Six detained in Taiwan baseball match-fixing probe
TAIPEI --- Six people were in custody for allegedly rigging matches in Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League, prosecutors said Tuesday, in the latest scandal to hit the island's most popular sport.
The detained, including a former professional player, were suspected of bribing players on behalf of a gambling ring to manipulate the outcome of matches held between May and September this year, prosecutors said.
"We suspect some players of taking money from a betting ring. So far the evidence points to individual behaviour without the involvement of the teams," said a spokesman for the Banciao district prosecutor's office in Taipei.
Prosecutors were tipped off while investigating another match-fixing case last year, he said.
At least eight players from three teams allegedly received 300,000 Taiwan dollars (about 9,400 US) each per match to play fixed games, with key players receiving more than one million Taiwan dollars, the local China Times said.
Tsao Chin-hui, the first Taiwanese pitcher to play in the US major baseball league and who now plays for the Brother Elephants team, is among the players being probed, according to the paper.
Tsao, who returned to Taiwan this year following a series of injuries, rejected the allegations.
"I am angry and upset that I am implicated in the controversy because I have been playing baseball honestly," he said in a statement.
Prosecutors said they will start questioning players on Wednesday, following earlier searches of unnamed players' homes and dorms and other places relevant to the investigation.
The case is the latest in a string of game-rigging scandals to hit Taiwan baseball.
Last year, Taiwan's baseball league banned the Media T-Rex team on match-fixing allegations implicating three players, among others.
The latest scandal has outraged fans, already jolted by earlier similar cases, dealing another blow to the island's 20 year-old professional league.
A scandal that erupted in 1996, the worst in the history of the sport here, led to the disbanding of the popular China Times Eagles.
(c) 2009 AFP. All rights reserved.
Game 1 World Series Gambling Odds / Preview
On Wednesday night, the entire baseball betting world will be tuned to Fox for coverage of the 2009 World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies (100-71, +$908) will invade Yankee Stadium looking to steal Game 1 of the Fall Classic from the New York Yankees (110-61, +$1,677).
This is familiar territory for the Phillies, who entered last season's World Series as decided underdogs against the Tampa Bay Rays. They took Game 1 of that series en route to their first championship since 1980. Manager Charlie Manuel will hope to repeat that script yet again starting with the first game of the Fall Classic tonight.
After three successful starts in the playoffs, LHP Cliff Lee will get the ball for Game 1 of the World Series. Lee has looked like anything but a guy throwing in his first ever postseason this year. He has pitched three incredible games, allowing just two earned runs over 24.1 innings of work. His most recent start against the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLCS was arguably his most important outing as a Philly. Lee tossed eight shutout innings in a game the champs absolutely had to have to give them the momentum to sweep all three home games to close out the NL West champions.
So far, the Phillies have gotten everything out of Lee that they could've hoped for when they traded for him, as they are 11-4 in his 15 starts including the playoffs. The southpaw hasn't had the greatest career against the Yankees though, as he has a 5.02 ERA and a 4-4 record in nine starts against the Yanks. Lee only allowed four earned runs in two starts against the Bronx Bombers this year, though.
After having Game 6 postponed by a day, New York skipper Joe Girardi had a critical decision to make. He could've elected to throw his horse, LHP CC Sabathia, on what would've been regular rest, but instead, he kept his rotation in order and threw LHP Andy Pettitte. Pettitte got the job done and finished off the Halos, setting up Sabathia to throw Games 1, 4, and 7 if necessary against the Phils in the World Series.
Much like Lee, Sabathia has pretty much been unhittable in these playoffs. He has only allowed three earned runs in 22.2 innings, while striking out 20 men against just three walks; opposing hitters are only batting .200 against Sabathia. There isn't much history between the lefty and the defending champs, as Sabathia is only 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in 20.2 innings pitched against the Phils in his career.
Game 1 Gambling Odds
The oddsmakers have lined the hosts at -165 to win Game 1 of this series. The 'total' has been posted at 7.5 over -110.
(c) CappersPicks.
