Doc's Sports impressive run to the top of the sports selection industry started over 43 years ago with the simple notion of providing a loyal customer base with winning selections for all the major sports. While the start of new football season is still a couple of months away, we are already making preparations for another winning season in both the college ranks and the pros. In the meantime, we have already posted some solid returns with our MLB selection packages.

One of the biggest benefits to our sports selection packages is Doc's Unit Betting System, which has proven to be an excellent money management tool for building your bankroll. The other benefit we offer is access to a very talented team of expert handicappers that continue to crank out winners on a regular basis.

One expert handicapper that has made his way to the top of the ranks in the sports betting industry has been Raphael Esparza. He has been associated with Doc's for the past eight years, but he cut his teeth in this business during a long and illustrious career working behind the counter for some of the biggest sportsbooks in Las Vegas. Known as The Vegas Informer, he rose to the prestigious position of Director of the Race and Sports Book for MGM Grand's Aria.

Raphael retired from the sportsbook industry almost a year ago to devote a good deal of his time working with a solid network of some of the biggest and most influential insiders in Las Vegas. These professionals know the sports betting industry inside and out, and he has be able to take advantage of this "inside edge" with all the picks he releases. What really takes Raphael's selection service stand above and beyond in a very competitive industry is the willingness to release selection packages for a wide array of sports that include the WNBA, horse racing, boxing, professional tennis and soccer leagues all around the globe.

Awhile back Doc's Sports set up a weekly Q&A with Raphael to provide out loyal readers with exclusive access to this "inside edge". Our main goal in these discussions is to get his expert feedback on some of the hottest trending topics in the sports betting industry today. What better source is there than someone with inside access to the undisputed sports gambling capital of the world? The following is this week's conversation.

Doc's Sports: Before the 2014 FIFA World Cup began you had touted Germany as one of your top favorites to win it all. Do you still see the Germans as the team to beat as the tournament continues to press on towards the championship match?

RE: Both Brazil and Germany still have what it takes to win this World Cup, but they have not been all that impressive so far. Do not be surprised if a team such as Columbia (against Brazil) or France (against Germany) pulls off an upset in the next round. Right now, the Netherlands have the clearest path to winning it all.

Doc's Sports: I am sure there are posted odds for this in quite a few of the sportsbooks in town, but do you have the Big 3 in Miami all returning next season to avenge this year's loss in the NBA Finals?

RE : I would have to think that all three players will be back in Miami next season as long as the team can make the numbers work. The bigger question would be just how good will the Heat still be with the same exact cast? I am more interested in seeing what happens with Carmelo Anthony as that could have a domino effect on where a few other big names wind up playing next season.

Doc's Sports : The NHL has begun its offseason with first the draft and now free agency. Looking at the list of available players, are there any game-changers out there that could dramatically improve a good, but not great, team's chance of winning next year's Stanley Cup?

RE: The one move that immediately stands out in my mind is the St. Louis Blues acquiring Paul Stastny as a free agent from Colorado. The Blues have been a very good team looking to get over the hump in the West against teams such as Chicago and Los Angeles, and Stastny is definitely an impact player that can help the cause.

Doc's Sports: We all know what a huge WNBA fan you are. Have there been any early surprises so far this season that could have an impact on which team will win it all this year?

RE: Atlanta is still the team to beat in the East, especially with Elena Della Donne out of the lineup indefinitely for Chicago. Minnesota came in as the favorite to win it all this year as defending champs, but it could have its hands full just getting out of the West given how good Phoenix has looked so far.

Doc's Sports : The start of another season in the NFL is still over two months away, so do you spend anytime handicapping the CFL now that its regular season is underway?

RE: The CFL has never really been able to capitalize on its lead-in position for the NFL when it comes to generating action in Las Vegas. Beside MLB games, I have always spent the bulk of my handicapping efforts this time of the year on all the different soccer leagues and/or tournaments that are currently up and running.

Raphael Esparza - The Vegas Sports Informer - Handicapper - Sports Betting Guru for more information on his amazingly-profitable sports handicapping picks. Also, get $60 worth of Esparza's member's picks absolutely free - no obligation, no sales people - you don't even have to enter credit card information. You can use this $60 credit for any sport Esparza handicaps. Click here for $60 worth of free picks from Raphael Esparza . Also be sure to follow him on Twitter @VSIDocsports.