<< Islanders sign first-round pick Bailey
Uniondale, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Islanders signed center Josh Bailey, the team's first-round pick in the 2008 draft, to a three-year, entry- level contract on Thursday. Bailey, who turned 19 on Thursday, was chosen as the

<< Chelios out 3-6 weeks
Detroit, MI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Red Wings veteran defenseman Chris Chelios suffered a fractured right tibia and will be out of the Detroit lineup for three-to-six weeks. Chelios suffered the injury while blocking a shot during

<< Blackburn's Ince seeking bargain buys
Blackburn, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Ince accepted that he will have to seek bargain buys in the January transfer window, as he seeks further recruits for his Ewood Park squad. Rovers have made a solid start

<< Mourinho: Inter will advance in CL
Milan, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho shrugged off criticism from supporters and insists his side will progress in the Champions League despite an uncertain start to their Group B campaign. The Italian champi

Overton's 67 leads at chilly Turning Stone >>
Verona, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Jeff Overton shot a five-under 67 in chilly conditions Thursday to take the first-round lead at the Turning Stone Resort Championship. Steve Allan and Michael Allen were a stroke off the lead at four-

Mavs name Westphal VP of basketball operations >>
Dallas, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Dallas named Paul Westphal executive vice president of basketball operations on Thursday. The 12-year NBA veteran brings a 25-year coaching career to his new role with the Mavericks. Westphal led Phoenix

Helton has back surgery >>
Denver, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton underwent surgery on his lower back, the club announced Thursday. The procedure took place Tuesday at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles, performed by Dr.

Colgate-Georgetown football game cancelled >>
Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The football game between the Colgate Raiders and Georgetown Hoyas scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled. Due to an outbreak of norovirus on the Georgetown campus, the contest will not be played.

El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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