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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For FanDuel 5/4/16

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

There is a sneaky bargain dollar deal on Wednesday night.  If you search really good already – you probably know that Justin Smoak is a fantastic value at $2300 against Colby Lewis.

Not only did the big switch hitting 1B club 2 HRs on Tuesday to win me some money, but he has done yard twice vs his opponent at the Rogers Centre – with a 1.438 OPS in 16 AB.

Jose Bautista has also fared well against Lewis, with a pair of HRs against him, with a ridiculous 9 Walks as well.  Joey Bats has a .619 OPS versus the man.

To help the stack even further, Michael Saunders has a HR and a .898 OPS in 20 AB.

In order to create the dollars needed to play the best pitcher on the board (Felix Hernandez), I put in Russell Martin at C as the 4th Jays player.

In case you haven’t noticed – Twins OF Danny Santana has been bringing in 8.7 PPG as a $2400 cost to the budget.  Give me that production any time.  I also added his teammate Brian Dozier to the fold tomorrow.

At 3B – I have enlisted Anthony Rendon for a 2nd straight day, as he hit his 1st HR of the season Tuesday.

Francisco Lindor had 3 hits Tuesday – and despite me wanting to play Troy Tulowitzki, he was was ineligible as a 5th Toronto player is prohibited. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2016 World Series + Best And Worst Bets

The Mets made it to the World Series in 2015 after a subpar start heading into the Trade Deadline. With a ton of pitching and some decent positional players still on the roster, they could set themselves up for a lengthy run in the NL East. Especially if they can coordinate a couple of trades (Pitching for hitters).

The Mets made it to the World Series in 2015 after a subpar start heading into the Trade Deadline. With a ton of pitching and some decent positional players still on the roster, they could set themselves up for a lengthy run in the NL East. Especially if they can coordinate a couple of trades near the Trade Deadline.  While they may have started slow, the bats are alive and well, and the rotation should come around soon.  They are this week’s best odd.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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The Nationals asserted themselves on this leaderboard thanks to a quick start.  They were my 2nd best bet last week at +1100.  Now the odd at +650 is not worth any money at all.

Since Washington was able to play so well, this has created the perfect storm to put some more cash on the Mets.  At +1300, New York is just begging for a wager.

The strength of schedule to which the Nats have played has definitely factored in.  2 series versus the Braves and Marlins and one against the Phillies already, Dusty Baker‘s club has had about a ‘cupcake itinerary’ as you possibly could find.

It gets better for the District’s squad, as they go home for another series with Philadelphia – that comes on the heels of a weekend Interleague series versus the Twins.

If Washington wins those 2 series, they should be about 15 or 16 wins after 22 games.  They should cement themselves in the playoffs with an easy NL East opponents schedule all year.  I just want to see them play some tougher clubs.

The Mets offense has sprung to life behind the backs of Yoenis Cespedes, Neil Walker, David Wright and Michael Conforto.  When the Pitching Rotation settles in a little bit, they should take off.

While Washington is leading the Division, they have yet to face the NL reigning pennant winners.  The division win could come down to the 19 contests between the two clubs.

Terry Collins‘ team has 16 straight games versus squads with losing records.  While the Giants are capable of contending all year, New York should be able to match them well for pitching. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

The Tigers had a nice week of 3 -1 to start the year. Miguel Cabrera and he offense looked good. The Starting Pitching was given a massive lift with Jordan Zimmermamnn doling out a Shutout on the Comerica Park opener Friday. In a competitive AL Central, the Motown Boys should still be in contention for a playoff spot all year, and be given respect. Instead, clubs are ahead of them in the AL that shouldn't be. At +2200 they are a bargain. They are the best bet on the board this week.

