space saver

This was a space saver, but I forgot what I wanted to write here.

I blame the...

What?

Some Words on Gambling

First, I am disappointed in both sportsbook.com and bodog.com My plan was to take whatever action they offered on the Mavericks as they headed for another double-digit winning streak--but both sportsbooks took away that option. Bastards. They gave me a spread of +14, but I mean this was the one game I was worried about to begin with, so no thank you. Not touching that.

Second, after writing never waver from your money management system, I placed 700 on the Mavericks to win. And this is my reward? Thanks for nothing.

Now, one game I foolishly bet on today was the Devils over Buffalo. I never am right when it comes to betting on my hockey team, but what can I say, Elias is back and I have a feeling they want to finish strong. C'mon Devils--tied with Pittsburgh, the choice is to finish strong and end up in first or second place in the conference, or lose and drop to fifth. I think they want that home-ice advantage, and that's what I'm betting.

So CollegeBoy, any other stupid bets you made? Why, yes. 30-1, I put 7 bucks on Elton Brand being the leading scorer on the night, which is impossible. It's just that last time they played the Rockets, he had a career high of 37 points, which if he duplicates...still probably won't win. But hey, they don't call me CollegeBoy for nothing. I give him 19 on the night. And if that wins, well, who's laughing now?

And I also placed another losing bet. Magic, -2.5 over the Celtics (I know its a loss because 90% of the public agrees with me). I hate my life. Why do I do these things? Ha--so, do I make you all want to be sports handicappers or what? You just have to be careful is all, and all I'm saying here, I'm just joshing around. I didn't even have time to take a good look, which ordinarily means don't take any action and wait till you have time to research, but I felt like gambling. Not handicapping, gambling.

It's my money, right? Right. Sometimes, sometimes you just have to do crazy stupid things. That's life, so live it.

Rasheed = Nasty, Dallas at 3

Rasheed Wallace did something that is just awesome. I didn't see it live, in fact, I saw Denver up by 3 with a second left and didn't think much of it...and then, wow. If you did not see this, you must click on the link above. He steals the inbounds pass and launches it from 3/4ths of the court, a perfect bank shot. Then, the Pistons go on to win it. If you had money on Denver, I'm sorry man. That is just rough.

In other news, I hit up Dallas for -260 on Bodog against the NOK Hornets last night, and I was not disappointed. The streak has hit 3, 3 people, 3. Sure it's only +300 at this point, but if I was betting a 1,000 or more? Sheeit...though it's gonna take a while to work up to that. Anyway, I'll be back tomorrow with a post about some other things. 3 people, 3!

Oh, and Kobe's 50 is long done but still. He clearly is making a case for MVP. More on that tomorrow. Stay safe people.

And 2, and other news...

Okay, well, no one said this wouldn't be scary, and although it goes against all principles of sports investing, especially for a beginner like me, I put 700 to win 100 on the Mavericks and the streak, since I began betting, has hit two. We are on two people, and rolling along. This little experiment of mine is working just fine, after all, most of gambling is finding a team that's hot and riding them, right? Let's just hope they stay hot. Two, people, two.

My fantasy hockey squad just fell apart. I was first all season long, first week of fantasy playoffs, some unlucky scheduling, and I lose. Great job guys. Now I'll probably dominate the third place game, which is just terrible.

On top of that, there is one scenario for me to win my NCAA pool. I need Ohio State, obviously, to win out, and then I need UCLA to beat Florida. I'll just assume I lost that too.

Georgetown completely shut down UNC today, that overtime? Flat out domination. Hibbert, playing with four fouls, still managed to make some stellar blocks, 6 total--now this sets up him VS Oden, Georgetown VS Ohio State and I'm expecting a slug fest, in both games. You have the same Florida squad who beat UCLA last year, meeting up again. You couldn't write this kind of drama. 1-2, 1-2. That's the recipie for a knockout punch this Saturday. My liver is begging me to stay home, but come on, it's March Madness.

Crazy. This week-end was a bit weird, a bit shaky, but I came out with the knowledge that the weekend to come, this Saturday, will be another great day of NCAA bball. And all the other sports, I don't mean to just talk about the Mavericks and NCAA, but there's some craziness going on all over the place. I'll get to all that in the upcoming week, I hope. Anyway, stay safe people. You don't want to miss out on what's coming this Saturday.

Perfect Final 4 so far...

Oh by the way, 2 for 2 in my Final Four predictions. Easy. Tomorrow I think I'm going to lose one if not both, as I went with the upsets with Oregon over Florida and Georgetown over UNC. I'm thinking Florida is too good, and I wish I could go back and change it, especially since the main competition in my pool has Florida as the national champ...

Well, 3 #1's can't be in the Final Four, can they? We will see. Okay, it is time for me to hit some shots and play some pong over here, the night is young, and tomorrow is looking to be just as sweet. I mean, leftovers and NCAA, awesomeness right? Night everybody.

Rutgers Women Beat Duke...

Okay, with everything that happened today, you might see that title and say...what? (in Borat's voice of course...) Hear me out though.

A couple hours before the Ohio St. game and I'm at my friends, turducken waiting in all its glory, one beer down and more to go when I stumble across Rutgers VS Duke on ESPN. Duke has this one beast of a player, a Shrek amongst women, goes by the name of Bales and she is a machine. Duke women also only lost one game this year during the ACC, so Rutgers is pretty much going to lose, but still, it's our old school, we'll watch.

Than god we didn't drink every time they missed a lay-up, I wouldn't be able to write this right now.