Yankees Inch Closer To World Series With 10-1 Route Over Los Angeles
The New York Yankees have moved one step closer to reaching their first World Series in six years after their 10-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Backed by the offensive fireworks displayed by third baseman Alex Rodriquez and the strong pitching from CC Cabathia, the Yankees have taken a 3-1 lead over the Angels and are just one win away from reaching the title series. Rodriguez homered in his third straight playoff game and added three hits to propel New York in Game 4 of the ALCS. Sabathia, who has now won 3 of New York's seven playoff games, allowed only 5 hits in 8 innings of work, on just three day's rest. Before the playoffs, he was just 2-3 in playoff appearances, but has been dominant this fall. Sabathia struck out five and allowed only two walks.
"We've still got a little ways to go, but I've been feeling good," Sabathia said. "I never had any doubt about me being able to perform on this stage and to pitch well late in October, but it seems like people did. But I feel great. You know, hopefully I can keep it going."
Rodriguez scored the game's first run after he singled and scored on a fielder's choice. Melky Cabrera then singled and drove in Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. In the 5th inning, Rodriquez would homer and brought in Teixeira to put New York ahead 5-1.
After being such a strong offensive ball club throughout the regular season, the Angels have struggled in the series and are batting just .201 against the Yankees. The Angles only run came in the 5th on a home run by Kendry Morales. Sabathia retired Torii Hunter in the 8th and a frustrated crowd of 45,160 began to empty the stands. Los Angeles skipper Mike Sciocsia realizes that this series is not over yet.
"We got beat pretty badly tonight, [but] it was one loss. That's it," Scioscia said. "Our guys are confident. There is nobody in that clubhouse that's down. We know where we have to get to, and there's a terrific challenge for us."
Losing pitcher Scott Kazmir allowed six hits and four walks in his second straight postseason start for the Angels. A.J. Burnett will get the start for New York on Thursday as the Yankees try to close out the series and make a return to the World Series. He has an ERA of 2.19 during the postseason, but has two no-decisions. The Angels will send John Lackey to the mound in Game 5. He is 1-1 during the playoffs with an ERA of 1.38.
With the World Series right around the corner, now is a great time to get in on all the action through MLB Betting. Throughout the season, USA online sportsbooks have brought you the latest betting lines on all your favorite MLB games and many other sporting events. Now it is your turn to benefit from a day at the ball field, by placing your wagers on the next MLB game.
(c) 2009 USAplayer.com - All Rights Reserved.
MLB Game 3 Postseason Expert Picks and Predictions
On Saturday the NLDS will resume with two Game 3's as Philly heads to Colorado while the Dodgers look to close out the Cards in St. Louis. I have your expert picks and predictions for these contests, and be sure to get these into play with one of the many respected sports-books out there today!
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As a handicapping expert, I have stated that the Cards and Red Sox are two of the worst hitting ball clubs in this postseason mix right now. The Sox are down 0-2 just like the Cards are. The reason is primarily the lack of run support for their starters. Boston has scored just 1 run in 2 games while St. Louis has scored 5 runs in their two games. The Cards need to score more than 3 runs to have a chance against Padilla and the Dodgers on Saturday. As for the Phillies, numbers are not on their side in their first road game of this series in a 1-1 deadlock after 2 games. The betting odds list both home teams as favorites, but there will be a dog winner on Saturday. The totals in both games Saturday show 9 runs as the listed total.
The fact with this game, is that the numbers and history favor LA and Colorado. The numbers also show the under coming out in both games. The expert predictions are based on these solid researched statistics and are sure to give a solid betting experience in game 3. In all Game 3's in this round of the MLB postseason since 1999, the Under has hit in 13 of the 20 game 3's. The home teams also show the same mark against the betting odds. Going deeper into these numbers we find that in the 1 seed vs. 3 seed match-up, the under is 5-2 in Game 3. The same can be said for the 2 seed vs. the wild card match-up. The number 2 and 3 seeds show the best Under marks over the last decade in this round at 7-3. The number 2 seeds are 2-8 over the last decade in game 3's which does not show well for Philly. The Phillies are also 0-2 personally in Game 3's over the last couple of years. The Wild Card team is completely opposite in the NLDS game 3, as they show an 8-2 mark against the betting odds.