The Tigers had a nice week of 3 – 1 to start the year. Miguel Cabrera and he offense looked good. The Starting Pitching was given a massive lift with Jordan Zimmermann doling out a Shutout on the Comerica Park opener Friday. In a competitive AL Central, the Motown Boys should still be in contention for a playoff spot all year, and be given respect. Instead, clubs are ahead of them in the AL that shouldn’t be. At +2200 they are a bargain. They are the best bet on the board this week.  Having them ranked tied for 14th right now is not where I would put them at.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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After the 1st week of action the gamblers have spoken.  The Cubs are solidifying their status as the favorite.  Despite a slow week – the Jays are still tied with the Royals for the favorites in the Junior Circuit.

They finally have pegged KC at the right mark.  In fact, I have no problem with the top 5 odds listed at all.

The first place I have found value is with the Nationals.  They went 3 – 1  in the 1st week. and will throw both Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg 2 times each this week versus the Braves ( 4 game series) and Phillies (3 game series).  I could see this team winning at least 5 games, which would put them at 8 – 3 or better after next Sunday.  Bet them now before their odd jumps to +800.

To begin the year the NL East was rail thin in difference. and with Washington jumping out to a bit better of a start than New York – coupled with the cupcake schedule this week. they are a great value on the board.

Detroit is going to my favorite selection of the week.  They win 3 of 4 games, have solid offense – and yet maintain their same odd from last week, when all of the AL West clubs did not have a winning record except for the A’s, and the AL Central and AL East had the usual culprits only playing okay (in addition to Baltimore).

While I received better value at betting the O’s to win the American League Pennant in my preseason picks (At +2800, which is now what they are listed at for the World Series following their 5 – 0 start.)  Listen I am happy I made those picks, and the ALCS win was the way to go versus the +5000 bet they had – as I think all AL clubs would be underdogs in the Fall Classic against the top 5 favorites. Read the rest of this entry

FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports Selections For MLB Action – Apr 8, 2016

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Josh Robbins (Featured Fantasy Writer/60ft6in.com) 

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Hi, my name is Josh Robbins.  I would like to share my Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy with you throughout the MLB season.  Fanduel is my preferred game of skill.

Welcome to the first full weekend of the 2016 MLB season.

3-Strikes: Here’s what you expect from my daily articles:

My Top 3 Starting Pitchers (aces, mid-level, bargain)

My Top 3 Stacking Options (multiple players from the same team)

My Top 3 BVP (Batter vs. Pitcher) Options Read the rest of this entry

Is Edwin Encarnacion The Key To Next Offseason For The Boston Red Sox?

Edwin Encarnacion has been one of the top 5 offensive hitters in the AL since the start of the 2012 year.  It is unfortunate that Bautista and he will probably not remain a Blue Jays beyond this upcoming year.  If EE can't come to terms with the Canadian franchise - perhaps Boston may be a perfect candidate to ink the slugger after this season.

Edwin Encarnacion has been one of the top 5 offensive hitters in the AL since the start of the 2012 year. It is unfortunate that Bautista and he will probably not remain a Blue Jays beyond this upcoming year. If EE can’t come to terms with the Canadian franchise – perhaps Boston may be a perfect candidate to ink the slugger after this season.

Andrew Martin (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – baseballhistorian.blogspot.ca) 

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The 2016 MLB season has just kicked off with the first spring training games of the year, yet it’s not too early to start looking forward to next year.

As things currently stand, there is a lengthy list of players set to become free agents in 2017.

While they possess varying skills and positions, there is one player in particular the Boston Red Sox should focus their attention on, and that is Edwin Encarnacion — who could be the key to next offseason as an excellent candidate to replace the departing David Ortiz.

READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY

KC Up 1 – 0 In ALCS, But Jays At +115 Still?! Plus Mets/Cubs Preview + NLCS Prediction

Royals blank the Jays, take a 1 - 0 lead, and are set to face David Price, who doesn't have an all - time best playoff record, and are just slight favorites currently. I think this is a wrong odd. I would have at -160 or higher. Thanks also to a preseason bet I had with Toronto, I am throwing down $150 on the Royals to win the series - for $111 profit right now. I also had the KC squad at the onset of the series for a nice +135 odd.

