Braves

By Paul

May 25, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Why don’t they allow you to ride on the Braves Charter Flight on road trips? Don’t the TBS/Radio announcers ride w/ them?

By Miranda

May 25, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

DOB… hope you get there soon! I know that has to be frustrating!

I didn’t find those details boring.. of course I am weird sometimes! I enjoyed reading the details of your day though! Gave me a different appreciation of what you do! I would love to read about your day more often… I’m weird though and enjoy odd things like that!

By MGL

May 25, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Phils beat Mets 5-3

By eware

May 25, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Its good to know what your day is like DOB. Thanks for sharing.

What do you think of the Black Key’s Thickfreakness? I think most of it is pretty good, but doesn’t match Rubber Factory or Chulahoma.

Go see a Second City show!

By luv everything ATL

May 25, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

You really should get to ride the team plane with the braves, you do the same thing pete and skip does and they don’t even cover half the television games anymore.

By elbravo x

May 25, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

I think traveling in baseball is way harder than people realize. Imaging jumping from bird to bird, at different time zones, every 3 days and expected to excell physically and mentally. DOB: When in Rome…Dip dish pizza! Cheese…

By BravosFanatic

May 25, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Nice blog DOB. We all realize how stressful travel can be, even though I do agree with the certain blogger that you do have the best job in the world. The new Cash cd is jammin’, track number four is my personal favorite, been listening to it all day at work. Nice to see the Bravos put some good wood on the ball last night; see if the can keep it going in the windy city. Go Bravos!

By elbravo x

May 25, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

deep dish, pizza soup!

By Chico Escuela

May 25, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Anything less than a sweep over the hapless Cubs is unacceptable!

By Adam

May 25, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

DOB: Any word on Diaz being given more playing time? Hasn’t he earned it? If not, what more does he need to do to get more consistant starts?

By geauxbraves2000

May 25, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

My wife is a Cubs fan so I have been following them this year, and that team simply is not hitting right now, no matter who the opposing pitcher is. I wouldn’t mind seeing Smoltz take the entire weekend off and start Monday against the Dodgers.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

dob is right. doing journalism is tough. sometimes, while doing journalism, jimmy smith gets frustrated. at times, when others pose as journalist jimmy smith and say bad things about bob, it is frustrating to jimmy smith. never, though, has jimmy smith complained about first class air travel. journalist’s employer is kind to provide this perk to jimmy smith and baby seal. crown room is especially nice at o’hare with many beautiful attendants who like to play with baby seal and strike up conversation with handsome journalist. journalist and cub reporter, baby seal, have just left the crown room after enjoying beverages, cheeses from around the world, and a bowl of assorted nut treats. baby seal does not yet understand moderation in eating from a bowl full of cashews, almonds, pecans, and ugandan shea nuts. that said, jimmy smith and baby seal look forward to wrigley field and baseball with the chicago cubs. now, root beer … this journalist enjoyed a bottle of frostie root beer just last week at a little place close to the grove park inn in beautiful asheville, nc. journalist and baby seal were on a field trip to the nc arboretum in search of some good plants for the backyard. baby seal has planted some hostas, but alas, some creature is eating them. there may be a need soon for carolina lady and her bb gun. now, chipper jones … this journalist likened chipper jones in yesterday’s blog to the famous talkin horse, mr. ed - and chipper jones responded with a multiple hit, multiple steal, game. when asked the score after the game uh, chipper responded by lifting his foot, and striking the ground 10 times, then 6 times more. now, “new” johnny cash cd … someone please tell dob that johnny cash is dead. now, stiff neck … there is no truth to the rumor circulating that laroche sought and received advice from new teammate chad paronto on how to treat sore neck. instead, bobby dews applied a nice poultice made in the bullpen. now, long post today … where is scribe? journalist jimmy smith needed scribe here to help jimmy smith this week when impostors ran rampant. scribe is master of transition. now, nap … easy day of travel for this journalist. nap, then light dinner and watch tv.

By Bechpth

May 25, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Why do I care what is your day like DOB or how much you bore us with your stupid tavel stories? Why can’t you just emphasize on the Braves nothing but the Braves, not your stinking personal bull%!@$#.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

a number of bloggers have inquired why beat writer does not fly with team on charter. cheese. players receive major league meal money, journalists do not. for this reason, and others, journalists consume much cheese while on the road. cheese may be packed in overnight bag and cheese is readily available in all national league cities (especially milwaukee where tables and chairs are made of cheese). journalists who eat so much cheese do not make good travel companions. this started long before dob joined the newspaper - so don’t blame it on him. esteemed old journalist is major culprit but it is not spoken of on marietta street. still, at newspaper building, most people wait for the next elevator if you know what jimmy smith means. now, what can be done …? fruit. yogurt. fish. exercise. the swordfish sandwich is a start.

By Jennifer

May 25, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

blah blah blah….who cares if u are sitting in the darn runway….. do your JOB…this is a braves blog not b*** place about your JOB

By Casey

May 25, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

I agree about Matt Diaz needing more playing time! Can he play first base?! Or move Langerhans to first (since he’s the best fundamentally defensive player they have) and start Diaz at left. And while we are shuffling the lineup, bench Giles and start Wilson! Both Wilson and Matt should be in the starting lineup!… oneway or another. If they are not going to play them, they should trade one of them for a closer.

By TennesseePaul

May 25, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

DOB: I, for one, care about your day. If it weren’t for the dedicated beat writer contstantly keeping me up to speed, I’d be stuck trying to decode the miniscule morsels that ESPN occassionally tosses out on the Braves. I’ve been down that road before. It’s terrifying. (just two days ago, all they had on the Braves was how, technically, the Braves have the worst single season record and how the deal for Ruth was the worst deal in history. Thanks ESPN… live in the now).

