have continued their strong play since the trade deadline but it has been rookie guard, Rodrigue Beaubois that has been a big reason for the success.  Widely thought of as heir apparent to Jason Kidd, Beaubois has seen his minutes rise this past week and his production has followed suit as Beaubois has averaged 27 minutes in the past five games after being a DNP for a lot of the previous month. In these past five games, Beaubois is averaging 17 points, 3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He’s also shooting a shade below 55% from the field and 35% from three. Beaubois is lightning quick in transition and gives the Mavs a whole different element going into the playoffs. After a torrid schedule last week where they played five games in seven days, the Mavs get to relax a bit as they only have two games this week, and they’re against the lowly Knicks and the sliding Bulls. Look for the Mavs keep to keep the engine going full bore and get that win streak up to 15 by week’s end.

5dimes review: NHL: Dallas Stars (29-25-12, 70 points, 10^th in Western Conference)

-       The Stars just finished a week in which that had to face some of the top teams in the league. They came away 1-3, with a surprise victory over the Washington Capitals in Washington on Monday, 4-3 in a shootout. Goalie Marty Turco made 49 saves in that game. In the rest of the Stars games, they were massacred. The Stars gave up 6, 6 and 5 goals in the other three games last week and the defense has been a whole new kind of atrocious recently. The Stars will face four more playoff teams this coming week and look like a good team to bet against as their playoff hopes look grim unless they can somehow turn it around quickly.

Sportsbook: MLB: Texas Rangers – Preseason

-       Preseason is a week underway now and the Rangers got outfielder Josh Hamilton on the field, albeit a couple of games after spring training began. Hamilton came back and went 2-3 and felt fine after the game.

-       Texas acquired relief pitcher Edwar Ramirez from the Yankees for cash. Ramirez, when on, has one of the best changeups in the game.

-       1^st base top prospect and likely to threaten to be a starter out of camp this year, Justin Smoak, has a strained hip and took some time off for treatment.

-       P Rich Harden threw two and 2/3 innings and gave up four runs, walked three and threw a wild pitch. His velocity was in the mid to high 80’s which is a red flag. More to come on the often fragile Harden.

NFL: Dallas Cowboys – Offseason

-       All is quiet in Cowboys land as free agency in the uncapped year is underway. The Cowboys already have a very high payroll and will have to pay out big money to Roy Williams, who doesn’t deserve it, Flozell Adams, who is likely to be replaced in the draft or in some other means, and Marion Barber who is always hurt. Jerry Jones will probably wait until after all the March Madness betting is over and the complex structure of the free agent class of 2010 sorts itself out as the Cowboys are restricted by the “final eight rule” that prohibits them from signing an unrestricted free agent for more than 5.7 + million dollars a year. Look for the Cowboys to look at trading Marion Barber in the upcoming weeks.

Dallas Cowboys Offseason & Draft Needs

Cowboys Offseason

Sportsbook Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Where do the Cowboys Need Help?

Let’s face it, the Dallas Cowboys are pretty stacked. When you have the monetary resources that the Cowboys have you can put together a pretty solid team. But there are holes in that armor, and Jerry Jones is looking to address those holes in free agency while building for the future in the draft. So after you place your bet on March madness you can spend some time evaluating where the Cowboys need some help.

Tony Romo took a lot of flack last season for the team’s offensive performance. The team ejected Terrell Owens so that Romo could run his offense without any interference. As the season wore on the glaring holes in the offensive line started to show. On the left side of the line, tackle Flozell Adams was less than reliable and tackle Marc Colombo on the right side is still recovering from injury. Romo has no reliable protection on the interior of the offensive line, and that is what caused the offensive problems for the Cowboys last season. With weapons such as Miles Austin and Roy Williams to throw to and Felix Jones on the ground, the Dallas offense is two tackles away from being potent.

Believe it or not the Cowboys actually need a place kicker. The Cowboys went for it on fourth down in the regular season and the playoffs when they should have been able to rely on their kicking. But Wade Phillips opted to go for the first down rather than the sure points and it cost the Cowboys games. There are plenty of kickers to choose from in free agency this year including Neil Rackers and Dan Carpenter if their respective teams do not re-sign them.

The Cowboys secondary may need some patching up as well. Ken Hamlin is not performing up to his contract at safety, and backup Alan Ball has not shown that he has what it takes to be an NFL starter. Look for the Cowboys to let Hamlin go and replace him with someone like Brodney Pool in Cleveland. The problem is that Pool, like most of the desirable safeties in free agency this year, is a restricted free agent. The Cowboys want nothing to do with a restricted free agent in the year before an uncapped season, so look for the Cowboys to be aggressive with trades during the draft. The Cowboys are not known for starting drafted rookies in their first season, so it would be unusual for them to pick a safety in the draft with the intention of making that draft pick a starter.