Royals blank the Jays, take a 1 – 0 lead, and are set to face David Price, who doesn’t have an all – time best playoff record, and are just slight favorites currently. I think this is a wrong odd. I would have at -160 or higher. Thanks also to a preseason bet I had with Toronto, I am throwing down $150 on the Royals to win the series – for $111 profit right now. I also had the KC squad at the onset of the series for a nice +135 odd.

a citi field 4.92

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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Seriously, I have picked on bet365.com for a couple of years now.  I am happy the Jays made it to the final four – as I had a preseason bet on them to win the World Series for $30 – At 20/1 Odds…However they just made it so easy to hedge bet this again.

I already had $50 plunked down on the series with a lofty +135 clip for the Royals to start this best of 7.  Again, I harken back to KC hosting 4 of the potential 7 games, and also yielding no Lefties out of their Starters.

Citi Field

This years annual Homerun Derby will be held during All-Star weekend at Citi Field. Like every year, four players from each league will compete to see who is the best Homerun hitter in the MLB right now. Prince Fielder will once again compete in the Derby looking to win in back-to-back years. The only difference is, this year he will compete with the American League instead of the National League like in previous years. We are definitely in for an exciting treat this year as we will get to see the likes of Prince Fielder, David Wright, Robinson Cano, Chris Davis, and several others compete to see who can hit the most homeruns.

A MLB PREV CITI 2

A MLB PREV CITI-3 Read the rest of this entry

Stadium Love: Rogers Centre On Blue Jays Opening Day 2013

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Thursday, April.4/2013

Geddy Lee is the front man for the Canadian Band Rush and threw out the first pitch.  Over 48000 fans jam packed the Rogers Center this past Tuesday.,  The team is favored to win the American League east by Las Vegas Oddsmakers.

Geddy Lee is the front man for the Canadian Band Rush and threw out the first pitch. 48857  fans jam-packed the Rogers Center this past Tuesday. The team is favored to win the American League east by Las Vegas Oddsmakers.  Despite a raucous crowd, plus national attention by the Canadian Sports Television Networks, the Jays lost the game 4 – 1.  Last night they dropped a 3 – 2 decision to the Indians in Extra Innings – to start the year 0 – 2.  This game featured half the attendance (24,619) of Tuesday celebrated opener.  The Jays fans are still excited, but need to see results.

By Jordan Hennessey (MLB Reports Contributor) 

The marketing machines at Rogers Communications, the parent company of the Blue Jays came up with opening week commercials with the theme being “Stadium Love. That is exactly what it was on Tuesday.

It has been a long time since there was this much excitement heading into a Jays season. Suddenly a city that hasn’t enjoyed a winning sports season in quite some time is completely infatuated with all things Blue Jays.

You can look into what all the bookmakers say but this team is stacked, and people are talking about them. 

If you were lucky enough to get a ticket to the home opener last night you were in for the treat. Outcome aside, and even with the generally slow pace of the game, the energy was still electric.

The entire city was buzzing and one bar even had the theme song of the Blue Jays playing in the afternoon. 

Blue Jays – Lets Play Ball Song:

Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Blue Jays: Clubhouse Cohesion, New Faces, And The World Baseball Classic

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Monday, February 18th, 2013

Melky Cabrera, Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion. 3 of the first 4 hitters in the 2013 Toronto Blue Jays lineup, and all from the Dominican Republic. In their first year as teammates on the Blue Jays, and one of their first spring training practices, have already become a close trio. Dominican slugger Jose Bautista is missing from this photo, but is the 4th piece of this dazzling 1-4 combination.

Melky Cabrera, Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion. 3 of the first 4 hitters in the 2013 Toronto Blue Jays lineup, and all from the Dominican Republic. In their first year as teammates on the Blue Jays, and one of their first spring training practices, have already become a close trio. Dominican slugger Jose Bautista is missing from this photo, but is the 4th piece of this dazzling 1-4 combination.

