Braves

By geauxbraves2000

April 21, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, Does MLB release the results of all random testing, or just the ones who test positive?

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Nice post DOB. I never suspected Andruw of being a user. He smiles way to much. McGwire always seemed like a nice guy and he smiles a lot. Bonds, he seems grumpy all the time. Maybe that’s because the world is out to get him. Besides, all of that, there is testing now, so something would show up. Or have we all been dupped by Bud and the Gang into thinking these roid tests are actually working.

By THL

April 21, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

I think Andruw just finally took his head out of his butt (offensively) and is now realizing his potential.

I have seen some people who are “juiced” up and Andruw doesn’t seem to act anything like they do. I’m sure that wispers about that may persist for a while until Baseball gets serious about testing but I’m confident that he’s just being the player we’ve been waiting on hime to be (minus the stolen bases of course, but I guess you can’t have everything).

By Austin

April 21, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Dob, are you on steroids?

By Braves Fan in Miami

April 21, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, great job tackling a very sensitive issue. I wonder, though, if A-Rod could be added to your list of players whom have received zero suspicion? Or has he been suspected? Irrelevant, but I just wanted to ask.

I remember reading that when Sheffield was here, he basically challenged Andruw and said, “When are you going to realize your potential?” I think those words sunk in eventually, and, furthermore, we all know that Andruw thrives on pressure and being in the spotlight. Look at his ‘96 WS performance. Last summer, he and Smoltz carried that team on their backs and, even more importantly, showed these awesome young guys what it means to put on a Braves uniform and play for Bobby. As a loyal fan, I will never, ever forget all that they did last summer (and, in Smoltz’ case, what he personally risked and sacrificed, health wise).

I sincerely hope that Andruw is not on the juice for many reasons, but if for no other than for that I wouldn’t want to see what looks like could be a HOF career cut short by stupid injuries and body breakdown.

By geechee

April 21, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

I feel this is totally irresponsible of the AJC to print a story like this even if it is just online. Because this Druw’s hometown paper, it is now going to be spread all over the internet that Druw is on roids when he is not. He has gained weight but his weight gain is not consistent with roid use. This is very upsetting that this paper without a shread of evidence would now start this rumor. If the Braves organization does not file a formal complaint with the AJC on his behalf, I will lose all respect for them as now have done for the AJC.

By MontgomeryDoug

April 21, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

I remember reading a few years ago, about how adruw worked out when he was younger and about his body. he stated his dad would make him duck walk or do squats all around the field in order to make his lower body stronger and to improve his initial quikness for the jumps he gets on balls. and it has been said that he has been working out with smoltz the past couple of offseasons. definately no link to roids there. i think andruw is the most underrated player of our generation. he worked hard to get where he is and is working hard to stay there. he is without a doubt my favorite player on the braves. he is always upbeat and possitive and it seems his interaction with the other players in the dugout is just about as good as it gets. andruw jones is a joy to watch play the game of baseball and I believe that is because of the joy he getting from playing.

By Get a Grip

April 21, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Don’t even start with that. Andruw has become stronger over a 10 year span. He hasn’t had a overwelming change from one year to the next. It has been gradual. Now, if you look at Bonds and McGwire… that’s a different story. There body weight gained over 30 lbs in one season. There is a big difference. Andruw is in the same class as A-Rod & Griffey Jr as players that are true home run hitters that don’t need to get involved in steroids. Bonds and McGwire were getting older when they started in order to be able to stay competitive. That is obvious. Don’t you dare tarnish anything that Andruw has done with your “whispers” As a player, we know who takes them and who doesn’t. Any fellow ball player around the league will tell you that Andruw is as solid as they come.

By Jamie in Richmond

April 21, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Nothing better to write about today? Irresponsible to even bring this up…this is how rumors get started. Nice work (nope!)

By Bob

April 21, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Delightful David!!

I was troubled, the bemused by the Headline on the Home Page: “Sale of Braves Closer”.

Don’t you just love the English Language … At first I thought that they were talking about another JS Pitcher deal.

Even Jimmy Carter’s envious of Andruw’s smile … it’s nice to have players of which we can be proud and Andruw is one of many on this team.

By Moose

April 21, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Phil Mickelson is on steroids. 5 years ago he was listed at 190. Now he’s 235 lbs. It looks like lean muscle mass to me….

By journalist jimmy smith

April 21, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

matthew, if you grew up in the south awhile back, the proper terminology was “the war between the states”, never the civil war. that’s what was taught in the local schools. so, jimmy smith bets you know a lot about twbts and just didn’t realize it. glennbo, looks like jimmy smith isn’t going to change your mind about rankin smith - but jimmy smith did know him and the stories jimmy smith related are true. he wasn’t the villain you depict from this journalist’s perspective. c&s bank, first national bank, and southern bell are gone, too. rich’s, davison’s, claude s bennett, and plenty more are gone. so what? now, baseball … carolina lady, jimmy smith called the baltimore orioles’ clubhouse and asked to speak to bobby dews. they put jimmy smith on hold. this causes jimmy smith to be suspicious - but journalist thinks bobby dews may be elsewhere. southerneasterbunnygoneugly, jimmy smith enjoys your banter - you may look up “banter” and while you are there, look up “hare- brained” you easterbunnycrossedwithajackasss.

commentary - journalist was surpised to see andruw and steroids in the same paragraph from dob. just the mention suggests something that no reasoned person likely will blieve- sort of like the question, “are you still beating your wife?” dob is a cutting-edge journalist and that is why jimmy smith is in touch with wurlitzer about the big journalism prize.

By MontgomeryDoug

April 21, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

i’m forty pounds heavier in the last 10 years too. from some good old fashioned southern cooking, not roids like michelson. although to phils credit, that new hairstyle looks to add a couple of pounds. he could give mel kiper a run for his money with that do.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

I may be a little slow, but some of these reactions and responses to DOB’s post are confusing to me.

By ssiscribe

April 21, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

OK, some of you are going to get bent out of shape over this blog, and that’s fine. But, in the climate of baseball today, as sad as it is to say, you almost have to ask the question of anybody who’s smashing balls 450 feet on a consistent basis.

Nobody can deny that Andruw’s always had this potential offensively, and while many of us have wanted to see AJ hit the way he’s hit the past two years for quite some time, I think we all forget that the dude is about to turn 29. The scary part is he’s just now hitting his prime, and if you look at the historical comparison with some of the greatest sluggers ever based on age, AJ’s at or near the top of the list.

Those of you who want to rip DOB for bringing this up, go ahead. But again, difficult as it may be, it’s a fair question to ask. It’s highly unlikely AJ’s putting anything in his body other than the good food Mrs. Jones is cooking at home, for the reasons stated above by DOB. Looking at the examples we’ve seen from those most suspected of using steroids, AJ goes against the grain in every category, from his demeanor (he used to be somewhat standoffish, but appears to have mellowed) to the fact he still covers center field like nobody we’ve seen in this generation.

I don’t think DOB is trying to stir things up. He did a fair, objective job in presenting the topic and offering his reasoning behind why he believes it’s unlikely AJ’s taking steroids. So everybody, relax, and enjoy a memorable stretch by a superstar who, when it’s all said and done, may end up being one of the very best we’ve seen play the game.

By David C

April 21, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Total trash. When did you stop beating your wife David?

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Really, some of you are just unbelievable, in your sensitivity and the way you perceive things. Take off the headline, which I didn’t write, and where in here is there anthing even remotely suggesting that I or anyone else of knowledge believes Andruw is on ‘roids. Completely the opposite. The only ones who’ve said anything are FANS _ and that’s why I wanted to clear it up here, so I’d stop hearing it from FANS. Not me. Not players.

Some of you take something and just totally twist it around. What on earth about this was irresponsible (besides the headline, which I’m going to ask them to change right away)?

And regarding A-Rod _ glad you mentioned him. I should’ve put him in there with DLee and Andruw, because he’s the other guy who is never suspected of juicing. Thanks for pointing that out.

The rest of you, or those who get knee-jerk crazy about the word ‘roids, need to chill.

By JSL

April 21, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

People… the article was meant to address those who ARE whispering, and to tell them that they’re wrong.

Irresponsible? Are you suggesting that no one is suspecting? In this age of steroid suspicion, if a player [read: AJ] starts hitting home runs more than he had before, people WILL suspect. The only RESPONSIBLE thing to do is to defend that player by saying, in effect, ‘hey, I don’t know one way or another, but I’ll tell ya… I don’t think so.’

I, for one, appreciate the article, Dave.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

Get a Grip, you mentioned another _ Griffey Jr. Never hear anything about him, and no reason to suspect anything.

Again, I’m not doing a witch hunt, whatsoever. My whole intent was to point out that Andruw is doing something amazing and doing it natural, by all indications. Which makes it all the more impressive.

How is that “tarnishing” what he’s done? It’s the exact opposite of tarnishing it.

By hk

April 21, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

Bob,

I’m with geechee and jimmy on this one, bad judgement on DOB’s part - the headline implies that the possibility is there, and that’s what stays in your mind regardless of the subsequent disclaimers - harmful to Andruw

hk

By Dean

April 21, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe: There is nothing wrong with people getting out of shape about this article. AJ is a role model to a lot of people in this community. He is well respected throughout baseball. There have been no “whisper” as DOB claims. He is trying to start something that is totally inaccurate. He is the type of journalist that all athletes would avoid in any interview. This is a classless act on his part. He may have done a “fair and objective” job as you claim, but there is no reason to even bring AJ’s name into such a category. He is to some extent saying AJ doesn’t use steroids, but to even bring it up is an insult.

By Brooke

April 21, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness!! I read the headline and thought my man was on the juice!! Poor choice in headline…very good story though.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Stevie, i fired off sensitivity (or the misspelled version) in a blog response. Maybe we need to go over the difference between a column, which is edited and goes in the newspaper, and a blog, which is barely edited and goes online, and a blog response, which is straight from my fingertips to you.

And are you OK now, or need a defibrillator for your hyperreaction to this whole thing?

It’s the real word, 2006, wake up and stop being so pollyana.

Oh, AND LAY OFF THE CAPS KEY!!!

By hk

April 21, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

DOB just changed the title to “Druw’s power suspicion-free”, but the impication is the same, the damage has been done

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 21, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

DOB…When describing those “frightening” physiques of certain athletes while staring at them in locker-rooms - It would have been better if your “drooling” over them hadn’t been so evident in your “Wurlitzer” prize winning article!!!…GO METS!!!…

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Now that I’ve had them change the headline, is it OK with you folks? I mean, I don’t want to hurt any feelings.

I’ll ask Andruw at the ballpark in an hour, see if he’s as bent out of shape as a few of you. I sincerely doubt he will be.

By j

April 21, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Hey I noticed that Albert Puljos was not on your list of players that are not talked about when it comes to juicing. Andrew and Albert and the 2 best everyday players out there today. They will both be in the HOF and both are clean as a wistle. As for Barry the guy just needs to quit and fade away.

By Ken

April 21, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Andruw is one of the great players of our generation. He also respects the game and he loves his manager, unlike many of our other so called stars. Disrespecters of baseball include Sammy Sosa maybe the biggest cheater of all time. When he wasn’t on the juice he was corking bats even. Bonds is number two. His jealousy of others ruined him. Mcgwire is number three. He was great until they took his “supplements” away. Honorable or dishonorable mention (whatever you want to use)goes to Giambi and Palmiero. Andruw’s off the field image isn’t squeaky clean but any 19 year old male would have probably done what he did. His success really started when he got his personal life in order and naturally matured. I think he is the face of the Braves now because of his great personality and his leadership on the field. It sucks to see this story published about one of the greatest players we will ever see. We should be rewarding him with praise, not with “whispering stories”! Go Andruw and keep it going Braves!

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

SJA, I think you’re starting to give us a better idea where your mind’s at, buddy. Yeah, the picture’s getting clearer…

By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss

April 21, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

and jimmy smith…the word “journalist” is used way too loosely in these blogs!!!…

By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss

April 21, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

DOB…You wrote the article As shole!…tip: maybe you could find a mate at the local SPCA!!!…

By Steven

April 21, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Go ahead and add Pujols to the list of those not suspected of roids. As well as Teixiera, Carlos Lee, Vlad, the list goes on. There are a number that would never be considered much like Andruw. Unfortunately, Bonds, Palmeiro, Sosa, and Big Mac have tarnished the notion that you can be a slugger without being juiced. If you look at it objectively, as players get older their bodies change. The fact that Andruw is getting bigger and more mature leading to higher productivity should not be a shock to anyone.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

HK, yeah, I see your point. Anyone around the country stumbling on this blog right now, with the headline “Druw’s power suspicion-free” and reading my thoughts on why he’s one of the few power hitters not suspected of ‘roid use and why I think he’s clean … yeah, the damage is done.

By Penn

April 21, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Geechee, what is your problem? Are you on ‘roids?

Steve, if you will write in lower case letters most of us will read your posts. CAPS turn off many of us.

DOB, you did a good job (as usual) in dealing with this subject. You are getting the emails about the topic and you nailed it. Thanks.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

STEROIDS may, like politics and Religion, may be a sacred cow to some … but, it’s the unasked questions are the ones that often need to be most addressed. I thought that that was the technique DOB was using … and also thought he made it pretty clear that Andruw’s not one of the bad guys using those things; like Julio, Andruw’s just high on life and a “natural”.

I don’t know what prompted DOB to bring the subject up … but, maybe it was like my response to geechee on the previous Blog; triggered by the “offday just when we’re just getting hot” blues.

By Chuckles D

April 21, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

DOB, please don’t mention anything to Andruw. It will only stir him up and the rest of the reporters. Let it be, man. We got your back.

Love always,

Chuckles

By Ron Roberts

April 21, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

How ironic that you mention “mood swings” as a sympton of steriod use, DOB, then get a few irate retorts from people. Classic.

Folks, some of these reactions seem oh-so-similar to the way S.F. Giants fans react about discussion of Barriod Bonds alleged juicing.

Why bring it up? Uh, hello? He hit 51 homers and seems on his way to doing near that amount again… the last three prominent 50-60 HR guys that come to mind are…

1. Barroid Bonds

2. Mark McGuire (andro)

3. Sammy So-So (pumped) Sosa

Barroid’s alleged use is sort of the large white elephant in the room; we all know he did it, we just can’t prove it, apparently. McGuire admitted to using andro (then, not an illegal substance), and Sammy was using corked bats and most assuredly juicing up.

So I think DOB does Andruw Jones a service to bring up the discussion, then to also note why it’s fairly obvious that A.Jones isn’t a cheat like tha above-mentioned meat-heads.

Come to think of it, I remember a photo last spring where Andruw Jones and other players had visited a Florida water park during spring training… the AJC published it, posted it online, and in that photo, it’s plain to see that Andruw likes to eat; it’s also evident that he’s not exactly ab-crunchin’-crazy, either.

This discussion was relelvent. Anybody who thinks otherwise gives me this vibe of “I don’t wanna know if he’s doing it, ‘cause I want him to keep hitting for my team without arousing suspicion.”

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Chuckles.

By Steven

April 21, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

I think the issue that many people are venting about here is the fact that now any sort of success is accompanied by the suspicion of steroid use. It’s a sign of the times for MLB, and unfortunately tarnishes accomplishments when there’s a seed of doubt in the back of everyone’s mind. An article like this could be written about a number of players in an attempt to alleviate any doubt, but why is that necessary? MLB brought this upon itself with its lax policies and now it’s hurting everyone involved.

By NYY26_atl1

April 21, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

D O was trying to stir a little controversy, to offset his otherwise dry and bland style of reporting.

By Mudbutt

April 21, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Great article, DOB. I’m glad you’ve got the sack to write it. I was wondering when you were going to get to it. Andruw’s a great player who doesn’t need ‘roids. If people would CALMLY read your article, they might understand that you wrote a POSITIVE story.

If anyone is on ‘roids, it’s Skip Caray. That guy flips out whenever the stadium does something fun for the fans. Cracks me up.

Thanks for tackling powerful issues, DOB.

By Big Earl

April 21, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, if you want an explanation of Andruw’s recent power surge, you can trace it back to the beginning of last year when he started taking a wider batting stance. He no longer lunges at pitches, but instead picks his front foot up and puts it back down ala Albert Pujols thereby keeping his head and swing plane on the ball. As an Atlanta sports writer, you should be aware of this. You should also be aware of how a haphazard headline can give a lot of people who only read the headlines a false impression of what you are trying to say. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure a correct headline accompanies your article. I’m really dissappointed and think you should be ashamed. Druw has never done anything to deserve even being mentioned in the same sentence with “roids”.

By Ben Sutton

April 21, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Good article, DOB. On first glance of the previous headline, people are responding without reading the article carefully. It is very impressive what Andruw is doing, and we are proud of the fact that his name never gets mentioned in the same sentence as steroids. He is in the same class as one of the 7 fastest to hit 300 home runs by the age of 29. The other ACTIVE players who join him in that category are Griffey, Jr & A-Rod. Again, you never hear their name mentioned with juice. Those are Hall of Fame names that won’t have an asterick beside their numbers. Maybe these attacker will now actually read the article and appreciate the defense of AJ now that the headline has been changed!

By Manny

April 21, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Lay off David O’Brien, he’s went quite far on his G.E.D.

By Roid Free

April 21, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Maybe Andruw Jones should just butch-slap O’Brien the next time he is sniffing around the locker rooms!

By braves fan through and through

April 21, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

let’s all stop giving DOB such a hard time. in today’s game people are instantly suspicious when someone hits a lot of homers, so it was fine for him to address this issue. However, DOB took a very weak position (much like a politician) by saying he isn’t going to go one way or the other and say whether he thinks andruw does/doesn’t use steroids. clearly he doesn’t, so take a stance and support the man.

By Manny

April 21, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

That bum Andruw could have been hitting 50 homers every year if he hadn’t been too damned ignorant to listen to his batting coaches.

By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss

April 21, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Well it’s about time for journalist jimmy to grace us with another of his flashes of literary brilliance!!!…GO METS!!!…

By Marc

April 21, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

Dave…good article. I never even thought of Andruw and steroids. I believe Andruw has always been gifted, started young, and has now matured. He didn’t show up one year with a head three times bigger than it was.The fact of the matter is, whether Dave or anyone else brings it up, if Andruw isn’t doing steroids, he has nothing to worry about, if he does than he should worry. Not every major league player is on the juice. It doen’t matter who brings it up. Yet again another good article, which becomes more about going after Dave, and Dave going after everyone who goes after him. By the time you get down to the bottom of the blog, who can even remember what the blog was about.

Here I will try, Ah Dave, you wrote something that has been on people’s minds, and you defended are best player, and made it seem like he could never be on roids. You are such an idiot now get back to better reporting, I want to know what the new team budget will be when the new owner takes over.

By Brad

April 21, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Dave….great post. Reading your blog I never once got the impression that you thought Andruw was on steroids, in fact just the opposite. What he has done has really been amazing, and I was glad to see someone give him respect. Andruw is becoming one of the best players in the league and I don’t think anyone would suspect anything with him at all. Great Post!

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure how one could read that post and think DOB is saying Andruw is on roids. That’s just insane. To think that no one would ever bring it up outside of the Braves sphere is short sited as well. This article does more to stamp out that rumor than fire it up.

By Astro Joe

April 21, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

Given how well Andruw is batting, my question is should Cox consider moving him to third in the line-up, especially when Chipper returns. I know that we haven’t seen Chipper play many consecutive games in a while and maybe I am forgetting his offensive value. But goodness, I want Andruw to get as many at bats as possible and moving him up one spot should result in a few more at-bats. What do you think DOB? I know one school of thought is if it ain’t broke… and our offense has been very good so far, but it just feels like with every other dominant hitter batting 3rd, we should be doing the same. Oh and is there any chance that Sosa gets demoted to Richmond to work on his pitching/conditioning? Maybe he has an in-grown toe nail and needs a rehab assignment for about 10 days?

By non-journalist

April 21, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

If mood swings and rage are signs of roids then DOB needs a pizz test..

By Ken

April 21, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

The Braves have had some players in the last few years who would appear to have had some “help”, but I do not believe either of the Jones boys are guilty. Some of the ones I have suspected: Julio Franco, Javy Lopez, Mark DeRosa, Gary Sheffield, John Rocker. I am not saying any one of is guilty, it just looks suspicious when men grow that much that fast.

By BDinNY

April 21, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

This is ridiculous! I can’t believe some of the people that are attacking DOB simply because he raises an issue about one of our favorite players. In a time where we find ourselves in some pretty messy situations in the world, in part because of our media’s hesitancy to ask tough questions, I can’t believe that I’m reading comments that suggest that there are taboo subjects for our reporters. There are NO taboo subjects for reporters. However, there is an obligation to report fairly and reasonably which is exactly what DOB did.

Just this past Tuesday night, I was at Shea watching Andruw hit two home runs and the subject of whether he could be on ‘roids came up several times in groups around us. Everyone seemed to agree that Andruw didn’t seem to be on the juice. But people ARE talking about it because there are still so many open questions about it and MLB has done a horrible job over the last 10 years of addressing this issue. So there’s always going to be some speculation now. Get used to it. DOB simply picked up on the fact that some people are going to wonder, and he addressed this in the fairest way possible.

The solution is not to bury your head in the sand. It’s to raise the issue sensibly and let people make their arguments and/or judgments based on the limited facts and perceptions.

Thanks, DOB for talking about one of our heroes. You treated him fairly and it seems pretty clear where you come out on it without being able to “know” the truth.

Andruw is an incredible athlete with a great personality who has grown into a fantastic leader for this team. But that doesn’t mean he, or anyone else, gets a free pass on important sports issues, especially steroids. Happily, Andruw seems to pass that sniff test easily.

