Selig and MLB slow to stifle replay controversy

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06/07/2010 - Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - To say Jim Joyce feels bad for costing Armando Galarraga's chance at history would be a gross understatement. But consider the silver lining that came from one of the game's all-time gaffes; the realization that baseball is less than perfect.

Such sentiment is far from enlightening but until a blown call took away the extremely rare feat from the Tiger's pitcher, it was never more apparent. What is also clear is that culpability falls far from the men in blue and black who externally govern the sport. They are human beings who are professionals at their craft - one which requires split-second decisions that demand accuracy in every instance - yet inevitably make mistakes.

The blame falls squarely on the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig. And unlike the steroid controversy, implementation of expanded instant replay is not at the mercy of stringent union negotiations.

Which makes Selig's reluctance to explicitly acknowledge the issue of instant replay in the wake of the incident all the more perplexing. Consider some of the language Selig used in addressing the now-infamous moment in baseball history.

In a statement released Thursday, Selig said he would "examine our umpiring system, the expanded use of instant replay and all other related features".

The key words there are "examine our umpiring system". What that statement tells us is that Selig is completely unaware - or refuses to admit - where the root of "blown calls" exists. The fact of the matter is the case being built for widening the scope of replay in baseball has been strong for quite some time. No training seminar or officials' manual will prepare an umpire to make a call that can only be verified through the use of video review.

It's a concept that was quickly addressed by other major sports to maintain the credibility and integrity of their games. That's where the contradiction within baseball exists. The commissioner is under the impression that integrity comes from the tradition of the game and that anything that challenges such should be met with resistance and skepticism.

In considering a way that baseball can incorporate video review outside of home run calls - and there are many ways this can be done - the goal should be to create a system that maintains a sense of tradition, is cost effective, does not slow the game down, and ensures accuracy.

First off, narrow the scope of what can be reviewed. For obvious reasons, the strike zone is off limits. Until there is a censor-based strike zone that lights up when a pitch enters the "box", balls and strikes will forever be at the mercy of an umpire's discretion. While such measures sound like they belong more in Star Wars than on a baseball diamond, it seems logical that something of the like may eventually creep its way into the game.

Under such a proposed plan, all "safe" or "out" calls at or between any base in any circumstance (including stolen bases) would be subject to review, as would "fair" or "foul" and home run calls. The purpose is self-explanatory, any calls that fall outside of the realm of discretion and opinion, for which there can be conclusive evidence derived from review, should fall within the umbrella of instant reply.

With games already north of three hours in duration and even longer in some cases, the responsibility of reviewing these calls should rest within control rooms similar to that of press boxes, where a combination of different representatives would be present.

What the "review room" might consist of: a head umpire who supersedes all officials on the field, an MLB representative and, assuming it was a point of contention for teams, club representatives. It would be complete with flat screen televisions and the same broadcast feed viewers at home are privy to. (Since the MLB generates a few dollars every year, they could even approach the networks to help fund new cameras that could provide a more optimal view of the base paths.)

To the last point, there are very few replays that do not provide the viewer an accurate perspective of any given play within 60-90 seconds of it occurring. Which goes to the next point, how to decide what's reviewable? Again, no discretion needed, every play is under review.

In keeping with tradition, umpires would have free reign to officiate the game as they have for 135 years. Rarely do umpires mess up a call (although fair and foul gaffes are a bit more commonplace, and those too can have serious implications - see Joe Mauer's would-be double in Game 2 the 2009 ALDS), so there is no need to dramatically change the way the game is officiated from a cosmetics standpoint.

Instead, the aforementioned "room" would have an eye on every play and have the opportunity to see the replays of every call. In those instances where a call must be overturned, the head umpire in the control room would page the home plate umpire, who would be equipped with a device slightly bigger than a balls- and-strikes counter, that would indicate a call must be overturned.

In almost any situation, the game would not slow down as a result. Even though it is still reasonable to expect delays in any sport that implements video replay, it would be the goal of baseball to limit, where they could, any potential stoppage in play. During the time it takes a runner to head back to the dugout, the pitcher to grab the rosin bag and a new hitter to emerge from the on deck circle, viewers at home or at the stadium have already seen at least two or three angles of the play in question.

Further, by implementing instant replay without the caveat of managers having to ration the number of challenges at their disposal - which makes the point of review more of a chess game than fulfilling its fundamental purpose - there would be a significant decrease in time spent arguing calls between managers and umpires since the final word will have become officially streamlined.

And to recap, all technology used, save for any extra cameras on the field, amounts to devices that any viewer at home already has.

Although it's reasonable to suggest baseball could adopt a more advanced way for reviewing calls, the purpose of such is to prove it can be done, and done so rather easily. The game doesn't have to slow down, umpires can remain the face of authority and integrity of the sport is maintained.

Don't blame Jim Joyce for the latest humanization of baseball. Flaws will be found in any person, game or layman's idea for instant replay.

To heed the words of Blue Jays' pitcher Dave Stieb, "Tomorrow, I'll be perfect."

That's all we ask of baseball. Wouldn't perfection be something to "rejoyce" in?

