Dallas Sports Roundup – October 13 2009

While the Cowboys’ NFL odds (8.5-point favorite) didn’t deliver – how did the Chiefs play our boys that tough? – They at least emerged with a “W” over the weekend. Let’s catch up with the rest of our Dallas Sports teams.

Dallas Mavericks

It’s only preseason, yes, but it’s always nice to see the Mavs in the win column. After losing a squeaker in their opener, they’ve rattled off consecutive wins. First, Dallas downed the Washington Wizards 123-115 in a road contest. Five Mavs scored 14 or more points – including surprising newcomer Kris Humphries – and Shawn Marion led the way with 26 on 11/15 shooting.

Next up, the Mavericks downed Memphis 114-107 and Humphries was the big story again. He had 16 points and nine boards in just 21 minutes of play; he’s making the case for a bigger role than he had as a Toronto Raptor.

Dallas Stars

If there’s an early message for hockey fans and sportsbook bettors this season in the Lone Star State, it’s that the Kids Are All Right. I’m betting management and owner Tom Hicks hoped the youth movement would be ahead of schedule after Dallas did little to improve via free agency this offseason and, so far, the hopes are being answered. The Stars have won just one of their first four games but haven’t lost in regulation. Youngsters James Neal and Jamie Benn have been bright spots, combining for four goals and seven points over that span.

Texas Rangers

As the Rangers’ offseason begins, it appears they’ll let several big-name players walk in free agency. Hank Blalock, once a cornerstone of the franchise, simply has too many holes in his swing and can’t hit lefties. Omar Vizquel could retire any day now, as could Eddie Guardado; Andruw Jones is a shadow of his former self. The trickiest situation is that of Marlon Byrd, whose price will rise significantly after he led the team with 89 RBI this season. Whatever happens, the Rangers remain on the way to becoming better baseball picks to make the playoffs in 2010.