By Randy

April 21, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

David O’Brien is not GAY. I repeat, David O’Brien is not GAY. It’s something that you don’t hear people mentioning or talking about so I don’t think he’s GAY. There isn’t the typical limp wrist or high voice and I haven’t seen him arranging flowers.

If I don’t think you’re gay, why do I need to write that you’re not? All that does is raise suspicion - what did I hear? Is something going on? Rumors?

Yes, it was irresponsible for you to start this entire blog. Maybe your editors SHOULD review all of your work if you’re going to do stuff like this!

By hk

April 21, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

DOB,

… using jimmy’s ‘when did you stop beating your wife’ analogy, let’s say the title read ‘Andruw suspicion free of beating his wife’

… then, in your article you essentially say “there are those that would argue that it might be true because of this, this, this and this, but on the other hand, here is evidence to the contrary” … you conclude with “I’m not going to say he does or doesn’t, because I don’t know” …

… a substantial number of the responses here have been “yeah, that is a legitimate question, well worth discussing” … this tends to underline and reinforce the ‘suspicion’ …

… example of my point … the other day, a guy who I know likes you, started out a message in your defense saying “to all you DOB haters out there” … my first reaction was “what a thing to say, that’s not true, he didn’t mean that” … his message was clearly the reverse of his intentions …

… but the message remained …

HK

By Manny

April 21, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Ken sounds like he has first-hand knowledge about how men “grow”!

By JOHN B.

April 21, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why so many people are attacking DOB. This article makes it very clear that DOB does NOT think Jones is a user. I’m not sure what the original title was, but the article was well written and very clear.

What was the original title?

By non-journalist

April 21, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

So what does all this mean as far as DOB and that Wurlitzer prize thing?…why is jumping jimmy here defending his pal DOB?…SOMEONE MUST HAVE PULLED THE PLUG DOWN AT THE NERVOUS HOSPITAL.

By Chop Chop

April 21, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, you can’t expect readers to have basic comprehension skills. Our educational system has gone to Hell in a handbasket.

Let’s see if I can get this blog rolling…

Javy and Sheff used steroids while with the Braves.

I personally would believe that. Maybe that’ll get people going.

By NYY26_atl1

April 21, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

Damn yous’ southerners sure do take an insignificant ragtag backwoods beatwriter to the extreme!!…..I mean only about 7 morons total ever seriously read this s** anyhow.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

Now that that’s settled … Mamma always told us “When someone is nice enough to ask you over for supper, remember to mind your manners and be nice!”.

The War Between The States … spoken like the true southern gentleman you are! Do you remember when Gene died and Herman took over the mansion in his Daddy’s name?

An aside to geechee: I’m not name dropping … yes, Daddy knew young Herman well; both having offices on the same floor in downtown Atlanta … and often had lunch together. You don’t have to agree with a man’s politics to like him; even when you know his weaknesses … the famly had pretty good hams too.

Jimmy, that reminds me, you’ve never said which part of southern Uganda you’re from.

Maybe Dews has had a facelift or put on his George P. disguise and you just don’t recognize him.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

NYY26_atl1,

Adding you to the list makes 8.

By BDinNY

April 21, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

Randy, the only thing that I’ve seen that’s absolutely irresponsible in this blog entry is your implication that being gay, a sexual preference, is similar to being a steroid user, a criminal act. Shameful and despicable.

By Manny

April 21, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Hell!, Javy and Sheff were on the juice while with the Braves!

By ncscoots

April 21, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

my head is spinning…someone just talked about a “blog” and “irresponsible” in the same breath. good grief. anyone who equates journalism and blogs shouldn’t be allowed to breed…

By NYY26_atl1

April 21, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

I said seriously reads it BOB the moron - guess that makes you #1, now go mind your own business old man! LeTwan, jimmy, or ever you are today.

By Big Earl

April 21, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

To all of you kissing up to DOB, FYI - the original headline to this blog was ‘Steroids and Andruw…. Yikes’. Don’t tell me this doesn’t give the casual AJC Online reader who doesn’t read every article the wrong impression. I expect professionalism from a journalist when dealing with an issue (or person) like this one. And Randy, perfect blog my friend, DOB is not GAY, I repeat DOB is not GAY.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

The ones equating this to “he’s not gay” or “he doesn’t beat his wife,” you’re not being realistic, or you’re simply ignoring what’s been the biggest story in baseball the past couple of years. Steroids.

I have gotten e-mails from fans asking if Andruw is the next Bonds and if steroids are behind his surge. Stupid e-mails, baseless. And I chose to write about it here, because if I’m getting e-mails, that means many, many more are saying the same thing. Fans, not writers, not players. And I wanted to make that clear.

Some of you, I’d suggest, are too sensitive about your heroes. Andruw will appreciate the blog, I’d bet. I’ll ask him.

And do I care that you wrote “David O’Brien is not gay” and wrote it in big, bold letters? Not the least. You failed to make a point, too, because there’s been no reason to suspect I beat my wife (actually, no longer married) or am gay. But you’re stretching it, trying to make a point, and it didn’t work. No big deal.

I’ll write what I want to write, how’s that. And you can have an ulcer worrying about it, but me and Andruw won’t. Thanks for reading.

By Chop Chop

April 21, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve thought that Andruw might be getting some “extra help” the last couple of years, but he certainly doesn’t look the part. For me, it’s always been the result of my ‘roid paranoia about guys like Bonds, Sosa and Palmeiro. Andruw’s always had a lot of skill and hey, he probably won’t hit 51 homers again. However, he’s in the prime of his career and has obviously made an adjustment in his batting stance that has allowed him to take better advantage of his God-given ability. He’s done the work in the offseason (working out with Smoltz, installing a batting cage at his home to allow him to hit year-round) and seems to be much more aware of his important role in the Braves’ clubhouse. He’s a great player and deserves the credit for working hard at his craft.

By Manny

April 21, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

BDinNY must be a f*!

By David

April 21, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

DOB was just pointing out that Andy isnt on the juice. Maybe to help out the casual fan that only hears the bad things about baseball and HOME RUNS. The casual fan might watch espn and read wow andruw hit 51 homers he must be on the roids. As we all know thats not the case. Andruw is on the quarter pounder with cheese injections through the mouth. Most people understand this article. They just feel like causing problems. Go Thrashers.

By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss

April 21, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

‘Homosexuality and DOB….Yikes’

By Chop Chop

April 21, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

I didn’t see the “Steroids and Andruw” headline for this blog, but I would’ve read the blog and made my own judgments based the post. You know…like a fair-minded person.

And DOB, I think you’re absolutely right about fans and their “heroes”. Andruw is flesh and blood, folks. If Andruw happened to be as sensitive to comments made about him as some of you are, he’d probably be traipsing around India like Ricky Williams: getting high and trying to escape himself.

By Manny

April 21, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry David O’Brien, you still have 5 or 6 diehard asskissers that just adore you.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 21, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

“TheSouthernJackAss Rocks Out To Blink-182 In A Pink TuTu”?????????????????

SAY IT AIN’T SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Little Willy

April 21, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

DOB IS NOT GAY!…DOB IS NOT GAY!…DOB IS NOT GAY!…DOB IS NOT GAY!…DOB IS NOT GAY!…DOB IS NOT GAY!…DOB IS…

By Ron

April 21, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Well Mr. O’Brien, I see you DELETE posts you don’t like. Even you can’t take honesty if it disagrees with you. Pathetic.

By Brock

April 21, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

The posts in this blog are getting quit insincere. Anybody ever hear of the term “sexual harassment?” And who cares if it’s just in a blog??? It’s pathetically sad some have to enlarge there internet balls by saying such thought provoking and informative inquries as “DOB IS GAY” wow. how sad.

By Little Willy

April 21, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

RON ROBERTS IS GAY!…RON ROBERTS IS GAY!…RON ROBERTS IS GAY!…AND NOT VERY SMART!!!…..SAY IT IS SO!!!!!!!!!!!!

By RZM

April 21, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Good article DOB, let’s also not forget that 1) Druw played in the WBC, a chance that he problably wouldn’t have taken (for the freakin Netherlands??) if he was juiced and 2) Johnny S. and the Braves are very image conscious and I really think that Andruw would have been confronted if they felt he was engaging in behavior that would embarass the club.

By Steve

April 21, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

caps emphasizes you are p** off, if anything bring up Pujols not Andruw….I rest my case…and I was being sarcastic with my spelling of sensitivity, whoever criticized my spelling, which, once again, was sarcastic….David I will let you off the hook, next time be cautious with your articles and “whispers” you heard, completely uncalled for. Let the day off, be a day off, just don’t come up with trash to write….He is a role model to many children they don’t understand your stupid therories, logics and philosophies behind what you wrote. They just see the stupid title and the words Andruw and steroids in the same sentence. Think about the kids, thats why I was p**. Andruw doesn’t deserve a stupid column like yours. Think before you type. THATS why I was p** all, and no I won’t go away David.

By BDinNY

April 21, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Man, so many people don’t bother to read anything with care.

Defending DOB’s post is not kissing his a*. There’s no quid pro quo so what would be the point?

Big Earl, DOB already stated that he didn’t write the headline… so don’t blame him for that.

Manny, sorry to disappoint but I’m not gay (maybe the exclamation point was a sign of your excitement?). But having lived in SF and NY for years, I’ve come to know many gays and I am more than willing to stand up to bigotry and ignorance such as that displayed by Randy (and now you). Grow up.

Finally, this blog is supposed to be about the Braves and baseball — thus, a steriods conversation is totally relevant. I come here because I love the Braves and want to get as much info as possible. All this other stuff is just crap — keep it out.

By Big Earl

April 21, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Sorry DOB, didn’t mean to get your panties in a wad and stoop to your level of complicit implication. I’ve alway heard “If you get in the mud with a pig, both you and the pig are gonna get nasty, only the pig will enjoy it”. You probably get paid by the number of blog responses, positive or negetive, that you solicit - damn, made some more $ for you!

By Steve

April 21, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

Right on Randy!!!!!! Right on bud!!!!

By Big Earl

April 21, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

And to you BDinNY, regardless of whether DOB wrote the headline or not, he is the AJC journalist with his name on it. Oh, but you’re from NY where all of journalism is a fantasyland taken as fact.

By Steve

April 21, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

However Randy, I have heard some whispers that David O’Brien is gay. The whispers have been circulating and he may or may not be…..But his production on his columns suck nonetheless, so his gayness doesn’t help his writing even if he isn’t gay….which I don’t know if he is or isn’t but I have heard whispers….

By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss

April 21, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

How’s it feel DOB?…I live for this!!!…

By Chop Chop

April 21, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

“Think about the kids”

Steve, that’s the funniest thing I’ve read on this blog.

In fact, here’s a good blog idea: DOB could interview kids to see what they think about the Braves. He could post their answers on the blog and then, oh yes, people like SJA can critique their comments.

That would be awesome.

By RZM

April 21, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Guess this blog is a bit much for journalist jimmy to bloviate on.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 21, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Hooray for inadvertently stumbling into s**!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 21, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

“People like SJA chop chop?…a might up on yourself there aren’t you?…you don’t know anything about me chop chop, or much of anything else for that matter…maybe I’ll just go off in a corner and play with myself…like chop chop!!!…

By geauxbraves2000

April 21, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Got some people showing their true colors here. Keep on keeping on DOB, you are the are an A-#1 journalist. Just ignore all the crap and keep on doing what you do. Fantastic article today! (To those who may post a negative thought to this comment, well, it’s your right but it really shows quite a level of ignorance.)

By Nicholas Irwin

April 21, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

OK censor…have it your way: Hooray for inadvertently stumbling into sh*tstorms!!!

By Manny

April 21, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

DOB is no journalist…….just a beatwriter for a low-class southern rag!

By teoa

April 21, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Good article…Geechee are we going to have issues again? Did you read the same thing I did? I have a better idea now of why you think Brian Jordan is a good player if you can read this blog and think DOB accused Andruw of juicing: I’m having trouble finding any signs of logic or reason in your posts.

By MGL

April 21, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

SJA - what a great idea!! Although it’s pretty obvious that you are in love with yourself anyway!

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, i took my medication today so i was able to read your blog beginning post and actually understand that you believe andruw is a good guy who uses krispy kreme to gain a fair advantage over the competition. apparently steve and some friemds were naughty and didn’t take their meds and it shows.

I actually agree with sja or his blogging doppelganger that the word journalist is actually used a bit too loosely by some people.

By Rob

April 21, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Not that you need to name everyone who’s power is suspicion-free, but you mentioned Andruw, D-Lee, and A-Rod….no mention of Pujols? I’d defintely say he’s in the same power category, and I’ve heard countless stories calling him the leader of the “clean generation”. Was leaving him out just an oversight? You’ve got me curious DOB….(and thanks for all the hard work you’ve done to keep us baseball junkies informed).

By doc

April 21, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

dave. i have said it before but the way basebal lhas handled the issue everyone is suspect now who perfoms out of the norm. i would suspect pujols before andruw because roids are esssentially leagal where he spends his off season. until baseball takes the cloak off fd its policy and becomes transparant this issue is going to continually come up and is one of the best reasons to increase the intensity of their program.

also in terms of roid use being down isnt it funny that there arent a ton of pitchers throwing in the 100 mph range like there used to be or is my impression that there are fewer guys at the century mark wrong. a few years ago it seemed like everyone had to or three guys who could bring it in th high nineties.

By JOHN B.

April 21, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Some of you bloggers are really proving your lack of intelligence. Relating steroids with being gay or being a wife beater is just… well, I ‘m just tired of the immature bloggers. This is ridiculous.

DOB, the article was great.

By Dr. Jay

April 21, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Hmmm…well, DOB’s article doesn’t really cast doubt about Andruw’s steroid use, but the inference that he might comes from the lead teaser on the Braves AJC webpage. And isn’t that how most of us found our way to this blog? So, yeah, I took the bait, but shame on the AJC jughead who decided to twist DOB’s message in that way.

By Rob

April 21, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

The biggest indicator of suspected steriods use in the past has been a noted improvement in performance as a player reaches his late 30s (McGwire, Sosa, Bonds). So why hasn’t the media gone crazy over the fact that Roger Clemens looked all but washed up leaving Boston, and put up two of his best seasons the past two years? Nobody is wondering how a 40-year old man can suddenly crank it up and post a sub-2.00 ERA throwing mid-ninties heat? Maybe that’s why he’s not sure he wants to keep playing….harder drug tests. (Not that I think he’s done anything, I just dislike him and the other half of the Ambigously Gay Duo Andy Petitte, for getting credit for being a “clutch” October pitcher when everyone knows that Smoltz’s postseason wins didn’t come for Yankees teams scoring 8 runs a game…nobody with a postseason ERA over 4.00 should ever be called “the winningest pitcher in postseason history”.)

By BDinNY

April 21, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Big Earl, just to be clear, I “live” in NY but I’m “from” Birmingham. In any case, I assume that when you suggest that NY “journalism is a fantasyland taken as fact,” you are referring to the fact that FoxNews is headquartered in midtown NYC. Fantasyland HQ indeed — now that’s something upon which we both can agree!

And, yeah, I picked up on the noticeable absence of Pujols. He is a BIG dude but I’ve only ever heard that he’s clean. DOB?

By Jman

April 21, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately the bad apples in baseball make people suspicious of everyone that has any success whatsoever. I am glad DOB wrote this to hopefully strike down “rumors” of Andruw and roids. The headline and story are TOTALLY appropriate! Have past Braves used? I would say most definitely. But just because someone is playing well and hitting lots of homers doesnt mean they are juicing.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Honorable Southern Jackass, don’t you agree that it’s refreshing to see one Blog bring so many out of the closet … oops, woodwork … it might even give “baseball-talk” a run for its money.

DOB, the Offering of Pearls to Swine isn’t very often rewarding but it’s always better than Preaching to the Choir.

NYY26_atl1, I meant that as a compliment to you … not something to stir you up. The only time I ever use aliases is when I assign multiple names to variables in programs having many modules.

By mcdwag

April 21, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

then why are you bringing it up (sssh what about furcal?)

By BDinNY

April 21, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t be surprised if Clemens was on something at some point. I’d like to think it’s his supposedly insane workout regimen (even though I can’t stand him personally I still respect his skills and competitiveness). But his story is probably more like Lance Armstrong than anything else. Always wondered about that one.

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Rob, what planet were you living on in 1996 when the rocket threw 242 innings, with 257K and an era of 3.63. i don’t call that washed up. the guy brings it because he’s 6’4” and 235 lbs. get a grip.

By MontgomeryDoug

April 21, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

you always wondered about him, Lance is gay, too?

By fiddlers green

April 21, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

This blog was much more fun when we bashed the Mets and Yankees instead of each other.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

NYY26_atl1: I command you to post again!

Guys like you crack me up. Keep reading. You can’t get enough.

TennPaul, Ron Roberts, SSIscribe, et al: Glad the real target audience of this blog gets and appreciates what I was talking about. We can smile and get a kick out of the others.

But you all keep posting, OK. And I’ll keep writing exactly what I want to write. And you can keep reading it, or not. I couldn’t care less. You’re not paying for it.

Oh, and I just saw Andruw. He’s doing quite well.

SJA, I can’t stop thinking about your line about “drooling.” Man, you’re kind of disturbing, the thoughts that must be going through that brain….

By Chop Chop

April 21, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

SJA, it is true that I don’t know anything about you. You obviously don’t know anything about me, either. If you did, you’d know that if I were going to play with myself, it wouldn’t be in a corner.

Nobody puts Chop Chop in a corner!

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Big Earl, let’s try to explain this in a way you can understand: I (me) don’t (do not) write the headline (the thing at the top of the story). Got it? That’s it. Don’t write the headline. Didn’t write the first one, and as soon as I saw it, I called and had it changed.

Can you grasp that? Or you just don’t want to understand it? Didn’t write the headline. I think it’s clear, but maybe not.

SMJA (militant how, by the way? not that anybody cares): It feels good, since you asked. Because tons of people are responding, and because _ you may not believe this, or understand it, all things considered from your bitterness _ but I don’t mind people writing childish crap about me. I’m really past that, dude. I would say someday you’ll be, too. But I don’t think that’s true. I’m afraid age probably not going to be a factor in getting over issues you grapple with on a daily basis.

Believe in yourself, brother. Then you want be so envious of everything around you and the happiness of others.

By jon

April 21, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Those who are complaining about DOB’s blog and Andruw…. did you take the time to actually READ what he said. I thought it was very well-written. He was just making the connection that there could be some out there who automatically believe a player is on ‘roid when his HR total jumps, and that it does not apply to Andruw, or the others mentioned. Read, people, read!!!

By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss

April 21, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

You just can’t leave well enough alone can you DOB?…I must have really hit a sore spot with you somewhere along the way…GO AWAY!!!…

By Chop Chop

April 21, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Right on, DOB. It’s good to see that you have some leeway to write about relevant topics on this blog.

By Rob

April 21, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

gleenbo,

In 1996 I was busy watching Barry Bonds join the 40-40 club with 129 RBI and a .309 batting avg….the point isn’t what they did when they were 31, the point is how are they doing it at 41?? And again, I personally don’t think the Clemens is doing anything, but I’m annoyed that with the media’s speculating the question hasn’t been asked.

By Rick

April 21, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

DOB Great Blog. For you guys that think that DOB is bringing up this issue, you are wrong. GO to the NY Mets message boards and you will see that those people already are throwing out the accusations about AJ. After AJ single handedly beat the Mets the past week, their fans are the ones bringing it up. DOB is simply stating that this is not the case with AJ. Some of you guys need to take some reading courses.

By CK

April 21, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

DOB I just want to thank you for writing a coloumn that required so much interesting feedback. I agree that Druw is Andruw is displaying his awesome talent and that he displays absolutely no symptoms of being a druggie and a cheat.

What a great column…you caused quite an uproar on this issue and it has made for a great read. Some of these guys just don’t understand your column was in defense of Andruw and meant to aleve the suspicions whispered by the wary public.

Good Job.

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

rob, let me get this straight. you don’t think that clemmons is using, but you’re annoyed that nobody thinks so?

By Big Earl

April 21, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’ll try to respond in kind. You’re (you are) more of a moron (complete idiot) that I thought. You actually mean you write blogs and let someone else (not you) write the headline (what I read first to decide if I want to read more) for you? That’s (that is) just not very intelligent (smart). They (those who write your headlines) could say most anything (like DOB is not GAY)!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 21, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

those headlines can be killers … that’s twice in less than a week that the ajc headline has disparaged a column or blog by dob. the one about julio being mr. met was funny, this one is not. dob apparently had no ill intentions. his explanation is reasonable - and this journalist suspects dob would like to add one or two sentences for clarification. jimmy smith welcomes back chuckles. you arrived in time to bond with dob when he was feeling no love. now, baseball … if jose guillen goes in hard at third base tonight will wb have something for him or will wb wait until the next day to cry like someone last season?

By pville

April 21, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

was that david wright hudson hit in the elbow the other day? i think he did it on purpose, he went inside with the 3-2 pitch and didn’t let wright beat him in that spot. next hitter double play. anyone else agree?

By Jman

April 21, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

SJA keeps on typing but all I see is BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! Get outta here man. Apparently you really are trash, so just see yourself on out.

By Ron Roberts

April 21, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Little Willy/SouthernMilitantJackass….

This is DOB’s blog… how would he “go away” from what is his to begin with?

Why don’t you do as you’ve sworn you would do time, and again, and go away yourself?

Actually, today marks the second day in a row now that I’ve had to contact the ajc.com about your posts to have them removed. Maybe I should blame the ajc.com staff more for even continuing to premit your immature behavior online, but until they realize the severity of your annoyance, I’ll just have to continue contacting them when you (again) cross the line.

