After First Week Fiasco of 3-11 ATS Record, Money Talks Contest Looks for Improvement
September 16, 2006
If there is an encore of the ignominious results of the first week's matchup in Leroy's $100,000 Money Talks Invitational handicapping contest, they can change the name of the competition to Money Disappears.
In a nightmarish performance, Bryan Leonard bested Al McMordie by the woeful score of 2-5 vs. 1-6. Adding insult to embarrassment, their best bets each took the gas pipe. The evening's results are not likely to be mentioned in their r?sum?s.
But we don't mean to bash the touts. Both McMordie and Leonard have established themselves, and service enough satisfied customers so that we will not have to take up a collection for either one. A single forgettable appearance will not tarnish their reputations.
So, Friday night's faceoff between Marc Lawrence and Steve McLaughlin was not only a one-on-one competition, it was an opportunity for the Money Talks contest to live up to its name. After all, competing in a $100K competition should guarantee picks that at least hit the breakeven point.
Lawrence is one of the sports-service industry's most well known and respected handicappers -- not only for his serious approach in trying to pick winners, but also for his low-keyed persona in a biz dominated by screamers and the ethical way in which he conducts his business. The Cleveland native started back in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leaders in an industry that has more guys wearing black hats than white ones.
We were not familiar with McLaughlin, but learned he was a long-time union steamfitter in a nuclear power plant. He ran the union's sports program for 30 years, and made his first bet on the l954 World Series. How many readers know off the top of their heads the two teams that met that year? (See answer at bottom of story.)
McLaughlin related a sad tale regarding his entry in the Las Vegas Hilton contest. With three weeks to go, he was sitting pretty in first place. But against his better judgment, he agreed to appear on John Kelly's Starter's Line radio show. His fear of jinxing himself turned out to be well founded, and that is precisely what happened. His picks over the last two weeks were 2-8, and he fell to 21st place.
Here are the picks with brief analysis:
Lawrence
Michigan +6
Lloyd Carr has his critics, but the Wolverines are 19-8 ATS after two or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1996. The Irish won last year at Michigan as a favorite, and will not be so fortunate at home vs. a top Big 10 team.
Miami-Florida +4.5
The Hurricanes have won S/U every time as an underdog since 2001. The Cardinals are talented, but Miami's defense will prevail.
TCU +1.5
Over the last five seasons, the Horned Frogs are 7-2 ATS vs. teams with a win percentage of 75 percent or better. TCU also owns the nation's longest win streak at 12 and is still smarting over its 70-35 loss to the Red Raiders two years ago in Lubbock.
Packers +2
New Orleans' second consecutive road game is up against a Packers team with something to prove. Look for Brett Favre to regain his touch, and for the Pack to cover against the Saints.
Tennessee +3.5
The narrow win over Air Force was misleading. They will not face such a deceptive running attack again. The Gators have yet to get consistency from QB Leach.
Cincinnati +30
The Buckeyes are in a classic letdown position and this is a classic sandwich game. After an exhilarating win at Texas, and with Penn State up next, this game will not get the Buckeyes' full attention.
Best Bet: Buccaneers +5.5
Don't overreact to last week's fiasco vs. tough-minded Baltimore. Gruden will have his team up and ready to play the Falcons. The Bucc's quick and athletic defense will make it a long and painful Sunday for Michael Vick.
McLaughlin
Jaguars +2.5
Steelers QB Rothlisberger is a question mark -- not for if he plays, but for how he plays. The Jags are 13-5 in the first two weeks of the season since 1996.
Lions + 8.5
The Bears are everybody's favorite team, but the Lions are not Green Bay. Asking Chicago to cover a spread this big is asking for trouble. In a low-scoring affair, Detroit gets an overly generous spot.
Buccaneers + 5.5
Here's a playoff team facing the possibility of going 0-2, which is plenty of motivation for this well-coached defense-oriented team. Vick gets shut down; Sims bounces back.
Cards +7
Denny Green has the Cards firing on all cylinders. Warner has regained his touch and looks nimble again. Seattle is off to sluggish start, needs to get more from its offense. Trading points with the visitor gives Cards a good chance at a cover.
Miami-Florida +4.5
The Hurricanes are too talented and tough on defense for Louisville. The loss to Florida State means no more missteps for Miami. The Cardinals are a misleading 2-0 vs. weak competition.
LSU +3.5
The SEC is notable for tight games, and this one figures to go right down to the wire. Getting a field goal and the hook is attractive in a game that could easily be decided by a field goal.
Best Bet: Tennessee +3.5
The Volunteers have the edge at QB with Ainge. The Gators' top RB, Foster, is nicked up. The competitive home dog is the play.
Answer to Series Question: The New York Giants swept the Cleveland Indians 4-0. Dusty Rhodes' clutch pinch-hitting in three of the games was his main claim to fame in a seven-year MLB career. The Series was also notable for Indians' manager Al Lopez failing to give Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller a start, although with a staff of Early Wynn, Bob Lemon and Mike Garcia, it was understandable.
