12/02/2008 - Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Houston Astros signed pitcher Doug Brocail to a one-year, $2.5-million contract, plus incentives, on Tuesday.
The deal also includes a club option for 2010 worth $2.85 million, plus incentives, with a provision that allows Houston to buy out the option at $250,000.
"We're very pleased to have Doug back for 2009," said Astros general manager Ed Wade. "We had certain expectations when we signed Doug a year ago, and he met or exceeded every one of them. His presence on the mound, in the bullpen and in the clubhouse exudes professionalism and the competitive fire that championship teams need."
At the age of 41, Brocail went 7-5 with a 3.93 earned run average in a career- high 72 relief appearances with Houston this past season, tallying 64 strikeouts, while holding right-handed hitters to a .200 batting average.
Going into his 15th season in the big leagues, Brocail has posted a record of 51-48 with a 3.99 ERA and nine saves in 606 career games, including going 14-14 with a 4.21 ERA in 131 relief appearances during his three seasons with Houston (1995-96, 2008).
<< NFC North: Momentum shifting Vikings, Childress' way
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It seems like a while ago when the Minnesota Vikings began
the season with a 1-3 record. Expected to contend for an NFC North title, the
slow start had head coach Brad Childress on the hot seat.
It's funny what a few wins
<< Browns add Gradkowski as QB injuries mount
Berea, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Cleveland Browns signed quarterback Bruce
Gradkowski on Tuesday, two days after signal caller Derek Anderson suffered a
season-ending knee injury.
Gradkowski, a sixth-round pick of Tampa Bay in the
<< Roma has no intention of letting Mexes leave
Rome, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Roma boss Luciano Spalletti insists he has no
intention of letting Philippe Mexes leave the Italian capital.
The defender has been linked with transfers to AC Milan and Internazionale
recently, but Spa
<< Real Madrid signs Huntelaar from Ajax
Madrid, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Real Madrid signed Netherlands international
striker Klas-Jan Huntelaar from Dutch club Ajax on Tuesday, the Spanish club
announced.
Huntelaar, 25, will join Real Madrid in January. He will likely replac
NFC South: Falcons' Turner one-ups former mentor >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) -- Michael Turner was deemed expendable by the San Diego
Chargers this past offseason, but there's no denying that the talented running
back has been vital to the Atlanta Falcons' amazing turnaround in 2008.
Eight months aft
NFL suspends six for doping violations >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The National Football League announced a list
of six players on Tuesday that were each suspended four games for a violation
of the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
New Orleans' C
Briere to return to lineup >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Philadelphia Flyers forward Daniel
Briere will return to the lineup for Tuesday's home contest against the Tampa
Bay Lightning.
Briere has missed the last nine and 14 of the previous 16 ga
Portsmouth's Kranjcar wants to make impact in Cup >>
Portsmouth, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar has
declared himself fit and ready to play a full 90 minutes against Wolfsburg in
the UEFA Cup.
The Croatia midfielder is hoping to start Thursday's group sta
Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value
If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).
For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.
TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.
"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,' it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."
"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.
Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.
Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value
If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).
For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.
TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.
"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,' it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."
"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.
Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.
Sports Betting News: NFL Team History | Football Betting | Baseball Betting | Basketball Betting | Hockey Betting | Golf Betting | Tennis Betting | Auto Racing Betting | Horse Racing Betting | Soccer Betting