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Football Betting: Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards

Oddsmakers have released the odds for the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry has been made the opening favorite.

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Seattle took Curry with the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft and plan on inserting him into its starting lineup right away. The Hawks traded linebacker Julian Peterson in the offseason, so Curry is expected to have a significant role in Seattle's defense next year and that's one of the primary reasons he is the favorite to win the NFL ROY Award.

Oddsmakers from online sportsbook MySportsbook.com have made Curry a 5/1 favorite to win this year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Given that he was the best defensive prospect in this year's draft and how he'll have plenty of opportunities to make plays in '09, Curry offers a ton of value at 5/1.

Another thing working for Curry is the position he plays. A linebacker has won the defensive ROY award six straight times and eight of the last nine years. Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, DeMeco Ryans, Shawne Merriman, Jonathan Vilma, Terrell Suggs, Kendrell Bell and Brian Urlacher were the most recent linebackers to take home the award.

Following Curry at 5/1 are Tyson Jackson (Chiefs) at 7/1, James Laurinaitas (Rams) at 8/1, Brian Orakpo (Redskins) at 10/1, Rey Maualuga (Bengals) at 10/1 and Jerry Peria (Falcons) at 10/1.

All the players mentioned above are expected to start for their respective teams, but Jackson and Peria are going to have a tough time being recognized on a national level given they're both defensive linemen. D-linemen rarely put up the numbers that it takes to win an individual award like the ROY.

A couple of players with some value are Clay Matthews (Packers) at 12/1 and Larry English (Chargers) at 15/1. Matthews is expected to start at outside linebacker in Green Bay's new 3-4 defense and could rack up a ton of tackles. English, who was an impressive player at Northern Illinois, is expected to be a situational pass rusher for the Chargers and could rack up a ton of sacks.

For complete odds on the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, see below. And for complete odds for the 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, click the link provided.

2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award

Robert Ayers (DEN) 12/1

Ron Brace (NE) 25/1

Everette Brown (CAR) 16/1

Darius Butler (NE) 40/1

Patrick Chung (NE) 30/1

Aaron Curry (SEA) 5/1

Brian Cushing (HOU) 12/1

Vontae Davis (MIA) 30/1

Louis Delmas (DET) 30/1

Larry English (SD) 15/1

Evander Hood (PIT) 25/1

Tyson Jackson (KC) 7/1

Malcolm Jenkins (NO) 25/1

Paul Kruger (BAL) 50/1

James Laurinaitas (STL) 8/1

Sen'Derrick Marks (TEN) 20/1

Clay Matthews (GB) 12/1

Aaron Maybin (BUF) 15/1

Rey Maualuga (CIN) 10/1

Roy Miller (TB) 20/1

Michael Mitchell (OAK) 45/1

Fili Moala (IND) 30/1

Brian Orakpo (WAS) 10/1

Jerry Peria (ATL) 10/1

B J Raji (GB) 7/1

Clint Sintim (NYG) 35/1

Alphonso Smith (DEN) 40/1

David Verkune (CLE) 20/1

Jason Williams (DAL) 30/1

Field (Any Other Player) 6/1

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To visit this internet sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.

Matt Kenseth And Kevin Harvick Favorites To Take NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship

(September 15)—The NASCAR season has hit the homestretch with the opening event on this year’s Chase for the Cup taking place this weekend at the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. With 10 races remaining to determine the Cup Series champion, leading online sportsbook MySportsbook.com today announced odds on all 10 Chase qualifying drivers capturing the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.

One of the largest sportsbook sites on the Internet, MySportsbook.com currently lists the top two drivers in the point standings as the early favorites to win the Nextel Cup. Entering the Chase for the Cup with a slim five-point lead in the point standings, 2003 NASCAR champ Matt Kenseth has been made a slight favorite to win his second Cup at 7/2 betting odds. 2001 Cup Rookie of the Year Kevin Harvick has betting odds listed at 5/2 and four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon is listed at 6/1 to capture the Nextel Cup this year.

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father who won six NASCAR titles, Dale Earnhardt Jr. stands at 8/1 to breakthrough with his first Cup victory. Staying with the family theme, MySportsbook.com lists 2005 Rookie of the Year Kyle Busch at 14/1 to succeed big brother Kurt’s 2004 NASCAR title. While Kasey Kahne was the final driver to qualify for the Chase with a third place finish last week, the oddsmakers give him a fighting chance at 10/1 mainly due to several mile-and-a-half tracks remaining on the schedule. Despite going winless on the NASCAR circuit this season, Jeff Burton enters the Chase at 5/1 to capture the Cup title. Meanwhile, rookie Denny Hamlin is 4/1 to win the championship, while veteran driver Mark Martin enters the Chase for the Cup as a 15/1 long shot to win his first NASCAR title in his 24th and final season.

MySportsbook.com will offer comprehensive Nascar betting lines on every race remaining on the Nextel Cup series including driver match-ups, props and odds to win each race. For a complete list of NASCAR odds, please visit www.MySportsbook.com.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts US credit cards needs.