Next Weekend, YOURS TRULY will be competing...
THE SHRINK
September 16, 2006
If there is an encore of the ignominious results of the first week's matchup in Leroy's $100,000 Money Talks Invitational handicapping contest, they can change the name of the competition to Money Disappears.
In a nightmarish performance, Bryan Leonard bested Al McMordie by the woeful score of 2-5 vs. 1-6. Adding insult to embarrassment, their best bets each took the gas pipe. The evening's results are not likely to be mentioned in their r?sum?s.
But we don't mean to bash the touts. Both McMordie and Leonard have established themselves, and service enough satisfied customers so that we will not have to take up a collection for either one. A single forgettable appearance will not tarnish their reputations.
So, Friday night's faceoff between Marc Lawrence and Steve McLaughlin was not only a one-on-one competition, it was an opportunity for the Money Talks contest to live up to its name. After all, competing in a $100K competition should guarantee picks that at least hit the breakeven point.
Lawrence is one of the sports-service industry's most well known and respected handicappers -- not only for his serious approach in trying to pick winners, but also for his low-keyed persona in a biz dominated by screamers and the ethical way in which he conducts his business. The Cleveland native started back in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leaders in an industry that has more guys wearing black hats than white ones.
We were not familiar with McLaughlin, but learned he was a long-time union steamfitter in a nuclear power plant. He ran the union's sports program for 30 years, and made his first bet on the l954 World Series. How many readers know off the top of their heads the two teams that met that year? (See answer at bottom of story.)
McLaughlin related a sad tale regarding his entry in the Las Vegas Hilton contest. With three weeks to go, he was sitting pretty in first place. But against his better judgment, he agreed to appear on John Kelly's Starter's Line radio show. His fear of jinxing himself turned out to be well founded, and that is precisely what happened. His picks over the last two weeks were 2-8, and he fell to 21st place.
Here are the picks with brief analysis:
Lawrence
Michigan +6
Lloyd Carr has his critics, but the Wolverines are 19-8 ATS after two or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1996. The Irish won last year at Michigan as a favorite, and will not be so fortunate at home vs. a top Big 10 team.
Miami-Florida +4.5
The Hurricanes have won S/U every time as an underdog since 2001. The Cardinals are talented, but Miami's defense will prevail.
TCU +1.5
Over the last five seasons, the Horned Frogs are 7-2 ATS vs. teams with a win percentage of 75 percent or better. TCU also owns the nation's longest win streak at 12 and is still smarting over its 70-35 loss to the Red Raiders two years ago in Lubbock.
Packers +2
New Orleans' second consecutive road game is up against a Packers team with something to prove. Look for Brett Favre to regain his touch, and for the Pack to cover against the Saints.
Tennessee +3.5
The narrow win over Air Force was misleading. They will not face such a deceptive running attack again. The Gators have yet to get consistency from QB Leach.
Cincinnati +30
The Buckeyes are in a classic letdown position and this is a classic sandwich game. After an exhilarating win at Texas, and with Penn State up next, this game will not get the Buckeyes' full attention.
Best Bet: Buccaneers +5.5
Don't overreact to last week's fiasco vs. tough-minded Baltimore. Gruden will have his team up and ready to play the Falcons. The Bucc's quick and athletic defense will make it a long and painful Sunday for Michael Vick.
McLaughlin
Jaguars +2.5
Steelers QB Rothlisberger is a question mark -- not for if he plays, but for how he plays. The Jags are 13-5 in the first two weeks of the season since 1996.
Lions + 8.5
The Bears are everybody's favorite team, but the Lions are not Green Bay. Asking Chicago to cover a spread this big is asking for trouble. In a low-scoring affair, Detroit gets an overly generous spot.
Buccaneers + 5.5
Here's a playoff team facing the possibility of going 0-2, which is plenty of motivation for this well-coached defense-oriented team. Vick gets shut down; Sims bounces back.
Cards +7
Denny Green has the Cards firing on all cylinders. Warner has regained his touch and looks nimble again. Seattle is off to sluggish start, needs to get more from its offense. Trading points with the visitor gives Cards a good chance at a cover.
Miami-Florida +4.5
The Hurricanes are too talented and tough on defense for Louisville. The loss to Florida State means no more missteps for Miami. The Cardinals are a misleading 2-0 vs. weak competition.
LSU +3.5
The SEC is notable for tight games, and this one figures to go right down to the wire. Getting a field goal and the hook is attractive in a game that could easily be decided by a field goal.
Best Bet: Tennessee +3.5
The Volunteers have the edge at QB with Ainge. The Gators' top RB, Foster, is nicked up. The competitive home dog is the play.
Answer to Series Question: The New York Giants swept the Cleveland Indians 4-0. Dusty Rhodes' clutch pinch-hitting in three of the games was his main claim to fame in a seven-year MLB career. The Series was also notable for Indians' manager Al Lopez failing to give Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller a start, although with a staff of Early Wynn, Bob Lemon and Mike Garcia, it was understandable.
Next Weekend, YOURS TRULY will be competing...
THE SHRINK
