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.