By Rob

April 21, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Glennbo, weird as that sounds, yes. While I personally don’t think Clemens is using, the media hero-worship of the guy never seems to stop. I’m generally annoyed that that pitchers as a whole have essentially been let off the hook of steriod suspision (sp?), and looking at what we ‘think’ we know about steriods, Clemens seems to be a VERY likely candidate among pitchers. If you are going to go after one group, you have to go after everybody. Why is it that a baseball player who weighs 250 HAS to be juicing, yet football players who are bigger, stronger, AND faster just have good work ethics? All I really want is to see the same standard applied across the board.

By Jman

April 21, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

Good idea Ron. Maybe if a few more of us could complain that would get rid of the little maggot.

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

ron, by qualifying your statement with “wierd as it sounds” i’ll let you off the hook. but, i think you have to look at clemmons as nothing short of a once in a generation player. the guy is big, and he’s not some mid 1990’s astros chiseled freak. he’s a horse. he grew up poor and hungry. and now he’s big and mean. was nolan ryan juiced? no. he never broke down. and neither did roger, until the postseason because he was old, not juiced.

And if you want to know why no one said jack to the rocket, its because he’s always pitched in the postseason, unlike barroid. these reporters know that if they wnat to get access to him in the postseason, they better not pop off about baseless crap. also, the thought of mike piazza might be in the back of their minds.

By doc

April 21, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

BIG EARL, ILL SAY IT FOR DAVE O’BRIEN ON THIS ONE. MOST INTELLIGENT WELL READ INDIVIDUALS KNOW THAT NO WRITER IN ANY PAPER HAS THE LUXURY OF WRITING THE HEADLINE FOR THE ARTICLE. THERE IS AN IDIOT THAT IS HIRED BY THE PAPER TO DO IT TO CREATE CONTROVERSY OR TO CATCH YOUR EYE. CALL DAVE WHAT YOU WANT BUT DONT CALL HIM OR ANY OTHER WRITER OUT FOR THE HEADLINES TO THEIR ARTICLES.

i am sure they cringe at times by what is put as the headline.

BIG EARL GO TO YOUR ROOM. you are the moron to anyone who reads this that has any intelligence about themselves, you will have to come up with a diffferent name so you aren’t laughed at incredulouly in the future if you come back to try and say something intelligent unless you apologize for your egregious stupidity or ignorance.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

It seems queer to me that some Atlanta fans are confusing DOB with the most famous Falcon of them all … Gay Laurence. But, as the Bard’s MacBeth said when being informed of his wife’s death … there would have been a time for such a word.

Some of these rants aren’t quite in the same class with thoae of the Bard … but they surely contain sound and fury … and signify nothing!

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

ron, sorry. was actually addressing rob.

By doc

April 21, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

btw dave, good data and article today for inquiring minds that want to know.

By Penn

April 21, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

I have never read so much written by so many about something so insignificant.

I can’t help but reach this conclusion:

LITTLE WILLY has a LITTLE WILLY LITTLE WILLY has a LITTLE WILLY LITTLE WILLY has a LITTLE WILLY LITTLE WILLY has a LITTLE WILLY LITTLE WILLY has a LITTLE WILLY

Is he gay too? I don’t know and I don’t care.

DOB, I think you are a good reporter and that you wrote a good piece. How about them apples?

I’m not a reporter but I am a columnist who turns out one column a week for three small town papers. I don’t get this many replies in a week from all three papers and my website combined. I’m beginning to appreciate that fact. When the rabid mobs get loose all hell breaks loose.

I have to get ready to watch Mr. Smoltz do his magic through my computer screen.

Cheers,

By Bob

April 21, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Doc, don’t group stupidity with ignorance.

There’s no reason to apologize for ignorance … it’s a disease from which we all suffer but it can be overcome.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

THIS IS MY FAVORITE POST OF THE DAY:

By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss

April 21, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

You just can’t leave well enough alone can you DOB?…I must have really hit a sore spot with you somewhere along the way…GO AWAY!!!…

Dude, uh, it’s my blog. How would I go away? It’s called a beat writer’s perspective. So if I go away, who’s perspective should we use? Yours? That’d be good, huh?

By the way, it’s been mentioned previously, but we really all do wish you’d follow through on the promise you’ve made, oh, 12 times, that you were going away. But we’ve all kind of given up on that. You’re the boy who cried wolf. But you probably aren’t familiar with that story, either, are you? Nevermind.

And when you say “Go Mets!” _ I gotta tell you, man, that crowd at Shea Stadium would absolutely chew you up and spit you out. Please, just pull from them afar. They don’t much care for your kind around those parts.

Keep reading and posting, big ‘un.

By Ceepster

April 21, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, I enjoyed the post today. I like that people are responding but there sure are a lot of personal attacks on each other. This time last week the posts were about how horrible the starters were and how quickly Francouer could be sent back to the minors. It seems like you were doing a little “bud-nipping” today. I’m sick of reading about Bonds, McGuire, et al. It is nice to read a more positive view of a player’s accomplishments. Andruw seems like a pretty nice guy. He is definitely a great defensive player. It’s exciting to see him come into his own as a hitter. Hey Rob, you’re right. If we’re going to speculate on which hitters are juicing, then it’s only fair to question some of the pitchers too.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Meant to say, “pull for them from afar,” not “from them.” But probably shouldn’t say pull anything to our friend, who’s already thinking about that kind of stuff a bit much, it seems.

For anyone who cares, Moylan got sent down today, as expected, to clear a spot for Prado. But Prado will only be here for 4-5 days until Giles is ready to play. Renteria taking grounders right now, testing side for first time in field. Looks fine. He’ll probably play by Sunday.

It’s raining yet again. Might get in tonight’s game, but tomorrow it looks bad. Up to an inch of rain and thunderstorms.

By Eric

April 21, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

He’s crude, He’s crass, He’s Southern Jackass

Hears an idea, on your next post, try to make a point that is actually relevant and not about your thoughts of drooling over physiques of baseball players. Thats gross.

Good blog today DOB. I think it was a very complimentery article. If I where AJ, I would be very flattered.

By ET

April 21, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

This topic is worthy of major coverage by lots of local papers, Sports Illustrated, etc. We are getting a good idea of just how bad the roid issue is in baseball. I think that those true athletes like Andrew, A-Rod and others (other sports too), who commit themselves to do what it takes to win and succeed need to be talked about. At the same time - the article we see here today will have to be part of it. Having three young boys growing up in my house, loving sports, I want them to know who the true superstar athletes are, AND that they still exist.

Here’s hoping that more about our natural superstars might make into print one day.

By Chuckles D

April 21, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

It amazes me that people have this much time to discuss this; I don’t even have time to read it…and I’m a Braves fan.

Anywho…DOB, have you had a chance to talk to Prado? Any word on his chances of playing or where he might play?

Also, to follow-up on what Carolina was asking, I understand that the young prosects are in AA and that AAA is the deep bench, but why do we always call up from AA? In other words, why was it not Timmons that got the call? He has basically the same avg. Maybe his defensive skills are better, or maybe he’s more versatile? Contract situation maybe?

By Rob

April 21, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

glennbo, I think you are more than likely right. From all indications, Clemens is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of player. The problem is that if you are looking for juciers, once-in-a-lifetime players are EXACTLY who you should be looking for (we all thought Bonds was just that special at one point too). I was just using Clemens as an example…we really have no idea who is and isn’t juicing. I mean, the first guy caught under the new policy had ONE home run in the previous year (Alex Sanchez…not Alex S. Sanchez). And like you said about Clemens not giving quotes if the media hounded him….that alone shows that the media can be very biased in who they choose to assume is using and who they leave alone. I personally wish we could get a strong enough policy that none of this was an issue anymore, but in the meantime I’ll stick with the innocent until proven guilty theory (even though it’s SOO hard with a guy like Bonds).

Did like the comment about Piazza and the bat though :).

By MBATL

April 21, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Nolan Ryan is probably the best comparison I can think of to Clemens. Ryan struck out 157 in 157 innings at age 45. Guy was a fitness freak, and just a freak of nature in that he could throw so hard. And that was before the Age of Steroids.

I never really thought of Clemens as a likely ‘juicer’, but must admit that, now that we’re talking about it, his sitting out the first half of the season (or whatever) reminds me of Bonds taking last year pretty much off over a relatively minor knee injury. Time to get clean and get back in shape the old fashioned way? I really doubt it, just spreading gossip.

By Jon

April 21, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

DOB…I read your blogs everyday and not once have I ever had a problem with them. In fact, I enjoy the insightful sources you give us from within the clubhouse. If it weren’t for you, I wouldnt have a clue what was going on (other than final scores) All I got is TV and attending Braves games on a regular basis, but that’s as far as I get. I appreciate your dedication to filling us in and I have no problem with this article, just another perspective we as fans never see. Thanks again for the insight and keep it up!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 21, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

penn is a columnist? yes, yet another journalist on the dob blog! dob brought this uproar upon himself by responding/reacting to bloggers. jimmy smith’s theory is that dob decided this morning to “do some journalism” and this is the result. once, jimmy smith submitted an article about baseball player toes and the headline appeared “little piggy goes to bat.” jimmy smith was humiliated! today, a similar occurrence befell journalist dob. still, the wurlitzer prize folks will be most favorably impressed. now, baseball … will jordan get another start soon? where is bobby dews?

By Andy

April 21, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Since the dead horse has been “beaton”(as my grandma would say) and then “beaton” again—well why not keep going—It is my opionion the reason for this blog(which if you have problems with(the blog) or think it is negative—please go to your local church whatever ask for prayers and guidance—-we can all use that—but some (alot) more than others)—the reason for this blog is because the Baseball owners and comish. and the beat writers and the most important the heads of the players union did nothing and did not take a stand—if fans were talking this rabidly(about players/steroids) 6 or seven years ago—if during the Sosa and Mac race ANYONE in power made a stand about steriods—-then maybe something would have been done long before now and then the distrust of the fans would not be so common(or reactionary). So blog’s clearly stating that this is a player you can believe in and celebrate with could actually be read and understood. For those who don’t like that DOB wrote this—blame alot of other people for creating this enviroment and situation as it is. Being that the situation is what it is the blog is fair and balenced. I think some people are dumping their flustration and anger on the wrong person—-yes the headline sucked—-so what—its the situation that really sucks—not the simple human mistake(that no one was hurt by or violated by in any way).

Finally a couple things—-Ken I understand most of the players you mentioned esp. Javy coming in droped all the weight bulked up and on a contract year—gets a big contract—then does not do much—-maybe could raise some eyebrows…but Julio Franco? Was he doing roids in the mexican league? He is pretty much the same as when the braves got him from there. It is well noted that he has 6/7 small meals a day—works out like a fiend and prays his butt off—seems like a strange group to put him in—-since he hasn’t gained alot of weight. The thing that really stinks is that…well…guess what…he could…and maybe we (the fans) will never know. Me—I believe he’s clean. But again Ken—you could be right.

Finally Jimmy that was brillant about WB and 3rd and guillen. I always wounder why chipper did nothing about that—I guess more important things came up—and by the time he saw him again…it was like too late. Who knows? DOB how about that. Do an article about two grown men acting like kids then SJA and others can offer their expert ideas’…just kidding folks

By Jim From TN

April 21, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

I just paid a mint for seats in section 109 row 10. Anybody know if those are good?

By doc

April 21, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

mbatl, the fitness freak had a heart attck in his early 50’s, roid contributed? dont know. roids have been available and used since the late 60’s. as a college baseball player was offered them in ‘69, “to make me stronger” by a player from another program that was using them to grow their boys up. testing is the only way to make them go away and no one is above question unless they are tested, even nolan. only flame thrower that made it into his mid-forties, myocardial infarction earlier than most …. hmmm. i think clemens is a user and certainly no less a likely candidate than mcguire. for some reason pitchers arent throwing as hard these days, must be the juiced ball.

bob, giving b e the benefit of the doubt but when he comes back at dob after he has offered an answer, one can apologize when way off base. if he doesnt, then we know he is stupid. when ignorance is enlightened the one that is enlightened can apologize. stupid people stay the way they are, i’d rather plead ignorance.

By Ted Kennedy

April 21, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Those seats are right beside the bar. You buyin’? Bill’s bringin’ the chicks.

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Rob: Interesting point about the pitchers. I wouldn’t throw Clemens in there though. But, more pitchers have tested positive than hitters. That sad little point rarely gets mentioned. It should be obvious as well. Look at all the pitchers that are breaking down now that Bud is cracking down. I suppose the long ball is more memorable than the fastball.
Out here in DodgerLand they are more than willing to point to the Braves Jones boys and accuse of roiding, even without a hint or shred of proof. But then you go and show them Beltre’s walk year, how he gained 45 pounds of muscle in 2.5 months, tripled all his career stats and has subsequently turned into mushy nothingness (or Gange’s dominance after being a horrific starter and now his non-stop injuries) and they blow it off.

By Adam (Atlanta)

April 21, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

DOB - Don’t know how you do it - I wouldn’t have the patience to deal with some of the idiots who write in on this blog. Please know there are a lot of moderately sane Braves fans out here who appreciate your work and your candor - keep it up!

By Bob

April 21, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

One last thought for those of you who adhere to the old “he who toots their own horn not, the same shall not be tooted” theory … and then to pregame … I hope.

This Blog should prove, once and for all that it ain’t so! David O’Brien didn’t have to defend himself … bunch of folks stepped up for him … even those that had their doubts regarding the wisdom of addressing unasked questions! Don’t be envious … when you’re good, you’re good and when you’re not, well, most everyone knows it … not just those that disagree with you.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 21, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

doc is feisty today! it seems like the old days on the blog with everyone being called names like “moron”, “idiot”, “stupid”, and “seal breath”. perhaps doc can weigh in on gout for old timer. old timer has been researching and thinks goose meat is a primary cause. jimmy smith suspects something else. what say you, doc?

By chip

April 21, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

Good article. I always look for your blogs. They are the most informative but usually filled up with other peoples crap so I just scroll down until I see your name. Love all the info on braves from someone who knows what they’re talking about

Go Braves!

By Jay

April 21, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Here’s the problem DOB. First, you claim you don’t want to start any “irresponsible rumors.” Then you “think it’s worth mentioning that Andruw and Derrek Lee are about the only guys who’ve hit a ton of homers recently who are never, ever mentioned under a steroid suspicion by other players, and players know this stuff.” So, lets see - you just implied that any number of current major league sluggers, including quite possibly even Albert Pujols, are suspected of steriod use by their contemporaries. And it didn’t take much of a leap for the reader to get there. I’m ordinarily a huge fan - but not the most responsible post, DOB.

By Major Harris

April 21, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen DOB go into something that resembles a roid rage.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

Jimmy,

I always thought my Gout came from getting too much yeast into my system … like from eating too much storebought bread or drinking too much homebrew … whatever the cause, it ain’t no fun to have! Never had any Goose, so I don’t know about that.

I do remember seeing a bunch of baby seals up in Goosebay once though.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 21, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Nah DOB…Free country…I’m not going away son!…So keep your finger on the delete button and wait for Ron Roberts call!!!…GO METS!!!…

By doc

April 21, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

jimmy i didnt call anyone, any names but only chose the name moron that was used to call our fearless leader. you know i dont usually call people names and i did give him a choice betwen stupid and ignorant after all dob tried to answer his question then he only became more rude. tough company we keep. i have found that there is a lot of projection in this world in peoples comments about others and what you call others is merely the reflected self. heavy huh, jimmy? do you study psychology in africa like we do here?

now about the gout. the esteemed member of the journalists club will need to consider walking by the buffet table that you are used to and go for the less rich food, fresh fruits and veggies not overcooked. i always envied you guys until i began to take care of you writers for having too many pitchers of beer and chilly cheese dogs from manuel’s tavern. gout usually is a disease of the rich or overfed like the goose, so you are close, to being a goose i guess. do not be offended my kind friend. i am still not calling anyone names and certainly not backhanded. please do not misconstrue, i am only interested in your health. also the cheese sandwiches on the road trips need to be avoided.

you might want to get a better food guide for your next trip. i think dob wouldbe happy to show you where and even share a cab with him so he can learn from the master. this is a polite way to say the good days are over and that age has taken its toll but can be overcome with exercise; good food and sex (can you say that in a blog); enough sleep, that is helped by the last suggestion and meditation. great prescription.

no charge to the esteemed journalist jimmy smith, an honor.

next time we can delve into the seal breath problem.

By ernesto

April 21, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

Rain. Boo. Andruw’s recent explosion can be tracked on film. I can’t tell you how many times I saw analysts break down his swing and show how off balance he was at times. Now he’s totally dialed in and really looks comfortable, and he’s only what 28? 29? He should be getting better every year. But hey Bravos nation lighten up, it was a good blog topic…don’t make turn steroids into the S-word.

By Steve

April 21, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Having been a college hitting coach, I have notice one major difference in his hitting over the last 10 years. He has finally learned to stay back on the ball!!! He has finally quit trying to pull everything. As a result he is not striking out and getting more to hit. He has always crushed the ball!!!

By geechee

April 21, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

No Penn, I’m not on roids are you? Why are you attacking me you low life? By the time stamp on your post you obviously missed the original headline to this column and so you have no earthly idea why the people who commented at the top are so upset. If you were not one of the ones who had to stare at that original disgusting headline then you can not understand or you are simply no true Braves fan. Don’t drop into the middle of a discussion and act like you know what the hell was going on and simply start attacking people.

By ernesto

April 21, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

I admit it, I missed the original headline, what was so offensive?

By Bob

April 21, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

Jay,

It looks like a lengthy rain delay at best so I’ll respond to your post. Your perspective seems to be shared by several who support DOB and is certainly directionally understandable … but I think it’s alot like George C. Scott’s rendition of General Patton’s infamous failure to mention the Russians … much ado was made by that, but Patton meant nothing by the omission … he was just trying to please the little old ladies and he forgot.

I don’t think DOB was irresponsible, just misunderstood … like George … Patton.

It’ll be about an hour before we know about the game … looks a bit unlikely.

By geechee

April 21, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Well Bob, I for one did not say that DOB was irresponsible. I said the AJC was irresponsible and they were. That original headline was completely irresponsible and changed the whole gist of this column. The guy who was in charge of the headlines knew exactly what he was doing and knew he was stirring up trouble and did it anyway.

By supa

April 21, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

How’s the weather looking, DOB?

Regarding Andruw…there is no way he’s on steroids b/c to put it kindly…he’s all chubs. we all know he’s strong, but the strength is hidden under a layer of body fat any middle-aged truck driver would be proud of.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, where is the glennbo post that prompted the nifty Rankin - Ma Bell response?

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

We’ll get this game in tonight, I’m told, because there’s lot of clear skies in about 20 minutes. But tomorrow’s game doesn’t look promising. Supposed to rain at least an inch, all day, thunderstoms, etc. Then again, we played that night in L.A. after it rained the entire day, right up until game time, so….

Chuckles, I talked to Prado. Real nice, shy kid. Only 22, the fourth 22-year-old on the team (Francoeur, McCann, Davies). Can you believe that?

Here’s the short answer to yours and several others’ questions about Double-A and Triple-A: Most teams, including the Braves, now put their younger, most promising prospects at Double-A, and their older guys, either aging prospects or journeymen roster-filler types in their late 20s and 30s, at Triple-A.

It’s been kind of a transformation. Teams don’t rush guys along anymore because they don’t feel like they need to have a Triple-A stint to bridge the jump to the majors anymore. If they have success at Double-A and there’s a need, teams won’t hesitate to bring a guy to the majors. Some will even bring them from A-ball.

I just asked Ken Rosenthal, sitting next to me in the pressbox, his thoughts on the issue. He agreed it’s become that way with a lot of organizations.

Triple-A has kind of lost prestige, no longer viewed as the last step before the majors. I’d venture to say that there are more top prospects at the Double-A level as Triple-A, or at least as many.

With Prado, he was already on the 40-man. That’s important, because if you want to bring somebody up that’s not on the 40-man, you have to create a spot by taking somebody off and expose them to waivers or put someone on the 60-day DL.

Timmons, for example, isn’t on the 40-man.

Oh, and Jay, I’ll just have to totally disagree with you about it not being a responsible post.

By MBATL

April 21, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

Irresponsible is a strong word for the ‘headline’ of a sports blog.

Just as DOB probably doesn’t have his content proofed for typos for the blog like he probably does for his print articles, the Editor of the AJC is probably not quite so concerned about HL’s written for the online blog (and DOB, no offense intended… it’s best done on the fly and typos will creep in… who cares!). This ain’t the freakin’ Wall Street Journal, it’s a place for baseball junkies to express their opinions, and the HL is not going to affect the future of the free world.

If we complain TOO much about the content of the blog-starters, we’ll end up with pre-game weather reports instead, so as not to offend anyone.

By geechee

April 21, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

MBATL, did you actually see the headline?

By journalist jimmy smith

April 21, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

now, toes … texas rangers right fielder kevin mench has missed 5 games to toe injury. despite two cortisone shots to second two, right foot, mench cannot play. guess what? emininent toe specialist/orthotics man diagnoses bad shoe! that’s right, bad shoe! doctor had never seen turf toe, second toe, so he soaked mecnh’s foot in ink and made impression on paper. impression would not fit in shoe! medical marvel! doctor prescribes bigger shoe - charges $500!! much like our own doc on blog, orthotic man is wise. journalist jimmy smith is not offended by comparison to goose - journalist has been compared on blog to dob. jimmy smith is taking doc’s suggestion and will eat more fruit and stay regular and will begin meditation … mm m mmmmm mmmm mm mm mmmm, journalist has now meditated. doc is wise but is also a realist - doc knows no journalist can avoid cheese on a road trip. dob is keeping a low profile tonight - have not seen him or bobby dews yet. much rain is falling and baby seal is eager to get out and play - very difficult to keep him under wraps if you know what journalist means.