It was a smart move for the Cowboys to pick up Jon Kitna last season because there were questions as to what the team would do if Romo got hurt. The team has confidence in Kitna and they have no hesitation in handing the ball to the former starting quarterback if Romo should get seriously injured.

There are only a few places where the Dallas Cowboys need to improve to make themselves a playoff contender. It will be interesting to see if Jerry Jones has the patience to address some of his issues in the draft, of if the Cowboys become active in free agency and through trading.

Cowboy Corner: Will Miles Austin be a Cowboy in 2010?

Cowboys Offseason

Sportsbook Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Is There A Chance Miles Austin Will Not Be A Cowboy In 2010?

After a breakout, Pro Bowl season, there is no question that wide receiver Miles Austin has plenty of value that the Dallas Cowboys not only want, but rely upon. After Terrell Owens departed and Roy Williams never filled his shoes, Austin stepped up and led the wide receiving corps.

The Cowboys brass is saying all of the right things, but fans can’t help but be a little nervous right now.

Austin is a free agent, although he is of the restricted variety. The good news is that the Cowboys can use a tender on him and it would take an opposing team to really make an effort above and beyond the call of duty to pry him from the Cowboys.

But that is possible – just ask the Seattle Seahawks when they lost Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson in a similar situation a few years ago.

The best way to secure Austin would be to either sign him to a long term contract or franchise tag him. The latter method would cost the team just under $10 million, which isn’t appealing and the former way is dicey considering there is no collective bargaining agreement beyond this year.

Right now, Austin is in the driver’s seat. Whether he gets the franchise tag or a long term deal, or is courted by another team for a lucrative contract, he should be thinking big for his next contract.

What the Cowboys are most likely to do is give him the highest restrictive free agency tender, which would mean two things:

For starters, any team that signed him would have to give a first- and third-round pick to the Cowboys in return if Austin did leave and sign with the new team and also, the Cowboys would have the option to match any deal that Austin would agree to with the new team.

Most NFL picks are expecting the Cowboys to use that tender because there won’t be many NFL teams that want to give up first and a third for him. At the same time, most NFL teams won’t find a receiver as good as Austin in the first round of the 2010 draft, so they might be tempted.

At the end of the day, expect Austin to be a Cowboy but there is some anxiety considering he isn’t locked up quite yet.

Dallas Update: Mavericks – Rangers – Texas Rangers

Dallas Mavericks (32-20, 1^st in Southwest Division)

It’s good that the All-Star game is happening in Dallas this year as it might be the first time that NBA betting fans have seen quality basketball in Dallas since the turn of the calendar.

Sure, the Mavericks are still in first place but it’s time for their fans to be concerned.

The Mavs, who long had held the second-best record in the West, are just 10-11 since December 31^st and worse yet, this is a team that had to climb out of a hole to eke out a win in Golden State and then were lost – to mildly put it – to the Denver Nuggets by 36 points.

It’s fairly clear that this team, while they have won 32 games, is not anywhere near contending for a championship. While some fans are hoping that the Mavs can get a boost from a swingman like Caron Butler or Kevin Martin, the reality could also be that if they don’t get that secondary scorer, that they head south and cost Rick Carlisle his job.

Dallas Stars (26-21-12, 5^th in Southwest)

The Dallas Stars are at an interesting spot at this point. While they are just a hop and a skip outside of the playoffs, the reality is that they don’t really have what it takes for a long playoff run. They may be realizing that as the Stars made a peculiar move this week to acquire goaltender Karl Lehtonen.

A few years ago, handicappers giving betting tips would have raised an eye brow if the Stars, who are equipped with Marty Turco, would acquire a netminder. But nowadays, Stars fans see the potential writing on the wall as this acquisition might mean that Turco’s tenure in Dallas is over.

With the trade deadline approaching and the Stars spinning their wheels, don’t be surprised if they ship off Turco, one of their lone assets, and get some pieces to build for the future.

Texas Rangers (Offseason)

Sportsbetting fans know that the Texas Rangers have long been short on pitching but they might get the jump on a couple of live arms who haven’t been allowed in the US over the last five years.

Alexi Ogando (26) and Omar Beltre (28) have met with Texas Rangers General Manager twice over the last two years and helped them get their visas. That may give the Rangers the inside track on the pitchers now that they have come over.

The Rangers will have the opportunity to add them to their 40-man roster shortly, which means they’ll have to cut ties with two others.

Both of these pitchers are mature and MLB betting fans know that it mean that may make an impact sooner rather than later for the Rangers.