In this situational statistical play, a 2-0 series has been put away in the third game 4 of the last 5 times. Also, in a game 3, the leading team has gone 8-3 in that follow game. Look for LA to close this series out as road dogs +150. In the 2 seed vs. WC match-up, at a tie 1-1 heading into game 3, we see the home team goes 5-0 in the last 5 occurrences. The home team has also gone 7-2 in the next game following a 1-1 series tie. Look for Colorado to take the advantage in this contest as Hammel will out pitch Pedro who has struggled against the Rockies in the past and will not go deep in this one.
(c) TheOnlinewire.com, 2004-2008.
2009 MLB Playoffs - Red Sox and Angels ALDS Preview
The Boston Red Sox (95-67 SU, 83-79 RL, 76-77-9 O/U) and Los Angeles Angels (97-65 SU, 90-71 RL, 83-72-6 O/U) will meet in the postseason for the third consecutive year and fourth time in the last six seasons when they kick off their American League Division Series on Thursday at 9:30 PM ET.
This in-depth series preview will give avid BetUS MLB online betting members the insight they need to make winning wagers throughout the entirety of what promises to be a thrilling first-round series showdown.
With the first pitch for this series a mere matter of hours away, let me get started.
Red Sox
With Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, Boston may have the best four-deep starting rotation in the entire postseason.
Angels
John Lackey, Bobby Abreu Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins will all be free agents following this postseason and the Angels realize their time to strike is now. Los Angeles also has a solid four-man starting rotation even if they don't get nearly as much press as their counterparts in this series.
Offense
The Los Angeles Angels led all of baseball in team batting average, hitting a robust .285 this season while smacking 173 team home runs. The Red Sox ranked fourth in team batting average, hitting a collective .269 while bashing 212 home runs, also fourth in all of baseball.
The Angels had two players bat over .300 during the regular season (Erik Aybar, Kendry Morales) while three more players hit over .290 (Torii Hunter, Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu). Morales and Abreu each drove in over 100 runs. L.A. had just one player hit over 30 home runs (Morales) while three others hit at least 20 home runs (Mike Napoli, Hunter, Juan Rivera).
One thing that should also be mentioned is the fact that the Angels had three players, (Macier Izturis, Vladimir Guerrero and Howie Kendrick) miss time with injuries that limited them to approximately 380 at-bats, but all hit over .290 while driving in at least 50 runs.
Boston Red Sox had three players (Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez, Jacoby Ellsbury) bat over .300 this season but had just one 30-home run hitter (Jason Bay) and two players drive in 100 runs or more (Martinez, Bay), although two more players (Youkilis, David Ortiz) drove in over 90 runs while four more players hit at least 23 home runs (Youkilis, Martinez, J.D. Drew, Ortiz).
Edge: Even
Defense
The Red Sox ranked third in the AL and tied for ninth overall in runs allowed per game (4.5) while L.A. gave up an average of 4.7 runs per contest. Boston also gave up 9.2 hits and 3.3 walks per game while the Angels allowed 9.4 hits and 3.2 walks per contest. Boston recorded 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings while L.A. averaged 6.6 K's per game.
Edge: Even
Starting Pitching
The Red Sox ranked 16th in team ERA (4.34) while L.A. checked in at 20th (4.43 ERA). Boston held opposing hitters to a .267 batting average and .335 on-base percentage while giving up 167 total home runs. L.A. allowed opposing hitters to compile a .272 batting average and .338 on-base percentage while giving up 180 total home runs.
Boston had three double digit winners (Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield, but no starter with an ERA under 3.00. The Angels had five double-digit winners this season, (Jered Weaver, John Lackey, Joe Saunders, Matt Palmer, Scott Kazmir) but like the Red Sox, none with an ERA under 3.00.
Edge: L.A.
Bullpen
The Red Sox ranked eight in the majors in bullpen ERA (3.80) while L.A. ranked 23rd in this category with an unimpressive 4.49 ERA. Boston's relief pitchers recorded a solid 27-17 record while limiting opposing hitters to a .252 batting average and giving up 51 home runs. The Angels' relief pitchers allowed opposing hitters to record a .270 batting average while allowing 52 home runs.
