Dallas Sports Roundup – October 6 2009
If the Cowboys’ NFL odds are stressing you out after the Denver game, don’t worry. We can focus on our other Dallas Sports teams. Starting this week, we’ll keep you posted on the biggest news from the Mavericks, Stars and Rangers.
With a major influx of new faces, the Dallas Mavericks are starting to rise in sportsbook rankings of NBA teams’ chances this season. However, if the Mavs want to make noise during their tough early schedule, they have to get healthy soon. Josh Howard is still recovering from ankle surgery and isn’t guaranteed to be 100 per cent when the season starts. Free-agent acquisition Tim Thomas hurt his knee during an offseason workout and is out indefinitely after having surgery.
The Mavs have to hope they’re getting heartbreak out of the way in the preseason. In their opener against Orlando, they led 101-99 with 2:41 remaining but Brandon Bass scored seven points in the final two minutes as the Magic stole the game 110-105. A bright spot for Dallas was Drew Gooden, who got started on the right foot with 18 points. Another new face, Shawn Marion, was held out of the lineup with a mild calf strain.
The Stars began their 2009-10 season on a low note, losing to Nashville in a shootout. However, there were some positives to take away for anyone wondering about Dallas’ Stanley Cup odds. The Stars were arguably the better team, at least after the first period, as they outshot Nashville 40-26. They also rallied from a 2-0 deficit as promising sophomore James Neal picked up where he left off last year by scoring both goals to send the game to extra time.
Texas Rangers
There’s no denying that the Rangers made major strides in 2009. The biggest revelation was their pitching; their 740 runs allowed was their lowest total in 20 years. The Rangers also have a legit chance to yield the 2009 Rookie of the Year; shortstop Elvis Andrus stole a team-best 33 bases while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. The Rangers’ future is still somewhat murky; they probably need another right-handed bat but owner Tom Hicks may be thrifty this offseason just as he was with the Stars in the NHL – if he doesn’t sell his stake in the team. I’m betting management wants a decision soon, as the Rangers could be a move or two away from winning the American League West next season.
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