By MBATL

April 21, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

Sure I did, geechee, but why don’t you tell me, so I’ll know YOU saw it?

Seriously, no I didn’t. But my point is that is DOESN’T MATTER. Maybe it was so horrendous as to invalidate my point, which is just that there’s a small band of us who care about this stuff… and that it’s much ado about nothing.

btw, what WAS the headline?

By nathan

April 21, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

speaking of stirring the pot…..DOB, while we’re on the subject of Jones & the juice (which i don’t believe he is on).

What about the other Jones on the team during his MVP year? I’m not accusing, just asking if in your “circle” of “insiders” (that being the players who claim they have a good idea of who is or was on the juice) have ever mentioned CJ’s name in those conversations.

Like I said, I’m not accusing, it’s just with the way things are today, you almost have to question “out of the ordinary” seasons with spiked numbers, and that surely has turned out to be the odd year in his career. I’m not saying that he didn’t or doesn’t have the talent to put up those numbers, but what I do question is his ability to stay healthy since then, and to my knowledge that is one of the purposes of the “juice” is to recover from injury.

Again……..NOT ACCUSING, just curious.

By old timer

April 21, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

Wow. I couildn’t even finish all these. We get, at no charge, the observations of a guy (that’s guy, not gay) who is in a position to have a pretty good idea who is juiced and who isn’t, and he says Andruw isn’t, and he gets blasted for it? Come on, people. It’s a legitimate topic right now. The blog says Druw almost certainly ain’t on roids. That’s nice to know.

Also, lay off DOB on his typos. He is just firing this stuff off and it is not the same as writing for the paper. He spends more time blogging than I imagined any baseball beat writer would, answering questions, responding to things. HE ISN’T REQUIRED TO PUT THAT MUCH TIME INTO IT. Sure, he is being told, as all reporters are, that online is is the most important thing in the newspaper business since cold type, but no one is telling him to spend as much time as he does blogging, trust me.

As Braves fans, we’re lucky he’s our beat writer.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Well said, MBATL. If only all could grasp the differences between editorial content in the paper and a blog online…

But enough about it. You notice the thing hasn’t been taken down or altered? (other than the original headline, which was up for 10 minutes before I had them change it). Reason the blog hasn’t been taken down or altered is because higher-ups have no problem with it.

Don’t worry, I won’t be giving weather reports so as not to offend anyone. I’ll keep writing whatever I want to write, and if they don’t want to read it, they don’t have to. Only thing I need to do is stop responding to so many of the overemotional, ill-conceived replies. But it’s fun, most of the time. I mean, come on, how can I not reply to a certain guy with a silly moniker whose posts sound like they’re being filed from a confederate asylum? I love it.

By nathan

April 21, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

I forgot to add this to my post before.

Between Arthur Blank & the Buying Group from Colorado, which one as fans should we root for to “win” the bidding war to purchase our favorite team? I’m of the belief that the right thing to do is what we are doing….that is, playing and developing the farm system so we have young talent on the rise. That said, I still would like to have an owner that would sign off on the mid-season aquisition to help out where we need it.

From what I’ve observed in the past, single owners (Arthur Blank) seem to be more emotionally involved as owner/fan. Corporations or Buying Groups tend to be a little more penny pinching.

So with this theory, I’m kinda hoping for Blank to take over……..do you agree?

If not, what are your thoughts (for the second time, in this “too long” of a post LOL!)

By old timer

April 21, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

MBATL, the AJC is just as serious about spelling every word correctly, putting in every comma, etc, as the Wall Street Journal is. But this is a blog. They throw it out here, and that’s the right way to do it. You just couldn’t do as much with a blog if you had to use the same standard as in the paper. That would mean a reporter writing the blog, rewriting it, rereading that, and then an editor reading it and then a copy editor reading it. You just can’t put that much manpower into it unless you don’t want to post very many blogs.

By MBATL

April 21, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

I understand all that, old timer. That was exactly my point. At least DOB seemed to understand that. btw, I have a communications degree (print journalism) from GSU (which of course I don’t brag about very often.)

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

I met Prado last weekend…. he does seem very quiet. He’s really nice though and was very nice and patient with the kids.

By old timer

April 21, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I think you consistantly make good points in your blogs. I try to scan this thing regularly. What did you do with that communications degree?

By GAW

April 21, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

I was watching the updates along the bottom of the screen on ESPN and it had a list of minor league players who had flunked drug tests and most of them were pitchers.I don’t know about Clemens but does anyone doubt that Rocker was a user.

By nathan

April 21, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

GAW, wouldn’t it be a shame if Clemens was?….I’ve questioned it myself many times. It’s too bad that all this crap had be going on make us question all these great accomplishments & players, but it definitely puts the doubt out there, doesn’t it?

Here are a few guys I would put on my “i have my doubts that it was natural” list:

Brady Anderson Garrett Anderson Chipper Jones (MVP season as I questioned in an ealier post - I’m sure I’ll catch heat for it!….I still love him either way) Albert Belle Julio Franco (it’s either in doubt or he is a freak of nature) Bret Boone and you are probably correct on Rocker (although the last time I checked it wasn’t illegal to be a moron! LOL!

feel free to list any other obviously curious names I may have forgotten.

By MBATL

April 21, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Mainly into angering people in online blogs, old timer, along with some nonprofit work and web design on the side. My point was just that I do understand - and was trying to point out - the difference in a blog and newspaper.

GAW, interesting about pitchers and steroids. Just read an article that said muscle mass was not the “limiter” for pitchers, that the ligaments and tendons just wouldn’t stand up to the pressure of throwing more than around 100 mph, which people have been doing for 50 years or more. Don’t know about the science of it, but it does seem that Nolan Ryan 35 years ago threw just as hard as anyone today, steroids or not. Rocker? wouldn’t disagree for a minute.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Tarp’s off, first pitch set for 9:17 p.m. And Prado will be playing short instead of Pena, since they don’t want Pena to get hurt on the wet field (joking. get it? OK, it’s been a long day)

By Anti-17 Year Old

April 21, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

What’s the latest on the weather DOB?

By old timer

April 21, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t always have time to watch the game, so I’m bummed about the rain delay. But they’ve had some good stuff on during it. Liked the Chipper interview. There’s a guy who almost certainly doesn’t do steroids. I see quite a bit of Chipper bashing on the blog, and I don’t understand it. He has been a great player for us. Number one pick in the nation. Remember when the choice was supposed to be Tim Costo, a college player who was supposed to be ready to help the hapless Braves immediately, and Henry Aaron, who was direcor of player personnel or something like that at the time, said, “Take Chipper.” Good call. No chipper, no 14 straight. Period.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Baseball expected at about 9:17.

MBATL, geechee saw the headline, as did Tennessee Paul, and a few others, including myself … geechee, and maybe even DOB, disagrees but I think it was much ado about nothing … it certainly got my attention and stirred things up … but, I can’t even remember what it was.

Of course, Jimmy Smith has exposed my weakness in that area.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 21, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith is reading a book on parenting baby seal. mbatl post today reminds journalist of baby seal seeking parental approval. mbatl offers sanguine and definitive opinion on headline in defense of daddy, not daddy - dob - and mbatl has not even read headline. geechee exposes mbatl and mbatl responds, “what was the headline?” by this time dob had already tossed mbatl small fish treat like baby seal gets when he is good. perhaps mbatl is pinniped for dob, in any case dob love fest continues. headline was inappropriate and misleading for text. dob said as much and had headline changed. now, dob had much to say in own defense - reasoned, articulate. jimmy smith understands but does not agree. as dob says, so what? journalist wonders has andruw come by tonight and thanked dob for suggesting to best of dob knowledge (but not certain) andruw probably/likely did not use artificial aids to reach performance level? journalist jimmy smith will be out of favor for this post but devil has made journalist do it. baseball game needs to start soon.

By MBATL

April 21, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

What was the headline? I gotta know!

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

bob, for your reading pleasure: bob and jimmy smith, why don’t you invite an insurance agent over to hear his schpeel one night? but you won’t be able to do that with a Life of Georgia agent, because the company doesn’t exist anymore. and as for smith being a gentleman, its easy to be gentlemanly when you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

Bob, the company was also sued by the cochran firm for targeting minority policy holders with inferior products. your friend rankin sure knew how to rip people off.

By Anti-17 Year Old

April 21, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

That was to p** you off by the way…

By GAW

April 21, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

Nathan, I remember Brett Boone’s many “warning track homers” with the Braves. I would hate to think that Garrett Anderson was on the juice but I only admired his clutch play when the Angels won the series as I don’t follow the AL much. Julio is amazing. I am glad he didn’t beat the Braves like he did the Padres last night. What he does at his age has to put him under suspicion.I believe chipper is a natural and wouldn’t have to go there. The whole issue is MLB’s fault for not dealing with the issue until they were forced to. Now all players have to deal with the fallout—Do they or don’t they ,only there dealer knows. Speaking of dealers, DOB, you are probably aware that “Mr Balco”,Victor Conte was once the bass player for “The Tower of Power” and known as Dr. Funk. I saw them a couple years ago and was amazed that they were all white guys.Great East Bay soul.

By nathan

April 21, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

DOB, I can understand if you want to stay clear of my Chipper questions, but are you avoiding my Arthur Blank / Colorado buying group question due to guilt by association to my other post? LOL!

I not trying to start s**t with the steroid questions, but being a longtime fan (1982 - watched all (back when WTBS televised 140 games or so) of the games at the beginning of the 13 - 0 season) Actually if I’m correct, I probably watched some of those games at about 2:00 AM Central Time, since it was before VCR’s were the norm, WTBS used to replay the games late night/early morning.

So my interest in whom purchases the Braves is sincere. As are my steroid inquiries. I have a 7 year old son who loves the Braves (isn’t brainwashing the youth of today wonderful?) and I would like to steer him towards idolizing people I know or think are clean so he can appreciate, love and respect the game the way i do and alway hope to. I consider Chipper to be a “throwback” player, who plays hard, plays with passion, and plays the game it way meant to be played, I would REALLY like to believe his best season happened because he had GOD given ability, and good old fashioned work ethic, not because he invested in some juice.

sorry, I’ll quit yapping, and go pull out my VHS copy of Braves vs. Dodgers from 1983 (Bob Watson hit a walk off home run to win it!) since the rain delay is depriving me of my Braves Baseball…..ENJOY!

By hk

April 21, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

… title was

“Steroids and Andruw … Yikes”

By MBATL

April 21, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Oh My GOD!

No cheaper than shot jjs takes.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

old timer,

I’ve always pulled for our 3rd baseman but had some concerns about the way Chipper has come across over the last few years … But that interview changed my mind … I think I was wrong and my fears unfounded; he seems like the real deal!

By hk

April 21, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

… “Steroids and Andruw … Yikes” also appears in the 3rd paragraph of DOB’s original article for this blog … article posted at 1:03pm today, title changed at approx 2:25pm …

By old timer

April 21, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

That line is still in there, hk, but it’s different from making it a headline. He’s using it in the story to say that’s not what he’s going say in the column. DOB says he doesn’t write headlines, and I’m sure that’s true, but he can suggest a headline, and more often than not, that is what the headline will be. In blog columns, probably 95 percent of the time they would use his suggested headline, and he might be wise to write them, especially in a blog like that.

By GAW

April 21, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

The colorado group can trade TW stock for ownership which saves them and TW a fortune in taxes. Maybe it is a ploy by TW to jack up Blanks offer. The Colorado group owns the Denver Nuggets and that team seems to be turning around. Careful what you wish for in ownership. I am from Oregon where the only game in town is the Trailblazers. Paul Allen ,one of the richest men in the world bought one of the most successful small market clubs and has run it in to the ground while spending ridiculous amounts of money.

By hk

April 21, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

oldtimer ..

… I’m an old timer as well(73) and also saw the Chipper Jones interview a while ago … really liked his crediting his folks, hard work, his love for Bobby, facing up to being resented, admitting mistakes in his personal life … good good stuff …

hk

By elbravo

April 21, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

“Rain and Roids, an unauthorized book revealing A.J’s conquest of the H.O.F”. Please, now he is hitting like expected for years, but he decides to juiced up when the testing is finally no joke? He is what he is, raw talent peaking at the right age. The juicers have contaminated their bodies and evertone’s way of thinking. Danm you Bonds!!

By elbravo

April 21, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

everyone’s and damn. I guess i am on the juice too! Roid rage…ytgfxbvjhgsc/

By old timer

April 21, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Decided to check, at random, another baseball blog. Went online at the Houston Chronicle. Read a very dull blog column by a Chronicle reporter about another Chronicle reporter and some other nonsense, and one interesting thing at the end where Lance Berkman says the reason so many guys are going deep is because the pitchers are off steroids. The thing was posted at 2:23 p.m. Not one person responded with a comment. So I tired to put something out there and this popped up:

Your comment has been received. To protect against malicious comments, I have enabled a feature that allows your comments to be held for approval the first time you post a comment. I’ll approve your comment when convenient; there is no need to re-post your comment. Return to the comment page.

So I guess comments, if anybody made any, were malicious, or they’re all first-timers and the reporter hasn’t gotten around to approving them yet.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

HK, I might suggest that you have gotten a tad obsessed with that line, my friend. Wow. I mean, let’s move on, my man. I wrote the line in the blog, headline writer slapped it on as a headline, I called her immediately after seeing it and had her change it.

I mean, let’s go. You’re the only one who’ll remember this chronology of events tomorrow, as it were important. It’s not.

…Anyway, this kid Pena may not be able to hit a lick yet, but he’s PHENOMENAL defensively. He just made two of the best shortstop plays I’ve seen all year, and he made them on back-to-back at-bats in the second inning. Awesome defense.

By hk

April 21, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

… absolutely beautiful play by Tony Pena, ranging far to his right, falling away toward left field making the throw, great pickup by LaRoche … one of the prettiest plays of the year …

By Carroll

April 21, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

Oh my GAWD Jeff Torbore is such an idiot. He makes me long for the days of Paciorek.

By David O'Brien

April 21, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

As it were important supposed to be “as if it were important.”

Just realized Sunday night game’s on ESPN, which means if tomorrow’s rained out, I’d bet it’ll have to be made up later, not as a doubleheader Sunday.

By hk

April 21, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

DOB ..

… well, we agreed on Pena, had almost the same thought simultaneously ..

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

if pena were 40 and was batting a buck twenty-five, he could start in the playoffs for bobby.

By Penn

April 21, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Hey geechee, I saw the original headline and I saw the garbage you posted. It annoyed me enough to ask the question.

As for being a Braves fan I go back to when they were still in Boston and I saw them play when they were in Milwaukee. When did your undying faith in the Braves start? Was it prior to 1991 or did you come on board after the fair weather set in?

Enjoy your evening.

By MrC

April 21, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

That was weak defense and slow reaction by Betemit. He should of at least knocked that ball down

By elbravo

April 21, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

vegas baby, vegas!

By geechee

April 21, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Penn your post came in after they changed the headline or you would have said something earlier. So you have been caught in a lie. When I open a Braves blog and see and a headline that screams that Druw is on steroids I’m going to say something about it and you are not going to stop me. I understand that DOB did not do the headline but the paper did. It was obviously such a disgusting headline that it has been changed. How often do you see that happen?

By glennbo

April 21, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

man smoltz aint foolin’ too many people tonight. hope he makes it 7 innings.

By Marc

April 21, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Boy, if there is rain in the forecast and Smoltz is supposed to start, just scratch him. The guy is like the wicked witch, water makes him melt. He looks awful, against an awful team. This game should not be a surprise, the Braves have never been able to hit Patterson. With this lineup, it’s ajoke. These guys have to step it up until the regulars get healthy. Franceur is still not hitting, Mcann isn’t hitting. Hopefully the Mets wont run and hide while the Braves get healthy. It would be classic if the Braves get beat up by the team, everyone said sucked, that the Mets ate up. Let’s see, go Braves.

By nathan

April 21, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

anyody else agree with me that having a “vetern” on the bench (jordan) is worthless if he can’t actually hit.

CALL UP J.J………NOW!

Which brings me to this…..if you wanted a veteran right handed bat to platoon/backup first base. Why not keep Julio around? I don’t care if it did save 1 million dollars! I’d rather spend 2 million & have a guy that can actually hit, then spend 600,000 (or whatever his worthless salary is) and have him hit pop up after pop up after pop up after pop up after pop up…..oh, gotta throw in the occasional rally killing double play grounder!

By Andy

April 21, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Man how can we ever win a game with 6 hitters—and 3 players who hit basically like pitchers. Might be a tough loss for Smoltz, in the rain.

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

McBride is going to AAA to continue rehab…

…new story up on Atl’s site

By woogidyboogidy

April 21, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

marc. McCann 2-2 and Francouer hitting it on the button tonight. Two adam balls.

By GAW

April 21, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

Adam balls —-cruel—-but funny

By tim

April 21, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

Is anyone else watching the game tonite annoyed by the FSN broadcasts microphones in the stands picking up some idiot who keeps making stupid comments after each pitch? And I’m not refering to the announcers…

By Bob

April 21, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

glennbo,

I’ve known some mighty fine agents … and seen some mighty bad ones too.

I remember Daddy, back in the 40’s inviting an Agent over one Sunday afternoon, just to to hear his “schpeel” … as you call it.

When he finished, Daddy said, “sounds great … I’ll take $25,000”; about 25 times the amount for which the agent had hoped. The agent couldn’t conceal his excitement as he eagerly took out the application … but you should have seen him squirm when Daddy told him that he was a Test Pilot … another true story.

Unqualified agents are like unqualified anything … dangerous! Just don’t be too quick to group them all together; that would be like grouping Bonds and Aaron together, just because of race.

Few people, including the vast majority of agents, have any more than a casual, entry level understanding of the insurance mechanism … but then that’s not their job … that would be like requiring all players to know how identify good talent or manage the team. Regarding Rankin Smith, I believe that you’ll find that he came up through the ranks … on the agency side of the business, and earned his position, regardless of his family’s influence and dominating interest in the business.

I’m not familiar with Cochran suit but the post WWII pricing dynamics of “small amount” insurance policies were more complex than you might imagine due to rapidly changing socio-economic conditions and other factors … that had little or nothing to do with race or minority group related issues.

Any company, abusing its customers for an extending period, won’t survive very long … certainly not as long as the Life of Georgia. You may recognize that thought … it’s my version of another Smith axiom … Adam Smith’s Law of the Invisible Hand.

It shouldn’t be too hard for any of us to be gentlemanly; regardless of our station in life or status at birth. I sometimes think those born with a silver spoon might have it worse than the rest of us because they will never know what it means to rise above one’s beginnings in life.

Still, it might have been nice to have the money and have had the chance to test out that theory.

Why couldn’t it have continued to rain?

By nathan

April 21, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

I think everybody needs to get used to this lineup (unfortunately), because if you think giles & renteria are not going to be nagged by their injuries all year…..you are all wrong!

They’re feeling the pressure to come back to soon & they & us as fans are going to pay the price in the long run.

Also, I agree with you Marc, everybody on here and the Braves Vent, was bashing the Mets saying they didn’t beat anybody, “they got to play the sh**ty Nationals 6 times”…….

What does that make the Braves?……Chocolate covered s**t?..LOL!

But I hope that I’m wrong, cuz this is ugly!

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

AWESOME McCann!! BEAUTIFUL!

By GAW

April 21, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

just so they don’t put Jordan in for defence.

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Speaking of back acne, who do you think has more: that annoying teenager that interrupted our blog the other day or the steroid king himself, Barry Bonds?

By matt

April 21, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

braves are looking pretty sorry against patterson, especially langerhans with 3 strikeouts. i know the braves are going to have games like this throughout the season, just like every team, but to watch it and have to listen to bob rathburn and jeff torborg really makes it more frustrating. bob rathburn sounds like he’s rooting against the braves and jeff torborg sounds like an idiot, i really don’t like watching games on fox sports south.

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

FSN: I agree… I’m tired of it! and the stupid thing they did with those two fans a few minutes ago… What purpose?? and the guy yelling Chipper while Andruw was batting …Wha? It’s crazy…

By woogidyboogidy

April 21, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

yea McCann can’t hit he’s only 3-3

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Chanches are McCann will get hurt running the bases.

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

better than orr…

By ncscoots

April 21, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

jeez, I know it’s not our strongest lineup, but Patterson is dealing…wait a minute, first and third, maybe he’s tiring…

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

You think the lineup is bad, how weak is that current bench?!?!

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Brian showed up for the game… I wish he could get some help though!

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

better than pena…

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

Miranda, the help has arrived!

By woogidyboogidy

April 21, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

Rondicarelionia hurry talk trash about betemit maybe he’ll get a triple

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Finally… good job by Orr… nice hustle too

we gotta get him in… cant leave him on 3rd!

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

betemit is a career bench player!

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

finally… let’s see if Wilson can help Orr out here too!

…ugh… I don’t agree with that 2nd strike call

By woogidyboogidy

April 21, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

WOW what a gritty comeback!

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

IT WORKED…I AM THE HERO!!!

By ncscoots

April 21, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

good deal…petey and wilson looked overmatched all night, but get their licks in late. gawd, I love baseball!

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

YES! tied game!

alright guys… don’t let em score

By woogidyboogidy

April 21, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

Rondicarelionia, Where were you on langerhans?

By Chop Chop

April 21, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

Langerhans has the golden sombrero.

By Bob

April 21, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

old timer,

Well, Houston’s got Milo and all that humidity.

The review and notice to first timers’ looks like a great gatekeeping device … sounds like they don’t review the others.

It might have worked initially … but word gets around and anyway, it just makes good sense to be nice on your first visit; test the water before you plunge … get a lot welcome aboard posts … then, once you’re in!