Edge: Boston
MLB Divisional Series Odds
Boston Red Sox -135
Los Angeles Angels +105
Analysis: While the Los Angeles Angels won the regular season series against the Red Sox 5-4, predicting the outcome of this series really boils down to which team you like more as these two ballclubs are about as evenly matched as two teams could possibly be.
Despite the fact that they've struggled mightily to beat the Red Sox in the postseason -- and Boston's starting rotation is healthy for the first time in months -- I am going to take the Los Angeles Angels to snap out of their dismal 1-9 postseason funk against the Red Sox if, for no other reason, than the fact that they are just too talented to continue to wallow in postseason futility.
Another factor that could come into play is the fact that Boston struggled mightily on the road this season, going an unimpressive 39- 42 in the regular season while L.A. compiled a solid 49-32 home record.
I think the addition of veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu may also be the key to an L.A. series victory. The sweet-swinging lefty is the only player in the major leagues besides Albert Pujols to drive in at least 100 runs in each of the last seven seasons.
I also think the Red Sox will have trouble with gifted switch-hitting first baseman Kendry Morales, who had a breakout season this year and absolutely exploded in the regular season's second half.
While it won't be easy, I like the Los Angeles Angels to overcome their postseason demons against Boston and win this series after going the distance.
Prediction: Los Angeles in 5
The Red Sox are +275 to win the American League Pennant in the bettor-friendly BetUS Sportsbook while the Angels are +400 to win the AL Pennant.
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
Phillies to Take Another Step Towards NL East Title
With the Houston Astros (72-83 SU, 77-77 RL, 65-83-6 O/U) and the Philadelphia Phillies (90-65 SU, 80-74 RL, 65-83-6 O/U) both going 2-2 SU over their last four games and coming off of victories the last time out, both ballclubs will be looking to win their second consecutive game when they battle at Citizens Bank Park tonight at 7 PM ET.
The Astros beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Sunday as winning pitcher Wandy Rodriguez allowed just two runs over six innings while Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman each drove in one run.
Houston cashed in for BetUS MLB sports betting members as -150 home favorites, while the game's five total runs played Under the 8-run Over/Under total.
The Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5 on Sunday as Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz each drove in two runs to lead Philadelphia to victory.
The Phils cashed in for BetUS MLB sports betting members as -135 road favorites, while the game's final score played Over the 9.5-run O/U total.
The Astros will pin their hopes on the pitching of right-hander Yorman Bazardo (0-2, 11.73 ERA) while the Phillies Cole Hamels toeing the rubber for the Phillies in this contest. Lefthander Hamels is 10-9 with a 4.11 ERA so far this season.
Here is a look at tonight's key trends and MLB Odds, followed by my in-depth analysis and expert MLB Free Picks.
Astros are 7- 2 in their last 9 vs. National League East.
Astros are 6- 15 in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Astros are 2- 11 in their last 13 overall.
Astros are 0- 4 in their last 4 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Phillies are 4- 0 in their last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Phillies are 7- 2 in their last 9 vs. a team with a losing record.
Phillies are 22- 5 in Hamels' last 27 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Phillies are 36- 17 in Hamels' last 53 home starts.
Astros are 4- 0 in the last 4 meetings.
Phillies are 5- 1 in Hamels' last 6 starts vs. Astros.
Over is 3-1-1 in Hamels' last 5 starts vs. Astros.
Astros are 1- 4 in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia.
MLB Odds
Houston Astros+1 1/2 +125
Philadelphia Phillies -1 1/2 -145
Over 9 -115
Under 9 -105
The Scoop: Yorman Bazardo has gone 0-2 over his last three starts with a 15.19 ERA while Cole Hamels has gone 2-0 over his last three starts with a 2.49 ERA.
Analysis: While the Houston Astros have gone an impressive 7- 2 in their last nine games against NL East opponents and 6- 15 in their last 21 road games versus a team with a winning home record, the Philadelphia Phillies are the pick to win tonight as the Astros have gone just 2- 11 in their last 13 games overall and 0- 4 in their last four road games against a left-handed starter.