By Alex Mednick (Baseball Analyst and Toronto Blue Jays Correspondent)

The Toronto Blue Jays had a very well publicized off-season.  Many moves were made, including two blockbuster trades, the signing of one of baseball’s best and most controversial contact hitters, and a new (old) manager.  A core of the former Blue Jays remained intact, but between the big moves made by GM Alex Anthopoulos this off-season, along with the smaller additions, the Blue Jays have 12 new players on their 25 man roster.  These 25 players are expected by many, to hit the gates running, and to at the very least, earn Toronto a spot in the playoffs come October 2013.

Clearly, team chemistry plays are huge part of winning championships.  We have seen numerous teams boasting extremely talented rosters have merely moderate success, and we have seen teams loaded with professional journeymen have historic success.  Michael Jordan is noted for making the comment, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships”.

The 2013 Blue Jays are very unique in that while half of their team is in fact new to Toronto, many of these players have played together and have cultural bonds. The blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins brought a total of 6 players to Toronto, all of whom, were quite obviously teammates in South Florida.  5 of these players are expected to immediately be impact players in the clubhouse. Another big trade with the Mets brought over three players who will likely contribute to the team to varying degrees, and have already formed close ties amongst each other due to the relationship that exists between a knuckleball pitcher and his battery mate.  Right off the bat, we can account for 8 of the 12 new players on the roster who at the very least, already are familiar with each other and are not entering a new city completely unfamiliar with their teammates. The following players might all make their way to the ALL-Star Game at Citi Field this year:  R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Jose Bautista, Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion .

2013 Preview of the Toronto Blue Jays:

Read the rest of this entry

My Experience at AT and T Park

Friday November 30, 2012

Kyle Holland (MLB Reports Intern):

Anyone who has read my bio knows that I’m from one of the best baseball cities in America, Boston. That means I have grown up going to games at Fenway Park, America’s most beloved ballpark. I’ve been to countless Red Sox games, including Derek Lowe’s no-hitter in 2002. I’ve been to the Rogers Centre in Toronto to watch the Sox take on Toronto. As these are absolutely beautiful ballparks, nothing can compare to my trip to San Francisco in August 2011 to see my favorite team the San Francisco Giants play in AT&T Park.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that AT&T Park is the best park in all of baseball. The team, the staff, the food, the view, none of it can be beaten.

I got the experience of going to two games in this beautiful stadium. I got to see it from all angles as I sat on the first base line and upper deck third baseline, perfect view of the McCovey Cove. Read the rest of this entry

The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise 1994-2012: Part 2 of a 7 Part Series

Wednesday, Nov.28th, 2012

Note from Chuck Booth:  I am attempting to bring the history for each of the 30 MLB Franchises into a 5-7 part series that will focus on 1. The teams history.  2. The hitters 3. The pitchers. 4. The Teams Payroll going into 2013 and 5.The Ball Park that they play in. (The stadium articles will all be done next summer when I go to all of the parks in under a month again.)  Be sure to check my author page with a list of all of  my archived articles section here.

Today’s Part 2 Feature of the Blue Jays Franchise will be written by our Baseball Writer Alex Mednick.  To do this franchise series service, Alex has studied this club a lot more than I have in the last 20 years and will do this article better justice for you the reader!

Alex Mednick (Baseball Writer and Analyst):

Note from Alex Mednick:  Chuck Booth offered to me the opportunity to step in to his Franchise Series and cover the Blue Jays history from 1994-Present. I gladly accepted the honor.

In Part 1 of this series, Chuck covered the Blue Jays history from their humble beginnings at Exhibition Stadium in 1977, through the glory years in the late 80s and early 90s.  The story dropped off right after the Blue Jays won back-to-back World Championships in 1992 and 1993.  We closed the books with the walk-off winning home run by Joe Carter to win the World Series, and the parties and celebrations that were to follow across Ontario, Canada.  I will pick it back up at the beginning of the 1994 season, when the Blue Jays had high hopes to win a third consecutive world championship.

(Scroll Down Past the Links or Click the READ MORE OF THIS ENTRY ICON.)

