Braves

By Daytona Beach Seabreeze

August 11, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

The fact that wheather or not we should attempt to retain Wickman is even up for discussion is ridiculous. J.S. says he is not even thinking about next yr, but can the man be that strong minded? Has he not seen the devestation that was bestowed upon the team and us? There probably is not going to be any other viable options out there that you can sign for 1 yr. Like D.O.B. said, you would have to invest in a multi-year deal for better closer. I think that if the front office brass can get Wickman wrapped up for next yr, it would give time for Devine, Boyer, McBride and others to get there stuff together and be possible candidates for 08’. It would also let those mentioned guys the ability to focus 100% on what they needed to work on, and not worry if they where going or not going to be given a chance to close. I think it would be a smart 1yr deal.

By CW

August 11, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Dave, Couldn’t agree more with your assessment of Wickman. And yes, I do love the toss of the chaw at game’s end. The guy is obviously pitching with a lot of confidence and loves nailing down the last out. He’s been great for the club so far and his attitude is needed in the clubhouse.

Hate to repeat the constant refrain, but wouldn’t the Braves be in a totally different place right now if they had signed him in the offseason? Let’s not make the same mistake twice.

I’m sure JS was being stratight when he said he wasn’t thinking about next year just yet. But he sure should be.

By Phillip

August 11, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Definitely. That guy is exactly what we need for as long as we can get him. I think he’s blown less saves in the past six years than the Braves have this year alone. Having said that, I’m sure we’ll let him go and hand the reins over to some 30 year old rookie who gets cut by the Kansas City Royals in Spring Training.

By Lew

August 11, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

DOB-Resigning Wickman would be a great thing to do. As you say, his success speaks for itself. If he isn’t going to retire and apparently he isn’t, I say go for it. I don’t know if he’s an intimidating closer, but I doubt anyone could intimidate him.

By Mark

August 11, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

You know what’s frustrating about these discussions? We were talking about the same exact holes that needed to be filled last winter. I hope JS does a better job this time around. Signing Wickman would be a good start.

By el bravo x

August 11, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Eight more Friday night games left, enjoy them while you can. Then it will be the hot stove, and what hot stove should it be! Sign Wickman to 3.5 with encentives worth up to 5 mill. and an a team option for ‘08. Easier said than done though. Go Braves, 49 an a wakeb up!

By chop2chip

August 11, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

*They also need a proven leadoff hitter next season, but that’s another discussion. * Marcus Giles has done just as good as Furcal did with the Braves.

By chop2chip

August 11, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

*They also need a proven leadoff hitter next season, but that’s another discussion. * Marcus Giles has done just as good as Furcal did with the Braves.

By Andy

August 11, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

The braves pen has a lot of talent if they have Wickman. He is a leader and can help guide everyone. The Indians gave him away for nothing because no one wanted Wickman. His stuff is not closer worthy—his tommy john is a ticking clock. Sounds like tom Glavine and Pedro all rolled into one as a closer. Keep em. Add a starter? Who goes? Your thoughts on who is the starter out?

By Adam

August 11, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

DOB- Resigning Wickman would be a good move. Atleast the man throws strikes and keeps the ball in the ballpark. The Braves must find some starting pitching next year. The pitcher doesn’t need to be a #1, but a good #3 would help tremendously. Our bullpen just needs to be healthy and not in limbo to start next season with JS saying things like “everything will fall in place when the season starts.” If the Braves play good defense and have semblance of an actual big league pitching staff next year, they will make the playoffs. Heck, they would have made the playoffs this years with a big league staff.

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

Reitsma-he hasn’t been deported yet?

Wickman has the kind of attitude you want in a closer-a little surly. And I loved an interview after we first got him-“these guys been workin their butts off for 8 innings to get us the lead, I don’t want to blow it for them” (or something like that).

As for CSNY, a friend saw CSN last tour-a while back, when I already said God they’re old, and said they were awesome-still sweet harmonies, that I would have never believed.

By Lew

August 11, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

elbravox-If we offer that to Wickman, we will be in the same situation as we were this year. He will laugh at it and then sign somewhere else. They are either going to have to make a good offer and lock him up or we go through this whole thing again next year. I think JS has learned. He may not sign a leadoff hitter, but I guarantee he will sign a closer.

By Chica

August 11, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

I like what I’ve seen from the big guy so far. I agree that they should try to sign him. But I’m more worried about whether they can afford his pre-game meals than his salary…

By 10-7-4

August 11, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Daytona Beach Seabreeze—do you still live there? My older sister went to Mainland but we left before I started High School. I agree we need to retain Wickman,although a]I have a feeling we will be blasting him next year, if he stays & b] I don’t believe the Braves will talk with him till after the season ends.This may prove tragic since by then he may command a lot more due to success he is enjoying. I believe the market will go up for closers with good track record and the Braves will be looking again cause he’ll be gone.

By Lew

August 11, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Chica-If he saves games, they will buy him hot dogs.

By Chica

August 11, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Mmmm…Turner Field hot dogs…

By Jimmy

August 11, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Wick was a great pickup, but a little too late. I figure the Braves will offer him a one year deal, but not anytime soon. The ownership situation is definitely not helping matters. The Braves keep teasing us, by staying so close in the wild card chase. I don’t know if it’s better to make the playoffs and then lose in the first round or to just not even make them. Either way, we’re gonna be disappointed, after 14 straight. Back to the subject, I’d love to keep Wick and use some young guys that haven’t been shelled this season, as set up men. Go Braves, beat the beer makers!!

By ncscoots

August 11, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

can’t help but love a guy who should be entering the game to the strains of Little Feat. And he’s certainly a viable candidate for next year (just as he was this past winter). But I still think you have to look at who might be available this winter. Don’t think you can realistically offer Wick two years, can you?

By 10-7-4

August 11, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Chica- we could put in his contract to get only Varsity dogs. Ole Lewis used to say “them chili dogs howl at night”

By Lew

August 11, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Jimmy-And what young guys that haven’t been shelled do you mean. Where are they? Why haven’t we used them yet?

By Chica

August 11, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

Ha, good point Lew.

By MBATL

August 11, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

How can you not like Wicky? Plus, from what I can tell, there aren’t a lot of great relievers up for free agency after this year. Last year there were several.

Frankly, “not thinking about next year” seems a little short-sighted to me; maybe JS is not in a position to make an offer, but as GM, he sure OUGHT to be thinking about it. It’s not like he has to go out and pitch tonight.

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

Maybe JS does have to pitch tonight-those bulpen arms must be mighty tired after all the hits, walks, runs Wednesday!

By MBATL

August 11, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

p.s. In fairness, ‘not thinking about next year’ is probably just JS’s way of saying “no comment.”

By Lew

August 11, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

MBATL- Ithink what JS is really saying is to the players-“Don’t go thinking about anything but what is at hand until you’re mathematically eliminated”. He just doesn’t want them thinking that he’s given up this year. I’m sure he’s had some thoughts on the matter and maybe a few conversations, too. Just not with the players. Ther’s still 1 1/2 months left. Wick has been stellar, but let’s see how it all plays out before you’re offering him anything.

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

“Not thinking about next year” is code for “won’t comment on contractual issues; where’s the pie?” Those guys keep a chart on the wall projecting line-ups (and payroll) for the next 5 years. That’s how they do business. Believe me, they have a basic idea of what the core of this team will look like in 2010. That reminds me, where is the pie?

By Jimmy

August 11, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Lew - Good question!

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

VOR-is that a pie chart?

By 10-7-4

August 11, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

MBATL-you just know he is thinking about it.Probably having nightmares concerning this issue but due to situation of corporate ownership he can’t say much. I am not a JS basher, he is in an impossible situation.

By Lew

August 11, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

The offseason sure will be interesting, but I don’t know if I would take JS’s job, though. All of the variables and the possibilities they present must be enough to drive a sane person crazy. Will the team sale be completed? Will a REAL person buy it or another corporate entity? If Liberty, will they boost payroll, cut payroll or leave it where it is? At this point, just getting through this season may be all he can handle until things resolve, somewhat.

By MBATL

August 11, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

yeah yeah yeah, guys… figured that out, per my ‘postscript’. Thanks, though.

I would guess that Baez is a thought too. I don’t think they can sign both of them absent a major salary dump/trade. Baez is younger, and really did a good job for TB in the closer’s role. His strikeouts declined, but a lot of people say that’s typical of a guy learning to “pitch” rather than trying to blow everyone away.

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

Rodger - I so wish I had come up with that…

By SaltyDog55

August 11, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Why not offer two years; may be how $5/year will work, or a tad less? The guy looks pretty solid to me; I didn’t know he’d had TJ surgery, but if so, then his arm is (a bit) younger than the rest of the body.

I like his presence, he doesn’t look like he’s working hard…just an ‘in your face’ attitude. He’s so friggin’ big, I think the batters expect the ball to hum to the plate faster than it does. SD55

By Mac

August 11, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Dave, I’d resign Wickman in a minute. By the way are you a Jimmy Vaughan fan? I was in a gentlemen’s club at Myrtle last week and they started playing Bengue Woman by Jimmy Vaughan and it was such a great song I had to divert my atttention and ask the DJ just what was that song and the artist. Great song if you love good guitar.

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Baez really doesnt have that great a save conversion rate-serviceable, but not great. And he scared the hell out of me walking the bases full the other nite.

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

I’m on board with that SD. I don’t think 2 years is unreasonable.

By David O'Brien

August 11, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Chop2Chip, I don’t disagree on Giles; I think he’s done a good job leading off lately. But you know what? he hates it. You can’t go into another year with a guy so reluctant to embrace the role.

