Something I read at Stan's site alerted me to an error in my betting terminology. A unit for me is $40 or $50 depending on the sport and my balance at the sportsbook. When I bet $10-$12 on a player to win AND $10-12 to place, I thought that was betting 0.25* e.w., but apparently that is referred to as betting 0.50* e.w. Starting with this post, I will be posting my plays according to the correct usage.
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There was no shortage of possible plays on my card this week:
OUTRIGHTS for 0.50* e.w.:
Fred Funk(50/1) @ Bet365
One of the angles I was looking at to start the season was to identify players that couldn't get a win last year and might be primed for an early opportunity this year (i.e., Toms, Lonard, Allenby, Perez, Duval, Love, the usual suspects). In that regard, Funk with his four second place and two fourth place finishes in 2002, was probably the poster child for not breaking through with any of his chances from last year, and his winless streak now extends all the way back to 1998. But in Funk's case, 2002 marked a resurgence by the fairway finding machine rather than a year of unfulfilled expectations, which may or may not be the better formula for breaking through quickly or at all this season. It also seemed that Fred's memorable campaign in 2002 was keyed by a superior season on the greens, and that putting looked on track again last week. Lastly, the former Maryland golf coach also has a disposition that seems well suited to the carnival atmosphere in Phoenix. What a spot this would be for Fred's patience to be richly rewarded.
Pat Perez(100/1) @ Bet365
A newspaper headline trumpeting Perez's chances this week would seem destined to be the KOD. On the other hand, I came across the headline while a bit bleary-eyed and while specifically looking for angles to support placing a wager on either Pat Perez or Robert Gamez, so the delusion of a premonition or at least some credibility certainly took root. The guy is streaky hot with his putter and with all phases of his game; he had it going early in the season last year; he has those tasty local connections; and his antics while going good or bad are likely to be noticed with this crowd and could play out in his favor. - - - For an additional twist, my notes from last year tell me to be on the lookout early in the year for someone that gets a kick in the pants by missing a cut (maybe the course just didn't suit them, or they were too anxious?), and then arrives at the next event less emotionally spent than usual and with a jump start in their preparation (for me, David Gossett comes immediately to mind). However, something akin to that kick in the pants may come from Perez having missed the cut in Phoenix last year, and as it was his only appearance there to date, it is quite possible this week plays out as a case of righting last year's stumble rather than a case of returning to a course that doesn't suit his game.
Lee Janzen(66/1) @ Bet365
Probably a waste of money, but I still have to be glad I got in before someone pounded the odds down to 50/1. It starts with Janzen making his season debut at a venue that holds some good vibes. Confidence may have joined with his already determined attitude after he joined with his former college teammate Rocco Mediate to win the Franklin Templeton Shootout in late November. Regardless, despite some serious grinding last year, the old magic has proved elusive and far away, but something as elementary as a spark from his putting might take him a good distance. I'll probably give him a second chance in Monterrey if this week doesn't work out.
Rocco Mediate(24/1) @ Olympic
The other half of Lee Janzen's recently successful partnership. I'm compelled to bite on the obvious choice because of what he has shown in his recent performances.
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Tjaart Van Der Walt(35/1) @ 5dimes
The tipping from this forum regarding his course form and compatibility with this particular pro-am format makes this the best I am likely to find to invest in at an event that I have made no further effort to cap.
There was a shortage of possibilities in Singapore that I could figure out and that seemed too good to pass on.
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MATCHUPS and GROUPS:
DiMarco(-110) over Garcia (Tournament) for 1* @ Olympic
DiMarco is dripping with his cocky best. Garcia appears to have putting issues that will only put pressure on other areas of his game that are not free of issues.
Baddeley(+333) over Leonard/Choi/Huston/Byrd (Tournament) for 0.50* @ Bet365
The wings Baddeley got from his encounter with Els are in contrast to the body blow Choi took. Baddeley seems to me to be the most likely to go low, and the comforts to be found in his own bed have the potential to be extremely beneficial on both the downside and the upside.
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One more thing on an already full plate:
Els(+100) to Top 2003 U.S. Money List (without Woods) for 1* @ Bet365
I think it will be a case of how driven is Els and not whether he is playing enough events or what Mickelson or a few others accomplish. I like having seen two weeks that were something very much like what I expected.
GL
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Don't believe everything you think.