By ncscoots

April 21, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

shoot, this scenario oughta work…Andruw leading the ninth, so I’ll just go ahead and call it for him…dinger wins it.

By elbravo

April 21, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

vegas baby, vegas!

By ncscoots

April 21, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

oops…Church’s triple might already have me out of the money, elbravo…

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

dang… why couldn’t wsh be in the field when it’s raining this hard!

…we’re gonna go through the whole pen in this inning!

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

AJ can tie…I just hope he gets that chance!

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

we gotta get some more of that magic work going when we come back in to hit!

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Cordero has not been as sharp this year as he was last year. And we’ve got 3 guys coming up that know how to go deep.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 21, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

Oooohhhhh oh oh oh oh oohhh…Ooohhhh oh oh oh oh Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!…

By Miranda

April 21, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

OMG… you’re kidding right??

I DID NOT JUST SEE THAT! I’M DREAMING!

By elbravo

April 21, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

2 questions before leaving for vegas: why is T. Pena wearing a T? Do we have another Pena in the bigs? And being a very supersticious baseball viewer, I tend to turn down the sound on MLB.TV, and listen to tunes, why not closed caption? vegas baby,vegas…

By Rondicarelionia

April 21, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

Good night everyone!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 21, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

Oooooohhhhhhh Oh Oh Oh Oh OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!…………..Go Nats!!!…

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 21, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Just kidding everyone. This really sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!……..Go Braves!!!…

By hk

April 21, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

… talk about a bad day in black rock …

By nathan

April 21, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

if you’re gonna throw 3 low and outside pitches……why not make it 4?…………or I guess you can groove a 3-1 pitch!…….incredible!

another comeback wasted.

as for remlinger…..he is the bullpen version of jordan…..ship him out….NOW!

oh yeah! i forgot, he was good 10 years ago, so bobby will keep him around all year!

oh well, tomorrow’s a new day! good night all!

By Fab

April 21, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

This is worse than just losing 3 - 0….

By nathan

April 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

i couldn’t agree more!

By Miranda

April 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

lol… and check it out… it quit raining when they got back on the field!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

That’s just what we need…Jones hurt too!

By nathan

April 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

i couldn’t agree more!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

journalist reports 14 total bases for soriano tonight. where is bobby dews when he is needed? the braves didn’t want to play this game in the rain - it shows.

By nathan

April 22, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

i couldn’t agree more!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 22, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

That’s just what we need…Jones hurt too!

By Bob

April 22, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

glennbo,

My positing wasn’t meant to be offensive or pontification … the issue just happens to be the essence of my thesis in 1960 on “weekly premium” pricing misconceptions; a little before politial correctness became so popular.

I strongly support severe penalities for those companies that abuse their customers … but I don’t think that legal firms should be the ones benefiting from those sins. Wronged individuals should be duly compensated but not entitled to excessive windfalls.

It’s a highly regulated industry that really tries to keep such abuse in check; regardless of the ever present, self-serving ads to the contrary.

I feel just as strongly about the braves!

By nathan

April 22, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

sorry….i didn’t me to AGREE that much! LOL…Good Night for reals, this time!

By Miranda

April 22, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

Oh well… it was a nice come back for a couple minutes then it all went south! hopefully we can win the next two games and move on!

…ump got in a groove of calling strikes there when they got back on the field… everything was a strike!

oh well… I’m out for the night!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 22, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

I’m going to put the children asses to bed. Good night all and to DOB: let’s make love?!?!

By geechee

April 22, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

Remlinger is what you get when you have one of the five lowest median salary payrolls in the majors. It’s time that Time-Warner got cut from the team.

By elbravo

April 22, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

is there such a thing as a no runner on base grandslam? those swings in the ninth were the worse display of patience ever. oh well, viva las vegas. ain’t baseball great?

By Fab

April 22, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Would have been nice to sweep the Nats, but 2 of 3 is always the goal. Hopefully the Mets lose tonight.

Tomorrow will be better….

By ncscoots

April 22, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

wow, i must have jinxed us bad with the call for that AJ HR…my computer shut down for no discernible reason, and when i get back up, i see it’s SORIANO hitting a dinger! somebody slap me if i get into the “predictions” business again….

By Bob

April 22, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

What a bummer! But even the great Dan Patch lost a few!

By Scott

April 22, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

Andruw’s my type of player. Hit a game winning homerun then go eat a big fat cheese burger and wash it down with a couple of beers.

That’s what Babe Ruth did for years and it worked for him.

By glennbo

April 22, 2006 03:18 AM | Link to this

bob, wow, an insurance exec dissing class action lawyers. talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

By Marc

April 22, 2006 03:49 AM | Link to this

What is the deal with the Braves not being able to play when the weather is a little cold and damp. Does it not get cold, or ever rain in Atlanta. Cox has an excuse every time. I didn’t want to leave Smoltz out there, Remlinger couldn’t grip the ball. The Nationals looked fine. You have got to be kidding me, no wonder everyone makes fun of baseball players. These guys are like dolls, they act like they are going to break. Rain or not the Braves need to step up and win some of these close games. Luckily the Mets lost. I give credit to the Braves hitters for tying it up, that was huge, with all the injuries. But the pitching is terrible. If it isn’t the starters blowing it, then the bullpen does. We had a chance in this game, but it is so delating when the team makes a great comeback and then the pitchers give up four runs in the next inning. Why don’t we just forfeit the rest of the games in April and early May. Just until the weather gets better.

By Bob

April 22, 2006 04:26 AM | Link to this

Scott, Yeah, you’re right Scott … as far as it goes.

I think that it would be fun to compare the mighty deeds of 3 Brave Greats. It’s important to remember that a very young JS traded for him late in his career. Not everyone remembers that, like Andruw and Hank, the Babe was a Brave … well, not exactly like them … he spent some time with that other team is Boston but they didn’t want him and sold him to the Yankees … but he was indeed a Brave.

Lest we forget, this Blog’s about Steriods and the Babe’s stats should be actuarially adjusted, just to make things fair … and keep the record comparisons straight.

To really be fair, his Homerun numbers should be adjusted to reflect how many more he would’ve hit with today’s expanded schedule, more days off, livelier ball, hitter friendly parks, weaker pitching, better traveling accomodations, computer aids to help him analyze the opposing pitchers … as well as his own hitting; not to mention being relieved of the burden of having teach ole Charlie Root the secrets of hitting, and the impact of vital Blog imput. Then we need to add the extra ones he would hit had he not wasted all that time being one of the best pitchers around; Ruth either holds or at one time held, the record for strikeouts against the Yankees.

Most importantly, we’ve got to consider, just to be fair, how many more we could have expected him to hit if he’d had access to Barry’s stash of drugs, just in case he thought he needed them when he got old and started slowing down.

I agree, Steroids would have made no difference to the Babe, … to him, that would be cheating … just like it was to Hank and is to Andruw.

It would take some time to develop good sound estimates of the impact of these changes in the game on Ruth’s statistics.

However, it’s intutively obvious that he was the greatest Power Hitter of all time, regardless of what any or all the non-comparable, meaningless statistics, used to compare players from different eras, might say.

I can just see tomorrow’s Bolg Headline “Bob says Babe is still king of the power hitters!”

I may not consider Hank as the Gane’s best Power Hitter, but he had the quickest wrist in baseball … maybe the fastest ever. He could still hit them out, even now.

It’s hard to properly compare the Babe with Hank but it’s most unfortunate that Hank’s hest remembered for his homeruns … rather than the fact that he was one of the best 5 tool players of all time!

Lets just let Andruw surprise us all … he should continue to improve in all categories for some time to come. Assuming that he stays healthy and firms up his midsection a bit … I suspect that he’ll ul;timately be be the winner in all categories on this competition among Brave greats except average … inspite of his numbers as a hitter, I hope that he’ll be best remembered for his defense and compared more to Willie … rather than either of these two.

By LA Brave

April 22, 2006 04:39 AM | Link to this

I didn’t have time to read all of this unusually long blog but I skimmed it. Just like I did the book on Bonds and the Forbes article on baseball. This is a busy world and many times I only have time to skim sports news stories. So I will sum up my thoughts…Bonds must do roids, the Pirates are stealing from the Yankees, I’m surprised that Andruw is now in the conversation about roids (hence guilty by association) and I’m glad DOB finally came out of the closet, I know many bloggers are gay, some great bloggers are, in fact, some of the best even though he doesn’t look it and hasn’t been seen with many of those gay ones, good for DOB! Good post all! Many of us skim articles these days and you’ve given a ton of info. Much appreciated!

By LA Brave

April 22, 2006 04:43 AM | Link to this

BTW, the rumors I always heard was that DOB got divorced because he beat his wife to have something in common with Bobby Cox. I’m glad that’s not true and that is was really because he is gay. Solid work today, all! Keep it up. Baseball blogs rule.

By doc

April 22, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

la brave. since you live in la and know so much and this is a coming out party, are you gay?

By next

April 22, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

Next subject, PLEASE!

By Carroll

April 22, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

What is it about the gNats that seems to bring out the worst in the Braves?

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith reports soriano resting comfortably this morning after a big game yesterday. jimmy smith asked soriano if he thinks andruw eats cheeseburgers or pills and soriano called andruw a tub of goo three-quarter pounder with cheese. so, dob was right - this came from a player - the players know who’s on the burgers. in other baseball news, the nats pitchers gripped the ball well enough to strike out the braves’ 3, 4 and 5 hitters 9 times. it was the braves who could not grip the ball. if bobby dews were here he could help them with grip issues.

By Ken

April 22, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

Hey Manny: I am a former body-builder. I know about just about every kind of “juice” available and how they make men grow. I guess that is first hand knowledge. Smart-a—.

By glennbo

April 22, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

ken, mark derosa was on roids? just file him under “can’t get blood from a turnip”.

By sckot

April 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

Any chance of a trade for Dontral Willis. I hear rumors he might be traded due to his contract. Maybe just a thought but a Hudson, Smoltz and Willis wouldn’t be a bad thought.

By Hal

April 22, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

I have been watching the braves since 1957 both live and on tv Andruw is the BEST player period i have ever seen including Aaron and Mathews by an eyelash ! He fallows none of the profiles of a juicer .Infact his body more resembles mine then Barry Roid Bonds just another reason i hold him in the highest regard.The blogger who stated hes vastly underrated couldent have been more right. For years i have been amazed at Atlanta fans Blase additude to someone who deserves to be mentioned with the very best who have ever played the game!

By DC Pride

April 22, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Atlanta should go for Zito instead, a left hander we can obtain for this year, they have the prospect to do so.

So i’m off to watch the Nationals win again, GOOOOOOO NATTTTTS

By Joe Roman

April 22, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

I just pray to God that whomever the new owner of the Braves might be will move heaven and earth to make Andruw a Brave for the rest of his career. Dave, you did a nice piece on a delicate issue that needed to be addressed.

By hk

April 22, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

jimmy …

… can’t stand it any longer not knowing, the ‘wurlitzer prize’ …. my speculations, let’s see, wulitzer juke boxes, played music for the public, hmmm, so do disk jockies, who also have conversations back and forth with people over the phone, a radio blog so to speak … ahh, it must be like the Pulitzer prize, the Wurlitzer prize is for disk jockies and blogger hosts … no, that’s not it … hmmm wurlitzer pipe organs for churches and theaters … no no no …

… small probability of a game tonight …

By hk

April 22, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Bob, you mentioned Milo and the heat down in Houston, brought back memories … remember Milo and Larry Munson doing the Braves games ?? … am a little fuzzy, think it was the last year in Milwaukee when they knew they were coming to Atlanta, and the first year in Atlanta … Earnie Sr. appeared somewhere along in there ..

… I lived in Houston 1950-55’, no air conditioning (groan)..

… I really liked your discussion of how the Babe’s numbers should be adjusted for all kinds of differences between Then and Now … puts the whole steroid thing in perspective … you used the phrase “much to do about nothing” yesterday, think it applies here …

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

DOB please come out of closet. I love you mam. Marry me please I love you bigpappi. You make jimmy hot hot hot!or I will have to settle for rr. a little r&r. I love you DOB!

By TheSouthernJackAssJournalist

April 22, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Looks like DOB got what he deserved here yesterday - by the way DOB - AJC - Whoever,,, while you’re busy deleting my comments that you don’t like - don’t forget to delete all those posted under my name by all the cowardly, limp-wristed keyboard jockeys and pseudo-journalists that grace “your” blog with endless delirium day in and day out…..and DOB, I’m out of your blog now…my work is done…you’ve been exposed…any furthur comments under my name won’t be by me!!!…I can go in peace now!!!…I hope you and Ron Roberts and jimmy smith can live happily ever after now!!!…GO METS!!!…

By David O'Brien

April 22, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

I’ll let you fellas get back to your discussions of gayness and the likes, just wanted you all to know it’s raining steadily here and no signs of a letup. But no word expected for some time regarding tonight’s game.

Oh, and I like SJA’s new moniker: LA Brave. The creativity is bottomless with our obsessive friend….

Amazing what a certain subject will do to bring folks to the surface (not steroids, but the subject that someone named Randy got us going on some 20 hours ago. Thanks, Randy boy. Hope you got a rise out of a topic you clearly, uh, enjoy discussing, if you know what I mean.

By hk

April 22, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

DOB, … paraphrasing what Jimmy just said (I think) …

… I have been following blogs for about 10 years now, and this is a really good one, for one reason, your leadership … I respect and trust a guy who says what’s on his mind, even when it means taking a little heat … this is a very healthy blog, and yesterday is gone and forgotten ..

By David O'Brien

April 22, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

SJA, thanks for posting No. 300 on the blog. Ch-ching.

And we know you’ll be back, if not under that silly name, then under another. You intellectual, you.

By the way, do you work or have a hobby, other than reading every word I write? Just curious. Keep posting, man. The tech people love counting the number of posts you send from that IPO address, under various names.

I’ll be leaving for a while now, so don’t have your feelings hurt if I don’t respond. See, I actually get away from the keyboard for a few hours a day.

By next

April 22, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with hk on this one. I respect and trust a GAY who says what’s on his mind too, even when it means taking a little heat.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith is a victim of identity theft! an impostor has posted using the journalist jimmy smith name. impostor makes ugly post so all can know is not jimmy smith. theimpostormaybesoutherneasterbunnygoneuglymixedwithajackass - not sure. journalist now replies to hk: journalist asks for forgiveness, jimmy smith has somehow confused pulitzer prize with wurlitzer prize. that must be why the pulitzer people hung up on jimmy smith with mention of dob name for prize and wurlitzer people offered to put dob on mailing list for big piano catalog. oh, well, dob will have to fare for himself for next journalism award. now, baseball … proper grip is important in baseball. braves’ pitchers and manager have complained about poor grip after two of this season’s losses. rain is suspected as the culprit - but opposing team seems unaffected.

now, commentary … why is one team affected by slippery ball and other team is not? to this journalist rain is not the issue … so, journalist jimmy smith suggests when manager rubs up ball and hands to reief pitcher like remlinger maybe slippery, gooey, foreign substance has been introduced to ball - but by accident, not cheating. not sure if this is the case, but this idea should be explored.

By hk

April 22, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

jimmy … thank you for the info, I like wulitzer better than pulitzer, nicer ‘sound’ to it … ajc techies probably can tell who your identity theft guy is … I’ve never seen a wilder pitch than Rem threw last night, even the one Wholers threw in the middle of giving an intentional pass that time … my theory is that older guys like Smoltz and Rem take longer to warm up, and they need a sort of continuity, a rythm … rain delay disrupted that a bit ..

By Joe Roman

April 22, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid you are right, Dave. I live in Baltimore, and I doubt the weather will improve in time for the game in D.C. It must be disheartening to read some of the postings here. Maybe it’s always been like this and blogs and cable sports etc. have just brought it out more, but isn’t it kind of creepy how some people need the cover of sports to deal with some highly unsettling ‘personal issues’? I thought sports were supposed to be fun.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

hk reminds jimmy smith of illustrious mark wohlers, man gone wild. jimmy smith was in attendance at stadium when wohlers made attempt at comeback vs. chicago cubs … every ball to the screen - sad. one thing now concerns jimmy smith … bobby cox rubbed up ball and handed to wohlers, too - much like to remlinger last night. journalist considers that crude substance accidently passes from esteemed manager bobby cox fingers to baseball … what must substance be?

By rw

April 22, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

Great article DOB. I am glad someone brought it up. I have been waiting for someone to make accusations and this quashed it before it became an issue.

Good work, RW…

By Penn

April 22, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

geechee, no sob calls me a liar and gets away with it. One thing I hate more about people than anything else are those who lie.

Just because I didn’t post before I did simply indicated I had nothing to say. It does not indicate I did not see the original headline or the comments that followed.

Now go screw yourself…

By Carolina Lady

April 22, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Ok, Jimmy, I’ll play: Where have Bobby’s fingers been??? Many dugout scenes on TV provide serious hint.

By hk

April 22, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

jimmy … well, I’ve always read that Bobby, while placid and easy going on the outside, is very intense underneath it all… maybe he is suppressing, giving very sweaty palms, thus producing slippery ball !

… during the 70’s and 80’s, did alot of work in Africa, particularly Khartoum and Nairobi (mgmt consulting, food related) … never made it in between, always heard Uganda was a lovely place, temperate climate, the lakes and all …

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

carolina lady is right on track with jimmy smith on matter of slippery baseball … and matter of good manners in dugout must logically follow. carolina lady probably understands journalist’s reluctance to discuss further for journalist must have free and unencumbered access to braves clubhouse for journalistic purposes so journalist can do journalism. lady has a good nose for the problem if you know what jimmy smith means … hk, jimmy smith wonders if you perhaps have heard music from ugandan amadinda xylophone? please let jimmy smith know.

By David O'Brien

April 22, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, frankly a few of us have asked ourselves the same question _ Why the rain seems to affect Braves pitchers a lot more than the opponent. Brad Penny had eight Ks in the first game at LA when Smoltz struggled, and Patterson absolutely dominated the Braves for seven innings last night. Langy fitted for golden sombrero after going 0-for-4 with 4 Ks against Patterson.

Joe Roman, you’re right. Kinda creepy, but what are you gonna do? We choose not to censor unless guys get racist or whatever. Personally, the stuff doesn’t bother me. But as a fan, I know it’s gotta keep a few of the more learned and tasteful folks away, those who don’t want to read stuff that sprouts from the frightening minds of some who struggled with issues and find an outlet here shielded behind a bogus screen name. But whatever.

Normally, the discussions are much more sane and stimulating, regarding baseball, music, etc. But some dude named Randy lit a fuse yesterday when one of his own personal issues came to the fore, something totally unrelated to the discussion of the actual blog.

Regarding the weather, it’s actually clear here right now, hasn’t rained in hour or so. Is more rain on the way, for sure? I’m headed out to the park in about 15 minutes, gonna catch the subway.

By the way, if I haven’t mentioned it, the Son Volt CD “Okemah and the Melody of Riot” is incredible. It’s been out a while, but I’ve been playing it to death on this trip and just thought I’d offer that suggestion to anyone into Wilco, alt-country or just good songwriting with a mellow, Neil Youngish country-rockin’ tone.

By Carolina Lady

April 22, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

:-))) I wondered how far you wanted to go with that line, my witty cousin! I think we probably have enough information….. :-)))

By geechee

April 22, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

So Penn, you saw that disgusting headline, before it was changed, which indicated that Druw was steroids user and it did not upset you? Is that what you want me to believe? You are not only a liar but a fool also.

By Chop Chop

April 22, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Well, the end result of the blog headline debacle yesterday and the ensuing hubbub can be summed up thusly:

“You know what happens when you assume. You make an a* out of you and me.”

Reading without comprehension is common. Comprehension without understanding is quite a different trick.

By hk

April 22, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

jimmy … know absolutely nothing about it, but did a quick google, alot of info out there, see where it is a Ugandan tradition, word means ‘sounding keys’ … listened to a couple of pieces:

Akaawologoma (The little lion) Katonda kya kuwa (God provides)

… the net is really incredible, I just love it …

… knew right away what Carolina Lady was talking about, made me laugh, but I’m sure nobody ‘knows’ what you all were saying …

By David O'Brien

April 22, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Well, folks, it appears we might actually get this game in. Probably will, in fact. Against all forecasts, it hasn’t rained that much today and is just sprinkling now when it comes and goes. Right now, I suspect it’ll happen.

By geechee

April 22, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, if that comment is aimed at me then you are doing the assuming. You are also very naive if you do not understand what could happen to a headline like that as it spreads across the net. I had no problem with the column but the headline almost gave me an aneurism. It was only up for brief amount of time because some of us were very clear about our anger. Had we not been,it would have remained for all to see. We wanted that headline removed and it was. At that point there were no more problems except from people who never saw the headline and just “assumed” they knew what had happened.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

hk, bobby cox is most affable to all journalists but journalists all know never to shake hands with bobby cox. ex-president jimmy carter once offered to share a bag of peanuts with braves manager and had to call in secret service to mitigate damage to hair, suit, tie, rosalynn, anything touched after reaching back into bag. not a pretty thought, and not appetizing. jimmy smith is not pointing a toe at bobby cox but one must consider something is contaminating baseball and causing undue slipperiness in hands of braves pitchers after bobby rubs up baseball. this subject is delicate and has been off of blog for a number of weeks but can resurface in an instant - one blogger in particuar is subject to objectionable blogs concerning foreign substance on manager’s fingers, in dugout, on rails, on bench, on cap, on pants, on everything. we must dance lightly over subject and avoid bringing out that particular blogger (not carroll- someone else). watch closely when manager bobby cox is on camera in dugout and perhaps you can dig out a clue on what journalist is talking about. perhaps you will pick up on it quickly. now, ugandan amadinda xylophone … instrument of choice if jimmy smith ever makes big leagues and has own theme music when coming to bat. now, baseball … when will bobby cox go with powerful lineup featuring pratt, pena, prado, and pete orr? time will soon come when bobby spills the p’s.

