Wizards will try to make move vs. powerful Houston club

Soccer Betting Lines

07/03/2009 - Kansas City, KA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Kansas City Wizards face a tough task on Saturday when they host the Major League Soccer leading Houston Dynamo at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

The Wizards (5-5-4) are keen on making a move up the Eastern Conference table, where they are currently in the bottom half. The team is coming off a strong effort in its last league match, topping New England 3-1 on June 13.

They also coming off a couple disappointing results in the SuperLiga, with central defender Jimmy Conrad going out with a knock. His absence was a major factor in the poor showing in the North American club tournament.

"Anytime you lose Jimmy Conrad, who, in my mind, is one of the best central defenders in [MLS], you're going to have issues," Wizards coach Kurt Onalfo said. "Having said that, I thought Rauwshan [McKenzie] did a fairly solid job. But, you're playing against a very savvy group of attacking players. That ended up being the difference in the game."

Conrad will be absent on Saturday because of his participation with the U.S. national team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Davy Arnaud and Roger Espinoza will be absent for the same reason, representing their respective countries.

The Dynamo (8-3-4) are coming off a disappointing result of their own in league play, dropping a 1-0 decision at Los Angeles this past Sunday.

"Overall, a disappointing night with the result, obviously, and in the way we played," Houston coach Dominic Kinnear said. "We've definitely played better during the season, and I expect us to play better than that. But unlucky not to come out with something, because I thought we created some chances there."

The Dynamo will be without U.S. internationals Bring Ching and Stuart Holden, and Canadian international Andrew Hainault, all because of their participation in the Gold Cup.

Defenders Eddie Robinson and Wade Barrett are also out and defender Craig Waibel is questionable, all with injuries.

The Wizards will be without forward Adam Cristman, defender Chance Myers, and midfielder Kevin Souter with their own injuries.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

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