Arena FB workbook super record-keeper; 'Hardball Times' good '06 baseball source

18 January 2006

By Howard Schwartz

Three very specialized resources have arrived at Gambler's Book Shop (Gambler's Book Club)- - each supplying specific needs to players.

The "2006 Arena Football Workbook" (25 pages, 8x11 plastic spiralbound, $12) from RME Sports Investments; "The Hardball Times Baseball Annual" (334 pages, paperbound, $17.95) and the revised and updated edition of the "Handicapping Contest Handbook (A Horseplayer's Guide to Handicapping Tournaments)" by Noel Michaels (258 pages, paperbound, $14.95) all have the potential to make bettors a bit wiser.

In order of reference, the "Arena Football Workbook" contains the final standings from last season, the playoff results and the major rules of the game so bettors can understand what they're up against compared to the NFL. As veterans of Arena Football know, it's common for scores to go over 100 points on indoor padded surfaces with a 50-yard-long field. It's wide open action with a lot of passing and kicking. The book helpfully contains anywhere from five to 10 betting angles per team including how teams do in certain situations such as: "Arizona Rattlers are 7-0 against the spread after scoring 70 points or more," and "Georgia Force is 8-0 against the spread in May." The book lists all 2005 results with the line and totals and final score and a summary of how the team performed as a favorite, dog, in the over and under.

Each team's web site is listed as well.

Baseball statistics buffs, analysts and bettors should get a kick out of "The Hardball Times Baseball Annual." If you like Bill James-type analysis, this book has it. Edited by Aaron Gleeman, the book contains 150 pages of statistics and graphs, including statistics on the league, teams and individuals. Some of the more fascinating analytic essays are titled "What's So Magic About 100 Pitches?" and "Do Players Control Batted Balls?" But it is in the overall statistical analysis that the book shines. Here's where experts analyze what went right or wrong with a team, from front office, trading and signing decisions to injuries and pitchers who disappointed, where one can see what led up to the White Six winning the World Series.

The editors look back at the 2005 season with a fine-tooth comb, examining significant events and what failed to occur. Overall, there's plenty of food for thought for fans, bettors and statistical geniuses who love to try to know it all.

Noel Michaels' original "Handicapping Contest Handbook" was published almost four years ago. It's now updated and expanded, to include lists of winners of past thoroughbred handicapping contests. The interest in contests has definitely grown, and the number players has almost doubled in recent years. It's estimated that 100,000 people enter annually. It's challenging, entertaining and lucrative.

Years past perhaps a small, select group knew the ploys, tactics, angles and money management skills needed to be successful in tournaments. Now, Michaels reveals plenty to the novice or still-green tourney player. One of the more important sections explains contest formats, followed by tournament strategies, with additional tips from those who won or finished in the money in the past.

It's a one of a kind book, reasonably-priced, intelligently written and should be considered a "must-read" for anyone tournament-bound.