By Penn

April 22, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith, that last post of yours had me laughing out loud. Glad to hear that foreign substance on BC’s fingertips messed up Jimmer’s peanuts.

Reminded me (for some reason) of a little ole lady who recently made a trip to Kentucky. She said she enjoyed everthing about the trip except for that tube of Kentucky jelly someone had left behind in her hotel room.

I wonder how it would have tasted served with peanuts.

By Chop Chop

April 22, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

geechee, that post was directed at people who reacted like you did, not just you. Since you responded, may I ask why a headline for an AJC sports blog nearly give you an aneurysm? I love sports and am a big Braves fan, but even if DOB’s blog had been an actual attempt to accuse of Andruw of using steroids, I still wouldn’t react violently to it. I would just wonder why he’s the only guy officially beginning the crusade.

You directed this one to me:

You are also very naive if you do not understand what could happen to a headline like that as it spreads across the net.

geechee, I’m definitely not naive about the hysterical reactions that people can have to things they read on the Internet. For example, when I read the rumor that TomKat was splitting up, I nearly slit my wrists. However, in all seriousness, this is the Internet. It would be wise to take most things you read on here with a pillar, let alone a grain, of salt. If you see a headline that seems a little too provocative, you can complain (as you did). That’s fine. Freaking out about it is not the best idea. After all, you wrote this not long after the blog appeared:

*By geechee

April 21, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

I feel this is totally irresponsible of the AJC to print a story like this even if it is just online. Because this Druw’s hometown paper, it is now going to be spread all over the internet that Druw is on roids when he is not. He has gained weight but his weight gain is not consistent with roid use. This is very upsetting that this paper without a shread of evidence would now start this rumor. If the Braves organization does not file a formal complaint with the AJC on his behalf, I will lose all respect for them as now have done for the AJC.*

You don’t even mention the headline in there. In fact, you accuse the AJC of “starting a rumor”…or maybe I can’t comprehend what I read.

All I’m saying is that I believe it’s wiser to think about what the context of what you’ve actually read than to type angry missives about it.

By Chop Chop

April 22, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Oh…and there’s an extra “what” in the final sentence of my last post. I guess I need an editor to think up a sexy headline for my mistake.

By geechee

April 22, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, I’m really not sure why I am even discussing this with someone whose life revolves around movie stars and their breakups but, I want to point out that I have gone out of my way to say that my reponse had nothing to do with the column itself, only with the headline and you keep twisting those words just to argue and hoping nobody will scroll up and see that. I will repeat, how often do you see newspapers change headlines? It was changed because it was inflammatory and false. DOB did not write the headline and when he realized it, he had it changed because he knew it totally distorted the whole meaning of his column. If you are merely trying to goad me into repeating the headline just so you know what it said, that is not going to work. Let it go.

By hk

April 22, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

jimmy… as I read your analysis, I wonder now about this rash of injuries we have been having … could our boys be tracking foreign substances out on to the field from the duggout?? … maybe that’s what happened to Chipper, and Giles slipping into 2nd, and Ramirez sliding down toward first base … hmmm … wurlitzer <—-> amadinda ?? … hmmmm …

… your proposed lineup reminds me of one time back in the Marine Corps (1955) … was eating with Big Bill Baxley … he was always talking in alliteration (unintentionally), I always gave him a hard time about it … anyway, we were alone at the table with a whole stack of pork chops left, decided to have a pork chop eating contest … I won the contest, but shortly after was hospitalized, diaagnosed with acute gastro-something … sometime later Bill was telling me he had told his dad (a doc) about my condition, his dad said “sounds like he got hold of a Punk Piece of Pork” … Baxley has never heard the end of that one ‘til this day … on your lineup, I would think it would have to be a Pendleton Preference …

By Chop Chop

April 22, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

geechee, at least you helped me have a good laugh today.

Your “other posts” you refer to that helped explain your anger (only at the headline, of course) included such niceties as:

“If you were not one of the ones who had to stare at that original disgusting headline then you can not understand or you are simply no true Braves fan”

“The guy who was in charge of the headlines knew exactly what he was doing and knew he was stirring up trouble and did it anyway”

“So Penn, you saw that disgusting headline, before it was changed, which indicated that Druw was steroids user and it did not upset you? Is that what you want me to believe? You are not only a liar but a fool also.”

I’m just asking if it was really worth all of that anger. You throw everyone under the bus that doesn’t agree with your viewpoint. If Andruw were angry about it and said so, I’d be angry. I guess that’s how I look at it. Otherwise, it’s not a big deal. To quote you, “Let it go.”

(After all, it’s not as bad as that TomKat rumor! I still sob uncontrollably when I think about it! And yes, just to be clear about the TomKat stuff, I’m kidding! I know humorous irony and sarcasm aren’t always understood on blogs! Weeeeeee!)

By Rodney

April 22, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Can’t we all just get along?

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

doc, journalist is concerned for blogger hk who has participated in a pork chop eating contest. should hk be concerned about gout in toes? penn, you could be added to lineup- pratt, pena, prado, pete orr, and penn. bob is actuary (under some heat from glennbo for actuarial practices in industry) - maybe bob can relate the odds of finding a few more p’s to play on potential power packed team. now, baseball … watch for pena to become a bobby cox favorite. glove is special but he will not play ahead of current players unless they are injured. so many light-hitting infielders and so little base hit potential on bench. presence? yes, plenty.

By David O'Brien

April 22, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Raining pretty steadily, folks. We avoided much of the rain earlier, it was just to the east of D.C. But not this stuff, and it’s gonna be here a while. They banged the game in Philly already, but haven’t heard anything one way or another here. I’d be surprised if it started on time, that’s for sure.

If it’s rained out, word is that they’ll make it up Sept. 18, which right now is an off day before a two-game series at RFK. So it’d work easy, obviously just become a three-game series.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

dobb, is andruw hurt? journalistic courtesy.

By Chuckles D

April 22, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Baseball anyone?

DOB, what are the chances of playing? Any chance Langerhans makes contact tonight? Talked to Prado yet?

How ‘bout dat dawg Will Startup? Hear anything about him lately? Any chance he makes it up this year (once we cut Remmy loose)?

By Chop Chop

April 22, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the Braves wlll skip Sosa in the rotation if today’s game gets rained out.

By geechee

April 22, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, keep twisting, I have not mentioned a single word about disagreeing with anyone’s viewpoint. I was upset about a headline that linked Druw with steroids which is in no way a cute funny subject with baseball today. Are you now saying that the headline was a viewpoint, because if you are then the guy should be fired immediately. If a headline writer at the St Louis Post Dispatch had printed the same headline about Albert Pujols, he probably would have been and St. Louis fans would have flipped out. But lets take your idea and ask Druw if it is fine with him to see headlines online in the AJC linking him to steroids and then it can be settled. You do understand that the headline at the top is not the original one don’t you?

By Chuckles D

April 22, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

Skip him twice???

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 22, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

I’m back b***!

By Blake

April 22, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

game is rained out

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

game postponed due to rain. baby seal having fun on tarp. security thinks baby seal is small fan. must catch seal before another ugly biting incident.

By David O'Brien

April 22, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Folks, the game’s been rained out, will be made up Sept. 18 at 7:05 p.m., on what had been a scheduled day off before two-game series at RFK. Now a three-game series.

Braves are just moving their rotation back a day, so Thomson will pitch tomorrow. Not sure yet about Nationals, but probably do the same.

No, Andruw’s not hurt whatsoever. Don’t know where that came from. He was in lineup tonight before game called.

And geechee, dude, you really need to decompress and get over the headline. I’m gonna scream if I see you fighting with anyone else over that tired subject.

By elbravo

April 22, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

it’s official. no game today.

By MBATL

April 22, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

Braves generally play much better in September than April, so this is probably a good thing.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 22, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

The fellow jackass Jeff Torbuger said last night that it looked like Andruw Jones pulled a muscle on a big swing and a miss. HaHa, that would be y’all’s 1-4 hitters all hurt!!!

By Chop Chop

April 22, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

geechee, I posted this quote from one of your posts:

“The guy who was in charge of the headlines knew exactly what he was doing and knew he was stirring up trouble and did it anyway”

You accused the guy (who’s actually a girl, as DOB later stated) of deliberately posting a headline that could make people (especially you) angry. You did that. Not me. Sounds like you’re doing some twisting.

“Steroids And Andruw” was the original headline. I’ve known that since I read the damn blog yesterday. In fact, I saw the headline before it was changed. You (geechee) just can’t handle the word “steroids” being associated with a player on your favorite team.

By MBATL

April 22, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

I would guess that a player who’s clean wouldn’t have too much of a problem with all this; you test positive, or you test negative. Probably you understand that just like every other part of your personal life, it’s open for discussion. That comes along with the big salary.

If you want to lay blame, lay it on DOB for even bringing up the topic (and I know “journalist” jimmy smith will think I have some motive for this). But DOB is the one who brought up the discussion, and if he hadn’t, regardless of the HL, we wouldn’t be talking about it.

And the idea that we should ask players if they like a headline… well, Richard Nixon would’ve appreciated that courtesy. You’re a public figure, and you deal with it.

By crimson

April 22, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Most of you people are engaging in hero worship with your favorite athlete when you say “we all know he isn’t on steroids” I am a strength coach and have been around steroid users for 25 years. Rarely, if ever, do they admit to doing them, especailly when it could cost them their carrer. I don’t know anything about this guy, in fact I’ve never heard of him because I am not a baseball fan. And I would even agree that doing an article like this is unfair because it arouses suspicion where there might not be a reason to do so. But nobody here knows who is and who isn’t on steroids or growth hormone, which cannot be detected by the tests they do in professional sports. The next time you are tempted to be get angry when someone accuses your hero of doing steroids, remember the image of Palmeiro wagging his finger at the baseball hearings and emphatically stating he had never used steroids, while he was sitting there, probably using them at that very moment

By ernesto

April 22, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

So crimson, you’re not a baseball fan? Never heard of Andruw? What are you blog surfing?

By geechee

April 22, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

I’m not twisting anything chop chop. Whoever it was that wrote that headline didn;t it on purpose to draw attention. The fact that you are taking his or her side instead of Druw’s speaks volumes about you as far as being a Braves’ fan.

By geechee

April 22, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

That should have read did it on purpose and not “didn;t it on purpose”. Sorry

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

mbatl, jimmy smith is sorry he compared you to a baby seal.

By Bob

April 22, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

glennbo, you’ve got me all wrong … I’m as much of lawyer as I am an actuary … degreed in neither; spent more time in retail but never could sell … that’s why I’m broke with no pension other than SS.

I hate malpractice, prejudice, disrespect and abuse in any form; and I’m proud to include doctors, lawyers, insurance executives, ministers, farmers, and many rich and poor folks among my friends.

I respect your opinion, I truly do and I’m sorry that I went overboard … it may be the worst of my many faults and I owe my sincere apologies to you and everyone for my continued abuse of this Blog … I’ll try to do better or stop contributing … one of the two, I promise.

I do hope that you’ll understand my feelings … living under the microscope is probably very difficult … for athletes, entertainers, politicans … anyone in the public eye. I think that they probably all put their pants on … one leg at the time … but if they didn’t have some good qualities, they wouldn’t have the chance to be under that microscope. You can find good in anyone, if you try hard enough … I give Hitler credit for the Autobahn … though he was among the most evil of God’s creations.

The fact that Daddy, a 5’11” highschool center from Draketown, Ga, liked Rankin Smith … is good enough for me. If Mr. Smith had been without honesty, intergity, and honor … Daddy wouldn’t have been his friend for very long!

Again, my apologies to everyone.

hk,

You know that I do remember Milo. Exposing another of my faults, I may have been a little hypercritical of him back then … because of my perceived notion that he loved himself more than baseball and was a bit too condescending toward two more of my heros … the struggling young announcer EJ Sr, and Henry Aaron.

Regarding the Babe’s numbers … the adjustments are really much ado about nothing … Babe will always be my Greatest Slugger of them all; just like Country Brown will always by my greatest hero … nothing can ever change that!

You’re a good addition to this diversified group of baseball fans … they have a good leader that seems to know his music as well as his baseball.

I’m not fading away like General Mac, just going to the bench as self-imposed punishment for my inexcusable behavior. I’ll be back, but probably not until Jimmy finds little Bobby Dews.

Give him my regards … and let him know that Bobby should wear gloves.

By MBATL

April 22, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

And MBATL is sorry he called jimmy smith a “journalist.” lol:).

By Bill

April 22, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Well…one good thing about the rainout is that Sosa’s next start can be skipped by keeping Smoltz on regular rest on Wednesday and taking advantage of Thursday’s off day. Sosa can be the 7th relief pitcher for the next few days and his spot in the rotation will not be needed until May 2nd — by which point Ramirez might be close to returning.

By David O'Brien

April 22, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

If anybody cares, Nats are skipping Ramon Ortiz (can’t say I blame them) and staying with scheduled Sunday starter Tony Armas.

OK, back to pertinent discussions and deconstructing the chronology of events of …. drum roll, please … The Headline.

later.

By hk

April 22, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

Bob, … OK, you’ve stayed on the bench long enough, no telling when Bobby Dews is likely to show up … and besides, I can’t see where you have abused anything or anybody, on the contrary ….

…. I never did like Milo either .. hk

By Mark

April 22, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

Thank you DOB for the nice article on steriods. Apparently some people here have never heard of the 1st ammendment or are probably gun toting republican gay bashers. By the way , I AM A REPUBLICAN , unfortunately some Americans ” CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH” . Keep up the good work Mr. O’brian.

By Penn

April 22, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

I think this entire blog would be funny except for a few folks who get all torn out of shape over things beyond their control.

About 40 years ago I was a worrier about nuclear bombs. Then one day it occurred to me: If I knew a nuclear bomb was going to strike the center of my roof within ten seconds what would I do? I would spend those ten seconds praying for forgiveness for all my sins.

From that day forward I have never allocated a single second for worrying about anything outside my control. Can anyone imagine the peace that concept has brought to me?

So, when I originally read the headline it got my attention and I read the story. I thought they could have done a better job on the headline but the story (IN NO WAY) disparaged Andruw. So I simply let it pass.

And for my troubles I was branded a liar and a fool. Now that person needs a mental adgustment if he is to ever find peace and happiness. I pity him but I do not grant him the right to make such ridiculous statements.

DOB, I started writing a column on international affairs after running a business in Asia for five years. Some of my editors did things to my headlines that really screwed up the meaning of my column. Since I had retired with a decent income I didn’t need them to pay my bills. So I put put an email to all four of my papers that I WOULD WRITE EVERY WORD FROM THAT DAY FORWARD. I further said that if they didn’t like the column or the headline they could toss it into that square file but NOT TO CHANGE ONE WORD.

I lost one paper out of four and that was the one who was causing me the most gas pains. Good riddance.

I realize you probably don’t have this much leeway but when you do some day be sure to include it in your contract. It brings peace of mind.

By Trophead

April 22, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

I am glad someone finally wrote this article, because now that 2006 is officially the Year of the Barroid thanks to ESPN, I don’t think the non-juiced sluggers in the game get enough credit for doing it the right way. Andruw, Pujols, Derrek Lee, A-Rod, Griffey, etc. need to be getting more publicity for putting up these crazy stats based on their own ability. I have never thought Andruw was on steroids, he hasn’t ever looked unnaturally big or grown a lot in a short period of time, and I’m glad someone has made a point to write about it.

By Bob

April 22, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

hk,

Sorry, but I read some of my stuff and was getting too much like my preception of the Milo of days gone by.

The main difference between the honorable SouthernJackass and me is that he’s more creative and not as longwinded as I was being.

Besides, his “P” request proves that I’m no longer up to the challenge … all I can think of is “Margaret Holmes” and having to go the ladies room … but, I’m still going to work on it; from the bench.

I can’t get away from the Smiths! To steal thw wisdom of Honest Abe, “God must’ve loved them, he made so many”.

One of my favorites is “Ladysmith Black Mambazo”. I love “The Nairobi Chapel” too though don’t remember them having any Smiths. It’s all good, uplifting music, from “Ilungelo Ngelakho” to “Ni WeWe Tu”.

Maybe the best of all are the kids in the poor, rural “Central” Kenya Province … just having a good time singing.

Maybe, I can find my faded copy of Peter Wilson’s Simplified Swahili and give Jimmy some trouble … I’m sorry to say that, without it, I’d have trouble with anything more than Jambo Bwana and Asante.

My German’s a little better … Greek a little worse. Whoever said “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” had a point!

I’m always watching and will always try to respond, even from the bench … so long as the unp doesn’t throw me out … so don’t be a stranger!

By Amber

April 22, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

Thank you, and thank you Andruw! I love it when I can be proud of my Braves.

By Bob

April 22, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Sorry Honorable …, I just deleted text referencing Jimmy and the “his “P” request” is supposed to refer to him and not you!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 22, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

this blog must have an actuary! when journalists pose questions that require mathematical calculation or statistical inference we cannot rely on southerneasterbunnycrossedwithajackasss for how many fingers and toes would such a combination produce? - probably not enough to count up to an answer. bob must remain on this blog as active participant and official actuary. now, baseball … dan kolb has now appeared in 4 games - his era is 0.00

By hk

April 22, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Bob …

… my favorite Smith is a guy you mentioned the other day, Adam Smith, who wrote of free enterprise and limited government, the cornerstones of our blessed Republic …

… I love your passion in speaking of things you believe in … there is all the difference in the world between you and these angry folks …

By Bob

April 23, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

hk,

You’re a nice man … did you ever have the chance to visit the Great Rift Valley? It’s such a small place, you might have missed it. I hope someday, when my health and finances improve, to visit during the annual animal migration … that would be a treat!

Jimmy’s a nice man too … but I’m not speaking directly to him until he finds Dews … though he’s having trouble finding our dews, he seems to have paid his. He’s a better journalist that he would have folks believe … I don’t know Jimmy except through the Blog … but I’ve got more than a hunch that he’s just plain good folks!

We may have common acquaintances … from back when … and I may just check him out, so he’d better be nice.

With my love of organ music, and DOB’s appreciation of all good music, I first thought that Jimmy Smith was an alias he was using in order to suck up to DOB … and then later when he referenced a light hitting Brave Shortstop, I thought he might be some kin to that old Brave switchhitter of the same name.

He made me mad when he exposed me for what I am … out in front of God and everybody … but I forgave him when he defended his friends and I found out Dean Manners liked him … brought to mind another friend of Daddy’s … Ken Black Jr. … who tried once or twice, along with Floyd Harper, to steer me in the right direction.

Thinking of “P” for some reason reminded me of former Cracker Infielder Paul Rambone, who liked to take the sleves out of this uniform.

I like LaRouche, really do … liked his daddy too … but I sure do wish he’d pay some attention to how the 1st basemen of our recent opponents hit … maybe our pitchers should too … they’ve been killing us!

Oops, there I’m doing it again … rambling … but then I went to that trade school over on North Avenue … and there’s no question that I’m a wreck … so maybe I’m allowed a little bit of that.

bye …

By old timer

April 23, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

The thing about the Nats is, they’re a bad team, but they have a good offense. You gotta score some runs when you play them.

Has anyone seen journalist jimmy smith and LeTwan Anthony in the same room? These are funny guys, or a funny guy. Either way, doesn’t matter.

Has anyone seen the SouthernJackAss and Jeff Torborg in the same room? One is a funny guy, the other is just a jackass.

By hk

April 23, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

Bob …

… no, never made it to The Great Rift Valley … I do have two children that graduated from that same North Avenue trade school, and think I mentioned before, a grandson a sophomore there now … we squeezed in a birthday lunch at the Varsity the other day between classes, did the same thing 25 years ago … oh those onion rings …

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2006 02:07 AM | Link to this

My favorite Smith was Johnny Marr.

By teoa

April 23, 2006 02:07 AM | Link to this

DOB, glad to see props given to Son Volt on the blog…I’m a long time fan — Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, solo Jay Farrar, etc. The Jay Farrar website has a webcam for the recording of the follow-up to Okemah…should be more great music next spring some time.

(I apologize for interrupting Headline-Gate. Please resume.)

By Chop Chop

April 23, 2006 03:24 AM | Link to this

I could go for a Frosted Orange, a couple of heavy chili dogs and (this one goes out to LeTwan) a fried peach pie right about now.

(cranks up Dylan and Cash singing “Girl Of The North Country”)

What’s this about headlines? Never heard of ‘em.

By Chop Chop

April 23, 2006 03:30 AM | Link to this

In Varsity-speak, that’s an F.O., a coupla Heavy Weights and don’t forget muh peach pie.

By 30yrBravesFan

April 23, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this

DOB, I can’t believe you even started this. Andruw has been his same pugy self for the last 4-5 years. His body style hasn’t become the ripped V shape you see/saw in Bonds, Sosa and McGuire.

What has happened is at the ripe of age of 28 last year, he finally found his batting stance, and the maturity to have patience at the plate! We knew what he was capable of before he did.

By Bob

April 23, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

Jimmy, hk

You may be sorry for asking, but I will take another turn at bat; on behalf of all the baby seals …

First, add old timer to the 3 digit group!

One minority group I’d like to crush is the one that thinks we should be tolerant of those sending “win at all cost” … “possible fame and fortune justifies the means” … “it’s okay to cheat if you don’t get caught” messages to anybody, especially our youth,

I just had a couple of totally unrelated thoughts:

The original, ill fated, catchy Blog Title didn’t bother me at all … but one like “Tell us it ain’t True ‘Druw” would have been hard for me to take.

I get mad at God sometimes. He made me just smart enough to ponder things and ask questions … but not smart enough to come up with the ansewrs.