Long story short, Rutgers battles and battles, with about ten seconds left, some freshman chick steals the ball, runs the length of the court and takes it to the hole for a one-point lead. She took it to the hole...anyway, Duke comes back, closing seconds, drive and a wild shot but foul. Just a terrible play. 75% shooter from the line, down by 1 point, 2 shots to win, one to tie, and zero to go home a complete loser. I mean, this is what we played as kids, right?

Clank...and then, wait for it...wait for it...CLANK! Rutgers wins! Rutgers wins! All of us stood and cheered and high-fived, drinking heartily for about a good minute. Then it was like, so how much longer till OSU starts? Oh, Turducken, cool...

But for a few precious seconds, we were totally into the women's game. Into the women's game...anyway, OSU played a tight game then pulled away, giving my heart a little break and how about UCLA? Damn, steal, block, steal, steal, interception, crazy. Good games, but I'm hoping for even better tomorrow.

Hey, it's March Madness. Let's keep it going.

And first one down...

Oh, and the Mavericks won easily today. I was able to get it for +430, so let the streaking continue. We are on 5 people, 5. Heading for 10, now on 5...

Gambling gods, let this sports investing experiment end in my favor. Just kidding, it'll happen. Count along with me as we stack win after win...5. We are on 5 people...

More Crazy Action

Georgetown, wow. Florida down at the half, raise your hand if you actually thought they were going to lose?

UNC down at the half, raise your hand if you thought they were going to lose? Not at that point, but when USC's lead went up to 16, I definitely sat on the edge of my seat and was in full rooting for the dog to win. And then watching that run happen, dear Lord. This is what March Madness is all about, right here. So many edge of the seat games, and it's liek the top seeds are toying with the audience...especially you know who. Now we got Kansas UCLA tomorrow? Hell yeah. Ohio St Memphis...eh, don't want to talk/jinx that...but UCLA and Kansas tomorrow...

Going to be great. My friends and I have turducken, beer, and beer pong tournaments with the TV right by the table, sweetness, and I can't wait. Tired though, I'm off to bed. It's a long day tomorrow. Long, and hopefully great day.

Kobe Christ

He did it again, 50 points. A couple posts ago I proclaimed with supreme confidence that he was done, wouldn't hit 50 though I had an inkling he'd finish in the high 30's...

Or how about a flat 50. Seriously, incredible. That's the only word to describe it, on back to back nights, 50 or more points to lead your team to close victories--it's not like he's hitting the 50 spot in blowouts, he is singlehandedly winning these games, singlehandedly willing his team to cement the sixth playoff spot.

Also, just, hey, I'm just gonna say it. All this talk about Nash or Dirk for MVP...where would the Lakers be without Kobe? Imagine if he passes Wilt's streak of seven games? When you put together a performance like this, this late in the season, rising above everyone else...hey, anything is possible. The voters are only human, and if he continues this pace, all I'm saying is don't be surprised if he wins MVP. I mean, odds are all on Dirk no doubt, but still...

50 is 50.

And yes, I'll say it again. He won't hit 50 next game. Not against...Golden State? Hmm. Okay. I won't say anything. I'll just watch and enjoy and honestly, I'm rooting for him. Hell, 50+ is always a crazy game to watch...

OSU wants to kill me...

Wow. They are killing me.

Totally rocked that halftime bet by the way, but still.

They are killing me.

Oh, and how great were the games tonight, minus UCLA but I mean seriously, who thought Pitt was gonna win that one? Just a great day of basketball, great tournament so far and damn man...if OSU does this again, I'm on the floor. I know I say I don't care about my bracket, but screw it, right? I'm in this to win.

Just please don't kill me, especially Saturday. I'm making a turducken for my girlfriend's b-day, so that, beer, and gray goose on top of a close OSU game, me sitting there clutching a dirty bracket in my greasy hands, that's a recipie for ugly.

Well... Stay safe people.

Kobe Continues...

So. After I say prop bets should just be used for fun...

Kobe rattles off a historic streak. 3 games in a row of 50 or more points, putting up 60 tonight down in Memphis. He is the fourth player in NBA history to pull something like this off, joining such greats as Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Laker great, Elgin Baylor. So, everyone looking at the props and going with Kobe three games running, seems like you all just smacked me in my face. Sorry for being too conservative, and I repeat--seriously, don't go crazy here, especially since you know the odds are lowering. If anything, bet that he won't hit 50 again. I'm looking for action, anyone wanna take some before Friday's game?

Well, I know this is an online blog...but still. Try and lure someone, give good odds too, no worries. He won't go for 50 again, not on back to back nights on the road. Ain't gonna happen.

In other news, I'm watching the OSU game and hanging my head in shame. I did this, I caused this to happen. Why? Why? I saw the line, OSU favored by 5, which I thought was too much. When these two teams play against each other, they play tough. Plus, I don't care if OSU loses, right? The bracket means nothing to me, so I put in a bet for Tennessee and Jesus, sweet mother. Down by 17 at halftime? Are you kidding me? My poor bracket, I did this. I made this happen. It's all my fault.

So, what do I do? OSU -7 at halftime, but now, if they can't get this lead down some, well, they deserve to lose, especially for screwing up my bracket. Florida, why didn't I go Florida. Instead, I have UCLA in two upsets against top seeded teams only to lose to OSU. Who's an idiot again? Oh yeah, me. Anyway, to try and make things right, I put in a halftime bet for 50, half my usual wager, on Oden. I hope this evens out the universe.

Plus, if OSU can somehow win...I'll be sleeping good tonight friends. Well, see what happens...

