Nadal will lead Spain against U.S.

Tennis Betting Lines

09/09/2008 - Madrid, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Wimbledon, four-time French Open and Olympic champion Rafael Nadal will lead Spain against the visiting and defending champion United States in their Davis Cup semifinal next week.

In addition to the top-ranked Nadal, Spanish captain Emilio Sanchez also selected David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez. The Americans, captained by Patrick McEnroe, announced last week that their team would be comprised of Andy Roddick, James Blake and the twin Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike.

The best-of-five tie will be held from September 19-21 on a temporary clay court at Madrid's Plaza de Toros Las Ventas.

The Spain-USA winner will visit the Argentina-Russia winner in the final in November. The Argentines will host the Russians next week.

The United States and Spain will meet for the ninth time in their history and for the fifth time since 2000. The Americans are 5-3 against Spain, winning the last meeting in a World Group quarterfinal last year in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Established in 1900, Davis Cup is the world's largest annual international men's team competition, with 127 nations competing this year. The U.S. leads all nations with 32 titles. The Americans beat a visiting Russian squad in last year's finale in Portland.

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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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