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

VOR, pie is almost ready to come out of the oven. Can’t you smell it??

With ‘nilla ice cream on top.

DOB, thanks for the info on Wickman! Those are the types of things we wanted to know about him. I appreciate that he reaches out to the young guys as you said. Veteran Presence?

By Adam

August 11, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, the Braves aren’t making the playoffs. Did you see the 7th inning the other night? That kind of thing happens way too often to even believe the Braves will make the playoffs. Maybe this will make them a little more hungry coming into spring training next year. Some of these guys will get the idea that making the playoffs isn’t a right of passage for the Braves. Could be a positive in the long run.

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady-hope Wickman doesn’t smell it-he may have to pitch tonight!

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Vaughan is a quite different type player than was his late bro’, SRV. Jimmy has a more straight up Texas blues style, while SRV was a traditional Albert King-ish type player. In fact, you can hear alot of Albert King’s licks in SRV’s playing. I personally am not a big fan of Jimmy, but I respect his music.

What should be Wicky’s theme music as he enters the field?

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

CLady - mmmmm… Is that crust home-made?

By krath

August 11, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

From what I’ve seen of Wickman so far, I say go for it. I commented when the trade was made and before he ever pitched here that I thought he was at least as good as Todd Jones maybe better…and more affordable as well under the circumstances. From what I’ve seen so far, I think he’s a better solution than a “Todd Jones” type.

You hit the nail on the head DOB. For the price (and with the Braves, price is EVERYTHING) I don’t think you’re gonna find better.

Yeah, he should be one of, if not the first re-sign for next season assuming he’s in the same price range as he is this year. Heck, I’d probably even bump him a mil if that’s what it took to keep him.

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

How bout “Godzilla” by BOC?

By 10-7-4

August 11, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Dob-Wickman sure sounds like the kind of guy you want with so much youth around. Of course it only matters when it goes with success on the mound. I believe if I had to choose between the two I would keep him over Baez. Course we may be lucky to just get either one of them.

By flbravesgirl

August 11, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve been very pleased with what we’ve seen from Wickman on the field and also what I’ve read about him. Sign him up!!

Now surely all the music fans on here can come up with an “entrance” song for him.

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

“Pyromania”? You know, Wick, flame, nevermind…

By 10-7-4

August 11, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Rodger- How about IRON MAN, and for the rest of them play the theme to the Halloween movies, cause you know the horror is fixin to start.

By krath

August 11, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

I don’t suppose “The Baby Elephant Walk” would be appropriate would it?

Nahhh…..didn’t think so.

By flbravesgirl

August 11, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

I don’t think he’d be too pleased with that one, krath.

By doug

August 11, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Rodger has it with ‘Godzilla’ by Blue Oyster Cult.

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Iron Man is good… I can hear that. Plus, he’ll have to be one, seeing as how he’s the only reliable arm in the ‘pen these days.

By Voice of Reason

August 11, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I suppose “War Pigs” is a bit out there, huh..?

By MBATL

August 11, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Voodoo Chile (SRV or Hendrix) would work for me.

By Monroe

August 11, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

I’ll stick to your comments re CSNY. YOU MISSED A GREAT SHOW! Neil Young hugs Stephen Stills (who woulda thunk?); harmonies right on; no fluff just simple stage with the focus on the music makers. Anti-war tunes well received but for some strange reason the Republicans out there must have woken up after “Impeach the President” ‘cause you could even hear a smattering of boos.

Wickman rocks….just like CSN&Y.

By matt

August 11, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

DOB,

i agree, i think wickman is definitely worth signing. i was saying the same thing last year when farnsworth was mowin’ ‘em down in august, but now i’m glad he’s gone.

you mentioned the braves need another starting pitcher, what do you think about them going after jake peavy? maybe send giles and saltalamacchia for him and a prospect? i guess a lot of it would be based on what the budget is going to be.

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

When it comes to the pen, I think BC needs to do what George Costanza did on Seinfeld, do the opposite of his instincts.

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Either Halloween or Jaws-you know “just when you thinks its safe to make the Verizon call to the bullpen…”

By Stuck in Kentucky

August 11, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Wickmn has the ‘tude of a closer and if he were to blow a save it would not affect him like it has so many others. That is a man! For entrance songs how about BOC’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” because I gotta have some COWBELL!!!!

By Rodger

August 11, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

All this BOC talk reminds me of a comment I read about Buck Dharma years ago-he’s “faster than a shouse mouse”. *Thats one that has always stayed with me!

By Lew

August 11, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

How about Thunderstruck by AC/DC? Have any of you Florida fans heard a guy named Sean Chambers play? He started out in a SRV tribute band called Double Threat. He does solo now and plays mainly in the Tampa/St.Pete area. He plays great Texas blues, but is much more Johnny Winter/ Billy Gibbons influenced. He does a great cover of Mean Town Blues from Winter’s Progressive Blues Experiment. Great album.

By Lew

August 11, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Don’t they play Iron Man for Langerhans?

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

Not intenionally changing the subject, but I was just looking at the standings while depression set in. I knew this team would probably eventually give up their crown, but man I hate to see them go down like this. Come on team, let’s make a finish of this season and hold your heads high, whether you go home Oct 1 or later.

As far as an entrance song, apparently my taste in music varies greatly, so I’ll leave that to the rest of you.

Geaux Braves!!

By Allen

August 11, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

YES on Signing Wickman for next year. Lets face it JS hasn’t done anything over the past couple of years to really improve this team. No true leadoff hitter, SP is a mess, bullpens as mess - except for said closer!!!

By Lew

August 11, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Here’s an oldie for you rockers. How about Raging River Of Fear by Captain Beyond?

By Allen

August 11, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

TNT by AC/DC would Rock!

By Ted

August 11, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

A one year contract at $5M with a 2nd option year (say $5.5M) would be nice if Wickman would accept it. He isn’t sexy as a closer, but he’s shown guile in the role to accumulate 230+ career saves and the Braves can do worse (and have).

I will be real curious to see where Liberty puts the budget next year. It’s been at $80M the last few years - isn’t it time for a COLA (to maybe $85M), you know, to keep up with inflation? Alas, I’m likely dreaming and we’ll be lucky that they don’t cut the budget. But if they raise it a little, someone like Wickman becomes a lot more affordable and an investment the Braves should make.

By Lew

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

You know, Liberty has always said they wanted to maintain the staus quo, at least with management. They have also said the wanted to reamain competitive. If they do get the team, they are saving millions and millions on taxes on teh deal. They may be able to throw some cash at the problems. Optimistic, maybe, but you never know. We’ve been told they are Godless pornographers, maybe they rock, too.

By shawn

August 11, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

DOB what is going on with the sale of the Braves. Any reason why it hasn’t been finalized yet? It is a done deal with Media right?.Let us know what you may have heard as the details seem to have gone quiet the past few months…..

don’t forget what your good book said………

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

If 4 games over .500 wins the wildcard this year, then the Braves will have to go 31-18 the rest of the way.

Supposing the Mets (not likely going to happen) really stink it up and finish the season 13-36, making them 82-82, the Braves would again have to go 31-18 to win the division.

If the Mets continue to play at their current .611 pace, they’ll finish 29-20 with a record of 98-64. For the Braves to tie them, they would have to go 46-3.

If anyone cares.

Geaux Braves!!

By MBATL

August 11, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

31-18 would not be so impossible if we had starting pitching… but we don’t, so it’s hard to be very optimistic.

I’m not giving up any more than I expect the team to give up. Even a short winning streak, 3 or 4 games, would change the picture a lot.

By krath

August 11, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

I actually got drunk as a skunk at “Richards” in Atlanta a number of years back while watching Captain Beyond. I think I remember them being good. lol

Hey Lew, I actually have the first Captain Beyond CD in my collection! Since the conversation here has gone toward SRV a couple of times… I’ll mention that Reese Wynans (keyboards for SRV and Double Trouble) was actually a later member of Captain Beyond for a while.

By Tony Almeida

August 11, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

I am now convinced what a dumba@@ JS is. He’s not even thinking about next season?? If I recall he got outbid for every closer out there last offseason. START TALKING TO HIM NOW JOHN!! Otherwise you’ll be sabotaging next year’s team just like you did this year’s.

By Lew

August 11, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

Krath-I have three Captain Beyond albums-Did they have more? Their first album was a balls to the wall rocker, then they went for a more Santana type percussion sound. Several years later they did one called Dawn Explosion with Bobby Caldwell back on drums, but Rod Evans was replaced and the sound was a cross between southern and space rock. I guess Macon will do it to you.

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

VOR, sorry for the delay in response -

Yep, homemade, handmade crust with ‘lattice’ style top crust. (It’s Blackberry cobbler, actually! but what is a cobbler but a square pie anyway!!)

Who’s to awaken Bob this evening?

By Don

August 11, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

A CSNY concert? Good God, I’d rather watch a Braves old timers game with Knucksie and Ralph Garr and Rico Carty. I looked at the pictures in the AJC. David Crosby turns 65 next week (what kind of odds could you have gotten 20 years ago on that?), the other 3 are also over 60.

And coming soon, what’s left of The Who tours and roughly 60 year old Roger Daltrey sings My Generation…”hope I die before I get old”. Didn’t John Entwistle die of old age about a decade ago?

If people are still paying good money to watch David Crosby perform with his second liver, I say the Braves should sign Gene Garber to be the closer next year.

By ncscoots

August 11, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what would work as the ENTRANCE song for Wickman, but I would sure be gassed to see him chunk that chaw at the end of the ninth and hear “Fat Man In The Bathtub”!

