Canadian MLB Report: Axford making most of chance
Baseball Betting Lines
07/23/2010 -
Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Multiple Canadian-born hurlers were
supposed to be impact pitchers for their respective teams in 2010, but the
first half of the year didn't exactly reflect those predictions. On the other
hand, some have stepped up and assumed new roles, exceeding expectations by
putting together a strong first half.
All John Axford has done so far this year is stave off Trevor Hoffman, the all-
time saves leader, for the closer's role in Milwaukee. The Brewers' new
stopper has not allowed a run since the All-Star break, collecting three saves
and lowering his ERA to 2.70 in the process. While the intention of the
Brewers organization may not have been for Axford to assume the closer role on
a full-time basis, he's making their decision easier than anticipated. Alford
is sporting a 1.17 WHIP, a K/9 ratio of 11.40 and has yet to blow a save this
entire season.
He may not be the prettiest at times, but Blake Hawksworth continues to start
for the St. Louis Cardinals since taking over the fifth spot in the rotation
for the injured Brad Penny. The sophomore threw out of the bullpen to start
the year, a role he assumed last season as well, but has gone 3-1 with a no-
decision in his last five outings. Hawksworth's 4-5 record, 4.85 ERA and 1.77
WHIP may not be overly impressive, but the 27-year-old is soaking up innings
for a Cardinals team that is battling for the National League Central division
with the Cincinnati Reds. The North Vancouver native has allowed three runs or
less in four of his last five starts, and should continue to get the ball until
if/or when the Cardinals supplant him in the rotation.
Ryan Dempster, who has turned into Canada's marquee starting pitcher in the big
leagues, has boasted impressive stats while playing for one of the league's
most underachieving teams. The Chicago Cubs right-hander continues to
reinforce his reputation as a workhorse, and has pitched well this season for a
staff that sits 10 games under .500.
Dempster's eight complete games are tops in the NL and his 130 strikeouts are
good for eighth in the league. Dempster is coming off his worst outing in over
a month, however, as the four earned runs he surrendered snapped a consecutive
streak of eight straight games without allowing more than three earned runs.
The 33-year-old is not showing meaningful signs of letdown though, boasting a
deceiving 8-7 record, with a 3.70 ERA, while on his way to a third consecutive
season of over 200 innings pitched, (133.2 to date).
With speculation that his rotation spot may be in jeopardy, Jeff Francis picked
a good time to have a strong outing against the Washington Nationals on
Tuesday. The Colorado Rockies left-hander blanked the Nationals over seven
innings, striking out seven in the process, while holding them to three hits,
en route to his third victory of the season. Before this start, Francis had
allowed 16 runs over his last 12 innings, a span which covered three games.
Francis was the ace of the 2007 NL pennant-winning Rockies, but after shoulder
surgery which cost him the entire 2009 season, he's now fighting just to get
the ball every fifth day. With more performances like his most recent one,
when he effectively used his changeup as an "out" pitch, Francis could be a key
contributor down the stretch for a Rockies team fighting for a postseason
berth.
INJURY UPDATE
Seattle Mariners left-hander Erik Bedard will now be facing an even longer road
to recovery than what was previously expected. After throwing successful rehab
assignments in June, Bedard subsequently felt discomfort in his surgically-
repaired shoulder that will require him to be re-examined, further prolonging
his return to the big leagues. The 31-year-old has been plagued with injuries
throughout his career and has not thrown at the major league level since last
July. Until further evaluation, the Canadian's immediate status is currently
unknown.
Rich Harden, the Texas Rangers' biggest pitching acquisition of the offseason,
is once again dealing with injuries. The talented right-hander is on the DL
with a non-arm-related injury (glute) but is on his way to a fifth straight
season of logging less than 150 innings.
Harden, who when healthy racks up strikeouts and at times can be dominant,
could prove to be a formidable sidekick to Cliff Lee down the stretch run if he
can stay off the shelf. A player of Harden's capabilities should be able to
turn it around despite sporting a career worst 5.68 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. The
oft-injured 28-year-old could return to the big league club as early as next
week.
<< Wigan inks midfielder McArthur
Wigan, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Promising Hamilton midfielder James McArthur
has joined Wigan for an undisclosed transfer fee.
The 22-year-old has penned a four-year contract at the DW Stadium, where he
will team up with former Accies c
<< Gaming: Can the WAC maintain its ATS Superiority?
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Last season was quite a turnaround for
the Western Athletic Conference, as the league's nine teams covered 21 of their
36 non-conference games (with two pushes) for an impressive 61% winning
percentage.
<< AL Central: White Sox GM Williams exploring limited trade options
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - While the Chicago White Sox continue to try and fend off
Detroit and Minnesota in the American League Central standings, all eyes are
on general manager Kenny Williams to make something happen before next
Saturda
<< White Sox' Buehrle tries to end longtime woes against A's
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Though they still own the best record in baseball since
June 9, the Chicago White Sox have hit a bit of a rough patch of their last
few games. The timing couldn't be worse for starter Mark Buehrle, who has yet
to taste succes
<< Rays hope to end epic winless drought in Cleveland
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Trying to remain in the hunt for first place in the
American League East, one would think the Tampa Bay Rays would welcome a trip
to Cleveland to face the last-place Indians.
Problem is, Tampa Bay hasn't won in 17 straight
Cubs activate P Schlitter; option P Stevens >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Cubs have activated right-handed
pitcher Brian Schlitter from the 15-day disabled list.
He was placed on the DL on July 7, retroactive to July 3, with a right
shoulder impingement.
Sch
Bengals sign third-round pick Ghee >>
Cincinnati, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Cincinnati Bengals have signed
cornerback Brandon Ghee, the team's third-round draft choice.
He was the 96th overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft.
The 6-0, 192-pound Ghee made 56 tackles,
Wanted: A must-see player for Clippers >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Rapper Young Jeezy once boasted that mentioning his name
would bring an entire city out.
That same drawing power can be heralded by LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwight
Howard and a just handful of other players in the NBA.
Sunderland completes Bramble capture >>
Sunderland, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is
adamant that the capture of Titus Bramble is a great deal for the club after
completing the signing of the Wigan defender on a three-year deal.
Bramble played
Tennessee Titans 2010 Training Camp Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) -
REPORT DATE: July 31st
SITE: Baptist Sports Park, Nashville, TN
CAMP OBJECTIVES: With the Chris Johnson drama having been extinguished by the
extra money the Titans put in his pocket earlier this week, Jeff Fisher can
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