I sat in a plane this weekend, stuck. I could feel the germs creeping into my body from the stale taste of recycled air. Now I’m sick as dog and I’m pointing the finger at the 120 other people on the plane, but more intently at the obnoxiously little brats that kicked my seat for the entire trip. But even after all of that, I was still able to smile. I went to 6 Braves games in 6 days and still worked remotely to keep The Man happy. It was absolutely wonderful.

I hear the pizza pies are amazing in ChiTown. I have yet to go there. I really should. I’ve been to nearly every MLB stadium but Wrigley. I’m saving the best for last I suppose. I also have to find a justifiable reason why my company should send me out there. I suppose I could save and plan a vacation… but those are spent on Braves home games.

By Carolina Lady

May 25, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, you have my FULL sympathy!! I lived “on the road” for 30 years - so I know of what you speak! I enjoy reading about your “doings” (a southern boy will know what that means) very much! Interesting, appreciated! Thanks again!

By Cincybravefan

May 25, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Wow Dave, This is a tough crowd. I don’t like to travel and would not have your job regardless of money. Thanks for your regular insight of the Braves.

By marc

May 25, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, you sound like a very sensitive and caring individual. Did you learn this, or were you born with it.

By Ryder

May 25, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

I think in Jennifer and Bechpth’s case, it was acquired due to inbreeding. If you’re that ticked off about how DOB spends his day, find something else to do, like going outside your basements.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

kolbian behavior from greg maddux!

By glembo

May 25, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you enjoy travel less since Andruw slid over that bat?

By Jennifer

May 25, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

I want to make sure it is noted that the Jennifer who wrote above comments is not the same Jennifer who lives in California and (unintentionally)cursed the Braves on Tuesday night. Our streak continues. We will try one more time when the Braves return in August…It was great watching Jorge hit the homerun. Lots of Braves fans in Petco Park.

By Max Sizemore

May 25, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Folks, David does not travel with the team because the newspaper he works for would not allow it. Like most news organizations, the AJC does not want its writers feeling obligated in any way to the people they cover.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

is carolina lady who posted above the carolina lady with crows? if so, jimmy smith says, hello! it is hard to tell who is who on this blog anymore. even baby seal claims someone is posting using his name, baby seal. perhaps it is time to give baby seal a name. journalist is considering naming baby seal after a ballpark, for instance, uh, shea - which also would relate to the famous ugandan shea nut from which shea butter is derived. then, thought has been given to naming seal after a famous canadian - but there are no famous canadians. so, jimmy smith will continue to call baby seal, baby seal for now. now, testy … that is what dob will be when he reads this blog and finds so much negative reaction to his blog today on travel issues. for jimmy smith’s money, the article was well written and included mention of baseball, music, and food. still, a bit whiney. not pulitzer prize stuff, but it is early yet in the season.

By Sharpe

May 25, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

Glembo and Savant,your mother’s calling. She’s ovulating.

By glembo

May 25, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

Hello glennbo, it is glembo. Did you ever get that bat you wanted? glembo understands it may be soiled.

By t-roy

May 25, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

dob you do a good job covering the braves, keep up the good work, don’t sweat the people with the negative comments, there’s some in every crowd. Just get us some more w’s and everything will be just fine

By old timer

May 25, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, I have no idea why anyone would want to be a sportswriter. I convered sports in college but realized cityside was where it’s at in the newspaper biz. Why ruin a good hobby, and why endure the tightest deadlines night after night?

By Sharpe

May 25, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

Glembo, is that the best you’ve got? You ought to think about that bat fixation. Sounds like you’ve got bat envy.

By David O'Brien

May 25, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Jennifer and Bechth (nice tagline, by the way): How to put this kindly? Please do me and us all a favor by never, ever responding or even reading this blog again. Seriously, go away. OK? Thanks.\

And to both of you: I’ll write whatever I want here, and I think I’ll write more personal stuff if it upsets you, because I can. And you only have two choices: Read it, don’t read it. Please respond to that, you witty geniuses.

And to the rest of the real bloggers who have opinions and real lives: Thanks for indulging me. Jenny and becehetelecddy must be a tad shallow or borrrrrring.

We finally arrived in Chicago, by the way. Or does that hurt Jenny and bechtetelleysxxddd, to read more of my personal stuff? Good. Keep reading.

Oh, and we don’t ride the planes mainly because there’s no way we could write our stories after the game. We stay in the pressbox for an hour or sometimes much longer writing after games, while the team showers and leaves. No way they’re going to hold up the charter flight waiting for guys to write stories.

Simple explanation. That, plus it would be a conflict to ride the plane without reimbursing them, etc.

By Carolina Lady

May 25, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Hi, Jimmy! ‘Tis me - crows, hartebeest, Daisy and all.

(Missed blogging lately, but when evil spirits who sow seeds of discord, disharmony, and ill-will start bullying and ahrrassing everyone else, I leave; don’t need such in my life. Shame on them for such callous, boorish behavior.)

Baby seal’s name….hmmmm…..This requires much thought! A name must be descriptive of the person, either of appearance, character, or something else that says who the person is. “Lumbering Buffalo” brings a certain image to mind…..”Graceful Doe” another……”Happy Lark”, etc. (I was tagged with “Little Standing Deer” by the elders when I was a small child - even though I had a regular everyday name like everyone else.) Naming is an event that must not be taken lightly! :-)

My friend has been missed! Let us hope that peace will prevail!

By Dr. Sharpe

May 25, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Congratulaions glembo. You’re a father and brother in one event.