Stepping back into the batters box …

Using Steroids is against the rules and anyone knowingly breaking the rules should be branded as cheaters and banned for life … with all of their statistics erased from the record books as if they never played a single game … they played something alright, but if they broke the rules, then it wasn’t baseball.

Ask Smoltz what he would do if he accidentally broke a rule while playing golf, with noone there to see the infraction … and you’ll know why there’s no need to give John a drug test.

Most of those who break the rules are sorry, cry and plead for a second chance.

But few leapords change their spots and most cheating players are just sorry that they got caught … cry that they’re innocent, leaving a trail of tears all the way to the bank … and desire a second chance to improve their skill in avoiding further detection.

Doc may not agree, but I think that Baseball has misdiagnosed the illness and are treating symptoms rather than curing the disease. Unauthorized Steroid use is but one of the symptoms.

With the possible exception of Congress, only the Fans, and maybe just the bloggers, are strong enough to force the Office of the Commissioner to impose lifetime expulsion on any player who … breaks the rules; engages in any activity that brings discredit to the game or whose behavior is detrimental to the best interests of baseball.

There’s plenty of evidence that we have enough available young talent to replace those that don’t deserve the privilege of playing.

Not sure if I struck out, hit a homer, or got thrown out of the game … but it was good to get off the bench for a minute or two.

By Bob

April 23, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

DOB, How soon is now? I mean how soon will we know about the game? … oh well, you know what I mean.

hk, 50 years ago, I was spending most of my nights at the Varsity watching TV, having about 5-6 chili dogs with onions and fries … and 2-3 NIPCs … from about Midnight to 3 while I did my homework … at least that’s what I told mama.

Never had too many Fried Onions … they sure did smell good though … they were just too greasy and someone told me they would give you the gout.

Usually slept during the day, but somehow woke up at the end of each class in time to next one … spent most evenings at the Movie Theater and then went to the Varsity.

I was a scratch bowler and and that’s what I did on weekends.

By doc

April 23, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

bob, if you mean that the leaders in baseball will have to stand up and say they are culpable to the riod thing before it gets better, then yes in my opinion they are treating the symptom and not the disease. to take down barry alone, to make him pay for everyones sins strikes as hypocrisy but it happens a lot in our news, our society and our world.

i dont share your view that bloggers and fans can make anything happen as we are often like sheep that gravitate to that which excites and pleases us. therefore, we get excited with the 100 mph fastball and the 60 taters a year that cater to our desires. we as fans were the energy that drove it in the form of dollars to players, owners and business’ that had commercial rights to products or broadcasts. shoot, up until the past few months you would have several bloggers come on and defend the use of steroids and make the ludicrous point that steroids couldnt do anything to make an already great ballplayer greater. we have at least blown up that delusion recently.

at least the book about the scandelous acts of many, that we have focused on bonds, has now taken that one delusion out of the vernacular and has exposed there was a huge ignorance to the subject. we were wanting to believe so, in these comic book characters, that we were worshipping as though baseball and live atlanta wrestling were somehow different breeds, one real and the other not. it was all fantasy.

the most important thing that has to come out of this is the health issues behind doing these illegal drugs. they are made illegal because they are very deleteriouis to our bodies. the idiocy of it. people rationalizing the use were ignorant that riods were as illegal as getting crack off the street and often were transacted in a similar manner in the dark behind closed doors just as the great bonds did. that alone should have been humbling and may explain his compensatory arogance. the people selling were pushers just like the coke merchant in the hood or school yard with just as deadly a product in the long run.

i guess at the players level they can rationalize it is worth it because of the money they make. you only have to look to the footballers that died young doing roids, the wrestling fraternity has lost many and the serious arm injuries that pitchers had as they overloaded the tendons and ligaments that weren’t able to bulk up like the rest of the body and blew out from the overstrain to truly recognize the dangers and stupidity of it. we were still blind. you also have to consider nolan ryan as the harbinger of possible use since he already has had a heart attack and interventional proceedures, giambi who may have messed up his natural gland by doing the stuff and palmero who is a poster boy for erectile dysfuntion.

these are the true messages and images that people need to learn and teach so other young people dont get caught up in this, just as we teach the ravages of the exceeses of alcohol, toabaco or street drugs. it just isnt safe. hopefully, the headline can read we test folks to the max so we can assure their health and the credibilty of our product. unfortunatly, that is a naive hope as with human growth hormone out there we cant test all of them so even the best tests fail to some degree beyond the great risk the individual makes with the devil.

the temptation will still be there so we have to continue to ask as some were doing to dave before this article. dont become an ostrich as a participant fan and bury your head and say we arent responsible and dont have to ask. i fail to see how this article and many more to come wont be relevant and necessary to avoid the problem in the future. thanks david o’brien.

now what you, david o’brien, have to answer is why was the educated media that were in the clubhouse to see all the warning signs that you pointed out in this article as a whole remaining mute during this debacle? that isnt what the casual fan could see. where was the investigative journalists that saw the ravages on the field with the long ball destroying the record book and the physical signs of pimples, cut bodies that became distorted head and hands as a sign of pathological growth hormone and the rage and failed to educate the public? yes, we were all into the glory, the fantasy, the escape and you as a collective catered to it.

bob, i guess there are a lot of symptoms for this disease and it is the old adage, when you point the finger, three point back at you. i guess we will all feel better then if we can punish barry for our sins. i assure you he is guilty as we all are in this one. who wants to scream to caephus on this one?

as dave already probably knows from what i have written in the past that when this subject comes up i will take an opportunity to educate. i truly know the dangers, may elucidate to one person needing it to make it worthwhile and want to provide some perspective to all so they can make better choices and have greater insight. after all that is all we have, choices, free will. lets not try to sweep this subject under the rug.

be blessed all on this sunday.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

Doc, in brief, I would suggest a big reason, even THE big reason, is that you can’t make accusations that someone is using steroids based simply on circumstantial evidence _ back acne, rage, sudden muscle-mass gain, etc. Because unless you can prove it, you’re opening yourself up to all sorts of problems by accusing someone.

That’s why I have a problem with those in the media now jumping on their swords and suggesting we were all complicit in some cover-up. I mean, if the players association would’t permit drug-testing, and MLB didn’t demand it anyway, then what could we write or say on air _ that we THINK so-and-so is using and signs point to it? Without any proof whatsoever?

The other problem, the other reason for lack of candor, has been illustrated by the borderline-hysterical responses I got from some _ not many, but the vocal minority, at least _ for this blog, which, as you or any other reasonable person reading it word-for-word would understand, was expressing my belief that Andruw ISN’T juicing and hasn’t juiced. Imagine the holy uprising that would’ve resulted from folks if I’d suggested otherwise?

I mean, we’ve had people spend hours here discussing an unfortunate headline “Andruw and Steroids … Yikes!” that our online person had on this blog for, I believe, less than an hour. Even after apologizing for a headline I had nothing to do with, and a headline, I might add, that didn’t say he did steroids or was being accused of steroids, but was simply implying the subject matter would make people squirm, which it obviously did … where was I? Oh, yes, even the freakin’ headline sent a few people through the roof, going so far as to suggest the team should file a complaint, the damage was done (ridiculous; absolutely no damage was done by anyone but those who spent the next 24 hours rehashing the headline that had long since disappeared into the ether. remember, folks, this isn’t printed word on paper that lasts forever; once the headline was pulled, it was gone, remembered only by the limited number of people who read it in the short time it was up, most of whom didn’t go into cardiac arrest like a few others nearly did).

I mean, let’s talk about a head-in-the-sand mentality. Some of these same fans who rip (rightfully so, I’d suggest) Barry Bonds for stuff he’s (allegedly) put into his body and shred the media for “ignoring” it, here have ripped me for even bringing up their hero in the same sentence…amazing, given that my point was that he and a few others _ A-Rod, Griffey (should have put him in here), Derrek Lee _ have never been accused or suspected by reasonable folks or media members (may or may not have been conscious decision by me to separate reasonable and media members) of doing ‘roids or HGH, etc.

OK, that’s it.

Weather here overcast, but not raining. Looks pretty good for tonight, as far as getting the game in.

By Chuckles D

April 23, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Mama, make it go away!

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Oops. Even as I wrote that it started raining here.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 23, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

ah, yes, johnny marr, famous player of the endingidi tube fiddle - a very talented smith indeed. put johnny marr and the tube fiddle alongside francis mwama and a finely tuned piano, and dob can rock around the clock. this journalist continues to be embarrassed by the apparent confusion with pulitzer prize and wurlitzer. jimmy smith’s efforts with wurlitzer on behalf of dob were beginning to take hold when hk exposed the mis-identification. on the bright side, dob is now on a fine mailing list and jimmy smith bets luckovich is not on this list. so, once again, dob is one up on luckovich. now, old timer, jimmy smith notes your comments about that pie-eating mama’s boy and jimmy smith - journalist jimmy smith can only remark that letwan is a very knoweledgeable baseball fan and is probably overweight from all the pie. jimmy smith is a fine figure of a man and very popular with the ladies. now, cheese … the cheese sandwich at the ballpark in D.C. is unfit for consumption and the nationals will not permit cheese sandwiches brought into RFK stadiom, so, after the game, most journlaists head to a little place in the hotel monaco abnout 1 mile from the stadium. cheese sandwich, dill chips, and root beer for less than $10. now, baseball … who can remember when bobby dews would deliver the lineup to the umpire? if you know why that was started (instead of bobby cox delivering the lineup) please respond on this blog.

By doc

April 23, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

dob, thanks for your response and clarity. i think i understand your perspective and the words werent pointed at you directly. we have all had opportunities to seek more information as the article in s.i. by a former mvp and juice, caminetti, who incidentally a saw as a singles hitter in houston in 1990 and then the book by a juicer, canseco, that taught the game to many including an mvp were there fo us to read. our collective response was to discredit the source rather than seek truth. that is the way in life generally, isnt it in a way?

finally, someone really dug deep and found info that wasnt from someone who had actually done it but from a irrefutable source that being a grand jury investigation before we would open our eyes to the subject. our eyes are now open as three months ago if you had brought up the subjct there would have been many either denying it or saying they had no problem with it as it was safe and their bodies. though i havents read every word on this blog, usually read yours first and go from there to see what holds your interest, and for the first time i havent seen some knucklehead come up to try and rationalize its use, so some good has come from this debate.

i have been a 50 year reader of this newspaper, was raised on it, furman bisher, played little league with jesse outlar’s son and watched some very good sportswriters come and go. i also hold you, sekou, guy, steve et al in highest regards and continue to enjoy the pleasure you bring me daily. dont misconstrue my remarks to condemn the media.

By GAW

April 23, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Check out “Most popular stories” on the preceding page. I am embedded in Oregon and will find out out if nailgun incident had anything to do with Friday night’s ninth inning meltdown.

By Skydawg

April 23, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

My question would be..why even bring up the subject if you (and I believe most baseballs fans) do not believe Andruw is using steroids? Personally I thinks it’s irresponsible. There are many other ways to compliment Andruw other than saying his success IS NOT contributed to roids. Espcecially as sensitive as the topic is these days.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, in case my “if you want to blame anyone, blame DOB” statement was misunderstood, I have NO problem with you writing the piece. But, if people choose to get upset, the subject matter, not the headline, should be the attack point. Discussion brings suspicions out of the shadows, and is a good thing, imho. Really, coming off an off day on Thursday, and with a rainout on Saturday, good thing we had a juicy topic to argue about.

old timer, journalist jimmy smith and Letwan do seem to have the same writing style, the same sense of humor, pretty much the same baseball opinions, and both (he? she?) are (is?) obviously bright and quite good with the written word. God knows I’ve crossed paths with both (him?, her?), but to their (his? her?) credit, they (he? she?) each have (has?) always responded with dignity.

By Bob

April 23, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

Doc,

I was only suggesting that Fans “could” … not “would” … since I think that we caused much of the problem in the first place … I thought if we could do that, then we could bring about the change … at least that was on mind. Sound familiar?

I’ve long agreed with the “sheep” theory that helps explain much of the evil that has dogged our every step throughout history … baseball’s problems, if you will, being but a recent addition to a rather long list.

In the interest of brevity, I deleted my remarks regarding the dangers associated with non-prescribed drug use from my earlier post … mine weren’t as well underpinned as yours but said in essence that … I couldn’t imagine many folks subjecting themselves to the gigantic health risks associated with such drug use; especially after seeing the vivid evidence presented by Lyle Alzado and countless others.

Illegal drug trafficing should be a capital offense and those endorsing, defending or rationalizing even casual use should be treated with disdain and banished.

Those having trouble understanding Doc’s remarks regarding the problem, probably need a hearing aid for their third ear … or at least ponder whether or not you belong to the rather large group of folks he referenced.

By Carolina Lady

April 23, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Lordy mercy! I sure am looking forward to a new blog tomorrow……with a new topic…. :-)

By Penn

April 23, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

Skydawg, I still see it the other way and it a good thing to be able to disagree as gentlemen can and should.

Recognizing Andruw for his outstanding accomplishments WITHOUT using the stuff was and is good, good for Andruw and for the team.

Steroids are bad news and pointing out success WITHOUT drugs is a VERY GOOD THING for the kids. They need to know who the real heroes are.

Good work DOB.

I am still angry at Sammy for the corked bat. Adding that to steroids makes all his records suspect. And we saw how he produced at Baltimore WITHOUT either crutch. I’m glad no one wanted him this year.

The Giants would do themselves proud if they sent Bonds packing at the first appearance of HARD evidence.

Kids need to know these things.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

I’m not a sports lawyer (unfortunately) but I THINK trading in (buying or selling) steroid-based drugs was made a felony in ‘92. Up until that point, it’s pretty hard to say that any player who was “using” was doing anything wrong. It wasn’t illegal, and it wasn’t against MLB rules.

When it became a felony, even if baseball didn’t have a written rule, it became a serious blemish on the records of those who used (bought) them. Committing a felony in the pursuit of one’s career should merit at least an asterisk.

Kids in my high school were using Dianabol; but it wasn’t illegal, prohibited, or known to be dangerous. It was just what a 16-year-old football player did to get stronger ‘for the team’.

By hk

April 23, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, doc … yes, I agree it’s going to be tough to regulate the steroids, all things considered … there’s a parallel here with the immigration situation … while it’s certainly a concern, how can you punish the 11 million or so illegals that are here now, when it wasn’t really there fault, it was the fault of the system that we have in place … same way with steroids … for years and years, athletes have taken various chemicals to help them stay fit, get stronger, etc etc .. but it turns that while most chemicals are OK, a few help too much, and therefore have gradually been banned … but like the immigrants, how can you punish the players, when the fault has really been holes in the system and general ambivalence all the way around ??? … to say now “hey, we’ve got too many puffed up players” is like saying “hey we’ve got to many immigrants” … it took a long time for both to happen …

…. on another subject … alot of folks have mentioned from time to time that blogs are a casual sort of thing, and precision, spelling, etc are not that big a deal, and that is very true … but it turns out that the blog is a hugely powerful thing, I think one of the most significant to come along in the last 500 years!! … because the truth will usually come out in a blog, it provides a tremendous additional source of information, far better information … and, combined with emails, it is changing greatly the way our elected official respond to us, as we speak … blog folks are generally pretty bright, and are good communicators .. they carry away what they learn from a blog and influence alot of other people, there’s a big multiplier effect … in my view, blog articles will in time become a far higher priority item to communications management than all other media type material combined …

Bob, … great at bat !!!

By Bob

April 23, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

I would have a rather hard time letting convicted felons get by with just an * … but that’s a neat idea … * suspected felon.

The “headline issue” reminds me of a true story that may identify me to some … I was in a meeting once when the Founder and CEO burst in and shouted (bad words deleted) “Bob, I want results and if you get us in trouble or don’t succeed in getting them … I’m going send you on an all expense paid, first class trip to Sweden … one way, for a sex change.” Without another word, he turned around and left a rather stunned group of folks.

After the meeting, I got a very short call … “Bet that got their attention!”.

It got results!

By Carolina Lady

April 23, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Just wondering - the Braves used to have a “Stength & Conditioning Coach” Frank Fultz. Is he (or a successor) still around?

Jimmy Smith, did you know that a young Robert Walter Dews once played all nine positions while in a minor league game? He’s a very interesting person! BTW, has anyone thought to actually look in the bullpen?? In ATL??

:-)

By doc

April 23, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

mbatl, i think steroids have been prescription only for forty years or more. it never has been something that you could get over the counter. it was something illegal that was supplied by someone else illegally. i am not sure about the felony part but that may have been to ramp up the penalty in dealing it. as i have said before i had the choice in 1969 to take an anabolic steroid for college level ball to throw harder and declined. the sport hasnt been clean for a long time.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

doc, it’s dangerous for me to play lawyer… though I did say I wasn’t one up front. I THINK that steroids have been ‘prescription only’ for many decades, like you said. But that’s not the same as having a federal law prohibiting their use and sale.

From some site I read… “Under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, which has applied across the country since 1991, steroids are in the same legal class — Schedule III — as barbiturates, LSD precursors, veterinary tranquilizers like ketamine and narcotic painkillers like Vicodin. Simple possession is a federal crime punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offense. Selling steroids, or possessing them with intent to sell, is a federal felony. An individual who sells steroids, or possesses them with intent to sell, is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine for a first offense (actual sentencing in specific cases is based upon the United States.”

Anyway, don’t mean to beat it up too much - just sharing what I have read. I know “stuff” has been around a long time. The question is, when did it become a crime to use it?

By journalist jimmy smith

April 23, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

no one has yet responded to the question, “why did bobby dews present the braves’ lineup card to the umpires instead of bobby cox?” if journalist jimmy smith has you stumped, just say, “stumped” and jimmy smith will reveal all. carolina lady, jimmy smith did not know that bobby dews once played all the postions during a game. did he wear a disguise while doing so? disguise? ay carumba! that may be it! bobby dews may be accompanying the team - but in disguise. we must watch carefully tonight and see if we see bobby dews. he knows how to grip a baseball and must teach his craft.

By doc

April 23, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

jimmy, this bobby dews stuff is sticking to you like that stuff that is used to cover the south just like this paper did. evaporation of this in your mind might help your affliction of being stumped. otherwise i guess i said it so we might be informed by the emeritist, journalist jimmy smith.

By geechee

April 23, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

MBATL, you just answered your own question. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act made the use of such drugs without a prescription illeagal in March of 1991. Steroids have been around since they were invented by the Nazis in the 1930s. In the late 1940s The Soviets began experimenting with them and in the 1950s began to dominate international weightlifting competition. Realizing this American weightlifters in the late 1950s began using them in order to compete at the same level but, at this time no serious research was being done about the side effects of such drugs. Steroids were outlawed by the IOC for all Olympic atletes in 1975.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Right, geechee. My only point is that Bonds’ records are tainted, and he should not be credited with records achieved during, and probably due to, the commission of a felony.

I’ve brought up Nolan Ryan’s name in here; he may or may not have used “helpers”… I’d like to think he didn’t, but who knows? But even if he did, it was neither illegal nor prohibited at the time. That’s not the case for Barry.

By doc

April 23, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

what do you do about those that used a felonious drug between 1990 and baseball edict? a lot of folks fell into that group and may include ryan who continued until 1993, that is why those guys are soooo silent about their crime against criminal law not baseball.

dont single bonds out on this one my friend if that is your effort and intent. you really are splitting fine hairs on that one. bonds still may get his due in civil court, baseball will have no significant evidence probably beyond what is out there for us to see and came from testimony from guys that were trying to make their on bed softer in jail.

By geechee

April 23, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

MBATL, if he had a precription it was not a felony plus nobody can actually prove when he was on steroids and when he wasn’t. It also was not just Barry. There was also McGuire, Palmero, etc. The point is that all of baseball is guilty. The owners knew what was going on during that decade of homerun derby but their greed caused them to look the other way because of all the tickets that were being sold. If you are going to start with one person that person has to be Bud Selig.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

geechee, he admitted he was on steroids, just said he didn’t know what he was on them, which is ridiculous. If I get pulled over by the cops and found with a high blood alchohol level, hope they’ll take my word that I thought I was just drinking Coke, not Bourbon and Coke.

No, don’t mean to single out Bonds. I agree that McGuire, Sosa, and God Knows Who Else, was doing the same thing. And I agree that MLB turned a blind eye to it.

So, we can pretend it never happened, say it’s “okay”, or we can express our displeasure over the whole thing.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Frank Fultz is still the strength and conditioning coach, for the person who asked.

It’s sunny here, very little chance of rain later. Gonna start on time.

Prado getting his first start tonight, at second base and batting eighth. Orr’s at third, Betemit at short and batting second. Rest of lineup is usual.

Renteria still a bit sore, not ready to play, but should be by Tuesday, the day Chipper’s also coming off DL and Giles could also be back.

By weathermayn

April 23, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

It’s rainin like hell!!!!

By geechee

April 23, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

I’m not trying to defend the guy MBATL. The guy is guilty as sin as is McGuire and others but it is a slippery slope, as they say, when you start messing with the baseball record books without any proof. My big gripe is decades down the line, who is going to explain to kids how much more of a man Henry Arron was compared to any of these guys. All they will be looking at is the numbers but, realistically what can be done about those numbers without proof? Nothing

By geechee

April 23, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

That should have been Aaron not Arron, sorry.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

geechee, doc, points well taken. I appreciate your respect for the history of the game. I share that.

At some point on a slipperly slope you have to stick a foot in the mud and stop yourself (journalist jimmy smith could come up with a much better analogy, I’m sure).

They played in different eras, and I think the Babe was the greatest hitter of all time, but I have no problem recognizing Hank as the home run king. But I’ll have a hard time recognizing Bonds as the greatest, or 2nd greatest, of all time. My kid will know the difference (if he ever decides to care about this stuff), and maybe BB fans in the future will understand too.