Franchise Series Links:

Franchise History Part 1 1977-1993:  https://mlbreports.com/2012/11/09/jays1/

The Hitters:  The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Hitters: Part 3 Of A 7 Part Article Series: 

The Pitchers:  The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Pitchers Part 4 Of A 7 Part Series

Skydome:  An Interview with ‘Rogers Centre Expert’ and “MLB reports Founder” Jonathan Hacohen Part 5 of 7

2013 Team Payroll:  https://mlbreports.com/2012/09/10/tor/

Special Bonus Fan Blog Of 2013 Team Payroll:   https://mlbreports.com/2012/09/12/torfanalex/

Read the rest of this entry

The Blue Jays New Reality: Building Towers on Shaky Ground

Saturday, November 23rd, 2012

The Blue Jays have made a lot of moves in a short period of time and added a jolt to a fan base which had become numb of 19 years of not competing. People are saying they will win, including Las Vegas odds makers. They certainly look way better on paper than they did two weeks ago and people have a reason to be excited with the direction the franchise is going. They have taken 2 quick steps forward, but what happens when Murphy’s Law strikes and they take 1, or 2 steps back? How good are they then?

Alex Mednick (Baseball Writer and Analyst):

There has been a lot of talk thus far about how the Blue Jays are slotted to be ultra-competitive.  And I don’t want to be a “negative-Nancy”, because this hype comes with good reason.  I, as a Blue Jays fan, am beyond thrilled with the organization allowing Alex Anthopoulos to pull the trigger and make this kind of off-season happen…there is no doubt that this is what Blue Jays fans have been waiting for over the last 18 years.  The Rogers family has shown that they aren’t simply using the Rogers Centre as the world’s largest billboard.  They demonstrated that they are committed to take the financial risks necessary to make this team competitive.  They said they would spend big $$$ when the “time came”, and they kept their word.  The time has definitely come when you have two guys hitting 40 home runs a season in the middle of your lineup.  I applaud the Rogers’ and the front office for saying something and sticking to it.

That being said, when I hear things like “we’re not done yet”, and, “the Blue Jays would like to add another front-line starter”, it soothes me and calms my nerves.  The truth is, and I don’t want to seem greedy, but I am not content with where the team is now.  If the past three seasons have shown us anything it is that over the course of 162-game season, injuries happen.  Bottom-line: the roster you start with on opening day, will not be your roster throughout the season.  Nobody has a rubber arm and muscles made of Teflon.  Murphy’s law is constantly looming over any clubhouse and just waiting to strike.  Look at 2012, we lost our 2, 3, and 4 slotted pitchers in 3 consecutive days! Read the rest of this entry

MLB Ballpark Traditions: American League

Monday December 19, 2011



Doug Booth-  Guest Baseball Writer:  Since I finished writing the book on my experiences in chasing down the World Record by going to all the baseball parks, I decided to ask for help in my research. I went to every ballpark for two years in a row from 2008-2009, and am always fascinated by traditions and things each city does at a ballpark. Like Sweet Caroline is always played in the bottom of 8th at Fenway or…. Tailgate parties that I have seen in Oakland, New York and Minnesota. This could be something on field, in the air, outside the ballpark, after or before the game. Fans have their own way of celebrating.  This is just what I have picked up.  What else am I missing?

New York Yankees-Yankee-Stadium

1. They take roll call for every position player–and it comes from the bleachers once the game starts. Each 9 starting fielders in the TOP of the first gets their name called. The fans chant each of the BALLPLAYERS until they wave their hats back to acknowledge them.

2. Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” is played at the end of every game in an infinite loop.

3. You got the ‘DEREK JETER’ with rhythmic clapping after wards

4. They chant HIP-HIP JORGE for Jorge Posada–or they say his name to the famous chant of soccer—JORGE-JORGE-JORGE-JORGE-JORGE-JORGE.