By Boomer

May 25, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB, for the blog. I think all of us are interested in what your day/job is really like whether we admit it or not. Most of us probably do just see it as go to a game, talk to some players, watch the game then write about it. In our hearts,we know there’s more to though. Eat the steak tonight, save the pizza for lunch.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

carolina lady is nice. it is good to have her back. maybe bob will return soon. bob was viciously attacked by the loathsome blogger. now, jimmy smith’s ancestor’s last name was crow. jimmy smith was afraid to reveal this to carolina lady for obvious reasons, but since native american … this can now be revealed without fear. perhaps carolina lady and jimmy smith are cousins after all. ever been to uganda? (this is a long story) now, jimmy smith will need help from all involved in naming baby seal. can matthew help? matthew picks nice names. for some reason jimmy smith likes the name dave o’seal, but journalist is resisting this urge. maybe scribe will have an idea - scribe is also journalist, you know.

By Savant

May 25, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

What is a Glembo? Is it anything like a Glennbo? If you crossed the two would there be a brain between them? Which one gets the bat?

By Bob, journalist jg

May 25, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, did you see my earlier post to you on the previous blog? Wrigley … my favorite place to go for a MLB game … Cubs are dangerous, mad and frustrated … but we could win all three! I’m sure that Bobby knows what he’s doing with McCann … but, putting pressure on that leg for sustained periods so soon is scary … hope he’s closely watched.

Don’t you get frustrated too … I paid those villians to say things about me under your “signature” … to break the boredom when DOB went missing … but you know how kids are, it just got out of hand.

Seriously, most bloggers visiting this site know your values and the persona you’ve adopted … to all of us, supporters and detractors alike, that “is” Jimmy Smith, journalist. Except to the most casual of observers, posts submitted by “Jimmy Smith” … that don’t reflect your values, style and idiosyncrasies … are quickly dismissed as bogus.

The few who succeed … are actually paying you a compliment and are not a threat since their efforts must indeed be reflective of you and your values in order to be effective. If they’re that good, one would think that they would be proud to author their posts under their own identities.

Disruptive and/or boorish behavior is generally intended to cause ill will or be upsetting, regardless of protestations to the contrary … and those who condone or participate know that if it goes unchecked … many bloggers will simply migrate to friendlier environs. I doubt that many, when they privately reflect on their behavior, are proud of themselves.

Jimmy, on a more important, serious note … when you were in NC … did you run across any old fashioned, mollasses “brick” candy?

Remember Johnny, Cash isn’t dead … it’s just been replaced by plastic. What is the name of the new CD?

My Digital equipment is in Chattanooga so I tried to tape last night’s game for later viewing using my professional JVC VCR … but it broke down and ate the tape. Then I tried my cheap Hitachi … the indicators said it was recording when it wasn’t … so now I’m going to listen to the game on MLB.com.

Goodness!! Serious news story … I just read on Comcast that a 50 year old, 5’1” man, found guilty of a serious sex crime, was given probation because the Judge thought be would be molested in prison because of his size. Maybe the Judge should be serving time for judicial misconduct.

Later!

By Adam Worth

May 25, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

Come on Savant. There’s still half a fortune cookie left to fill up with your plethora of wisdom. I take it you have bat envy as well.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 25, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Matthew, In case you missed it, I responded to your earlier post … but put it on the previous blog.

By kreedham

May 25, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Enjoy your blogs about the Braves and especially music. It’s nice to hear someone that doesn’t write about music, at his job anyway, be so into it.

If you like blues check out who’s at Buddy Guy’s club.

My next purchase will be the new Dixie Chicks CD which I believe was produced by Rick Rubin. It’s gotten great reviews.

I take it you’ve probably been to a lot of concerts. If so name 1 or 2 artists that you want to see most that you haven’t gotten around to yet. For me it’s Van Morrison and Neil Young.

By Miranda

May 25, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

Glad you arrived finally DOB!

and yea, I hope Bobby is smart with how soon he decides to put McCann back in. I’m definitely ready to see him back! It’s just not the same without him, but I don’t want to do more damage when it can be avoided by being smart! We’ll soon see though!

By old timer

May 25, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

kreedham, the Dixie Chicks are on the cover of Time this week. They say they aren’t offering any more apologies. I gotta get that CD, too.

By Rafael Palmeiro

May 25, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Glembo, I’ve got got these pills that will help you with your bat problem. Oh, yeah. Your mom called. Tonight’s your brother’s night.

By Savant

May 25, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

When Andruw slid over that bat do you think Glennbo lost some brain cells?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

jounalist bob, baby seal shares your concern about rushing mccann back. last night “p” player pratt was successful at the plate so maybe bobby can wait another day or so with mccann. journalist bob, try the mast general store for the candy. they have a web site - and they have the molasses candy. now, it is thought to be a little short man who is posing as jimmy smith on this blog. he should go to jail no matter his dimunitive size and intellect. now, dob … life on the road can be difficult. let’s hope dob gets a good night’s sleep and can intervene for these two who want the bat so badly. now, waddell seals … why have they no neck?

By Billy Bean

May 25, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Savant, Wetbar called. You left your wallet.

By elbravo x

May 25, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

does Chip, skip, and my old time favorite Harry, still have a joint grill in C- Town? People know about things in baseball, I want details. Cheese or extra cheese?

By ernesto

May 25, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

The Mets signed El Duque…is that worrisome? I don’t know what he’s been doing lately…and I hate hearing Nick Green’s putting on the pinstripes, I liked that kid.

By glembo

May 25, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

does glembo get a bat or not?

By Adam Worth

May 25, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Oh, Jeez. I think he’s turned on.

By bayb seal

May 25, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

someone help! i’m trapped with this deranged lunatic. he makes me sit in front of a tv and tries to feed me cheese. he also talks to himself in the third person. i think he’s firing up the BBQ. help!

By ssiscribe

May 25, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Sometimes, I think somebody is listening to me.

