Fall 2011 - Week 8 Gambling Lines

Back from Vegas. Ready to run down the week 8 gambling lines for VA Peninsula action (shockingly, I asked the bookies at 12 different sports books in Vegas if they had the lines for WAKA, and none of them did).

You guys know the drill. Guess 8 out of 9 correctly, against the spread, and you'll earn a free pitcher of suds at Luckie's the following week. Good luck!

Rumspringa (-0.5) vs. Jiminy Kicks-It (+0.5)
'Springa has had an awful time scoring runs this season, averaging just 1.67 runs per game (most of which came in a 7 run game against the Jagernauts last month). JKI has a vulnerable defense, giving up 5.8 rpg (tied for 13th in the league). After a nightmarish 0-4-2 start to the season, Rumspringa will be desperate to get a victory. JKI is no pushover though, as a win on Wednesday will bring their record to .500.

#3 Just For Kicks (-2.5) vs. #5 Burning Bridges (+2.5) 

Phillip Baltzis scouts JFK in week 7.

Burning Bridges has made quite the splash in their WAKA debuts, posting a 5-0-1 record and amassing league highs for runs scored (8.17 per game) and runs allowed (0.83 rapg). But what stands out is the competition they've done it against. The Bridges first 6 opponents have gone a combined 11-18-4 so far this season. In fact, when you drill down further, only one team among those 6 games had a winning record, which is Battlestar. Burning Bridges tied that game 4-4 in week 2... All of this is just a prolonged way of saying that they haven't played any team the caliber of Just For Kicks, whom they match up with this week. JFK has had an up and down season, with big early wins VD and Shake N Bake, and disappointing losses to Lick It and the Clockers. There is no reason to believe that they will be taking Burning lightly, but if Freed doesn't have his squad ready to play, they could be in for quite the game.

Chubby Gangsters (-1.5) vs. Foul Balls (+1.5) 
This is a game between two winless squads as the 0-5-1 Gangsters take on the 0-5 Foulies.

Buster Patterson and the Gangbangers are looking for
win #1 this season.

#6 Shake N Bake (-2) vs. #7 Free Ballin' (+2) 

Ch Justin Blair delivers the ball to first.

Free Ballin' is one of two teams in the league yet to suffer a loss so far this season. But much like Burning Bridges, they've yet to play a team as prolific as SnB. Shake N Bakes calling card so far this season, has been their explosive offense, which averages 5.33 runs per game (2nd in the Peninsula). Last week, they were shut down by the Clockers, held only to 2 runs. Jeffrey Scott, Tracy Colby, and company will be anxious to unleash the fury. It won't come easy though. Free Ballin' boasts an impressive defense lead by standout rookie Mark Flores, who throws about as hard as any pitcher in the league. The Free Ballers 2.2 runs allowed per game is 4th in the league. This will be as good a test as any for the upstart Ballers. Can they contain the Bakers and continue their undefeated run?

#1 5 O'Clockers (-9.5) vs. Chicken Tetrazzini (+9.5)
The Clockers have been playing nearly flawlessly lately. Chicken Tetrazzini, on the other hand, have been under performing their expectations, after going .500 in the Spring. They did get a big win last week against JKI though, so things could be looking up for them. But do they have enough to challenge a 5OC team that is looking borderline dominant lately?

#8 Jagernauts (-1.5) vs. New Kickheads on the Block (+1.5) 

Jason Binns approaches the plate to bunt.

 The 'Nauts have been on a bit of a skid lately, losing 3 out of their last 4 (the only win being a tight one against Rumspringa). Although, those 3 games were all against highly ranked teams (SnB, 5OC, and JFK). This week, they face an NKotB team that has had a roller coaster season. Some weeks, they'll look pretty good (lopsided wins against Foul Balls and CT). Other weeks, they look like they've never played before (blowout losses to Burning Bridges and JKI). If the good Kickheads show up, than this could be a hell of a game. If the bad NKotB shows up, than the Jagers might have a chance to fill up Head Coach Justin Littell's stat sheet.

#4 Lick It Before You Kick It (-3.5) vs. #9 Battlestar Ballsacktica (+3.5)
Lick It has a highly tuned offense with a good combination of veteran experience and athleticism. They have the ability to paint the lines with their bunts or tattoo the ball over the outfield's head with their power. Their 4.8 runs per game is tied for 3rd in the league, which is very impressive considering they started the season with perhaps the toughest schedule of any team. This week, they face a very talented and improving Battlestar team, that is a threat to hang with any team. With the majority of the players in their third season of WAKA, they have managed to cut their mental errors down considerably. If they can play smart, mistake free kickball, than they'll have the ability to pull the upset.

#2 Vicious & Delicious (-5.5) vs. #10 Kick Ass (+5.5)
Kick Ass is a team that is as athletic as any in the division, and they know it. They came into their inaugural WAKA season with high expections, but low experience, which lead to an 0-3 start. But in week 3, the team started to get the hang of things, and have been very competitive. They've earned wins over Battlestar, Foul Balls, tied Free Ballin, and climbed into the top 10 of the coaches poll. Now they face the defending Wentworth Trophy winners, VD. More than any team in the league, Vicious & Delicious is the master of taking advantage of rookie mistakes. Hold the ball just a little too long, they're taking the extra base. Throw it at the runner, they'll be crossing home. Drop a pop fly, and it's off to the races... Kick Ass has learned a lot over the past 2 months, however, don't be surprised if VD gives them some more lessons in kickball.

#8 Jagernauts (-2.5) vs. Chicken Tetrazzini (+2.5) 
CT will have their hands full with the Jager order. Even the best defenses struggle to contain Dan Moore, Joe Mazzitti, Kevin Gitkos, etc. When they get their runs in the top, the question will be whether Chicken Tetrazzini will be able to answer back. The CT offense has been anemic this year, scoring only 1.8 runs per game. 5 of their 9 runs came last week in their 2nd win against JKI. If they can find a way to get base runners on, than they'll have a shot at pulling out the upset.

Mike Seals and the Jagers will be pretty happy if they can sweep their
double header in week 8.