5. Of course there are the famous calls of John Sterling for each player. Example,-“Teixeira sends a TEX MESSAGE TO RIGHT FIELD oh you are on the ‘MARK’ Teixeira.

6. Of course booing all the opposition is common.

7. Still play “GOD BLESS AMERICA’ before “TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME.”

Boston Red Sox-Fenway Park

1. Play the song Sweet Caroline in the bottom of the eighth.

2. They boo the catcher and pitcher of the opposite team every time they meet at the mound.

Toronto Blue Jays.-Rogers Center

1. They start at the time of 37-or 07 after the hour to accommodate both the Canadian and American anthem.

2. They have a chant in the stands where a guy counts from 10-1 and then everyone screams.

3. Other cities have called the some of the worst fans in baseball—they do the wave when they are down 10 runs—do you think they would do the wave in New York or Boston if their team was behind by 10 runs?

Baltimore Orioles-Oriole Park at Camden Yards

1. They chant “Oh” really loud at the time of the national anthem when the part says Oh say does that star spangle….”

2.  There was a kid who would sprint out with a player’s jacket whenever there was a pitcher called in relief from the bullpen-is he still there?

Tampa Bay Rays-Tropicana Field

1. They play the “HEY RAYS” song when they win.

2. They post the starting lineups on a scoreboard outside the park whenever they are playing that day.

3. They light up the lights outside the ‘TROP’ on nights they win so that motorists can tell the home team won.

4. They have cowbells they use in the stands ‘for effect’

Chicago White Sox-US Cellular Field

1. Their come out song is “Thunderstruck.”

2. They always shoot fireworks after the home runs.

3. They have an old-time song they sing every game, what is it?

Detroit Tigers-Comerica Park

1. They have one of the only names retired instead of numbers with “TY COBB”S’ name being displayed but no number ahead of his name.

2. They play “Detroit Rock City”, by Kiss before the game

Kansas City Royals-Kauffman Stadium

1. They shoot the water fountains high between innings.

2. One of the only clubs that play western music, this includes a rendition of “I got friends in low places.”

Minnesota Twins-Target Field

1.TC(the Twins Mascot)-hits batting practice with a lucky fan before every game.

Cleveland Indians-Progressive Field

1. They have the loyal drummer in right field that attends every game.

2. They usually play the song “CLEVELAND ROCKS” at some point in the game.

3. There is always a clip from ‘MAJOR LEAGUE’ used too.

Seattle Mariners-Safeco Field

1. There is a train that comes through about every 10 minutes in the background-almost as frequent as planes at CITI FIELD.

2. They were the ‘original team’ of the theme “ZOMBIE NATION” by KernKraft 400.

Oakland A’s-McaFee Coliseum/now O.Overstock Coliseum

1. Get there early enough and you are sure to find half the parking lot tailgating. Note: “Worst park to where opposition gear, after all, A’s fan is also “RAIDER FAN.”

2. I would never suggest public transportation in this area, serious safety concern–pay the excruciating 17 dollars and park outside the stadium for easy access in and out.

Texas Rangers-The Ballpark in Arlington

1. They play the “Natural” theme song whenever there is a homer hit by the home team.

2. “They sing the STARS AT NIGHT SONG” as do the Astros.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim-Angels Stadium

1. The staff used to wear the 20’s usher outfits until recently but they still all wear straw hats like lots of other staffs.

2. They have the waterfall going a lot-and they also have fireworks every time there is a homer hit.

These traditions make baseball great.  I would appreciate any other traditions that you know of.  If you are the game it makes the experience so much greater in participating.  Booth7629@gmail.com

Get ready for Part 2 of Doug Booth’s Ballpark Traditions feature on MLB reports, with a look at the National League Traditions. Coming up this week on MLB reports!

*** Thank you to our Guest Baseball Writer- Doug Booth for joining us today on MLB reports.  To learn more about “The Fastest 30 Ballgames” and Doug Booth, you can follow Doug on Twitter (@ChuckBooth3024) and click here for Doug’s website, fastestthirtyballgames.com*** 


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