I stood here Wednesday afternoon wanting to scream at the computer while following the Cardinals/Giants game. The pride of the SSI, Adam Wainwright, became the 93rd player in MLB history to homer in his first career at-bat (God knows there are plenty of other stats to go along with that one tidbit, and I think I’ve found every single one of them last night and today). But, between Wainwright’s homer and Jason Marquis’ triple in a pinch-hitting appearance yesterday, I wanted to scream because those two pitchers, who once were property of the Braves, had generated just about as much offense as anybody with a tomahawk across their chest during the road trip (at least since McCann got hurt Saturday night).

Until last night, mind you. It was quite encouraging to see AJ go yard, twice. Maybe this is the start of something good. I haven’t been too worried about his homer drought, but it was time for him to yank one out.

DOB, screw what some of the folks here have to say. Being a beat writer covering a team across four different time zones is far from easy. I haven’t been on a plane on deadline too, too much, but when I have, it takes it out of you. I’ve been knocking out stuff on the plane or in the airport, and it ain’t as glamorous as the masses would believe. I appreciate the perspective. You gotta vent, come here and do it. We’ll listen to you.

God, the Cubs suck. A sweep gives the Braves a 6-3 road trip heading home. I’ll take that in a heartbeat. The ballclub needs to make that hapen.

Time to chill. Happy Memorial Day weekend everybody, and y’all take a minute to remember why we have this holiday in the first place.

Finally, the imposters fall so far short, it’s crystal clear y’all are wannabees. Jimmy Smith, keep doing your thing, brother. It’s all good on the blog. The fakes are easy to see, man. Transition lessons through the weekend, ha ha!

OK, gotta run. From the SSI, with a cold one raised high, see y’all through the weekend.

By bayb seal

May 25, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

oh no! i just found several seal carcasses. someone call the ASPCA!

By ssiscribe

May 25, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

OK, two more points to address before I go:

First, the question of traveling with the team. Back two generations ago, that was the way it was. Today, it’s different. Forget the time the team would spend waiting for the writers to finish. What if the team played poorly, yet was paying for the writer’s trip? Big conflict of interest. That’s why I won’t let any of our folks travel with a high school team. A sticky situation indeed if a team provided us travel, then got blasted in the game we covered, a game they let us tag along. Serious, serious conflict of interest there. Best to avoid it altoghter.

Second, what to name baby seal? Jimmy, how about jimmy o’scribe? The scribe is not for me, but for all the journalists out there. Just a thought.

Later, y’all.

By Adam

May 25, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

DOB: Please ignore the Jennifer’s and Bechth’s of the world - they’re clearly from Forsyth County and just happy to have most of their teeth. The vast majority of us out here recognize the grueling hours you put in and appreciate your hard work and dedication. Thanks so much for the daily updates (what would we have to read and debate without this blog? I might even have to beocme an American Idol fan… oh the horror…)

By Savant

May 25, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

If the seal is an idiot why not call him glennbo?

By bayb seal

May 25, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

i think my name should be “toast”. please help. he’s watching “emeril” and looking over at me and shouting “BAM”. oh, no. bernie marcus just showed up.

By bayb seal

May 25, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

a savant calling someone an idiot. what does that mean?

By Bob, journalist jg

May 25, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith … much obliged!! Thanks for the laugh too … best I’ve had in a while!!

Can you imagine that … it was in Nebraska. I didn’t see any information on the Judge’s age or background … I think she gave him 10 years probation and required him to wear a tracking device for the first 4 months … also, if he dates a woman with children under age 18, he’ll be subject to 30 days in jail. Sounds fair … don’t you think?!

Reminds me of the true story of the California Judge that dismissed DUI charges against a man because he was too drunk to understand when they read him his rights.

It doesn’t always go the way of the defendant though … while working for a consulting firm in the bank building at Peachtree and North Avenue back in 1964-65, I remember the story of a poor Alabama farmer who made a $50 deposit into his checking account, for which the teller gave him a receipt showing the $50 deposit and an account balance in excess of $36,000.

The farmer said, and bank employees agreed, that the most he ever had in that account was less than $500.

He told the teller that he suspected that something was wrong and asked that the balance be rechecked … she told him it was correct. He then went through the same routine with two more tellers with the same result … except that the third one told him that it was possible that someone made a deposit on his behalf without his knowledge … and so he promptly closed out the account … he was poor, not dumb!

When the bank finally realized it had deposited the funds into the wrong account and contacted the farmer … they found a new car, boat, new farming equipment, livestock … and about $2,000 in cash.

The poor farmer was sentenced to 10 years for theft by deception!

The Bank was a client company and we verified that the story was indeed true. We always assumed that the case would be successfully appealed but never saw any evidence to that effect.

By David O'Brien

May 25, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

By the way, some of you might cringe as much as I do at this fact: Most of the Braves were completely enthralled with American Idol. They were watching the final after the game Wednesday, debating it like they were watching the NCAA Final Four or something.

Talk about feeling completely out of touch. Or maybe just old. I don’t get it. But hey … I used to watch American Bandstand and Soul Train and Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, so maybe this is this generation’s version of those shows, in some way. I don’t know….

By glennbo

May 26, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

feet of red clay.

By Eric

May 26, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

A.I. lol. I can see Frenchy and McCann just absolutely emersed in the show. And Cox butting in and giving them his 2 cents on the matter. lol. not really.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 26, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this

hey DOB — your blogs are great, i love reading what you write all the time. with your huge amount of braves coverage (not just the blog but all of your articles too), i don’t mind reading about what life on the road is like every once in a while. keep crankin’ that stuff out man.

and DOB — any thoughts on the mets’ trades? it’s hard to say that el duque won’t do much for the mets — as long as he pitches a little better than trachsel, he’ll be a big help for them. i don’t see him pitching like pedro or glavine, but then i don’t think he has to to help them win. (ARRRRRRRRGGGHHH)

By Doyle Hargraves

May 26, 2006 02:48 AM | Link to this

Suggestion: Chipper as lead-off hitter with Diaz/Langerhans in the 3 hole. Or - Diaz/Langerhans as lead-off.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 26, 2006 03:41 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith,

I went to the Mast General Store site and checked out the candy … they only showed two ‘Mollases’ items … “Kits” and something else, but neither was that for which I’m searching. In fact, most of the “Molasses” Candy I found on the web are in the “taffy” family … this isn’t.