May the Streaking Begin...

Lost heating up and so are the Mavericks. Let's talk a bit about the TV show and then we'll talk about what Dallas just did to Cleveland--it wasn't right friends, it wasn't right.

So Lost. The good news that came out a couple weeks back is that the creators want to cap the show at five seasons. This is a great move, it can't go on for much longer then that, it just can't. X-Files syndrome. And seriously, they have a nice flow as it stands, a nice overarching build. First season they introduced us to everyone/everything, got us interested, got us way too interested. Maybe a bad thing, too much attention in the beginning, too much intrigue, and too many people in the media and blogosphere trying to make it into something it's not.

Second season was all about the hatch, and I remember complaining during the season. I hate complainers, usually I'm like just watch the damn thing...but watching it back-to-back on DVD, all my problems (for the most part, I won't detail any here tho) evaporated like the 'smoke-monster' on a sunny island day. So third season rolled along and well, I just sat back and watch. Honestly, I used my sports investing philosophy. Research what you need to know, then sit back, watch, and enjoy. And, this season totally rocks.

Plus, it's a TV show. You know? Relax, crack open a beer, and have a good time...and if you do that, it really is a rewarding experience. Much like watching the Mavericks play.

Wow. Just wow. I turned on the game during commercials and they just ran a clinic on the Cavaliers squad. Cavs make a little noise, Terry busts them in the mouth. LeBron does something special, Dirk drills a shot. I saw Devin Harris run the court three times in a row, just blow by the Cleveland defenders. Fourth time down, everyone gave him more room than they gave HIV-Magic, he pulls up for a ten-foot jumper, swish--and I have a feeling if he wanted to go to the hole, he wouldn't have been denied.

They play such a consummate team game. Defense, offense, they got stars and role players, a guy who can take over the game, and one who can ice it. Veteran leadership and young fire all under a passionate coach and, well, we know what Cuban is like. This team is the real deal, and I honestly feel lucky to see them play. Not many teams are like this, and I cannot wait, I just cannot wait for the playoffs and god damn the asses who mess up Suns-Mavericks best of seven, god damn them to hell. I want to see it so bad, please, please, please...

Now, let's take a look at the upcoming schedule for Dallas. Boston, Atlanta and New Orleans to finish their long road trip--followed by the deal breaker. Everyone here must know my favorite NBA trend, (and for those who don't, it's teams returning from a long road trip tend to come out sluggish at home...) and a week from now, the Mavericks are coming home to play the Bucks on one day's rest. Now, I know it's the Bucks, but trends are trends for a reason. Still, if the Mavericks can beat the Bucks, it leaves the Knicks standing in the way of another double-digit win streak. They already have three streaks of ten games or more, can they have four?

So, Collegeboy, what are you saying? I'm telling all of you to go for it. Ride the Mavericks as they try to hit ten in a row again. You have six games. Take the moneyline, even if it's +400 against Atlanta. They'll hit ten. They will, and if not...well, hopefully they win 4 games or so to make up for that +400 bet. Honestly though, they did this three times, what's to stop them from four?

Those teams? Well, you heard it here and you know what I'm doing. Good luck boys and girls, and may the streaking begin.

Nashville first to 100...

Feel like it's been forever since I've talked about the NHL, but you know I still love you hockey, even though I don't say it all the time.

Anyhow, Nashville is the first team to hit 100 points this year, though Buffalo still has the inside track as they played one less game and have one less point. How important is the President's Cup? Not that important actually, and it can totally funk a team up, but hey--hardware is hardware, a team that got this far might as well finish it, right? Also, home ice (the glory of the number 1 seed in everything but the NCAA) is always key.

Hottest team right now is Colorado, giving all they got to make the final spot in the playoff picture. More importantly, I entered fantasy NHL playoffs as a number one seed, and one of my goalies is Mr. Peter Budaj, thank you, thank you...(I also have Turco and Giguere) There's only one problem. Last week, when I was on a bye, my team ripped it as usual. This week, I'm up against my good friend, and he has 7 players who have 4 games this week. I had 0 until I added one, and I'm going to be playing a game of musical chairs with two roster spots, hoping to make the right decision. Yes, I know it's fantasy hockey. Yes, I know no one cares.

But I do. And I made it this far, why not finish it? After all, pride is pride.

Yao and the Rockets...

Tonight the Positioning Group sent out advice to the effect that the Rockets would beat the 76ers. Now, in my short career as a handicapper, when I look at the scores and see a win I wagered on win by 20 points or so, I feel pretty good about myself. I feel as if I have some understanding about what is going on. Well, how do you feel after winning a game by 50 points?

How do you feel if you bet on the 76ers to either win outright or even took the points in this one, only to lose by 50 points? To be on the losing end of a 124-74 score? That has got to hurt.

The Rockets are now 6-2 against the spread since the big man returned (6-2 overall as well), and things are looking pretty happy down in Houston. Like I profiled them earlier, do not sleep on the Rockets. They are a bit underrated, as it makes sense--I mean, who really compares against the Mavericks and Suns right now? But the Rockets are one of those teams I'm worried about, a team that can ruin my dream match up between the Suns and Mavs in the Western Conference Finals.

In other Sports Investing news, the Positioning Group also was on the winning end of the Miami/Orlando game tonight (3-1 in tonight's action, FYI). A couple posts ago, I wrote about the inevitable cooling of the Heat, the question now is does this cooling pattern hold, or do the Heat return to their winning ways? Their next six games are at Atlanta, Indiana, Toronto and Minnesota sprinkled with two home games VS the 76ers and Atlanta.