By doc

April 23, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

geechee the guys a feel for are the guys that dont make it to the hall period, during the big stadium, dead ball era that we were the consumer for and enjoyed. you know the ones i speak; rice, foster, dawson and our own murphy. the voters should be shamed for ignoring their efforts in the big stadiums on astro turf that destroyed knees and shortened careers.

By geechee

April 23, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

I guess it is honor for each person inducted but those halls of fame have never made me look at a player differently. They may be great places to visits but they can be bunk also as you have pointed out doc. Just look at the “college football hall of fame”. It is as much a shrine to Notre Dame football as it is all of college football.

By geechee

April 23, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

MBATL, certainly the Babe was the greatest baseball player of all time hands down. People forget how good of a pitcher the guy was because of all the homeruns but, the guy still holds pitching records that have not been broken I believe. There is also the Mick. When you consider that Mantle was drunk or hungover a lot of the times he came to bat. He stated there were times his vision was so screwed up that he saw three balls and just aimed for the one in the middle. The Babe will always be the king however.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

Is tonight’s lineup composed of all “in-system” players? I think all 8 starters (except pithcer) are from the Braves’s system. That’s got to be unusual.

By Bob

April 23, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Someone recently suggested that I was guilty of “the pot calling the kettle black” … and in a sense, on this subject, I am … I’m one of what is, or at least was, a sizable group of actuaries and doctors that is a heavy smoker.

I’m not rejoining the fray … except that we may be confusing our priorities. I agree with seeing that the bad guys are identified and punished. That’s important … sorta like the, pardon the Deutsch bitte, Nureinberg Trials. But that’s not quite so important as putting a stop to the Rule Breaking … like stopping the war, don’t you think?!

Three things are for sure: (1) What’s being done ain’t gonna get it done, (2) the problem predates Bud Selig, who may fit indocs group of sheep, and (3) it ain’t like the weather … may not be fun or easy, but it can be done!

Maybe there’s a test Doc could give that determines is someone has the “integrity” Gene … We just wouldn’t let them play and it would save a lot of money.

By Bob

April 23, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

There are some insignificant typpos in the above that I’m sure you’ll forgive … main error is that “integrity” should be “non-integrity”.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 23, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

there were some complaints from the umpires … that is the answer. now, doc … jimmy smith is pretty sure doc alluded to dixie in the post to jimmy smith. journalist is not sure that is permissible to think “dixie” anymore though jounalist himself actually wrote dixie in his own post. oh, never mind. now, bobby dews … it is believed that bobby dews is at rfk stadium today. all bloggers are encouraged to watch for him on camera. jimmy smith has been in touch with espn to request frequent bullpen shots. of course, thomson is the one who will determine if we will see bullpen shots in the early innings. now toes, all braves toes appear healthy and well adjusted except for you-know-who and he is not playing tonight. now baseball, bobby cox has a masterful lineup tonight with many players playing out of position. go braves.

By geechee

April 23, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Bob, I think the new rules that are in place will bring this to a screaching halt. First offense, 50 games suspension is pretty harsh, that is a considerable loss of money, two months salary. It will certainly make players think twice or even thrice about doing it. The thing is that it came a decade too late and the game is now tarnished forever by the same people who owned and ran the game.

By doc

April 23, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

bob, this happened on seligs watch in spite of the people that were pointing it out in magazines and books. he in probably the first to study for the non-integrity gene so that maybe the real one could be found.

selig was the shepard, not a member of the sheep, son. remember, he had to be embarassed by congress before he exercised his “power”.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

I’ll ask once more, because I think baseball “records” are hard to come across. Is there any player on tonight’s starting lineup who’s played for any other ML team? Maybe I’m missing someone, but if not, that’s a pretty rare accomplishment since Curt Flood, I would guess.

Any thoughts on this? Just wondering…

By old timer

April 23, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith, I think Dews delivered the lineups when Cox had the knee replacement procedure.

By geechee

April 23, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Thw Mad Dog watch continues. Maddux is now 4-0 with a 0.99 ERA

By doc

April 23, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

mbatl. interesting observation. it is possible that a franchise like the pirates, kc or mn would have done it on occasion especially in the dregs of september. it will be really cool only if the lineup wins.

By Miranda

April 23, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

nice shot by McCann!

By Trophead

April 23, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

“I’ll ask once more, because I think baseball “records” are hard to come across. Is there any player on tonight’s starting lineup who’s played for any other ML team? Maybe I’m missing someone, but if not, that’s a pretty rare accomplishment since Curt Flood, I would guess.”

John Thomson has played for the Rockies among other major league teams.

But if you are asking about position players only, then yeah, they are all home-grown.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

These ESPN guys are terrible. Gammons just threw ‘em a fat pitch to talk about and they were stumped.
I think they are looking for a buyer for this Washington team.
Yup. I tihnk you’re right
Gammons: Don’t for get, the Braves are also up for sale.
uh… well, uh… I like that tie your wearing Peter, where’d you get that?

What a waste. I’ve heard more about football and basketball TV scheduling than I have the game that is right in front of these guys. Is there some kind of law or something against this? Should be.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to even get into the game. These guys just suck the life right out of it.

LET GO JT! Get ‘em OUT!

By geechee

April 23, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

All I have to say is that is great for Braves fans that the team has the best farm system in baseball because they are certainly unwilling to pay anyone to play there anymore.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

LaRoche scouting report: 1st pitch low and away, 2nd pitch in on the hands, 3rd pitch - out.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Marteen is making his major league debut because regular Marcoos Giles has an injured middle finger.

These guys can’t get anything right.

Let’s do it El Prado!

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

geechee: That makes no sense, certainly unwilling to pay anyone to play there anymore.

Chipper, Andruw, Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton all make a fortune. They’re paying them.

But yes, it is great as a Braves fan, to know that the Braves have one of the best farm systems in baseball.

By MBATL

April 23, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, ESPN has no use for, and doesn’t know what to do with, a 1-0 game. This is the network that brings us “Bonds on Bonds.”

By geechee

April 23, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Tennessee, Hampton is not even playing this year so that is $13 million in the toliet. You named about 5 high paid players but if you check the median salaries of the team it has to be one of the lowest in baseball. It probably is in the bottom five and maybe even less than the ultimate cheapskates, the Pirates and that says it all. They will not let JS spend any money on a real closer for two reasons. 1) they need costs down to sell the team and & 2) Everyone working in the Time-Warner building is either a Yankees or Mets fan. The Braves’ owners have zero respect for the Braves’ fans. The Braves are the stepchild but continue to win in spite of them.

By JasonInMaine

April 23, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Why not try the suicide squeeze with the pitcher up and your backup infielder that is batting under .200 on deck? I thought for sure Bobby would get that run home and tie it up. You knew darn well that once JT struck out, the run wasn’t getting home. Anyone else think squeeze there?

By eric the elder

April 23, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

The squeeze did occur to me, too, Jason, but with the bases loaded, it never happens.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Alright. I need to know. All this time I was calling him Betemit (bet a mit). But tonight, ESPN has shown me that it is pronounced beta meet. Was I that wrong? I based it off of Skip, Don and the gang. Thank goodness ESPN is here to pronounce all the names…

Well geechee, I like these rookies. Langerhans is great. Francoeur, well right now his defense is worth it. McCann is solid. Renteria is a 10 million dollar man. I know we don’t pay all of it, but that’s because of a good trade, which I believe JS would have made even if he could go out and blow 55 million on a closer with only one good year to his name. It has never been JS’s mantra to spend on the pen. Even when Turner was signing blank checks.

By eric the elder

April 23, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, Jon Miller speaks fluent Spanish, and I think hes just using the Spanish pronounciation. Same with Marteen Prado. BTW, have you ever hear Miller do impressions of other announcers like Harry Caray, Vin Scully, etc. He’s jus dead on.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

eric the elder: When Andruw was in the minors his name was pronounced “on drew” until he got to the majors. Then he told Don it was pronounced just like Andrew, but with a “U”. ESPN took about 4 years to get that straight. Anyway, knowing these guys can talk to the players, and the players can coach them on how to say their name, how is it Skip and Don say it one way and these ESPN guys are PhD linguists. Isn’t it La row sh instead of la roach?

Why. WHY!?!?! Was LaRoach stilling?!? Did Seed Bream ever just take off in a 1-0 game? Maybe Marteen would have come through.

By geechee

April 23, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Tennessee why do you take people’s posts and turn them around to mean whatever you want them to mean? I never said anything about our players and even said that it was a good thing we had the best farm system in baseball. I tell you what: you pick the friggin rookie that is going to be our closer. There is no way we catch up to the friggin Mets without a true closer. It does not matter how many times we beat the Mets if overall they still win more games than us. The thing is I’m not a jump on the wagon Braves’ fan. I’m not going to be screaming for Bobby to be fired if we do not make the playoffs. I just call them as I see them.

By JasonInMaine

April 23, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Elder,

Yeah, I guess you are right. I guess they are worried about a double-play if the ball is bunted right back at the pitcher. The bunt does have to be a good bunt as the play is a force play, but in that instance; I would have tried it. JT does swing the bat ok for a pitcher, but still. I hope we don’t lose the game 1-0 as I think the squeeze could have worked. Come on Bravos…get a run!

Jason

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

geechee: didn’t mean to turn it all around. But you’re right, if the Mets win more than us, they take the division. I hate not having a dominate closer. I wish Smoltz could be cloned and put in both spots. Or, actually, as long as we’re cloning. Let’s make 12 of him and have him hold every spot.
I like this Cormier kid. Villarreal hasn’t been as incredible as I thought. He’s good, but I was figuring him to come out there and make it look like a simple —- NICE LAROACH!!! — simple choice to have him as closer. He’s got more Blown Saves than Reitsma.
But, we never know. We have some money and a few prospects, and possibly an extra starter (If Sosa ever gets his act together). We could make a trade for the right piece.
We’ve got about 3 more weeks before Cox lays into the team with his annual fire ‘em up speach. By then they’ll know what they need and who they’re going to trade to get it.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

WAY TO GO MARTEEN!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 23, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

prado! now, pete orr …

where is pratt?

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

It’s on you BETA MEET

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHA YES!!!!!!

WAY TO GO BETEMIT!

Did yall see the look in his eyes right before he hit that! He was zoned in. So amazing.
Go BRAVES!

By journalist doing journalism

April 23, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

that was petemit … now, can they hold the lead?

By Miranda

April 23, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

I’m so sick of hearing them say beta-MEET! it’s horrible! great job by prado and WILSON …a beauty HOMER

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

NO! Right after that article about how he is rusty with all the rest. Now he’s in for a 2 inning blown save. YOU BETTER HOLD ‘EM CHRIS!

By JasonInMaine

April 23, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Uh-oh…Reitsma for 2 innings…normally doesn’t do well when pitching more than one inning…shoot, more than one batter for that matter (:

Jason

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

I’m impressed. I didn’t think he had it in him. Let’s go Chris!

By geechee

April 23, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Tennessee, I did not mean that to come out sounding as gruff as it did. Sorry about that. My point is that while both Sox, Yankees, both LA teams and a few others’ average salary ranges over $2 million per player. The average Braves salary is under $475,000. Baseball salaries are out of control but there is a big difference there, I think you would agree. What keeps us in this thing is Bobby Cox and his farm system.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

geechee: couldn’t agree more. Bobby and the farm (which means JS and the scouting) are what keeps us in there.
Lets Go BRAVES!
Look at Marcoos Giles work the shoulders down there.

By old timer

April 23, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

OK, here’s how it works. The e in Spanish is pronounced like the hard a in English. So Rey is pronounced in Spanish the way we say Ray. Rey, by the way, means king. The i in Spanish is pronounced like hard e in English.

I am distressed to learn that we don’t win the division if the Mets win more games than we do.

And after that stressful 8th, let’s send a new pitcher out there in the 9th.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Morg sure loves Ward. This guy can rake!. Career pinch hitting: .149. Don’t let that fool you he can really hit. Slow roller to second. He was on that one. He looks good doesn’t he?

I love how Gammons is in the stands with a microphone and a hot dog and they go to him and he knows the stats for all the Braves closers over the last 15 years AFTER they left the Braves. Just pulls that out of no where. No wonder he’s in the Hall of Fame.

By JasonInMaine

April 23, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Yeah, and he got screwed…that was strike 3! Man, I wonder if Frency is ever going to produce at a consistent level this year. What is he since he broke out of his last slump, 5-30? Sounds like another slump to me…

Jason

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Let’s do this Reitsma! 2 to go!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 23, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

bobby dews! he’s in the pen with villarreal. let’s hope no one is on base when soriano comes up.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

DANGIT! Come on Chris! Career choker up to bat.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

COME ON CHRIS! Let’s not do that again. OH crap. We’re going to the Remmer.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

There it is!

GO BRAVES

By JasonInMaine

April 23, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

What does that say about Bobby’s confidence in Reitsma when he goes and gets the 180 year old lefty to replace his closer? I know it’s the lefty vs lefty situation, but there are not too many other closers that would not get to finish the game in that situation.

By Peewee

April 23, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

Man,Ilove the Braves young players. They are fun to watch. GO YOU HUNGER KIDS.

By doc

April 23, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

why always so negative guys?

By geechee

April 23, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

I’m not at all negative about this team but I am very negative about the Yankees’ fans that own them.

By Brad

April 23, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Bobby took out Reitsma because he had threw too many pitches. He needed to get into the game and was really rusty, but I still don’t see the wisdom in bringing him in the 8th, when he goes more then one inning it can get ugly. Overall, I don’t think it was too bad, the strike zone was pretty small and he hadn’t pitched in a while, but I’m sure lots of people will be getting in line to get a new closer, its one game and he didn’t give up a run…give Reitsma a break!

By tim

April 23, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

can someone tell me the wisdom of always swinging at the first pitch? Frenchy is just too hard headed or something. I’ve watched others including Pendleton and the Jones do the same thing over the years, but they would work out of it. Is it because hitters feel that the first pitch is the best thing they’ll see?How do you call it “being agressive” if you always strike out or hit a weak grounder to third? JF needs to think harder than that and soon or he’ll become a joke very soon.

By old timer

April 23, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

Prado looks really good at the plate. Man, we have some fine middle infielders who are about ready to play. A Giles trade might not be a bad idea.

By Tomahawkin

April 24, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

Go Braves! We got Lucky tonite…and I’m not giving Reeksma a break…He pitched behind in the count on just about every hitter… A good offensive team would have made him pay fro that…

Go Martin!…Prado Did more at the plate in one game than Pete Orr has done out of the leadoff spot all season

Let Prado Leadoff…It just pains me to see Orr and LaRoche hit and try to pull the ball all the time

LaRoche needs to be no higher than sixth

By Bob

April 24, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

Jimmy,

You found Little Bobby … and see what heppened … I’m back talking to you direct!

John P (PLEASE let me go another inning)Thompson will never learn … gave up another run tonight … Goodness, I just figured out why evrybody wanted the Braves to trade him … at this rate, he’ll never get a win.

But, Paul’s Powerful Pet blue Ox Betimet was something else!

Watching “Potentially Powerful” Jeff reminds me that 53 years ago, my high School coach was unpiring one of our innersquad games and called me out on a pitch that was obviously outside. I turned around, mad as could be … but before I could say a word, he said “Calm down Bobby, I know it was outside … but you could still hit it; you’ve got to know ‘your own’ strike zone son.”

Frenchy never was in a slump … he may have regained some of his aggressiveness and confidence, but he needs to keep his hands back with eyes on the ball, stay connected, … and I agree with Coach; he needs to have a better idea of “his” strike zone. If he doesn’t do something, I may change his name to “PAINFUL to watch”.

Ain’t like good when you win?!

By Chris

April 24, 2006 04:38 AM | Link to this

Keep up the good work, Dave. Andruw seemed a little brash to me early in his career (even though I was a teenager, I could see it). But over the course of his decade with the Braves, he has earned my respect for how he has carried himself on and off the field. As a youngster, you had Bobby sitting him when he loafed on plays, the Gold Club situation, and various other things that made you wonder if Druw would realize his potential. I don’t think those questions remain. And at 29, I believe his best years are probably just ahead of him.

By Matthew

April 24, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Jimmysmith:

As soon as I re-read the earlier posts, I realized what you were talking about. Sorry about the mistake.

By Matthew

April 24, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

I was reminded of journalist jimmysmith tongith when I saw Bobby Dews in the bullpen. There was great rejoicing in the land when he was found, like the one lost sheep that had been separated from the ninety-nine (Matthew 18:12-13).

Dews played all nine positions in one game? Was that before or after that northern dork Rutherford B. Hayes stole the election from our friend Sam Tilden in ‘76?

Go history and GO BRAVES!

By Penn

April 24, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Based on extensive observation of him I have finally reached the conclusion that Reitsma is not closer material. Perhaps he could perform satisfactorily at middle relief where the pressure is less but not in the ninth with a narrow lead. He simply can’t handle the pressure of a closer.

By Bryan

April 24, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

suicide squeeze with the bases loaded is an automatic double play - and JT has been smacking the ball lately - David

By Matthew

April 24, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Penn:

You’re right. I’ve been patient with Reitsma all along, and I think he would be a fantastic set-up man, but he’s not closer material. With that said, I really don’t know what our options are. I know there’s a little room in the payroll, but who’s available? Out of who we presently have, and other than cloning John Smoltz, what options do we have that are proven closers?

By Claudette

April 24, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Andruw does not need to take roids he works out and like you said he is strong. He has got a very cute smile.

By OldTimer

April 24, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Dave is just trying to make a point. He just hasn’t do it very effectively, neither will I. It’s a pleasure to watch such a natural talent as Andruw Jones play in an era when the game is so under so much criticism and scrutiny. He’s completely out of place.

By Jeff Rutstein

April 26, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

Hello David,

I read your article “Druws power suspicion-free” with great interest. There is much talk about steroid abuse and baseball. Many are concerned with the integrity of the game and the record book but we are loosing focus of the real problem.

My name is Jeff Rutstein, author of The Steroid Deceit, a book that chronicles my descent into steroid use and the uphill battle I faced with recovery. However, the real lessons of the book: the reasons why kids turn to steroids; signs of steroid abuse; a handle on dealing with the topic for parents; an honest explanation of the dangers of steroid abuse for kids. My recovery from an addiction that nearly killed me has been the subject of reports by The New York Times, Fox News, CNN and others.

The press release below - Bonds, Steroids and Our Children was written to make parents aware of the widespread use of steroids and the warning signs.

I believe your readers will find this topic eye-opening, an online media kit is available at www.steroiddeceit.com/media_room . I can be reached on my cell phone at 617-699-4427.

Best regards, Jeff Rutstein

• • • • + Bonds, Steroids and Our Children

Does your child use steroids?

Of course not.

That’s what concerned parents want to believe.

Yet scores of young people are consuming a toxic stew, drugs they believe will enhance physical strength, performance and stamina, and build confidence.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows steroid use among male high school students rose 65 percent from 3.7 to 6.1 percent between 1999 and 2003; among female students it jumped from 2.2 to 5.3 percent, or a whopping 140 percent.

Many of these young people have as their unfortunate role models certain high-profile athletes such as Barry Bonds, who have been implicated in steroid use.

So, parents, be wary. Steroids are stealthy predators. Watch for warning signs: rapidly bulked-up muscles, preoccupation with “getting big,” unusual acne, major mood swings, muscle magazines, pills or powders promising muscle development, and vials and syringes.

If you suspect a problem, get between the drugs and your child, impressing upon him or her the fact that what they’re doing is illegal and very dangerous.

You may be what saves your child from devastating health problems or from death.

What Are They:

So-called anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. “Anabolic” refers to muscle-building, and “androgenic” refers to increased masculine characteristics, as defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“Steroids” refers to the class of drugs, often legally prescribed for people with wasting diseases such as AIDS.

But illegal use, which can add body size, is just as likely to destroy or impair the liver, heart and kidneys, emotional stability and normal sexual development of kids.

I know all this because I abused steroids for three and a half years in the mid - 80’s — and they almost killed me. They also ruined relationships and hurt my parents, parents who had raised me lovingly.

As a user, I learned to lie to my father and steal from my mother’s purse.

I had no conscience.

I had good reasons for steroid use — or so I thought.

Steroids primarily appeal to young people who are looking for an athletic edge or those who want a quick fix to a better body. All want to “supersize” themselves, to create a new and improved version. I had suffered in school due to my short stature and a stutter, both of which attracted bullies and teasing. Steroids looked like the perfect remedy. My heroes, after all, included The Incredible Hulk and a giant of a man named Arnold Schwarzenegger — who eventually admitted to using steroids.

Finally Broken:

Eventually steroid use broke me, literally. My body and mind were in shambles. A long, long road back included physical and mental evaluations, addiction support group meetings, and exercise — workouts not meant to “bulk up” but to help my battered body and mind reacquaint themselves.

I am now the father of two boys.

My life has been resurrected from the disaster known as steroids. That is why I am here to caution other parents: It doesn’t just happen to someone else’s kids.

When young people look at the hard, muscles bodies presented by smiling, oversized human beings, they see a tempting portrait.

Potential users are seduced by this fake picture of health and vitality and virility. The picture doesn’t show the strain on the arteries, the wear and tear on the heart and the psyche.

It doesn’t show the caskets.

Jeff Rutstein, author of The Steroid Deceit and owner of Boston’s Custom Fitness, is a former steroid addict who almost died from steroid abuse. For more information on the consequences of steroids and how to combat today’s epidemic of steroid abuse, go to www.StopSteroidAbuse.com

NOTE: Rutstein available for interviews. Review copies are available.
CONTACT: Jeff Rutstein, 800-374-9959, admin@customfitness.com