It was too late to call so I emailed them with something similar to this:

About 25 years ago, I bought a very large bag of what tagged “Molasses Block Candy” in a candy store in the Gatlinburg TN area.

I don’t really know how to describe the candy except to say that it was dark golden brown and highly aerated, irregular “blocks” of candy … that almost looked like cinder blocks full of air holes … we were told that folks out in the East Tennessee and North Carolina hill country made it in large vats … but we have never found any evidence of that.

It didn’t look very good … in fact, both parents and my better half made fun of me when I bought it … but they liked it so much that I wound up getting only one piece out of the the 12-15 pieces in the bag. It was mostly air and quickly dissolved/melted in your mouth!! When we returned about 8 months later, we found the store permanently closed.

I’m still trying to get my second piece of that candy … and if anyone could tell me what it’s really called or where I could find it … or even point me the the right direction … I would promise to say good things about them on the Blog, every day, for two weeks!

By HEAD COACH

May 26, 2006 04:29 AM | Link to this

DOB , your blog is probably the most popular of the bunch and its because you love your job just as much as some of us do. I and the rest of the intelligent people in here really enjoy your insight into the game and feel as if we are right thier with you munching on the hotdogs and cheering on our Bravos. Thanks for the frequent blogs and keep up the great work. Now for you morons without a life , get one and find something better too do than spill your mindless crap on the rest of us who actually give a damn. Go BRAVOS , the cubbies reek , lets give them hell this weekend.

By batrol

May 26, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this

Good grief, you’re complaining about all these things to get to do a job most of us would do for free. You get to write about men playing a kid’s game. Lucky! I would love your job. I’ve been on sweaty airplanes before going to work on something not nearly as glamorous as professional baseball.

By Al D.

May 26, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this

If I were your boss I would bench you for a week and make you cover the monkey cages at the Zoo. BTW, next time you’re stuck on a runway in a hot plane, look around and you’ll see a few hundred other folks stuck too. Difference is they are’nt going to a ballgame.

By Joe Roman

May 26, 2006 07:49 AM | Link to this

DOB, you’ve got my sympathy. I was an entertainment journalist for the better part of thirty years. Nobody thinks what we do is work. When people ask me why I got out and I tell them I burned out on it, they look at me like I spit on their shoes. I once sat on the runway at LaGuardia for four hours in a rainstorm. They showed the in-flight movie twice. It was “Groundhog Day”. True story, I swear. The whiners should try to imagine what it must be like to be Cubs fans.

By ssiscribe

May 26, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

American Idol? I’ve actually watched it the past couple of seasons. DOB, what was the team’s take? Taylor or Kat? (For the record, I was rooting for Soul Patrol once Chris got voted off).

And, as a sign that life always can be worse, just imagine if the ballclub we all followed/rooted for/covered was the Kansas City Royals. God, they make the Cubs and Pirates look good.

Later.

By Joe Roman

May 26, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

DOB, is there anything worse than American Idol???? Not in my book, there isn’t. Do you know about singing sharp? That’s all I heard the one time I watched the show. It is the opposite of singing flat. In other words, the singer is just above the actual note. To anybody with a good ear, it sounds awful-as bad as singing flat. To those with a tin ear, it sounds dramatic. Listen to the ones who have gotten record deals. They sing sharp too even though it can be adjusted in a recording studio. Another well-known offender is Mariah Carey. I’d rather listen to nails on a blackboard.

By Ken

May 26, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Dave, I would not want your job and you probably would not want mine (sales: it sucks). But I would like to tag along with you for about a week. It would be kind of interesting. Go Braves!!!!!

By eware

May 26, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

American Idol, seriously? The braves are dead to me now.

American Idol cheapens the music industry even further. Getting a recording contract after not singing your own songs! Where are the road-warriors? Play a damn instrument.

By Matthew

May 26, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist j.g. Bob:

Thanks for the kind words. I have changed my mind and am making a recommendation to journalist jimmy smith for your promotion to full-fledged journalist.

DOB, I think it’s good for us to hear how your trips go. I think we as fans idealize the job you do. I for one think it would be neat to do your job for one series, then go back to my regular life, because I know I would not last long jumping time zones, making deadlines, etc. Ignore the morons, you’re doing a great job and we appreciate it.

Now, the Mutts have been making several deals lately. They picked up El Duque, designated Jeremi Gonzalez for assignment, and traded for lefty Dave Williams from the Reds, giving up a non-roster invitee named Robert Manuel. It looks to me like the Mutts are starting to panic, and Minaya is making whatever deals are available, whether they are good or not. While I’m sure that we fans would love to see Dontrelle, Joe Nathan, and Ichiro show up today in a huge trade where the Braves gave up Reitsma, Laroche, Giles, and a resin bag to be named later, our management team is doing the right thing, staying the course and beiong patient until the right deal turns up. There are realy only two things that the Braves HAVE to do: get a closer (whether from within or through a trade) and fill the leadoff hole (Langerhans seems to be a good idea-DOB can you tell us why that hasn;t been tried?). Otherwise, the Braves will end up in the top 3 in offense, in the top half in pitching, and still have a couple of Gold Gloves come from the defense.

Let’s sweep the Cubbies!

By glembo

May 26, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Why not name baby seal, sealbo?

By Matthew

May 26, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

All right, that is IT!

Read this article from the New York Post.