By chopthis

August 11, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

Since most of you are so optimistic that we’ll have more healthy arms than we know what to do with come ‘07, how about we save $5 million on Wickman by sending Smoltz back to the pen to close? If the Braves have a healthy Hampton, a healthy Davies, a healthy Horacio Ramirez, a rejuvenated Hudson and a more experienced, savvier Chuck James out there starting, how great would it be to have the one-time absolute best closer in the National League to come in once again and secure their wins?

Sounds fantastic to me. And surely a team player like ol’ Smoltzie will want to do what’s best for the club.

By ncscoots

August 11, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen Baez throw a single splitter since he’s been here? I can’t recall a single one, and he’s supposed to have a good one. Somebody mentioned him above, and I just started thinking about it.

By Shaun Payne

August 11, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

I think we should offer Wickman an incentive-laden deal. He’s been pretty good but he will be 38 next season, and he’s not exactly the most fit guy. Those are the type of players that just drop off a cliff instead of gradually declining. Still, he’s been very impressive for about 12 years now. I think we’d be better off spending that money elsewhere unless we can sign him for a couple of million dollars plus incentives. But who knows? Maybe he will continue to be good for another couple of years.

By David O'Brien

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

Don, a lot of times you’re like Debbie Downer on SNL (that’s Saturday Nigh Live _ I know, I know, probably a tired show you’d never watch, not funny, etc. Man, smile….

Voice of Reason, you mentioned Albert King. Now THERE is a guitarist. I love listening to him. Talk about someone who doesn’t get the respect he’s due in this day and age. I’ll take Albert over B.B. King any day. The man RAGES.

Shawn, sorry but there are no details to give you on the sale. Tim Tucker’s done a helluva job keeping us abreast on a story that’s very, very difficult to get any inside info on. You just don’t hear anything about any of it from the people actually with the team out here, because none of them know. That’s all corporate-boardroom stuff, being negotiated with tax attorneys or whatever. And very little is being leaked. Very, very little.

By dfree

August 11, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

2 words. One Closer: WICK MAN!!!!!!

sign him up for one with an option for another, the guy has plenty in the tank and will be a great bridge until (hopefully) one of our young guys like a devine,boyer, mcbride, etc is ready for the roll.

Things could look a lot better on monday for this team if they sweep the brew crew, of course losing we’ve been saying that for awhile now and continued to lose 2 out of 3. I still don’t get why they dont give lerew a chance to start, he’s a prospect, cormier and barry are classic 4A players, what the hell do the braves have to lose?

By David O'Brien

August 11, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

By the way, not that it has anything to do with this stuff, but yesterday I gave you DeRosa’s stats the past month or so. If I’d gone back farther, they’d have been even more impressive:

In 88 games since May 1, he’s hit .330 with 31 doubles, 11 homers, 52 RBIs and a .912 OPS. Wow.

Don, I don’t think even your son Wilson will be able to do that over a 3-1/2 month stretch (wink, just kidding).

By Shaun Payne

August 11, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Smoltz goes to the bullpen because I believe you have to maximize innings out of your best pitcher. I’d rather see Smoltz throw 200 innings than 60-80 innings. Sure some of those 50-80 innings come in “more crucial” situations, but a lot of the time we’d be saving him for when the odds are against us losing (in the 9th with a 3 run lead) are low.

And please don’t start. No, I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I would bet, despite our bullpen woes, we’ve won most of the games we’ve led by 3 runs going into the 9th inning. I’ll take it a step farther and bet we’ve won many of the games we’ve led by 1 or 2 runs going into the ninth. I think it’s more the 6th-8th innings that are killing us.

Unless Bobby Cox starts using Smoltz in unconventional ways (which might not be a bad idea, I think) by letting him pitch the 6-9 innings in select games, it would be best to keep him in the rotation.

By krath

August 11, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m not sure what the final talley was as for the number of CB albums. I had a couple on vinyl and replaced the first one with a CD a couple of years ago when I saw it in a “cut out” bin…..brand new in shrink wrap!

By MBATL

August 11, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Wicky’s ready for the roll now!

By Don

August 11, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Dave, I am astounded at DeRosa’s numbers. In fact I’m shocked that he’s still in the major leagues. JS can’t be criticized for letting DeRosa go after he threw up all over himself when given the third base job and then blew out his knee.

I hate to ask this but in today’s game when you see a relatively small guy’s power numbers explode like that, you have to ask. Does he look like he’s bulked up since he played here?

And on a related note, is there any other possible explanation for Javy Lopez’s final season in Atlanta, given his numbers in the years immediately before and after? Everybody knew those numbers were fishy. I don’t recall any outcry at all when the Braves let him walk as a free agent.

By MBATL

August 11, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Regarding the calls for us to bring guys up, like Lerew:

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I THINK that if Lerew (for example) is put on the ML roster before Sept. 1, then 2006 counts against his 3 option years. So, if we wait until Sept. 1, we can call him up without giving up an option year, but if we call him up now, we lose one. So, if we REALLY needed him (or Salty, or others) we could of course call them up, but there is a price for doing so.

I am not sure of this… so feel free to correct me if I’m not understanding it right.

By shawn

August 11, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB not to beat a dead horse with no name but wouldn’t it be cheaper to sign Wickman now than wait until the offseason when everyone can talk to him?

By Tonight on TBS

August 11, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Divine Secrets of the Cy-Young Pitcherhood (2002)

Divine Secrets is about forgiveness and the inevitability of the changeup. Lifelong friends “Smoltzy”, “Mad Dog” and “Glav” prosper in their youth due, in part, to their uncanny abilities, but also due to the shared esoteric knowledge distilled from their Mentor, “Mazzi”. The film’s thin storyline focuses on Smoltzy, who has issues with the performance of his current team until his fellow Cy-Youngs come to his rescue with good advice and remembrances of past glory. A feel-good ending (perhaps).

By krath

August 11, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Don, I can’t blame JS for letting DeRo go under the circumstances, but all everyone seems to remember was how he sucked at 3rd when given the job.

Why don’t people remember when he won the job at second OVER Giles and practically carried the team for about 6 weeks before screwing his ankle in early …was it 2000 or 2001? (can’t remember which year and ain’t gonna look it up) When he returned from injury it was Giles job.

He did suck at third, but it’s not like he had proven definitively he couldn’t play every day. He was great one stint as a starter and a dog the other stint.

DeRo also produced a number of times in the playoffs when a number of the “regs” were taking gas.

I think DeRo’s inability to stay healthy is what has stunted his ability to reach his full potential. Maybe this year he’s finally there.

One more observation about DeRo that ties to Betemit in a way. (and I’m not trying to revisit that deal) I do believe management labels certain players and utility or not everyday players. Even though DeRo stunk it up at 3rd by anyone in baseballs definition AND putting Chipper back at 3rd was the right call…….Bobby had an un-Bobby like quick hook. Yeah DeRo had plenty of time to produce and didn’t, but I’ve seen Bobby hang with players much longer than he did with DeRo. I think it comes back to the idea he had that he was really just a utility player. Just a guess. I say it was a quick hook for Bobby because DeRo had proven a couple of years earlier that he might produce as a starter at second.

Oh well….just reflecting.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 11, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Its now or never for the Braves. The next 10 games will determine their season. Anything less than a 7-3 record and its officially time to wrap it up. Call some of the kids up now and the rest Sept.1 and lets see what they can do. If and only if Chipper is not 100% healthy then shut him down for the year so he will be ready next year. The only chance the Braves have is to get it together here in the next week. That game Wednesday will do one of two things. It will embarrass this team so much that they kick into gear and get red hot or it will embarrass them so much that it will sap the rest of the confidence and we are likely to see a team that will finish in double digit games under .500.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 11, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

Its now or never for the Braves. The next 10 games will determine their season. Anything less than a 7-3 record and its officially time to wrap it up. Call some of the kids up now and the rest Sept.1 and lets see what they can do. If and only if Chipper is not 100% healthy then shut him down for the year so he will be ready next year. The only chance the Braves have is to get it together here in the next week. That game Wednesday will do one of two things. It will embarrass this team so much that they kick into gear and get red hot or it will embarrass them so much that it will sap the rest of the confidence and we are likely to see a team that will finish in double digit games under .500.

By Snowball's Chance

August 11, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

Saw the CSNY concert near Portland It was great .I saw CSN IN 69 and this was way better. Neil stole the show but CSN held their own. I have the new Neil- Living with War- and they played most of it. a Friend who I go to many concerts with turned me on to it and I couldn’t get into it.The concert showed me the problem-I didn’t have it up loud enough. Went home and tweaked the stero into amphitheatre mode and blasted out the cobwebs. Much better. The Vocal Harmonies though good on the recording were not as good as CSNY live. GOt to leave for dave aaalvin and the Guilty Men followed by Los Lobos on the Portland waterfront, For $7. Little cheaper than CSNY,

I like Wickman. I hope it was more than just economics that kept JS from signing him in the offseason. You gotta believe his prescence would have been good for 10 wins. From saves and a steady attitude in the bullpen.