It is vitally important for the Heat to go at least 4-2 over this stretch. Wednesday's game in Atlanta becomes huge, and as always, we'll be watching with our Sports Investing eyes tuned closely on this latest development...

Kobe's 65...

You just knew if the Lakers wanted to win a game, it would be on Kobe's shoulders. He outscored his team 65-51, and not only that, proved how clutch he was--as if we doubted--by scoring 24 in the fourth quarter and 9 more in overtime.

Kind of makes me wish I put more on the prop bet of him being the overall leading scorer on the night, as he just went off--I had a feeling, but prop bets are deadly. Seriously. If anything, I advocate putting a small wager now and then for fun, but that's all. If you're usually a hundred a game better, for example, and you have 2,834 dollars in the account, sure, go ahead and put 34 on Kobe being the top scorer, or Anthony or someone else. Long shots are always nice to hit, just don't go putting a lot of money on them to hit a home run, that is not what Sports Investors do...

I hit Kobe's prop bet last night, which just about makes up for the four previous small ones I did. Honestly, why am I even doing prop bets? What's the point?

Oh yeah, fun. Have fun with them, but do not, and I repeat, do not put serious money there. It's just not worth it. Well, time to watch some March Madness now...where the real men wager.

Quick Hits NCAA, NBA

I knew it, I knew it. My gut said the big upset this year was that no 5-seed would lose, but how can I go in the face of such logic? Such overwhelming numbers? Also, why did I get carried away by so many upsets? Oh yeah, because it doesn't really matter. I got two other people in my pool who have the same champion as me, no one else has the same team finishing second (UCLA to Ohio State), so all that matters is that that match up happens. That happens, I win, end of story.

Still, it's always nice to get a lot of the first round picks right. VCU, I called it a couple posts ago, then I switched positions. I did the same thing with Holy Cross and Stanford and Arkansas for the wrong decision, and honestly, I think a lot of this had to do with the fact that I had to go on a snowboarding trip the next day--the day right before the tournament began, the day when historically I work my magic.

For all of you interested in Sports Investing, this is the number one reason why you employ a service such as the Positioning Group. Do you have the time to worry? Do you have the time to research? Isn't it much easier to let someone else do all the work for you? If the answer is yes, which it most likely is, well, you know what to do.

How boring was that first day of the tourney? Much better the next day, much more like I remembered it. There were even some early scares--well, there are always early scares for the top seed before they say to themselves, hey, how about we play now? What was up with Oregon though? I have them in the Final Four, and if they wind up winning all their games by 2, I may just well have a heart attack--not because all the games are close, but that I actually picked something right this year.

Well, we'll see how it all plays out, I guess.

How about the Heat? Geez, I didn't think they would fall apart completely, but I never imagined they would rock nine straight. I had them pegged for a low seed out in the first round type of deal, but now, they may even finish with home court advantage in the first round. Unfortunately for the Heat, the Cavs rattled off seven in a row, but still, if Cleveland stumbles down the stretch, the Heat can swoop in...assuming the inevitable cool down in Miami doesn't occur.

And the beasts of the East, the rejuvenated Detroit Pistons? They annihilated the Suns to go 5-0 on their West Coast trip, first time in fifteen years. West is so much better than the East, right? I mean, besides the last two of three champs being in the East, besides the fact the standings are grouped similar (minus a Dallas or Phoenix type team in the East), besides all the other facts that point otherwise, keep on thinking that. No seriously, as long as the public believes so much in the power of the East, we can do some maneuvering when it comes to working with the lines...

Oh, and Detroit's 5-0 swing out West? That makes them a prime candidate to lose their first game home due to one of my favorite trends, the only thing is they are playing Dallas, so who the hell knows what that line will be. Watch closely friends, but for now...it's time to hit the hay and start the train all over tomorrow.

Ohio State VS Xavier, nothing like a rivalry for breakfast.

Getting Hammered

CollegeBoy here, getting hammered on Spring Break--and I'm not even drunk yet. A bunch of my early upsets fizzled. A couple last minute switches made me scream out, why? Why, oh why? Isn't that the one thing you learn in school? Stick with your first impulse?

Some of you may be saying, chill out CB, have a beer, relax, way too early to pitch a hissy fit. Grow a set and take it like a man...

But you know what? It's my blog and I cry if I want to.

In other news, the guys at Positioning Group started off March Madness 4-0. Not bad, not bad at all. So if anyone out there reading wants to get in on this action while it's still early enough, please visit www.positioninggroup.com

4-0, and just beginning.

(you know, since I work with Pete, Jimmy, and Tommy, and they keep sharing their advice with me, all the little tips and strategies...you really think I would learn something, wouldn't you? Why am I so stubborn sometimes, why?)

Anyway, it really is way too early to start crying. Expect the sequel to this post when Oregon is creamed and Florida becomes the first #1 seed to lose...

Brackets

All right, CollegeBoy here with my bracket. Now, I'm technically on vacation, it's my Spring Break, so I won't be breaking anything down in detail, but I'll go with all the major picks and a couple upsets.

My elite 8 looks like this, very conservative. Ohio State, Texas A&M, Kansas, Georgetown, Florida, Oregon, UCLA, and North Carolina. Final Four is Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA, and Georgetown, I get a little risky there, as only one number 1 seed advances (which means I am rooting against every #1 except Ohio State from the fist game). Then my championship game is UCLA (though I really want to do Oregon, because if they catch fire, watch out) VS Ohio State and I am picking Ohio State to be the first number one seed overall since UConn to win the tourney. Why?