(http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/66612.htm)

The New York idiots are already counting the Braves out in the NL East. Check the article and you’ll see that if we fall out of contention (what, are we the Nationals?) then we’d be likely to trade Tim Hudson.

1st: We not going to fall out of contention. Even if the streak ends, we’ll be in it until the end.

2nd: When was the last time the Braves traded anyone to the Yankees? I’m not talking about free agents like Farnsworth and Sheffield, but trades. I don’t think the Braves would trade Reitsma to the yankees, much less Hudson.

3rd: We know that Hudson is going to be the anchor and the ace of this staff when Smoltz retires. We’re not going to part with him to utilize Jorge Sosa in the ace role.

Come on New Yorkers, keep dreaming.

By Savant

May 26, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

What name would be more stupid than, Sealbo? Oh, Glennbo.

By Matthew

May 26, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

Sorry, typed the URL for that article incorrectly. It is:

[http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/66612.htm]

By Matthew

May 26, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Jimmysmith:

The only famous Canadian that I can think of is Wayne Gretzky. So it probably would be better to name the baby seal, “None,” after Chad Paronto.

By Not-A-Blogger

May 26, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is SSI?

Mr. O’brien, keep casting those pearls. Let the swine howl.

By Eric

May 26, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

I agree Matthew. No way in hell we trade Hudson. We got away with robbery when we signed him to that 4 yr 40 mill deal. Not that 10 mill per is cheap or anything, just that he could have commanded 15mill per the next winter probably. And we gave away hardly anything for him. Yeah I’d say the Hudson deal is one of J.S.’s best ever. Even though Hudson is not the 20win & era in the 2’s pitcher we thought we where getting, although I still think he will round in to form and be damn near that.

By David O'Brien

May 26, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Papers here filled with moaning and groaning and snide comments about the Cubs. You think it can be tough being a Braves fan? Mention that to these Cubbie faithful and they laugh at you, or shake their heads in silent amazement….

I’ll let you folks know when I hear anything on McCann’s status. Headed out to the park in a minute…

On a different note: BATROL, if you can write, you should send your resume to my boss. Because, my man, if you can do the job and would do it for free, you’d get hired.

One question: If you work for free in a job that requires 60-75 hours a week for nine months of the year, and about half that for the other months, then how would you pay your mortgage, car payments, insurance, etc?

Oh, that’s right. When you live a dream of watching ballgames and eating hot dogs, one doesn’t have mortgage payments, stress-related illness, etc. Silly me.

By Eric

May 26, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Huddy -vs- Zambrano today. Rematch of what I think was one of the top 3 games last yr. Both pitchers where completely on there game, but Chipper was the difference with those 2 homers.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 26, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

respected journalist bob, journalist jimmy smith has just awakened from a nap here at the intercontinental hotel (last year the drake, this year the intercontinental). soon, journalist will take a limo to wrigley field to cover and enjoy today’s game. upon arrival, baby seal will want a
wrigley field chicago-style grill-cart hot dog - no cheese. jimmy smith will have one also - but jimmy smith’s will be loaded with cheese (it’s the journalist in jimmy smith). now, candy …jimmy smith was distressed to learn that the molasses candy at the mast general store was not that journalist bob was looking for. the mast general store has a candy room with barrells full of unusual candies. perhaps they will find the molasses candy for you. also, they have a cooler full of nehi orange and nehi grape soda. this is a very cool store. much like matthew and others, baby seal favors grape flavor nehi over the orange. jimmy smith likes orange best. journalist jimmy smith thanks those who have suggested names for baby seal. while there have been some worthy suggestions (and a couple not-so-worthy) we must continue our search. when the right name appears we will know it. now, j.g… . matthew is right. this self-inflicted j.g. term was never intended. bob is a full journalist much like dob is full of it (journalism). so, bob, do some journalism with journalist jimmy smith’s blessing. now, wurlitzer prize … there were a few anxious moments over the past several days since the wurlitzer people now monitor this blog and dob’s articles in the paper(as a result of journalist jimmy smith’s nomination of dob for the wurlitzer prize). dob has not been at his best and frankly, he’s become a bit testy. still, he remains journalist jimmy smith’s journalistic hero for doing fine journalism even when it hurts. journalist jimmy smith is optimitic the wurlitzer people will look favorably upon dob this year. perhaps dob could promote some cd’s with organ music to win favor with the wurlitzer people. now, baseball … at 2:20 pm est.

By clelland@optilink.us

May 26, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Hey, Your job does sound tough, but it beats guard duty in Iraq or Afghanistan or being a dock forman at a trucking company on Sat. night when half the shift calls in sick. Hang in there.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 26, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

matthew, baby seal is big enough now to demand approval rights for a new name. it is believed that baby seal is leaning toward dave o’seal. nothing yet is decided except that baby seal is far too intelligent to be called, sealbo. while “none” is a worthy suggestion, the name is already in use in the braves’ bullpen. scribe’s suggestion of jimmy o’scribe is kind but there is only one scribe on this blog - esteemed scribe from coastal georgia. coastal georgia is a seal habitat, perhaps? now, cheese … some cheeses are better than others. ballpark cheese is just different. journalist on blog will know what jimmy smith means. now, toes … no known toe injuries on the chicago cubs at this time. both teams go into this series with relative good toe health, though one brave is rumored to have only two toes per foot - this rumor has been discounted by a professional journalist who has actually seen player’s toes and remarked that they are nice toes. whew! jimmy smith must go rest before the game!

By hoho

May 26, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

no great job is ever as great as it seems to the rest of us, and no terrible job is as terrible as it seems to us. great point clelland. hey, let’s all just do our job- what a concept. DOB does his JOB just fine, we all complain sometimes. but he won’t complain (nor will his colleauges) if he lays off the chili dogs at wrigley. cheese?

By Penn

May 26, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Dave, you do a terrific job but there are always that 2% who “don’t get it.”