By 10-7-4

August 11, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

DOB-You mention Albert King, very nice but for one upsmanship I’ll play my ace in the hole. Good ole Furman Bisher, from the Journalist band, featuring Dave Kindred.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 11, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

If Wickman wants to stay, I say the Braves should get him signed now.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

journalist just arrived home! has someone awakened journalist bob? all this talk of music reminds journalist of rufus thomas and dr. feelgood/piano red in the old underground (underground used to be for huggin’, not for muggin’). now, wickman … if the pants fit, wear them. wickman seems to fill the closer pants for this team. with the investment in specially made uniform pants the braves already have quite an investement. groundskeeper ed mangan may have something to say about a big wad of tobacco on the playing field after the game … of course, probably won’t say it to the big closer. now, ralph garr, roadrunner, would solve this team’s leadoff woes. looks like he can still play. hope his pulley bone is sound. now, raisins and pie. journalist jimmy smith often talks with letwan and letwan’s mama. perhaps letwan’s mama will prepare a pie for raisins. can choose from 3 pies, apple, peach, sweet potato, and cherry.

By el bravo x

August 11, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

Sweet child of mine, it’s been 14 years! Little patience, if not, we’ll be walking the streets at night, just trying to make it right! Do we have an appetite for destrucion? Oh my god, we are playing in the house of pain, in the house PAIN! I think this is the end, my only friend, the end. Well, love is my religion. I guess I’m ready to play center field…

By DE Braves Fan

August 11, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

Everyone has talked about getting a leadoff hitter for next year, but if Kelly Johnson is back to full strength after TJ surgery then I would be more than happy to have him as our everyday leadoff hitter. He may not have the speed of F*******, but he gets on base almost as well as chipper. Did he hit lefties at all in the minors? I can’t remember, but I am guessing that BC platooned him last year with somebody.

We do have some speedy OF’s at the lower minor league levels (I think it’s Rome that has 3 guys with 25+ steals on the club), but they look like they are a couple of years away.

I checked the stats for all of our starters in the minors. It is pretty thin at Richmond and Miss. There are about 4 or 5 starters at A and below who have good looking WHIP and BB/K numbers.

By I hope Neil Young

August 11, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

will remember, a Southern man don’t need him around, anyhow!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

*carolina lady, flbravegirl, carroll, any other ladies: this post mentions fresh-frozen cadaver toes so best to avoid if at all squeamish. known-to-be-squeamish journalist bob: skip this post now!

“this paper describes a mechanism of triggering that involves a previously undescribed flexor pulley system in the toes that is very similar to the pulley system in the fingers. the specific anatomy of the toe flexor pulleys is described based upon the dissections of 50 fresh-frozen cadaver toes. these pulleys were composed of transverse to obliquely oriented fibrous bands within the flexor sheaths from the metatarsal heads to the distal phalanges. we found a system of pulleys in the lesser toes and the great toe, analogous to that found in the hand. trigger toe is a rare entity and is only briefly described in the literature. we believe it is more common than is now recognized and may be an important underdiagnosed cause of baseball injury and metatarsalgia.”

the term “trigger toe” is new to this journalist. all bloggers should thank dob for cutting edge journalism that revealed pulleys and in turn revealed trigger toes. if trigger toe is the problem this year, then the braves can be fixed. reseearch is being done at the cowboy museum and trigger’s toes are being carefully inspected (good thing roy had trigger stuffed, huh? may have saved the season for these braves).

no more talk of pie for awhile until the trigger toe topic is exhausted. exhausted already? certainly no frozen pie talk tonight considering the fresh-frozen cadaver toe reference …

journalist apologizes to all.

By Now on Video

August 11, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Marriage has gotten stale for Jimmy and Jane Smith (Don Knotts and Angelina Jolie), a husband and wife who don’t yet know that they share the same undercover line of work: They’re both investigative journalists. Hiding their occupations has never been a hardship for either of them … until they discover that their next assignment involves obscure anatomical research. Will love prevail, or will they bore each other to death?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

journalist is available for anatomical research with angelina jolie!

By Ashley Judd

August 11, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Smoltzy is ya ya tonight!

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

“There’s been a lot of talk about this next song. Maybe, maybe too much talk. This song is not a rebel song, this song is SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY.

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

I have an idea why the Braves are doing so bad at home this year: Lead off double, no advance. If you can’t play small ball you can’t win big games.

OTOH, Smoltz is a smokin!

Geaux Braves

By David O'Brien

August 11, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Snowball’s chance, are you going to see Dave Alvin right now, in Portland? That is so cool. I was just listening to Dave Alvin’s new “West of the West” CD today, songs by California songwriters. I love that last CD he put out, Ashgrove. He’s the man. Very cool. And Los Lobos still rock. They’ll be great in a small venue. Enjoy.

Don, quite the contrary on DeRo: He’s SMALLER now than when he played here. He got very ripped and bulky his last year here, but now he’s slimmed down and his swing looks twice as smooth

35, my concentration is divided while covering this game or something, because I don’t get it _ the post abour Bisher and the Journalist band. I feel clueless.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Any word on starting pitcher waiver deals? I’m not a fan of this “promote-a-starter” deal. The Braves struck gold with its fan system last year…not so in 2006.

By Omar Minaya

August 11, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Blood? More blood is needed for my Santuriac rituals. How else do you think we stay in first place?

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

uh, “farm system” not “fan system.” I’m sure an MLB team can afford air conditioning.

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Santuiac rituals?? I thought the Mets stay in first place because they score more runs than the other team. I didn’t know there was any voodoo involved. Thanx for the info.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

I’d sure hate to see the Mets in the World Series, but Mets vs. Tigers would be an intriguing match-up.

By Georgina Peach

August 11, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

“I’m debugging 3 program modules in the background and the…”

OK. I’ll stop lurking for once.

Oh, Bobby Boy… I thought you were a journalist. NOT a developer. (I’m a CIO now, but I used to do a little coding myself not so long ago.)

Switch careers late in life? That’s kind of cute!

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Duckett looking sharp in the Falcons game…

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Face it brave fans. The Mets are the only chance for the National League to win the World Series….I know it hurts to hear it.

By Mike Douglas

August 11, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Oh, it will be Dodgers vs. Red Sox. I can see it very clearly.

By MEB

August 11, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

So, do we turn this gem over to the bullpen???

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is dealing tonight. If the Braves can keep the bullpen out of this game, one run might be enough.

Geaux Braves!!

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Not convinced the Mets will make the Series. They could suffer from “Bravitis,” a disease in which a team has a comfortable lead the final 2 months of the season and dies a slow agonizing death in the playoffs.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

In fact, Tom Glavine is a long time sufferer of Bravitis.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Como se dice “Complete game shut out for Smoltz” en espanol?

By DE Braves Fan

August 11, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Smoltzie is dealing tonight! Too bad I can’t see him (internet radio) as I can’t get FSS.

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

All those fans that state the Mets won’t make it to the World Series are the same fans that said it’s only April. Then they said wait til the allstar break, they’ll collaps…….Oh yeah, we’re buying what you’re selling.

By Glass Half Empty

August 11, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Como se dice “spoke too soon” en espanol?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity!

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

Now, the million dollar question; if the Braves score, do you bring in the Wick or let Smoltz try to finish it?

By Georgina Peach

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

Ted:

This is re: your 5-ish comment on the need for an inflation-adjustment to the Braves budget. I think you have a point. Someone raised it earlier and I remember someone pooh-poohing it but it makes sense.

An increase is overdue…

At least in my sweet little opinion!

By journalist jimmy smith

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

let’s hope the “p” players will deliver tonight. or will it be langerhans? thorman?

By Glass Half Empty

August 11, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

That was a mighty big IF.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

I will have to admit that the ‘86 Mets are one of my favorite teams of all-time (at least in my 30 years). For some reason, my south Georgia cable company picked up WWOR out of NY and I flipped between the Braves and Mets all year. Ho-Jo, Gary Carter, Hernandez, Gooden, Dykstra, Fernandez, Strawberry, Mitchell, Mookie…damn, what a team! Too bad the foul lines that year were actually cocaine.

By NYFAN

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

I am the ape man, I am the ape man, I am the walrus. Koo koo koo choo.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

It’s “egg man,” dude.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

You guys killed John Lennon anyway…

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

If the Braves score, sorry, I must’ve been dreaming.

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

The killer wasn’t from NY.

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

egg man???

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Yeah, “egg man.” Does it make sense? No, but we’re not privy to that ’60s LSD either.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

I know Chapman wasn’t from NY. I think he spent some time in Georgia and Hawaii.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

some of the worst toes in baseball just took second base on the braves.

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

You’re right it’s “egg man”. Cool, i love learning new sh*%#it…..Thanx

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Is it me, or does Turnbow look like he’d fit perfectly into a Hanna-Barbara cartoon?

By English Teacher

August 11, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Ok - for two points, passages from which Shakespearean play are embedded in I am the Walrus?

By DE Braves Fan

August 11, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

the fifth beattle just took the mound for the beer-makers

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

The only recorded film version of “Walrus” is in the Magical Mystery Tour movie.

By vinnie

August 11, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

I know, I know: Two Gentlemen from Corona (Queens)!

By supergrass

August 11, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

king lear

By NYFAN

August 11, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

i just read the lyrics and now I’m more confused than I was before….Oh well, that’s rock n’ roll

By 2 homo boys

August 11, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

My boyfriend and I both agree that Wickman has been excellent out of the bullpen this year and we both agree that the Braves need to do everything to sign Wickman for next year but we Believe JS will fart around like he usually does and will lose him to free agency,we really hope he doesn’t but given JS history,that is what usually happens,JS farts around and then tries and BS everyone by saying we offered him a contract,JS is not very good at negoiating,WE both are strong advocates for Frank Wren being the GM,WE feel JS time has run out.he is slipping more and more.Given the money we saved there is no reason not to sign Wickman,We bet he would sign for $4-5 mil for next year.DOB send JS a message and tell him it is crucial to sign Wickman for next year,he needs to do it nowstop Farting around JS.