Oden = Okafor, but better.

I won big with UConn as my pick that year, so why not go with Ohio State this year. Now, some upset specials I have, Holy Cross in the Sweet 16, Duke over Pittsburgh to make it there as well (very fashionable to hate on Duke, but they got a crazy Sweet 16 streak going on, and I'm not one to bet against Coach K), George Washington to win over Oral Roberts to make it to the Sweet 16 (which doesn't sound right to me, but whatever). Then, I have Stanford over Louisville, but let it be known that I bet against Louisville and consistently lose. You think I would learn my lesson, right?

Nope. That's not my style.

I got Arkansas over USC and OD over Butler (seems to be the popular upset special) as my two 12 over 5 upsets, Coach Knight upsetting Boston College (a friend once told me Coach Knight is good for one win in the tourney, well, here we go), and Gonzaga over the Hoosiers.

Now, these #1 seeds are something truly special, and it's going to take a lot to beat them--and the safe conservative plays might be the best. I'm always a bit of a mix and masher. Well, I'm off today to go snowboarding for a couple days, I'm behind on a bunch of stuff that I want to post, but when I come back I hope to cram and get it all out.

March Madness, everyone. Here we go...

300 and cramming for March Madness

Okay, so I have yet to see the movie 300--I'm going to go tomorrow with the girlfriend, sounds like an awesome matinée movie--but how perfect does it seem to go with this year's March Madness? The trailers and reviews and my friends all tell me it's an insane movie, perfect for the college geek-comic'ed out mind, and at the same time, this is shaping up to be an insane couple of weeks. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait. I'm filling out my bracket, I'm on my third version, and I can't wait until that first terrible decision I made, fed by stupid media and stupid gut, and I take a sword and disembowel myself for having Duke be a Cinderella team...so tough, you know? How much can you trust Coach K? It's like you can almost picture the headlines of Duke making a run--"Off year? Who cares? Duke doesn't..."

Ah, screw it. Screw Duke.

That's right. You're going down...bitches. Let's go VCU, never really heard of you, but that's what's great about March Madness. You learn a lot of pretty useless information, cramming it all for the final exam on Thursday at 12 pm sharp.

Love it, love it, love it.

Oh, there will be more posts soon with more weight to them, I'm still up to the chin in doing my research. As always make sure to check out positioninggroup.com, we'll have some stuff up for you shortly as well. See you, and good luck one and all.

Field is Set, and some PPB news

This is not an "outrage" column. As readers know or don't know, all I care about on this blog is entertainment for the most part and March Madness is about as entertaining as they get. Last year's tournament, for a variety of reasons, didn't capture my attention but that is definitely not the case this year. It's time to fill out some brackets, son...

I'm one of those mad scientist bracket tinkerers, who go over and over, slash out one team then scribble that out, flip-flop until my sheet looks like it passed through a mental asylum--but I've won two of the last three years, so I guess the method works, right?

I'll post my bracket when it's done. We can all play together...yay!

In PPB news, I just want to let everyone know that the Reckoning for February is going to be posted to the site, www.positioninggroup.com, and will be available to our members and to the public as well some time Tuesday night. We're going to go over last month's picks, answer some questions, and go over some big NCAA trends so stay tuned one and all...after this month, the Reckoning will once again be members only.

Well, I'm gonna go back to watching Dallas go after win 17 in a row. After the NCAA Final it is serious playoff talk time, and sports man...

The drama just doesn't stop. Baseball starting, Dice-K had his first problem outing, but hey, that's life. Can't win all the time, all you sports investors should know that...

Redemption

This is why I love sports so much.

Watching the Knicks game last night, totally cursing at Steve Francis, I'm booing him at the bar, every time he touches the ball I feel like punching someone in the face. He was having an all right game I guess, but down the stretch he just messed up. Bad. Technical foul in a close game, one point. 24 seconds left in the game, gets called for a lane violation. All right, good effort--but it cost us points to tie. Then, 7 seconds left, misses a free throw to tie...

But then, even as I'm yelling don't shoot don't shoot, he pulls up and swishes in the game winning three. Oh the humanity. Steve Francis? I'm you're number one fan...

And that's why I love sports.

NCAA BBall

Durant and Oden leading their teams to the finals of the tourneys, as expected. This sets up a couple of great games with huge implications. Texas VS Kansas, we know all about Durant, but can the team win? Last game against Texas, Kansas was down by 12 at halftime, and they came back to win rather easily by four. If Texas can win, I'm willing, depending on the brackets of course, to have them go deeper, maybe sweet 16. Up to this point, I have them penned to be upset. We'll see, certainly, we'll see.

Then you have Ohio State VS Wisconsin. Huge game, huge. Can't wait.

In other news, Georgetown won a Big East record 7th title, but their first in 18 years. Florida is back to the SEC Title game, probably going to beat Arkansas easy enough. UNC VS North Carolina State for the ACC title, should be good...I mean, everything is shaping up for another crazy March Madness. Last year wasn't all that interesting to me, but this year...hot damn it's wide open. Gonna be fun, gonna be fun.

And lesbian coaches on the girl's side of the court? Love it. I was looking to bet on the Rutgers Women upsetting Connecticut the other day, but my stupid sportsbook doesn't have bets for Women's Sports. I mean, usually I don't care too much, but that was a lock. Now I'm not going to lead a campaign to open up the sports books for women's sports, but c'mon, what's th ebig deal? You'll get some action, especially in big games like that.