While living in New Jersey and traveling nationwide my wife used to give me a bad time about the “glamour” of my job.

I decided to take her with me on a trip to experience the glamour. We got up at 5:00 to catch a plane from Newark to Cincinatti. We were told the flight had been cancelled. We caught a helicopter to LaGuardia and got a flight from LAG to Philadelphia connecting to Cincy.

Arrived in Cincy past my appointment time but customer agreed to see me. After making trip from Covington, KY airport into Cincy and back we left for Dallas but direct flight had long gone. Had to take flight through Atlanta.

Flight was just before dinner so no food was served. After long delay in the air we made ATL connection after running our legs off. It was then after the dinner hour. No food again.

Arrived in Dallas around 11:00 PM with no food. Checked into hotel after finding a hotdog in airport.

Wife never again complained.

PS: I truly enjoy your casual way of handling a story. Your “real” readers are right there with you.

By Phat Bat Boy

May 26, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

DOB, how could you possibly try to justify this team watching American Idol? You must have been drunk on the Chicago-style pizza.

What’s going on with Chuck James? And where is Joey Divine (not interested in seeing him in Atlanta, just wondering where he was doing his mental rehab)?

Lastly, don’t the Cubs have Scott Williamson sitting around doing nothing towards a pennant race?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 26, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

did bob know mr. mcelveen?

By MGL

May 26, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

For the ultimate travel experience, try an around the world ticket. Delta has a special “desk” for these in their international dept. The way it works is maximum 25,000 miles, as many stops as you want in whatever timeframe that you want, but you can only go around the world in one direction. I did a number of these a few years ago, one was 15 flights in 11 days (brutal). Very cost effective, about $6,000 business class, probably less than $2,000 in coach.

To baseball - let’s root for the Marlins this weekend, it would be great to see them take 2 or 3 of 3 from the Mets. Pitching matchups look pretty favorable with Willis vs Glavine. Those Marlin kids can put runs on the board as we have seen.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 26, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

So DOB is “Whiner” too??….just like a little girl…if the job is too much for you DOB….then give it to journalist jimmy smith….he is better than you, and does it for free!!!…GO CUBS!!!…

By Jim

May 26, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

DOB.

Checking the minor league stats, the low A team at Rome seems to be loaded. There are a number of top prospects that we have heard about already such as Campbell, Andrus, and Ramirez and 3 or 4 pitchers that are having very good years, but the player having the best year is a 1b named Kala Kaaihue that I have not heard anything about previously. His stats are as follow:

AVE OBP OPS HR RBI

329 484 1.128 12 36

How old is this guy and is he considered a real prospect?

By jennifer

May 26, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

No Ryder…I don’t even have a basement,lol…and I’m not from Alabama so there is no inbreeding here…This is a blog can say whatever I want to say..Geee all I said was stop b***…is that so bad. I don’t think so.So you need to stay out of of your basement..Anyways like I said this is a blog… I HOPE THE BRAVES HAVE A GOOD SERIES AND SWEEP THE CUBS..CAUSE THE CUBS SUCK…(HOPE I DIDN’T HURT NO ONES FEELINGS BY SAYING THE CUBS SUCK,LOL)

By Nomar Fulnaround

May 26, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

DOB: Complain all you want, that’s all most of the people on this blog do anyway.

As to the Braves… Gotta get it done this weekend. Tighten it up, keep it close, and at the break, your esteemed GM will make the right moves when it’s a buyer’s market, not now when all you can get is somebody like El Dookey.

BTW - Joe Roman: Not that this is important, but I have worked in a recording studio. You can adjust alot of stuff, especially these days. You can even soften the screeching Mariah Carey, as you mentioned. But you absolutely cannot adjust sharp/flat. There ya go…

By MVH

May 26, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’d like to get your response to this question, but today you seem most likely to respond to those that rip on your job. So, although I don’t really believe this and like your work, I’ll rip on your job, then ask my question.

Seriously, what a sweeet job, no stress, just get up watch the ballgame and type on the keyboard, then get paid. Same things were all doing, but were not getting paid and we go to another job

Okay, sorry. Can you list any potential targets for the braves in the trade market? Who might some legitamate and available closer be. As I see it, Dempster and Borowski are available, but I’m not sure they are much of an upgrade. Nathan could be available, except I don’t know if that would be someone the twins would immediately look to trade as his contract is very reasonable. So who would there be (even non-closers)?

By Penn

May 26, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Kala Kaaihue is 21 years old and it appears this is his first year. I can find no record before this year.

He plays 1B, bats R, throws R, is 6’ 2” and weighs 230. He turned 21 on March 29.

BTW, he is hitting one HR every 12 at bats and one double every 14 at bats or one extra base hit every 7 AB’s.

By Italiano

May 26, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

I remember once, it was raining and there was a lot of traffic and stuff, it was hard to drive to work. Boy, that day sucked.

By MGL

May 26, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

The 2006 draft should be interesting. Braves get six picks in the first 100. 24,43,51,68,72&100. Mets get two. 62&94.

By Jman

May 26, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, I hate to keep bringing up old stuff. But the other day you mentioned that we might start hearing Dontrelle to Atlanta rumors because they have the best prospects to offer. Do you think it is reasonable to believe the Braves may go after him? I figure it would take Chuck James, Salty, and another top notch guy to land Willis. I would think with McCann’s emergence as the top catcher this year the Braves would at least be a bit more comfortable in trading Salty. Now especially with the Mets actively pursuing Willis I would think the Braves would HAVE to do something? Do you think? I have also heard things about Carl Crawford in Tampa. He’s a phenom! Are the Braves that sold on Langerhans/Diaz in LF for the year? How about 1B with LaJoke?(Like that one? I came up with that one on my own) Lots of questions I know but do you habe any info?

