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Cardinals' Ryan hoping 'stache can help snap slumpBaseball Betting Lines05/22/2010 - ST. LOUIS (AP) -Long after the rest of the St. Louis Cardinals shaved off their good-luck mustaches last year, Brendan Ryan kept the look going. Just like his breakout year. Stands to reason he's decided to try facial hair again in an attempt to recapture that long-lost feel as he struggles along with his team. ``I'm doing anything possible to make some good things happen,'' Ryan said. ``Whatever it takes.'' The 28-year-old Ryan was the opening day starter at shortstop, valued for his exceptional range on defense and timely hitting coming off a .292 average a year ago. Manager Tony La Russa has often said he's the best defensive shortstop he's had, a group that includes Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Ryan landed on the bench Sunday due to a 1 for 28 slump at the plate combined with erratic play in the field that included consecutive two-error games during the last homestand - miscues La Russa blamed on Ryan attempting to dazzle with the glove. Ryan's first start in five days in a 4-2 victory over the Marlins was a positive step back: a single and walk, sure-handed plays in the field. But he realized it was a small step and needed to earn his way back after being demoted to a platoon role, a move timed with Felipe Lopez's return from the 15-day disabled list. He was back on the bench Friday behind Lopez, who has played well at shortstop, and second baseman Skip Schumaker. ``I'm not going to bury him, so he'll get his chance,'' La Russa said. ``It's certainly not like we lack confidence in him, but when a guy's struggling as much for him as for us you've got to get him out of there.'' Plus, Ryan was batting just .167 with six RBIs and entering the weekend. ``I'll come to the park ready to play, but I'm going to have to assume it's going to be Skip and Felipe,'' Ryan said. Ryan got a late start to spring training after undergoing wrist surgery in February but appeared to be up to speed by opening day. Instead, only problems. Normally an effervescent player, he's been tightlipped and grim during at-bats. La Russa said it's been difficult watching Ryan's spiral, and was pleased to see Ryan have some success. ``He's got a great heart,'' the manager said. ``His emotions aren't on his sleeve, they're all over his body.'' During his enforced down time, Ryan has been working on getting his timing back at the plate. Batting coach Mark McGwire worked with Ryan during the winter and has emphasized balance, swinging at the pitches he can handle instead of chasing deliveries out of the strike zone, and getting the count in his favor. He believes his woes are both mechanical and mental. ``I care a lot, and I think that can be a problem at times,'' Ryan said. ``Things were not going my way for quite a while and it's hard to just kind of look past that, but it's part of being a professional.'' Lately, Ryan has been working with the Cardinals' other batting coach, Mike Aldrete. ``I've gotten a couple of texts from guys who said 'It doesn't look like you're having fun,''' Ryan said. ``I need to find a way to have fun again.'' That's where the mustache comes in. Or will eventually. After Thursday's game, there wasn't much to show for the effort. Last weekend, Ryan tried shaving his head. ``So we'll go with the 'stache,'' Ryan said. After Thursday's game, he was wearing the ``Respect the Stache' T-shirt players made last year, too. ``Just because. Why not?'' Ryan said. ``I'm trying to pretend it's almost opening day, it's a fresh start.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
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2007 NFL Football Betting Preview“You play to win the game!” Those are the words of notoriously intense head coach Herman Edwards. Unfortunately, from a bettors’ perspective, most coaches don’t feel that way about the NFL preseason. August is a time to evaluate young players, finalize the depth chart and pray your star players stay healthy. The trick to making money during the exhibition schedule is identifying coaches – like Edwards – who can’t stand losing even when there's nothing on the line. The New York Jets betting won 15 of 21 preseason games and went 14-7 against the spread (ATS) during Edwards’s five-year tenure with the club. In his first season as the Kansas City Chiefs field boss, the team improved from 0-4 to 2-2. Identifying win-a-holics like Edwards is a good start if you plan betting the preseason – even though most say you shouldn’t ... but what the hell do they know anyway? Here’s a brief rundown of two teams that have a habit of winning during the second-stringers’ season, and another club that has a good chance of exceeding this year. Playing in the media hub of North America can be stressful but the press can’t write anything negative about the way Tom Coughlin’s boys play in the preseason. The Giants won and covered all four games last summer, improving their record to 7-1 both straight up (SU) and against the spread over the last two years. Coughlin has shown he’s not afraid to give his starters more time in the second preseason game than most of his colleagues, no doubt one of the reasons his team has been so dominant. Bettors can count on America’s team early on. The Cowboys are 14-6 both SU and ATS since 2002 in warm-up contests. Former coach Bill Parcells, the coach of the team the last four years, has an intimidating, in-your-face presence – surely a reason Dallas has had so much early success. The Big Tuna won’t be strolling the sidelines with looks of disgust, but new coach Wade Phillips will be anxious to make a good first impression for owner Jerry Jones. Dallas plays the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos before things get serious. They then face the Houston Texans in their third contest (the game starters see most game time) and finish off with the Minnesota Vikings. Expect a Dallas team able to walk away with another 3-1 preseason record. This team scored a league-worst 12 offensive touchdowns last season, so the rookies and veterans each have something to prove. There’s a bounty of first-unit jobs up for grabs and plenty of bodies competing for those slots. First-time head coach Lane Kiffin will be eager to impress an owner who employs the philosophy, “Just win, baby!” The 32-year-old Kiffin has to command respect from a locker room full of players older than him. All of these factors should lead to purpose in preseason. Don’t forget: before playing like a team that belonged in NFL Europe, Oakland went 4-1 (both SU and ATS) in exhibition games. To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football wagering needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
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