By English Teacher

August 11, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

King Lear is correct. Someone will be by shortly to tell you what you’ve won!

By krath

August 11, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Just one more of the frustrations in watching this team.

Capuano hasn’t won since before the All-Star break and has a 6.50 ERA since then. So we score 1 run in 8 innings off the guy. Brewers have the worst ERA in the league. We’re throwing Smoltz who just needs 2 or 3 runs if he’s on (which he is) and we can’t do squat. When we get good pitching our offense sucks. When we score 8 the other teams scores 10. The Braves, through this run, have always been a notoriously streaky offense team, but we’ve had the pitching to weather it. Not this year.

And that, folks, is how a team resides at 9 games under .500 in mid August

By Georgina Peach

August 11, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Mark David Chapman was a Dekalb Countian.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

About the time the Anthology series came out, some jackass with money offered Paul, George, & Ringo $250 million to play together for one show…and they turned it down!! I’d take $25 if someone wanted to reunite my high school band.

By Vol

August 11, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Can we get this win for Smoltzie after 9 strong? Turnbow is so bad he belongs in our pen, so hopefully we can score.

Just got online - would you ever bat Frenchy in front on McCann regardless of lefty/righty matchups?

By Vol

August 11, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Nice bunt by Renteria!

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Dekalb should put that on the sign when you enter the county “Home of Mark David Chapman aka the Catcher in the Rye”…On King Lear: The daughter named Goneril was just too much for me.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Dan Kolb warming in the bullpen…ominous words.

By Vol

August 11, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Reds just had another 2-run HR in the ninth to take the lead. Their fans must be having some fun to go along with the frustration.

By Vol

August 11, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

I hope Frenchy wins it, but please stay out of a double play with McCann due next!

By English Teacher

August 11, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

The Duke of Albany contracted Goneril after sleeping with Cordelia.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

How do you say, “Jeff Francoeur is my main man” in Hebrew?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! emotions go up, then down, then up again! baseball is the perfect game.

By Vol

August 11, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

Any reason for Smoltz not to pitch the 10th if it goes that far? I see only 99 pitches thrown (with an amazing 74 for strikes).

Never mind, Frenchy just won it. Why in the world isn’t he more productive overall? He is really clutch! I have to admit I wanted McCann up there, but Frenchy does it again!!!!!

By supergrass

August 11, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

what happened to WILLY AYBAR ?

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

I had a graduate assistant teach me “King Lear” at Georgia State back in ‘95. Talk about interesting…

By geauxbraves2000

August 11, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

For whomever was watching this game, Chip said on the radio side that Giles was lollygagging Is that true?

Now —- Alright!!!! WTG Francouer!!!

Geaux Braves!!

By Alan Farley

August 11, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Yes, the Braves have won. And Supergrass, you have won a copy of… The Extraordinary World Of Yes!

The Extraordinary World Of Yes celebrates the stunning achievements of Yes as one of the greatest bands in the history of rock and places some important sign posts along the road towards a better understanding of the mastery behind its amazing music. The central theme in The Extraordinary World Of Yes is to address the implicit question: What makes Yes so outstanding and what is it that is truly significant about the band and its music?

One of the aims along the way is to highlight the positive and often profound messages to be found in the substantial musical output of Yes over a career that has lasted more than thirty-five years and is still flourishing. What are great Yes songs such as “Roundabout”, “Yours Is No Disgrace” and “Close To The Edge” really about? How did Yes go about creating such classic music and what are the keys to appreciating and understanding it?

These questions and many more are answered in The Extraordinary World Of Yes, backed up with quotes from the members of Yes themselves in an unfolding sequence focusing on the exceptional Yes musicians, the fascinating Yes history, the remarkable Yes music and the brilliant Yes concerts.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 11, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

That is why that kid is a star in the making. How many times has he done it? He is our David Ortiz. It takes a special talent and that “something” to be able to time after time come through when it counts. Man, he can drive you crazy!

How about Smoltz? He not only talked the talk but walked the walk. The team absolutely need a win and that is exactly waht he provided.

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

I did get to see the “Victory Parade” that year up close…that was when the hotel across from Fulton County Stadium was a residence hall for the downtown universities. It’s now a hotel again.

By MEB

August 11, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

So does Jeff get credit for being on base and improve his OBP by hitting another game winning hit?

By DE Braves Fan

August 11, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

THat would have been fun to watch. Giles might have stubbed his TOE on third base. Any comments jjs?

By supergrass

August 11, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

wow, “YES”. some weird taste of music

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

krath:

You are on it. Look back over the past season and you’ll be quite uncomfortable at seeing how many repeats of this scenario have occurred.

That spouted, I would not lay this on the hitters, but rather on the team psyche which this year, has certainly been dominated by the pitching (bullpen, then rotation) malaise.

On another note… does anyone remember what the club may have been where I would have seen Roseanne Cash back in the mid-eighties (here in ATL)?

I moved here from Santa Monica just prior to…. was a huge Rosanne (and her hubby Rodney Crowell also) fan. I remember the club was near Briarcliff and…? Anyway, after the show, I was particularly keen on meeting the Divine Ms. C and slithered into the post-show room (it’s a habit… don’t know why but I do). Got back there and there were three folks in the (not too small) room. John, June and Roseanne. John was standing there with a grin on his face. He had on a navy blue satin bomber jacket. Can’t remember diddly about June. Not much else actually about John, as I was not really a fan and had ROSANNE! ROSANNE! thumping away in my slight-sheet-or-two-to-the-lack-of-wind 140mm Screen. Anyway, since John was directly in my line of fire, I shook his right hand as if I were pumping a dry handle and mumbled something about what a great job he’d done at giving us Rosanne. As I moved a step or two forward to make it to Rosanne, I had the brief flash that Johnny was eager for a somewhat different response. Over the years, I’ve replayed that many times and felt kind of peeved at myself, but hey — I was young and my hormones were stronger than my… heck, just about anything.

OK. I’ll shut up now. Braves win and I’m gonna sleep a little better tonight…

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Not down with Yes, and please no one get started on Rush either.

By krath

August 11, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

If you depend on Fox Sports South or Turner South (since Fox took over) to give you any info that is REALLY pertinent to the game and teams..(like did Aybar leave the game due to injury?)then don’t hold your breath. Their camera work is laughable sometimes. The graphics that appear (count-outs-etc) are usually late and frequently wrong. Rathbun still hasn’t figured out how to gauge the depth of a fly ball. The guy starts yelling on fly balls short of the track like they’re going out of the park.

Had the TBS crew been doing this game, they would have had a report on Aybar. Maybe nothing definitive but they would have let you know they were checking on it.

Don’t suppose I should complain though. At least I get to see the game.

By Larry

August 11, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Absolutely need to resign him next year. He has what the Braves have been lacking - he is a great mentor to these guys who have not done this before. He leads by example, gets the job done. When you piece together a bullpen from left over scraps as the Braves tend to do, you need someone out there to show folks how it is done.. Even if he is less affective next year, still need him here.

By el bravo x

August 11, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

48 and a wake up!

By MEB

August 11, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

geaubraves… I found myself yelling at the TV “MOVE IT GILES!!!” He was in third gear all the way around and should have kicked into at least fourth gear. Very strange???

By Glass Half Full

August 11, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

I agree, Krath. The overall presentation of the game on TS and FSN is visually crappy…well, not as bad as WGN Cubs games, but still crappy.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

journalist detected no toe disturbance at third base. giles is the best player on the team right now. go figure. good that the braves do not deal with milwaukee anymore - trading for some of those closers would be tempting. and who will discuss trigger toe with chipper? dob perhaps? the team went through three third basemen tonight. what happened to aybar?

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

I have a small injury to my right thumb. Very painful. I think it may have something to do with the pulley bone. I’ll soak it in Listerine. That should do it!

By Daddy Reitsma

August 11, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

you guys talk about not being able to sign both Baez and wickman,well personally i hope the Braves will sign Wickman to be the closer for next year and thenb my boy is gonna be healthy from his surgery and he is gonna be a great set up man,my boy’s arm is coming along fine and there is gonna be a lot of good things happening for him next year,my family and i pray everyday for Chris health to be better and we know God will allow it to be better,my boy is gonna be the best set up man the game has ever had,he will get 40-50 holds next year with Wickman saving 30-40 games.My boy and Wicky will make a great combination.

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Daddy Reitsma,

I’m with you, Dude. The numbers back Chris up. As I’m sure you know, in major league sports, the vocal folks on blogs and talk radio, are an excitable and (often myopic… especially when we’re not talking about starters or closers… lot).

May the Force Be Wick Christopher…

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, journalist hopes it is not a birdhouse related injury. in addition to the listerine soaking, you may wish to apply a light coat of wd-40 before bed. allow no one to pull your pulley bone! blackberry cobbler cooled off yet?

now, where is van winkle? can no one remember to wake him before the game?

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith - no, this was a kitchen injury. Trying to get a stuck lid off a jar. Something gave a little ‘pop’, hurt like blazes, and now have small knot at base of thumb where tendon is. Painful to touch. And naturally I’m right-handed, right?? Oh, the humanity! The cobbler is/was in-cred-i-ble! Beyond description!!! Wish I had more interior room for some more! Sweetest, juciest berries I’ve seen in a while! Still warm from the oven which melted the ice cream juuuust right. Oh, yeah!

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Betemit Sitting Tonight

Am watching the Dodgers and Giants. Lugo is on 3rd (first time since 1944 or so for him). No Wilson.

Anyone know if there’s been a public comment by Dodgers mgmt regarding Lugo in place of Betemit (after Kent and Nomar returned)?