Hey, people bet on anything. There shouldn't be any restrictions.

Lewis to Browns, McGahee a Raven

Here is some news that will directly impact all fantasy football participants.

Jamal Lewis is known for giving at least two great performances a year, whether they happen or don't (last year, for example, they didn't...but then again, last year he wasn't much of a factor at all). What are they? The two games he plays against the Browns. Released by the Ravens, he goes and signs with the Browns, not only losing that match up but guaranteeing himself two meetings VS. his former team and their ridiculous defense. Good job, Jamal...

Good job.

Meanwhile, the Ravens score McGahee for a third and seventh rounder this year, plus another third rounder next year. Score. This was an easy trade to make, at least for the Ravens. This is a huge upgrade over Jamal, nine touchdowns last year or not. I know he was hurt, but there is no denying that he is slower than ever. Running backs don't stay on top for long, and sure McGahee had an off year last year, but just imagine him running behind Ogden and company. He's young, got a new chip on his shoulder, a new contract, and he is ready to go. Get ready fantasy ballers, there's a back in Baltimore who requires your consideration.

And honestly, don't forget about Jamal. He will come back healthier and hopefully, hopefully help lead that Browns offense into the end zone. He's a big back who can take some pressure off Frye and the receivers. Also, I hope the Browns use him out of the flat, as that was something the Ravens, for the most part, refused to do.

Anyway, the off season continues. We definitely needed this after that terrible NBA deadline too.

The Injured Superstar Effect

Last night, I found out first hand a huge lesson in Sports Investing. This concerns something Pete and Jimmy have been telling me since I first joined up with the Positioning Group, but what can I say? I'm an idiot. What else is new, right?

Let me spell out the scenario for you. I'm all set to drop my usual bet of a hundred on Atlanta, getting even money at home against a Washington team I know is about to fall--they had been riding high and on a surge of momentum they could just not continue. Plus, their recent games against Atlanta had all been close, and they were in Atlanta where they historically have difficulty playing.

Sounds like a slam dunk to me, but then I get a message from one of my buddies. "Washington over Atlanta today, it's a lock." Now, I don't know about you, but when I get a message like that, just as I'm about to post a bet, well, I slow down a bit and take another look. I trust my friends, I keep an open mind, though (as Pete and Jimmy know all to well) I'm usually stubborn as a first class ass--but...I was just getting over a 0-2 night, so I admit I was a bit more open than usual.

I lost confidence in myself and in my plan, and I paid the consequences.

Turns out Joe Johnson wasn't playing that night. Woah, CollegeBoy, what kind of research are you doing here? About to post a bet and you don't even know that your team's star is hurt? Why else would you be getting even money?

I know, I know. I was looking at the numbers, and I figured I would have heard something about it the night before. But it was a recent development, and when I looked at the lines, I saw a home dog I liked who was getting great odds. Oh if it was only that, or if my buddy's message came a few seconds later so I could have complained to my friend about how huge of an idiot I was...

Joe Johnson out, Washington hot, hell yeah boy, let's not only bet on the Wizards...let's increase the wager by double. After all, it's a lock! Alarm bells were ringing in my ears like I had spent the whole day at a heavy metal show, but did I listen? Of course not. I'm CollegeBoy here, representing. First class idiot. I not only take the Wizards, I take the Bulls over the Miami Heat for double my usual wager as well--over a Heat team I had been praising. Check two of the last five posts before this one, all about how awesome the Heat are.

So what happens? What always happens to idiots making uninformed decisions. I get a big old kick in my ass, another punch to my gut, and then Shaq pisses on my body as I lay on the ground, crying for my mommy. Jesus was I pissed at myself last night after the games. How many times do I say stick to your plan? How many times do we say ignore "locks?" How many times do we say stay sharp, play smart?

What the hell was I doing? The Heat (recommended by Pete and Jimmy, both of whom laughed their asses off after I told them what I had done) won by 30 or so and the Wizards lost by 3. Oh it was a sad day friends to be sure.

You see, I fell for the old trap. These are traps I usually tend to avoid. Twice this year I bet on the Cavaliers when LeBron was out, and twice I won. Now, this isn't true of all superstars, nor is it true of all teams. At the least, however, I should have recognized that this was simply a game that should not be touched--and certainly not wagered on with double my usual bet. I took a huge hit in my account, huge. I'm not a high roller here, and there I went, acting like one.

One man does not make a team. In some situations he might (for example, with Kobe out, Pete and Jimmy recommended the under for the Bucks Lakers game, and it hit, of course, rub my face in it why don't they...), but not here. No Nash on the Suns is huge, and you def avoid the Suns in those situations, but not here. Not where I was betting.

I got sucked in by the media and everyone else predicting a huge game for the Wizards. 90% of the money was on the Wizards, so I know I wasn't alone here. And the Bulls? They had won 3 straight against Miami...but there was a slight problem there too. Before the season opener, they had lost eight straight there or something like that. Miami = trouble for the Bulls.

So I got sucked in by the missing Wade, sucked in by the missing Joe Johnson, sucked in by ESPN and my friends and my stupid gut and well...I paid the price. I hate paying the price, but hey, it's a lesson that not only I learned--again--but hopefully some of you out there can learn from my mistake. That's about all the good that came from those bets, folks...

Remember. One man does not make a team. And if a star goes down, hell, you don't have to bet on that game. It can change everything, it does change everything. Atlanta went from a -1 favorite to a +3 underdog in the span of a couple hours. Everyone and their mothers was calling each other to say bet Wizards tonight and the one thing I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt...

