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In the United States, July 4 signifies Independence Day, as way back in 1776, our forefathers declared independence from the kingdom of Great Britain. This day is well-known for fireworks, barbecues, parades and baseball games. Though John Hancock as the elected President of the Second Continental Congress, never in his wildest dreams could he foresaw what this day would come to mean to Americans, both here and abroad. Being among the real gamblers of his time, (like trying to start a country isn’t a gamble) we honor Mr. Hancock and those like him with a tribute peering at games in major league baseball today. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”[Abraham Lincoln] Yankees loudmouth Hank Steinbrenner, following in his father’s footsteps, criticized his New York club, telling them they need to wake up. "Even when I was worried about the pitching earlier - starting pitching is the most important thing of all - but Brian would keep telling me, 'Yes, but I worried about the hitting,'" Steinbrenner said. "That was Brian's biggest concern even as we were reconstructing the pitching. We all know they're better than that." Another thing we know is the Yankees are 19-6 UNDER in day games and Boston is 42-16 after a win by six or more runs the last two seasons.
“Never spend your money before you have it.”
[Thomas Jefferson]
Washington built a new ballpark this season and felt they were ready to be a much more competitive team in 2008. Instead, they are the same old sorry bunch they have been since before leaving Montreal and are 34-53. They will face a Cincinnati, who brought in manager Dusty Baker and added young talent, figuring they would compete in the NL Central. The Reds look and play lousy and are 13-23 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. Sportsbook.com has Cincy as -150 home favorites, but does it make sense to take that government issued stimulus check and back Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, who is 3-11 vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse over the last three seasons. (Reds Record)
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
[Abraham Lincoln]
While rumors run rampant of Arizona’s collapse being related to divisions within the clubhouse, San Diego has effectively resigned themselves this is a lost season. One D-Back pulling his weight is starter Dan Haren, who is 8-4 (2.85 ERA) on the season and 7-1 in downtown Phoenix. Maybe the Snakes will feel better on Independence Day, getting back into division play since they are 20-8 this season.
Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
- Ronald Reagan (1986)
One team really on the move is the Tampa Bay Rays, earning the best record in baseball with 52-32 record, certainly worth a salute at +18.2 units of profit. Tampa has been sparkling at home with 33-13 record, barbequing opposing teams with smokin’ pitching and basting them with clutch hitting. What is most impressive for a team never in this position, the Rays are lighting up weaker foes with 14-1 mark as a home favorite of -150 or more this season.
Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president but they don't want them to become politicians in the process."
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy Just last October, manager Eric Wedge and the Cleveland had three shots to make a rare appearance to the Fall Classic. Right now the only thing classic about these Indians is their colossal collapse. Wedge who basked in the glory of almost taking the Tribe to the World Series, is facing mounting heat for this underachieving team, who find more ways to lose than an insurance company trying not a pay on a claim. The Indians are a +120 underdog to Minnesota in a division conflict and are 12-24 when the money line is +125 to -125 this season. In 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday. It might be the July 4, but for the Cubs and the Cardinals, this begins an important holiday series, battling for first place in the NL Central. The Cubs have has their struggles on the road in 2008, despite having the best record in the National League. They welcome back Carlos Zambrano to the starting rotation and Big Z and the Cubs are 11-1 against the money line in the month of July over the last two seasons. He’ll face the Cards Bradon Looper, who is 13-4 when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last two years. (Redbirds Record)
Have a great and safe Independence Day.
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