(Furky just doubled at leading off.)

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

If You Have MLB Extra Innings

And DirecTV, the Dodgers/Giants games is on HD on Channel 95.

(And in case you hadn’t yet discovered it, most Braves games that are on TurnerSouth also show on HD on either 94-96.)

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! “pop”? surely not, “pop”! pop is not good in the area of the opposable thumb (note, not all bloggers on this blog have opposable thumbs - dob will know which ones …). carolina lady, if you have truly heard a pop you must seek medical attention. this may be a pulled pulley with complications of swelling (knot at base of thumb). best to stay calm and enjoy cobbler with glass of cold milk. you may wish to pour some milk in a bowl of corn meal and immerse thumb - slowly working pulley through the damp meal. not sure what this will do but sounds theraputic.

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

No, Jimmy Smith. I mixed some flour with the corn meal and cooked the flounder with that. Ate some of the cobbler, drank the milk. And since there was nothing left, I got the Listerine. Works for toes, right? Digits are digits.

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

CLady,

That make me awfully hungry. I’m sitting here munching on pistachios and you just raised the stakes.

And I live out in the boondocks between Alpharetta, Cumming and Canton.

Nothing under a 20 minute drive (each way) to scratch that itch. Yikes.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

sleep now, carolina lady, and perhaps the listerine will work its magic overnight. where are all the doctors tonight? we could stand to hear from doc about now. before you turn in, please leave a little cobbler on the porch in case you-know-who stops by on the way home to jimmy smith (no, not diane lane).

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Oh, sorry,TommyB! I’ll send some right out to you. A minute in the microwave and it’ll be good to go! :-)

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady:

I apologize for forgetting to suggest visiting your local (good) TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor.

You will be glad… I promise.

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Jimmy. Miss Lane would be received and all civility would be maintained. However, in moments, an important appointment would be remembered by the hostess and regretfully would end the visit. However, baby seal would be joyfully welcomed again! It concerns me that such a little guy is out traveling by himself. I’m most disappointed in Hartebeest for not seeing baby seal through to the end of his journey!

(Can you see new readers trying to figure out what in the heck are we talking about??)

By Carolina Lady

August 11, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Thank you, TommyB! Don’t know where I’d find one. I live waaaay out in the sticks! Sunshine is piped in daily.

By David O'Brien

August 11, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Smoltz’s performance was remarkable tonight, as you all know, and my adrenaline rush from watching that game and writing it on deadline was accentuated further by my being able to sit back just now, relax, and read some of the greatest in-game banter that any blog could ever boast of. Wow, seriously, you guys crack me the hell up. Great stuff.

Wouldn’t even know where to begin on the list of posts that made me smile most, but “Ominous words: Dan Kolb warming up in the bullpen” made me laugh out loud sitting here in the press box. The AP guy looked at me like, ‘What the hell is so funny.’ So I told him. He then smiled.

THIS WAS A GREAT, SIMPLE POST, ONLY BECAUSE I LOVE THE LADS FROM DUBLIN SO MUCH: “There’s been a lot of talk about this next song. Maybe, maybe too much talk. This song is not a rebel song, this song is SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY.

Oh, before I forget: Aybar just has a sore hand. It’s bothered him since he got here, apparently. But not big deal.

Did I mention that Smoltz as freakin’ unbelievable tonight? Right down to the 10-pitch walk he drew with two outs in the eighth, and the fact that HE WAS GOING TO PITCH THE 10th … the old man is perhaps the greatest competitor I’ve ever covered in 22 years of sports writing.

I’ll take that back _ he IS the greatest competitor I’ve covered.

By the way, I asked him about the CSS comment, about guys showing their colors or whatever. He insisted he just meant guys WOULD show their true colors in the next few days, that we’ll see what they’re made of, etc. But then he smiled and said it was hot outside yesterday at the golf course when they interviewed him (was that where the interview took place), as if acknowledging he might have said a bit more than he should have at the time.

So I don’t know what he was talking about, if he’s seen something or someone acting an a*% or whatever.

Oh, one other thing, Jurries’ fall from grace, from spring training explosion to not making the opening day roster to hitting .170-something with 16 RBIs this season, officially reached a new low when he cleared outright (irrevocable) waivers and was removed from the 40-man roster. Still in the organization, but not even on the 40-man now, and not claimed by any other team that could have had him for nothing in return. Oye!

TOMMY B, that was a fantastic story about the Cash clan. Damn, what I would have given to be in that room. With the Great Man in Black himself, and his oh-so-very-sexy daughter. STILL have a crush on Roseanne Cash. Crowell was crazy to let that go.

But then, we all know how that goes. Or a lot of us do.

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

CLady:

I’m mighty appreciative. Either our mirror neurons are dancin’ or the 4.2 lbs of pistachios have hit bottom. I’m no longer entertaining jumping in the car.

Thanks, Toots.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 11, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

if the cadaver toes didn’t take care of the new readers then they are resilient enough to hang with us. smoltz was strong tonight, huh? journalist must turn in now. g’night.

By David O'Brien

August 11, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Oh, and this just in from Ole Double-A Miss: Chipper 0-for-4 tonight (but purchased several nice fishing rods and a Bass Pro Shop cap), and Davies allowed three hits and two runs (one earned) in two innings, with two walks, two strikeouts and a wild pitch. 54 pitches, 30 strikes.

I’m not feeling too confident about young Kyle’s potential impact down the stretch.

By TommyB

August 11, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

Dave,

Don’t fan my Rosanne flames… PLEASE.

Her last CD torched them back like Santa Ana wind. I admit to not appreciating her dad back when I had a golden opportunity (my best friend’s dad dragged the both of us to more than one of his shows in early seventies when we were complete squirts). I really didn’t start getting into him until the past 3 years or so. But, life is Life. (Furky and Betemit are haning out together in the dugout.) Yeah, Rodney seemed to be amiss in letting Rosanne slide, but hey. They both got some GREAT art out of the experience. BTW, do you know who now owns the Lake House? (You’d never be able to guess.)

By flbravesgirl

August 12, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

Terrific game. The heck with the longballs, this chick digs pitcher’s duels. Can we please just clone Smoltz?

Wish I could join the in-game banter but unfortunately the computer is at the other end of the house from the TV with digital cable. Still fun reading all of y’all’s comments afterwards.

Carolina Lady, get that thumb looked at! Popping is not a good thing! The blackberry cobbler, on the other hand, sounds like a very good thing.

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

Kevin Barry Heads Up

Were I a bettin’ man, I might be tempted to spread a little on this guy. I remember missing a game a month or so ago (it was a Hudson start in which Huddy didn’t last more than a couple of innings). I was reading the box score to try to figure out [dang it, Bonds just singled in a run to tie the game against Braves West] who had done such a masterful job at holding the game. If I remember correctly, KB pitched about 4-5 scoreless innings in his DEBUT. And he’s done stellar work since.

By TennesseePaul

August 12, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Sheeesh! What a game by Smoltz! GO BRAVES!!

After punching in the numbers, reviewing, and projecting the Braves are geared up for another up-swing. They need it. But the down fall is still going to be the pitching. Especially with 2 out and the pick-a-number fill in.

I apperciate the way the met fan tucked his tail and ran off the blog as soon as Shakespeare was brought in.

By Darren

August 12, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I have an Uncle Tupelo bootleg where Jay is about to play a Dylan song, and he gets a rebel yell from the crowd, and he says “this is not a rebel song, it is a Dylan song”. I didn’t know where that came from till tonight!

I think the Braves and or FSN South/Turner South will be involved, in some way, with the impending Liberty Media/News Corp dealings.

Do you remember Superdrag from Knoxville? John Davis is recording a new album at the Foo Fighters studio, and it is going to great, from the sound of the demos on his myspace page.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I remember Superdrag. Think I have a CD. Just didn’t know they were from Knoxville. So something cool has come out of Knoxville, after all (just kidding, folks….)

Tommy B, so who owns the Lake House?

Rosanne Cash’s last one, Black Cadillac, just beautiful, wrenching stuff.

Ohh, that voice. that smile…

By DonCoburleone

August 12, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

I feel the worse for John Smoltz this year. He has played his a$$ off, and the team has nothing to show for it. I almost wish we would have traded him to the Tigers at the deadline. As a baseball fan (and Smoltz fan), it would have been fun to watch. A competitor like Smoltz is what makes sports great. He excels at what he does, and lifts his game to another level when the stakes are at their highest… This next beer’s for you John Smoltz.

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

Dave,

The Lake House in Hendersonville is now owned by one Barry Gibb and family. (Wow… I still can’t fashion a “join” but Life is Life.)

And hey… the Everlys hail from Knoxville. Chet Atkins (produced much of Elvis’s best stuff, among others, also hails from suburban Knoxville.)

(Yeah, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I did, too. So there. But hey — both my Grandfather was from Black Mountain, NC.)

[dodgers and giants tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 7th with Nomar stepping in.]

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 12, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

Kevin Barry should be okay tomorrow. He is at home which always help (or at least should). I liked what I saw of him earlier in the season. He did have a couple of rough outings before he got send down but looked to have the same type of poise that Chuck James has. They both seem to be very confident about their abilites and not let too much rattle their cages. Cormier, on the other hand, is more of a worry but he just won pitcher of the week in the I’ntl league so he should be okay. (I hope) I still have serious doubts that this team will make the playoffs and I hope I’m wrong. I hope I have to eat some crow for saying that. However, I still think this is a good team that isn’t playing very well. I don’t care what anyone says about Frenchy. This kid is special. He has got that “it” factor. He can stink it up the entire game but when its on the line he comes through. I understand his late inning RBI have to be tempered with the fact that he has a lot more chances than other guys on the team but is that the case when it comes to the entire majors. But, this is now the fifth walk off hit he has had. Only Big Pappi has more (who also plays just about everyday). He is the kind of guy that we should want on this team. When the game is on the line, he wants to be at the plate. Call it selfishness or hot dogging if you like. I don’t care why he wants to I just care that he does and he comes through.