ESPN RV Tour: 2010 NBA All-Star Jam Session

NBA on ESPN RV Tour Stops by the 2010 NBA All-Star Jam Session from February 11-13, 2010RV to be set up outside of the Dallas Convention Center, the site of the 2010 NBA All-Star Session presented by adidas

WHO:
The “NBA on ESPN RV Tour,” an experiential marketing promotion for ABC and ESPN’s NBA coverage, will be on-site at more than 20 NBA games this season, including the 2010 NBA All-Star Jam Session in Dallas, from February 11 – 13, 2010.

WHAT:
The RV will be located outside the main entrance to the NBA All-Star Jam Session, taking place at the Dallas Convention Center from Thursday, February 11 through Saturday, February 13 (Detailed hours below). The RV will open its doors each day, allowing fans to tour the RV, as well as participate in activities such as free throw contests, vertical jump challenges, souvenir photo stations, and more. NBA on ESPN branded premiums, such as mini-basketballs, T-shirts, backpacks and rally towels will also be given away at the RV.

WHEN:
Thursday – February 11
4 PM to 10:00 PM CT
Friday – February 12
4 PM to 10:00 PM CT
Saturday – February 13
9 AM to 10:00 PM CT

WHERE:
Dallas Convention Center
650 S. Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202

WHY:
The NBA on ESPN RV Tour is an effort to promote ESPN and ABC’s expanded NBA television coverage, airing games on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays throughout the season. Fans can track the RV’s progress online and view photos and videos of tour stops via the RV’s Facebook Fan Page and Twitter feed.

Thanks to rEvolution World “communication through sport” for the information.

Cowboy Corner: Cowboys Offseason Report

Cowboys Offseason

Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (BetEd Reviews): Cowboys +685

Return Of Folk Just A Folk Story

It is the offseason, which means that there will be lots of rumors and conjecture flying around. Case and point: recently, there were rumors that the Cowboys may bring back kicker Nick Folk into the fold.

On the surface, it might not seem that crazy considering Folk was a Pro Bowl kicker just two years ago but the reality is a little bit further from that. Folk struggled mightily this year to the point where he cost his team games. The Cowboys, who have been a little on the frail side mentally in past years, can’t afford to lose confidence because of missed field goals.

Folk blamed punter/holder Matt McBriar for his misses.

Regardless, it is very doubtful that Folk comes back for a tryout of any sorts.

On that note, kicker Matt Stover, who was steady for the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts this year, expressed interest in kicking for the Cowboys next season. The 42-year-old was the oldest kicker in the league this year and the Cowboys may opt to go younger.

Felix Jones The Starter?

The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of depth in their backfield and many Cowboys fans are starting to draw up the pecking order for next year. One thing is for sure: Felix Jones definitely deserves a bigger role.

Jones could very well be the starter heading into the 2010 season as Marion Barber really tapered off to finish the year while Jones came on. Barber is supposed to be the power back but he struggled in short yardage situations in 2009, which really opened some eyes.

The biggest dilemma at this point is the fact that the Cowboys have three excellent running backs but none of them seem to stay healthy. Jones is the most explosive weapon but he has played in just 20 games through two seasons. Marion Barber, who is supposed to be the hammer, was nicked up this year while Tashard Choice also missed some time.

Internet betting fans know that the Cowboys plan to be a Super Bowl contender in 2010 but they have to figure out their backfield situation to start.

The early speculation is that Jones will start and Barber or Choice may be traded in the offseason. But if the Cowboys truly plan to contend, keep all three for depth would be the best move.

Dallas Sports Teams Report

Dallas Report 1/28/10

With the Super Bowl odds up and NFL predictions all but a thing of the past, let’s see if the midseason blues are affecting the Mavericks and Stars and talk some offseason Rangers.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks (30-15, 3^rd in Western Conference)

Last Three Games: Dallas 81 @ Philadelphia 92, Dallas 128 @ New York 78, Milwaukee 107 @ Dallas 108

Dirk and the Mavs were flat in a no-show performance in Philly last Friday against a weak 76ers team. On Monday, they were only slight favorites against the resilient Knicks but they had no answer for the Mavs and had their spirits broken early and often as the Knicks were pulverized, 128-78. 50 points is the worst margin of loss in Madison Square Garden history. Following the massacre, the Mavs eked out a big win against a competitive Bucks squad 108-107. The Mavs are now 13-4 in games decided by 5 points or less. The Mavs look more like a realistic threat for the title every day.