When someone who is not connected tells you about a lock, you either bet against that lock, or you don't bet at all. Me? I shouldn't have bet--and I certainly shouldn't have bet double. I went crazy, and when you go crazy...you lose.

Some NFL Talk (free agents)

Everyone should know I'm a big Jets fan, and I am a major fan of their recent signings. First, we have Thomas Jones, an underrated back from Chicago who is going to have a major impact with us. He's no Curtis Martin, and he will be a 'young' 29, but he's a legitimate back who will compliment Leon Washington. Ladies and gentleman, we have another 1,000+ yard rusher. Behind our line, I see him approaching 14/15 hundred with a healthy dose of scores. Oh yeah. Then, second, we get Kenyon Coleman. I was unfamiliar with him, but the basic prognosis of this kid is that he's a beast--6'5, 295 pounds--who is a very versatile player, adequate on stopping the run and rushing the QB. Bit expensive for such an unproven but full of potential player, who also has a habit of mailing in downs, but I am confident that Mangenius will be able to get on his case. I know, I know, if Parcells couldn't do it on the Cowboys, who can? Mangini can, he will--I mean, I'm a Jets fan. Everything is good until the draft, right? Because last, one of the biggest moves is a simple one, announcing that Chad Pennington is the starter. It's the anchor we need moving forward.

And we will be moving forward.

Now, looking around the league, how crazy is Nate Clements? It's also sort of sad, everyone comments on how he has the largest contract for any cornerback, but the deal is heavy on the back end right when it will be prime time to cut him loose. He's basically making 8 million a year for a few years then is getting cut, still decent, still a lot of money, but nothing to make you jump and scream, 'what!' 49ers definitely were the most active though, adding Tully Banta-Cain, a decent nose tackle in Aubrayo Franklin, safety Michael Lewis and at wideout, a man I still believe capable of having a better than decent year, Ashley Lelie. Don't forget the Niners were a vastly improved team last season, and with some good draft picks to add, they are well on their way to returning to the top. And speaking of the top...

And my hated rivals... Dolphins and Patriots. Dolphins stole Porter from my dreams, and trying to run against him, Jason Taylor, and Zach Thomas? C'mon Jones, welcome to the AFC East, where the Patriots rule. They got a bunch of average-to-decent players who are all, somehow, going to become studs, plus Adalius Thomas. I hate the Patriots. Seriously.

Travis Henry and Mike Shanahan. I'm foreseeing some unknown becoming the starter. The more interesting Bronco move was acquiring disgruntled Lion corner, Dre Bly to star opposite Bailey. It's certainly going to be an interesting off season in Denver, and with the deaths of two teammates hovering, they can very well come together and mount an impressive campaign. All you investors, be aware. Still got to wonder about Cutler though...

Bengals, Cowboys, and Browns improve their O-lines. Redskins land another aging monster in Fletcher at LB. Lions and Seahawks improve their D-lines. Rams get a stud second/third option WR in Drew Bennett (watch out fantasy players...), while the Bucs get must-smell-like-a-rat Garcia. Ahman Green to the Texans--sure they didn't want Bush, though Green won't do a single thing to save that franchise--and there are a bunch of other players still available for trades and signings and drafts, oh my...

Whatever happens, things are looking good in the NFL neighborhood.

Sports Investing Mantra

The following is a mantra that many sports investors may find useful. Repeat it a few times, every time you make a bet, or even every day you wake up. Not to sound New-Age retarded, but it will help or it will not. If it doesn't, oh well, big deal, but if it does...thank me later.

Now, close your eyes, and read (and yes, I am aware of what I just wrote):

I am a Sports Investor. I invest in Sports. I am Calm, I am Cool, I am Collected. The media does not sway me. My heart does not sway me. Public hysteria does not sway me. I research, I see the core of the Sports World, and what I see, is true. I trust my Sports Investing skills. I trust my Sports Investing vision. I trust my Sports Investment money-management system. I trust myself to do the right thing, and if I fail, I do not get angry. If I fail, I do not go crazy. If I fail, I do not fail, for tomorrow is a new day and tomorrow I return.

I am a Sports Investor. I invest in Sports. I am a Sports Investor.

Shaq-Fu to you...

I must say I'm impressed. I told everyone to watch and wait in regards to the Heat, as one man does not make a team--though Wade, who just goes all out all the time, how do you replace that? Apparently, you have to shoot Shaq up with pure adrenaline or something because he is playing like a beast recently. Like a beast.

They beat the Wizards, which I saw happening, but I did not expect them to beat Detroit, especially this new and improved Webber-led Pistons squad. I knew with Ben on the Bulls no one could really guard Shaq, but I thought the Pistons would at least scheme their way around the big man in the middle. Nope. Shaq handled it all with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists to come out with a win. So, does this mean I'm all aboard the Heat train?

Not yet, but it's more info, more grist for the mill...though the Heat is on and something is definitely cooking down in Miami.

Oh, and how about that Celtics win earlier today? Down by ten with a couple minutes left against the injured Nets, they battle their way back, take advantage of a few terrible shots by Vinsanity and Spliff Robinson, take the game into overtime and win it outright. Shocking, right? And to think they were tanking the season on purpose.

Way to say Shaq-fu to all your fans dreaming of Durant, Celtics, way to say Shaq-fu to you.

The Perils of Fancy Pants Bets

This was a bad day on my journey in all things Sports Investing, but it was a great learning experience. I play at sportsbook.com, they got me as a kid and I just continued to use it--though there are a bunch of great books out there. Sometimes I feel like those commercials for Lending Tree, when bankers fight to give you the best deal, only now it's online casino's who are fighting for the right to take my dollar--I mean, make me money.