DOB, do you really know who Smoltz was refering to. I wonder if some of the bullpen guys have been negative. I can’t see it being any of the other “Baby Braves” or Andruw or Giles. Now, I possibly could see Chipper but I don’t see that either. Smoltz is right though. This is the time we will see what these guys are made of. I just hope this team has a great last six weeks. If they don’t get into the playoffs, that is fine. It will be a big boost into next season.

By DonCoburleone

August 12, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this

Next year…

By chopthis

August 12, 2006 03:23 AM | Link to this

TommyB,

No knock on Chet Atkins or Knoxville, but Sam Phillips (of Florence, Alabama) produced almost ALL of Elvis’ best stuff.

“Good Rockin’ Tonight” or “All Shook Up”?

If your answer is anything but the former, then you deserve to be itchin’ like a man in a fuzzy tree.

By Doug

August 12, 2006 04:58 AM | Link to this

Wickman is that man! We have got to re-sign him next season. Management would be absolutely crazy to let him go and put the Braves in exactly the same situation they were in at the beginning of this season … an unknown variable when it comes to a closer.

By ncscoots

August 12, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this

my usual random thoughts on the overnights (no Kona brewing today, just the old Starbucks Breakfast Blend)…distaff side of the blog seems to be growing, banishment of the s-word seems to be working, CL…also, data-geek component seems on the increase with Bob, Georgina Peach, and yours truly (and perhaps others lurking) from the world of software architecture…”warrior” is the first word that came to mind watching Smoltz last night…does a Giles-for-Roberts trade with Baltimore make any sense? Have no idea what Roberts’ contract status is, or what else could be offered the Orioles to entice…my new favorite phrase, encompassing all of life’s ups and downs, inspired by Carolina Lady: “digits is digits”…Francoeur really is somewhat Shakespearean, isn’t he? Tragicomic often, moments of drama, a flawed hero with moments of greatness, etc.?…where else can you find pie, trigger toe, King Lear, and baseball? this blog is a joy to behold during each day’s construction, and that’s a fact…off to the workshop early today, hopefully to finish off a piece of furniture I’m making for a neighbor. It’s not quite a birdhouse, CL, but one does what one can! all hail the blog…

By KneeJerk

August 12, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

For those of you who said that we should do things like the Marlins: the owner had set a press conference to fire Girardi, but was talked out of it. Instead, he made Girardi apologize to him in front of the entire team. Girardi has squeezed a lot out of his players, but he’ll be gone after 1 year. He wouldn’t comment, but said he would after the season. I think he’ll take over for Dusty Baker in Chicago. For those that didn’t know; Girardi told Loria(who was sitting next to the dugout) to leave the umpires alone during a game in which he was continuously questioning balls and strikes. You can read about this at pbpost.com

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this

Mornin all,please keep your seats. Per DE Braves Fan- I saw the ball go between the fielders and to the wall and camera cut to home plate. Suddenly out of the darkness of the deepest realm that only a TRUE Braves fan can know the panic started to rise—where is Marcus?? Then he seemed to lazily stroll across the plate. As my ire started to rise I at that moment realized the ‘big picture’. Marcus, on second-less than two outs,A] He has to make sure ball is not caught and B] he saw as he was rounding third that he was easily going to score. He was not loafing and I believe there were no ‘toe issues’. Say what you will about him, but you cannot say he does not bust it between the lines. Us fans from the Lonnie Smith era, had as the Stones song said “our moment of doubt and pain” but all is well.

By krath

August 12, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Tommy B, I’m about 20 miles from Black Mtn.

It’s a rainy Saturday morning in the mountains. I’m having a few pints of what Scoots is having. My 18 month old daughter has me watching “Wiggly Safari” for the 400th time. (how can an 18 month old already have an addiction to The Wiggles?) Her mom is still in bed.

Julio’s goal is to play until he’s 50. My goal was to become a father again at 50. Actually it wasn’t my goal…. it was my wife’s goal…. but I wouldn’t take a million dollars for my daughter now. I wouldn’t give 50 cents for another one though. A guy I know told me before she was born that if it were a boy, I would be so old I would have to hire someone to play ball with him!

That’s what happens when you marry a Yankee half your age.

My wife arrived in the south a Mets fan. It took some time but she finally converted to a Braves fan. Her dad (who lives in Manhatten) called this week and asked if she were ready to change her allegiance back to the Mets. (she isn’t by the way)

I think we’re down to “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain” with the Braves again. Smoltz and rain and rain and rain and rain….. then Smoltz and rain and rain and rain and rain.

Just some idle ramblings on a rainy Saturday morning.

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

ChopThis: From those two, how could you NOT go for “All Shook Up?” But my alltime ElvisP fave has to be “That’s Alright, Mama.” There’s just something especially magical about that recording. “Jailhouse Rock” or “Blue Suede Shoes?” (Say, there’s a Cash connection to one of those. JC overheard one one of his buddies in the AF going on and on about his new….)

By krath

August 12, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

The conversation here drifts to music frequently. Songwriting is addressed as well. I would be remiss to not add my 2 cents on this subject. Check out this sample by The Wiggles.

Fruit salad…Yummy, yummy. Fruit salad…Yummy, yummy. Fruit salad…Yummy, yummy. Yummy, yummy, yummy, yummy, fruit salad Let’s make some fruit salad today, its fun to do it’s a healthy way. Take all the fruit that you want to eat, it’s gonna be a fruit salad treat. “The first step,” peel your bananas. “The second step,” toss in some grapes. “The third step,” chop up some apples, chop up some melons, and put them on your plate. Now we’ve made it it’s time to eat it, it tastes so good that you just can’t beat it. Give everyone a plate and a spoon; we’ll all be eating it very soon.

These guys know their craft, thats for sure!

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

krath: Are you in Asheville… or on the other side of Black Mtn? That is one beautiful place here on Planet Earth. I feel its call even though I’ve never lived there myself. Must be in the DNA… or more likely someplace a bit more ethereal.

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

I confess to knowing zippo about Wiggles. My youngest (12) is now into the anime shows and has a surprisingly mature and diverse musical taste. Back when he was 8 and at his request, I took him to one of the local venues here in ATL to see Shawn Phillips. (I bet very few folks know who that is.)

krath, I guess you already know… enjoy it while you can as it’s gone before you even have time to digest it.

By krath

August 12, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

Yep TommyB. in the Asheville area. Born here, probably die here. I’ve traveled and considered other options but everything brings me back.

Really ecclectic music scene here (speaking of music) Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Rock, Jam, Rock-a-Billy

And speaking of Elvis.. Elvis played here a few times. In fact, he left people here holding tickets for his show at the Civic Center when HIS ticket was punched!

Most everyone who had tickets for that show never redeemed them for a refund. The promoter made out like a bandit, on that I’m sure! People held the tickets. The promoter had hardly any refunds AND he didn’t have to pay for the show because Elvis had indeed Left The Building.

By krath

August 12, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Yeah Tommy….. I have a 23 year old son. They get away from you before you know it.

He’s actually a very good guitarist. He was raised on Hendrix, SRV, Clapton, All the Kings (Albert, BB, Freddie, Buddy Guy King :) etc) Those influences are reflected in his playing….sometimes. lol He’s currently into metal but can still play the blues convincingly.

By rian

August 12, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

DOB - Somehow I have a feeling that Wickman is going to pull a Julio Franco and ask for a two year deal. If I know JS he will have nothing to do with guranteeing 10 mill over 2 years to a 37 (or maybe 38 by then) year old pitcher, even if he does look good tossing the chew after the game. I would pay the man for 2 years. Do you think JS would give him a 2 year deal, Dave?

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

krath, Now THAT has to be a really nice thing to be able to do — kick back and listen to one of your children play guitar (and the blues, to boot!).

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

DE Braves Fan—Signal Corps.???

By ColumbusBuckeye

August 12, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

It’s time for the Bravos to put together a run. Hopefully Smoltzie will get some of the young guys to believe. Him and Jones have stepped up as of late. Chipper will return, and maybe he’ll show some late season magic. We may be to far out of this thing, but why not make it interesting, along the way building some momentum for next season?

If only we had some sort of consistent starting pitching outside of Smoltz………

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

Here is a very interesting article on Andruw’s swing now, compared with ‘04. The side-by-side video loop pretty much captures the differences. If you scroll down to Comments, one about head movement is particularly interesting.

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Krath-congrats, not on marrying a Yankee gal,although I’m sure she is a great lady,since she is a Braves fan, but on fatherhood at 50. See it is raining in God’s country this am. It’s raining here in Satan’s too.

By BravesFaninRockies

August 12, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

With just a little help from the pen, Smoltz would be what, 16-3? A lock for the Cy Young? Leading the Braves to the WC?

You’ve seen the guy up close, DOB, but for those who must admire from afar I’ve gotta say he’s pitching as well as he did in ‘96. And what a pro. We’ll have the best $8 million top-of-the-rotation starter in baseball next year.

Still only 5 games back …

By MEB

August 12, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

krath… Lyrically the gifts of the Wiggles compare to my 2yr old grand daughters current love; the purple dinosaur, Barney.

