Dallas Sports Roundup – October 27

Dallas Sports Roundup – October 27 2009

With World Series betting on most people’s minds, our Dallas Sports teams have taken a back seat this week. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of great news to report! Let’s see what’s new with the Mavericks, Stars and Rangers.

Dallas Mavericks

No matter what you think about the Dallas Mavericks’ chances this season, you have to admit the preseason was promising (as much as a preseason can be). At 5-2, the Mavs have the second-best preseason record in the West. Mark Cuban believes the team taking the floor to start the 2009-10 regular season this week is more talented than the Mavs squad that reached the 2006 NBA Finals. Jason Terry says these Mavs have the best chemistry of any team he’s played for.

After the Mavs brought in Shawn Marion, Drew Gooden and Tim Thomas it’s hard to deny their depth. However, Dallas needs Marion and Josh Howard to stay healthy to contend. It’s also worth noting that the Mavs’ competition got better too – especially San Antonio (by adding Richard Jefferson) and Portland (by their young guns maturing and the possibility of a full season from Greg Oden). Dallas should contend this season but it won’t be easy – just ask the Texas Rangers, whose World Series odds plummeted down the stretch this season thanks to brutal competition in the American League.

Dallas Stars

It’s been more of the same for the Stars (5-2-4) over the last week – they win and, when they don’t, they lose in overtime and still garner points. This young team is much tougher to play against than many online betting odds makers expected. James Neal continues to blossom as a sniper but many pundits felt it was only a matter of time before that happened.

The real story for the Stars is the renaissance of Marty Turco and Brad Richards. In his last chance to prove he can be an above-average starting netminder again, Turco is flourishing so far, posting 2.19 goals against average and .917 save percentage. Richards has regained the fine playmaking skills he showed in Tampa Bay, leading the team with 10 assists and 13 points in nine games.

Texas Rangers

After 15 years, hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo said goodbye to the Rangers this week to sign a big-money deal with the Cubs. Jaramillo was a big reason behind the many slugging Texas teams over the last decade and a half but, after the Rangers developed some bad free-swinging habits this season, the divorce may be best for all involved. The Rangers’ odds should improve next season according to sportsbooks like BetOnline.com.