The Phillies have also gone an impressive 4- 0 in their last four home games against a right-handed starter and 7- 2 in their last nine games against a team with a losing record.
Philadelphia will also send staff ace Cole Hamels to mound in this one and the reigning World Series MVP is looking like his normally dominant self after some early and mid-season troubles that were fueled by injuries.
The Phillies have gone an impressive 22- 5 in Hamels' last 27 home starts against a team with a losing record and fantastic 36- 17 in Hamels' last 53 home starts.
While the Astros have gone 4- 0 in the last four meetings, I'm sticking with Philadelphia in this contest as they've been nearly unbeatable when Cole Hamels takes the mound, going 5- 1 in Hamels' last six starts against Houston, not to mention the fact that the Astros have gone just 1- 4 in the last five meetings in Philadelphia.
MLB Free Picks: Phillies -1 1/2 Runs
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
CIN-PIT Preview
Pittsburgh, PA - The Cincinnati Reds have their work cut out for them if they're going to avoid a ninth consecutive losing season, but they're not going down without a fight - particularly as long as the Pittsburgh Pirates are still on the schedule.
The Reds look to win a seventh straight game against the Pirates for the first time in more than 23 years when the teams continue a three-game series Wednesday night at PNC Park.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sports Interaction have made the Reds -130 moneyline favorites for Wednesday's game against the Pirates. Current MLB Public Betting Information shows that 75% of more than 205 bets for this game have been placed on the Reds -130.
Cincinnati (70-81) can't afford another loss if it's going to steer clear of yet another losing record, but it's playing some of its best baseball with the end of September approaching.
The Reds have won six of their past eight largely thanks to a pitching staff that's posted a 2.50 ERA. They've also recorded 27 hits in their last two games, and clubbed seven doubles Tuesday in a 10-4 win that guaranteed Pittsburgh would finish in the NL Central basement for the third straight year.
"We've got (11) games left in the season, we just want to do our best to finish off strong,'' said first baseman Joey Votto, who's hitting .522 in his last seven games. "... I think if we finish off strong with a reasonably close record to .500 that it will give us confidence going into next year.''
Beating the Pirates (56-93) - who have lost 21 of 24, their worst stretch since they lost 24 of 28 from July 13-Aug. 15, 1985 - hasn't been much of a challenge recently. Cincinnati has outscored Pittsburgh 40-19 in winning six in a row in the series, and a victory Wednesday would give the franchise its longest streak of success against the Pirates since taking nine in a row May 18-Sept. 2, 1986.
Part of the Reds' dominance of Pittsburgh can be attributed to the resurgent Homer Bailey (5-5, 5.15 ERA), who's 3-1 with a 1.83 ERA in his last six starts.
Two of the wins came against the Pirates, including the game that kicked off his current hot streak. Bailey allowed a run and four hits over seven innings Aug. 23 in a 4-1 win at PNC Park.
He was even better the last time he took the hill. The right-hander gave up three hits in seven shutout innings Friday against Florida - striking out eight - before a ninth-inning bullpen meltdown cost him a decision in Cincinnati's 4-3 loss.
"I took it one pitch at a time," Bailey told the Reds' official Web site. "If you back off, that's when they hit a three-run home run or a blooper."
Pittsburgh's offense, meanwhile, has surpassed 10 hits in its past two games, but has left with two losses thanks to a pitching staff that's given up double-digit runs in each contest. The Pirates haven't had at least 10 hits for three straight games since June 6-8.
"Nobody likes to lose," manager John Russell said. "Nobody here - the staff or the players - nobody enjoys this one bit."
Kevin Hart (4-7, 4.71) will try to give Pittsburgh a better starting effort Wednesday, and he's coming off his best performance since coming over from the Chicago Cubs in a July 30 trade. Hart gave up two runs in six innings last Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers - striking out five - but lost his fifth consecutive start, 3-1.
Hart is 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA in two starts this season against Cincinnati - one for the Cubs and one for Pittsburgh.
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