Anyway, I decided to download the poker software and sportsbook.com is not a poker site, to put it as nicely as possible. Just terrible. I had trouble logging onto games, had trouble seeing what games were available, and when I did get on the table, I just played bad. Was I frustrated? Maybe. Was I stupid? Yeah, most likely. I took a couple bad beats, made a couple bad plays, and suffered a bit of a hit to my account. Then, I play one game, it says there is an error...but, what what what? The money is out of my account! This is a no-no concerning any gambler. At least it was a small stakes game, but still...

Somewhat angry, it was in this mindset that I looked at Thursday's NBA games and decided to get fancy schmancy. I took overs and unders for single quarters, full games, and halves; I took Cavs with points, Cavs on the moneyline, then points on quarters and halves; I took prop bets and other stupidities and when it was all over, I was minus 80 dollars in my account and...what the hell was I doing? This is the worst thing for a sports investor. Just, flat out gambling.

It was bad. Oh well, the lesson I learned was to stop betting stupid, again--a lesson that always pops up now and then to remind you of your place. For some people, breaking a game down like that is what they do best, so go wild at it if it's your thing. But if it's not, well, stick to what you do best. Simple as that. Stick to what you know best.

I realized I am terrible when it comes to over/under, so no more of that. No more prop bets, though I will keep up the occasional halftime middle/hedge wager.

Oh, and speaking of gambling, want to know how I missed the over for the game? Here is the sequence. 3 points I need in 13 seconds to win my bet, Lebron on the foul line. You figure he makes at least one, they foul, and Dallas hits both. Done. Lebron misses both, but wait, he has a chance to tie the game with a three, clank but wait, another three, wide open…clank again. Just terrible. Some sports investor, right? Nope, that night, I was a red-blooded sports gambler deluxe, yelling at the screen for Lebron to bite his fingers off next time...

So, no more pussyfooting and no more poker. At least I got my money back from the poker game. Sportsbook is good like that, but they are a sports book. And I am a sports investor. Nothing but sports over there, and that’s that.

In poker news, I opened an account with Full Tilt, where the Poker Pros play, you know? So far so good, I'm not a crazy poker player, I stick to smaller limits like 10, 20 a tourney, and I try not to play limits online...but so far, no complaints. It's not as good as playing in a casino, but hey...

I'm the online generation, and I love it all. Well, stay sharp and play smart kiddies.

Some Hockey Talk

So with all this talk of the NHL following the NFL to London, like a poor down and out dog following its master home, it's time to talk some hockey.

Jokes aside, it is a good idea for the NHL to expand. There are great countries out there that love hockey: Finland, Sweden, Russia, and all the other Eastern European countries especially. A quick look at an Olympics schedule should give everyone an idea about the potential market, and with all these new young stars coming into the league (most notably Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, Staal, and a handful of other future greats), the league is healthy. London is going to see Anaheim VS L.A., which should actually be a pretty good game. Hey, you can't do much worse, right?

Hate to pat myself on the back, but the Devils are right behind Buffalo, in perfect position to make a deep run into the playoffs. Congratulations CollegeBoy, looks like you made one good playoff pick. How are the Nets BTW? Hey, that's a different story for a different day. Right now, we're gonna take a quick look around the league.

How exciting is this Pittsburgh game? I put money on the Devils VS them, game finished 1-0 and I was on the edge of my seat until the end. They won't win the Cup, but they're a scary team nevertheless, and the trades to toughen up will only help. On the flip side, Carolina is fighting for the last spot in the playoffs in the East. That's sports though, from feast to famine. Just look at Anaheim, halfway through the season the league was already stenciling their names on the cup. Then Giggy goes down and it falls apart...but they're back now, playing their hockey again and making it very interesting out West...

Nashville and Detroit fighting it out. Nashville's got Forsberg now, making a bit of a difference, but Detroit is Detroit. In other words, don't bet against them. Jagr is down and out in New York, actually refusing to take penalty shots. That's what you want from your star. How scary is San Jose? Right now a 7th seed, if the playoffs ended today, their series against the Mighty Ducks would be a classic. Those two have already had a bunch of great games already, one point for the new schedule of the NHL.

Of course that doesn't make up for all the points against the new schedule--I mean, it's just terrible for the fans who don't get a chance to see stars on teams outside of the Conference. But, the schedule is good for all you Sports Investors out there. More games against the same team = a better chance of predicting the outcome. Still, it's supposed to be for the fans, right?

Ottawa is playing again, just lights out. Both them and Buffalo, I would hate to go up against them. 8-1-1 in their last ten, just nasty. Nasty. Keeping up with knowledge about hockey is a great way to make some cash. Here is what I do with hockey. Let's say you have some leftover money in your account. 4,756. Something like that. I'll check out the hockey lines, and if I see a nice upset in the making, 76 bucks. Nothing big, if it hits it hits. It doesn't, I'll make up for it with my NBA games where I'm stronger.

This is the most important thing to remember. Play to your strengths in all things in life, but do not forget about your weaknesses. Work on them, try and improve. There is so much out there, so much you can take advantage of, it just takes some work. A bit of research. The road may seem long and hard, but it's a trip worth taking...

Or, you can just listen to PPB. That's another option. Regardless, the NHL is a healthy league, it's not football or basketball or baseball, but it's a regular sport, with regular enough results, and some great lines. Don't ignore it because you don't know it. A little awareness can go a long way...