By Brown eyed girl!

May 26, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Dan,

Want a nice relaxing meal while you’re there, go to Sushi Loop in Greektown. While you’re there, pick me up a Gyro! You do a great job. Go BRAVES!

By Tomahawkin

May 26, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Man Dude I like the Leftfield crew we have right now, but If we had Crawford our offense would be sick

Only thing about Crawford is that I don’t know much about he is defensively…

And about Dontrelle, we would be able to afford in within a couple of years, I see him selling out to WhineBrenner and the yanks in a couple of years…

By Tomahawkin

May 26, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

correction on Dontrelle, we wouldn’t be able to afford him a couple of years from now…

By Matthew

May 26, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, you’re right about “None.” It fits Paronto better than baby seal. I like David O’Seal or better still Baby Smith j.g. I don’t know, it’s a tough call.

If the Mets land Willis, I will puke in my desk. That CANNOT happen. JS, PULEEASE stop the insanity. Ok, calm down. I’m okay now.

If the Marlins can sneak up and bite the Mets while we clobber the Cubs, we could be 2 or 3 games out by Monday. The summer is heating up, and the Braves are sure to follow!

By David O'Brien

May 26, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

McCann tweaked his ankle again in pregame drills when he tried to cut, and now looks like he’ll be DL’d tomorrow. They’ll wait till he gets in tomorrow morning to decide for sure, but it seems almost certain he’ll be DL’d to create the space for Horacio to come off DL to pitch tomorrow.

SouthernJA, good to have you back, putz.

MVH, I would’ve answered your question, but when you said my job has no stress, it told me you have no clue, so why should I answer it? What in your particular job is more stressful that rewriting an entire 20-inch game story in a span of four minutes on deadline, or else? Just curious. What in your job is more stressful than that?

I worked in a meatpacking plant for a summer in college, and that’s an entirely different kind of hard, physical labor, incredibly taxing. But nothing like the mental stress involved in working under extreme deadline pressure. Two totally different things. You don’t get ulcers doing one of them, but you can in the other.

And I’m not going to talk about my job any more today. I love it, but I just wanted to clue a few in that it’s not a vacation. If you can’t accept that, then say something accurate as rebuttal or drop it. Otherwise, by all means do the job, if you think it’s easy. Why aren’t you smart guys doing this if it’s easy? Just wondering.

OK, I’m gonna do an in-game blog today, just some brief thoughts here and there. Will start shortly. Not my idea, but let’s see how it works.

By David O'Brien

May 26, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Italiano, the thing is, nobody cares about how you got to work or any of the difficulties you had getting there. But nice try.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 26, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith,

Who is Mr. McElVeen? The name rings a bell but for the life of me, I can’t place it. I am aware of the outspoken liberal Mary MacElveen.

What ever happened to the old “Orange Crush”? … it was fantastic … in recent times, I’ve tried “Orange Crush” but it’s not the same … same bottle, same name … but definitely not the real thing!

My brother likes the InterContinental better but we’re used to the Drake and the name is easier to pronounce.

The game’s ready to start so I’ll cut it short. Several years ago, my wife was in Chicago for a week on business and I joined her there so that I could attend a couple of Cub games and street festival down by the lake … I arrived early but after the wife had left for the day … went to the “counter” and requested a key to our room … they refused … even though I had passport identification … I was in the process of being escorted from the premises when the manager, who could have been named McElveen, arrived … he knew the situation and things got straightened in a hurry!

That’s the only time I remember getting drinks and lunch on the Drake!

By Carolina Lady

May 26, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, the great majority of us are on your side and appreciate the job you do. ALL of it!

COMMENTS AGAINST DOB: 6 Bechpth Jennifer batrol AVD SJA Italiano

COMMENTS FOR DOB: 23 Miranda eware luv everything ATL elbravox BravosFanatic journalist jimmy smith (I’m sure Baby Seal agrees, as well!) TennesseePaul Carolina Lady t-roy Boomer kreedham ssiscribe Adam Daybed Waymoe Head Coach Joe Roman Ken Matthew Clleland hoho Penn Nomar Fulnaround MVH

By Carolina Lady

May 26, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

You’re all winners. Keep running.

By Carolina Lady

May 26, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

The 3:37 pm post was by an imposter.

By MVH

May 26, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

DOB, Read my comment again, i said “although I don’t believe this” so in essense I was just recounting some of the misconceptions about your job. Will you answer my questions now (especially considering how the game turned out)?

By bechth

May 26, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

I love the Braves more than any of you so called fans. Jennifer you are a shining star for dissing the king of dumba$$ DOB. I am proud of you. For you DOB, I have as much right to be here as anybody, I am not going anywhere. As for you and your a$$ kissers you go into a cage and stay there until the Braves win the WS and then come back out you losers. Go Braves. BY THE WAY DOB YOU LEFT YOUR SOCCER BALL AT THE AIRPORT. YOU KNOW WHICH AIRPORT IT IS DON’T YOU? I just love the Braves.

By Bechpth

May 26, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

Some idiot using my name (spelling it wrong). I don’t like it. DOB I don’t like you but those are not my comments. Go and blow your nose hard.Go you Braves go.

By fart

May 28, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

Southern jackass sux just like the entire Muts staff including Omar Minaya,everything in NY suxs.

By John

May 29, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

It is time for the Braves to go ahead and trade Salty and larew to the fish for Dontrelle, and also time to get rid of Thomson,if we can’t get anything descent in return for Thomson then release him.

By fart

May 29, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

Bechpth sounds like a Dickhead.

By mark

June 1, 2006 02:35 AM | Link to this

Something more stressful than being a writer for the AJC. Try doing 8 months in Bosnia, followed by 10 months in Kosovo, followed by 14 months in Iraq—all in a four year time span while being married with two kids…be care full what you wish for writer