NHL: Dallas Stars (23-19-11, 10^th in Western Conference)

(L) @ Vancouver 4-3 1/21 (W) @ Edmonton 4-3 1/22 (L) @ Colorado 4-0 1/24 (W) Calgary 4-3 1/27

The Stars had a heartbreaking loss last Thursday night in Vancouver when the Canucks scored the game winner with less than 30 seconds left in the game. The next night, the Stars knocked out the lowly Oilers in similar fashion with James Neal lighting the lamp with under a half minute to go. The Stars then traveled to Colorado and got blanked by the surprising Avalanche. Last night the Stars got into a duel with the fast-fading Flames and pulled out a shootout victory 4-3. The Stars have been shuffling net-minders with Marty Turco and Alex Auld splitting the duty both going 1-1 as the NHL trade rumors continue to swirl about Marty as no one’s job(except the top line’s) is safe as the Stars make a push towards the playoffs.

MLB: Baseball Betting: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have a new owner. Nolan Ryan and his group have an agreement to purchase the Texas Rangers from owner Tom Hicks for an estimated 500 million dollars. The Rangers may not be able to get out from under the shadows of rampant steroids use and over-spending that has plagued the franchise during Hicks’ reign. More importantly, one would expect the team’s focus to shift towards pitching with the great fireballer in charge of the team.

Player News

Rangers Sign Closer Frank Francisco to 1 year deal to avoid arbitration.

-       Francisco was a breakout pitcher last year for the Rangers. He was especially dominant early in the season before being slightly derailed from his groove by injury. The Rangers were smart to keep him at a 4 million dollar price tag. If he can do this in two consecutive years, he may be worth a long-term deal.

Rangers sign INF Khalil Greene

-       Greene was once a promising young star who had been derailed by a host of physical and mental ailments. Greene has been on the comeback trail and has always had some pop. The former starting shortstop also has a good arm and range. He will add nice depth to the infield.

Cowboy Corner: Dallas Cowboys Offseason

Cowboys Offseason

Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Heading Into The Offseason

The general NFL betting crowd may not see the difference between how the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2010 offseason versus the 2009 offseason, but the true fans of America’s team have a completely different mood.

In 2009, the Cowboys were blown out in the final week of the regular season and were kept from the playoffs. They headed into the offseason wondering whether Tony Romo was a franchise quarterback, whether Wade Phillips is a reliable head coach and whether the psyche of the team was strong enough to win in December and January.

Heading into the 2010 offseason, the feeling is completely different.

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Texas Teams Roundup

Now that the super bowl odds and the NFL picks don’t include the Cowboys, let’s take a look at what the other Dallas teams are up to.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks (28-14, 1^st place Southwest Division)

The Dallas Mavericks, despite their record, have been involved in a lot of close games. Their record also shows that while they beat the teams they should, against top teams in the league, the Mavs are average. Against teams that are one game below .500 or better, the Mavs are 17-12.

Dirk Nowitzki has led the way, and has regained his MVP form from 2005 averaging 25.5 points and 8.0 rebounds a game. He has unlimited range and nails clutch shots for breakfast lunch and dinner. Jason Kidd still runs a great offense but is a liability defensively. Jason Terry, last year’s Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, is averaging 16.3 points off the bench. Josh Howard is this team’s question mark as his offense is MIA this year, but his defense is first class.

Sportsbooks like 5Dimes (5dimes review) have the Mavs pegged for a longer playoff run this year.

NHL: Dallas Stars (21-17-11 53pts, 10^th in the Western Conference)

The Dallas Stars are a team in transition. Future Hall of Famer Mike Modano is merely the fourth line center and probably will hang em’ up at season’s end. Franchise Goalie Marty Turco’s unorthodox style has served him well in the past, but he has been sloppy this season behind a young offensive-minded defense led by Stephane Robidas. The Stars have a decent second line, but their top line, Brad Richards (14g, 43a), James Neal (19g, 17a) and Loui Erickson (20g, 27a) is among the best in the league. Richards has 19 multi-point games this season. The Stars have been dangling Turco in NHL trade rumors as they could use a forward and some defensive help to be a viable contender.

Expect the Stars to battle for the 8 seed in the Western Conference until the last days of the season.

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COWBOY CORNER: Offseason Wade, Roy, Recap

Cowboys Offseason

Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Playoffs Recap

It was an ugly finish to a very positive season and it will unfortunately be the last memory of the 2009-10 season. The Cowboys were crushed by the Minnesota Vikings 34-3 and what’s worse is that Adrian Peterson didn’t even run wild. The prolific Vikings back had just 63 yards on 26 carries, which means the Cowboys went through the entire year without allowing a 100-yard rusher, but the Cowboys could not stop the Vikings passing game.

NFL betting fans saw the Brett Favre-to-Sidney Rice combo rack up 141 yards and three touchdowns. Throw in a few Cowboys turnovers and you have your one-sided loss.

The Vikings did run up the score as they threw for a touchdown pass in the final two minutes of the game. That pushed the lead to 34-3 and players like Keith Brooking are already looking forward to the meeting with the Vikings next time.

Read about Wade and Roy after the Jump!

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