By supergrass

August 12, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

many former braves are exceling elsewhere this year. in particular, 1996 - 7th round by the Atlanta Braves mark derosa is quietly becoming a force at the plate, in the american league nonetheless. and he played 6 different defensive positions so far this year. braves could definately use him now. Aybar left the game last night with a sore left hand (how the hell did that happen) Smoltzie has been solid this year, and with a few less losses because of the bullpen he would probably be in the talks for nl cy young award. sure hope barry can step up tonight, last thing i remember about him is serving one up to Piazza in san diego…….

By Metropolitan Man

August 12, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Dont give up braves fans. We all know a streak of 6-10 games puts you in the wild card hunt. Us METS fans want to see you make it so we can have one of those classic playoff games here at the TED. Whatever you guys do, dont give up. For some reason, watching you guys lose every night is not as much fun as I thought it would be. Tell that west coast LA braves team not to break that one up after the season, this ex brave formula seems to be working all over the major leagues.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 12, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

I kind of doubt Wickman would ask for a two year deal if for no other reason than it limits him. I mean lets say he has contiunes his success this year and then next year is a lights out closer who leads the team to the playoffs, then will be able to command a bit more on the open market for 2008. Even though he will be 39 there will be some team(s) that will be willing to spend the cash. I realize Todd Jones demanded 3 years but his success at closing is a little less than Wickman’s not to mention he wanted the job security. Wickman, on the other hand, pitches from one year to next and is always considering retirement. I know he told DOB that basically it was a ridiculous notion but he has hinted at retirement the last two seasons.

By John Adcox

August 12, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

You know, I was excited about Wickman returning BEFORE I read this column. Now I am thrilled. Thanks for that.

John

By John Adcox

August 12, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

ChopThis, thanks for mentioning the great Fred Eaglesmith in the lst thread. The link is for those who on’t know him. I’m thrilled to see that he’s catching on.

John

By John Adcox

August 12, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Speaking on terrific Canadian music, try the amazing Michaela Foster Marsh.

John

By John Adcox

August 12, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Oh, and the late, great Stan Rogers. Like Johnny Cash, Stan had one of those “force of nature” voices, albeit with more limited range. But Stan was a better songwriter.

John

By Carolina Lady

August 12, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

for TommyB, Krath, and MEB

……….Mr. Mom (Lonestar)………

“Lost my job, came home mad -
Got a hug and a kiss and ‘That’s too bad,’
she said. ‘I can go to work til you find another job.’ I kinda like the sound of that!
Watch TV, take long naps. Go from being a hard-working dad to being Mr Mom!

chorus -
“Papers melt in a Maytag dryer,
crayons go up one drawer higher.
Rewind Barney for the 15th time -
Breakfast at 6, naps at 9.
There’s bubblegum in the baby’s hair,
Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair.
Been crazy all day long -
And it’s just Monday, Mr. Mom!

“Football, soccer and ballet -
squeeze in scouts and PTA.
And there’s that shopping list she left that’s 7 pages long….. How much smoke can one stove make,
the kids won’t eat my charcole cake.
It’s more than any man can take,
being Mr. Mom………..

chorus again -

“Before I fall in bed tonight
if the dog didn’t eat the classifieds
I’m gonna look just one more time!

chorus”

:-)

By Shaun Payne

August 12, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Smoltz and Clemens

Four years ago, if you would have told us that Smoltz was going back into the rotation in 2005, many of us would have said “he’ll be injured or he can’t throw that many innings.” Instead he remains one of the best pitchers in the game and one of the best old pitchers in baseball.

And how about Roger Clemens? ESPN’s Rob Neyer just posted a column about the amazing Rocket. 2.24 ERA and only 3 homers allowed in 60 innings playing his home games in one of baseball’s friendliest homer parks.

As Neyer points out, if Clemens was pitching for the Yankees or Red Sox he would be a huge story right now. And if the Braves had a decent bullpen, Smoltz would be in the Cy Young hunt.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 12, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

This is how bad the NL sucks. Every team except the Pirates and Cubs are still in the playoff hunt. I actually think the Dodgers taking off like they have is a good thing. The one thing that would kill the Braves wild card hopes is that if either the Dodgers and Padres or the Cards and Reds got red hot at the same time. That was always my fear is that two teams in the same division could start pushing each other and they both would go on hot streaks and it wouldn’t really matter what the Braves did. However, I don’t think that is going to happen. The Cards have severe issues with their rotation as does the Reds. Neither one of those teams have depth. For that matter neither does the D-backs. Now, the Dodgers and Padres do but the Padres offense is anemic at best. All of these factors keep any of those teams from going on extended winning streaks. I personally believe that the Dodgers will wind up runnng away with the west which is just fine with me. The Cards and Reds will be in a dogfight until the end with neither one of those teams being more than 8 games over .500. Honestly, I don’t think the Reds will finish more than 2 or 3 games over.

Look, I doubt the Braves can win the wild card. But, there is still a chance. The NL is that bad. Yes, we have severe starting rotation issues but so does the Reds, Cards, Phillies, D-Backs, Rockies, and to some extent the Dodgers. Our bullpen is atrocious at least anyone we could bring in before the 8th inning, however, the Reds, Phillies, Dodgers, D-Backs, Cards, and Brewers all have the same problem. Our defense is as good as any of the wild card teams. Our offense, despite the imbalance, is as good as anyone’s in the NL. Pound for pound only the Dodgers, Marlins, and Reds are anywhere near as good. But, I think not having Kearns and Lopez will come back to bite the Reds in the rear.

As I stated yesterday, the next 10 games are very huge for the Braves. They can win no less than 7 games. They got off to a good start last night. Now, perhaps Smoltz’s performance will inspire the rest of the team. While Smoltz has pitched well lately, last night’s performance was far and away the best of the season.

By Lew

August 12, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

ShaunP-You got that right! If not for those six blown saves, Smoltz could easily be 16-5 with a 3.3 ERA. I guarantee that would put him at number one for Cy Young consideration. For all of those convinced he should return to the bullpen. No Way! We need him at the front of our rotation, now and until he retires. Krath-we forgot another possibility for Wickman’s intro song. How about Mountain’s Nantucket Sleighride. Works on several levels.

By Glass Half Full

August 12, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Let’s not get too excited about music from Canada. Two words: Celine Dion.

By MEB

August 12, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

Carolina Lady… what great lyrics and oh so true. The great thing about being the grandparent is doing all the fun things with minimal exposure to being “Mr Mom.”

Gotta go… think I’ll pick up the kid and go see Monster House or Cars. Minimize the exposure time to Wiggles and Barney.

By Glass Half Full

August 12, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

How ‘bout the Michael Keaton movie “Mr. Mom?” A classic.

By Glass Half Full

August 12, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

How ‘bout the Michael Keaton movie “Mr. Mom?” A classic.

By Glass Half Full

August 12, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Why did that post twice? No me gusta!

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

Greetings Lady and gentlemen-[gentlemen???] This just in: Drunky Clint called and said Paris Hilton rushed to hospital after being bitten by some ‘wild & crazy’ Jewish fellow during rough house activities.

By Lew

August 12, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

35-She was bitten by an exotic animal called a Kinkajou-Not a Kinky Jew.

By Carolina Lady

August 12, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

Lew, I am so glad you claried that! I studied 35’s post and couldn’t make heads or tails of it! :-)))

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

TommyB, I’ll take “Kentucky Rain” and “In The Ghetto” by The King, anytime. I loved that stuff after his ‘68 comeback special, the “From Memphis” album all that soulful stuff.

Of course, love the early rockabilly stuff. And I even have the box set of Elvis in Vegas, nothing but live Vegas stuff, four CDs of it. Great stuff, thankyaverymuch.

If you haven’t read the Elvis bio, “Last Train To Memphis,” by Peter Guralnick, it’s the definitive, no-holds-barred, must-read for King fans (actually divided into two books, I think the dividing line being when he went off to serve in the Army. It’s been a couple years since I read it, so I forget).

Krath, we take our music seriously here, son. You gotta come with something better than the Wiggles, or don’t come at all. You don’t come to a Braves baseball blog talking about a beer-league softball team, and you don’t come to Braves and The Man in Black talking about the Wiggles. Or Tim McGraw.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

Did I sound pompous enough in that post? Cool.

… TommyB, I also forgot “Suspicious Minds,” of course. Gotta include that perfect tune.

By Vol

August 12, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t normally talk music on this blog, but somebody joked about Superdrag being the only decent thing thing to come out of Knoxville.

Tha Judybats, anyone? Surely some southerners remember them as the best Knoxville band.

By Carolina Lady

August 12, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

DOB, I guess Manilow would be totally out of the question, huh?

:-)))))))))

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies, you’re very right about Smoltz at $8 mill for next season. Do people realize just how ridiculous a bargain that is? There’s no way, NO WAY, he’d be traded. Braves never even considered, I was assured by an exec. Schuerholz himself told me they never once discussed it when all the rumors were flying.

35 _ Giles thought Francoeur hit a homer. He really thought that, which is why he wasn’t bookin’ the whole way. Only when Fredi waved him frantically did Giles realize it wasn’t over the fence.

Krath, you know I was kidding, right? About the Wiggles, I mean. You can bring that stuff anytime. Not my cup of tea (I don’t have young’uns), but I certainly am not going to censor anyone’s expression. That’s plain un-Ameruhcan, know’d I mean?

Well, I will censor Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, or any American Idol Acts. But that’s not censorship. That’s mercy killing, or protecting your fellow man.

By elbravox

August 12, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

“A little less conversation, a little more satisfaction”.

By Snowball's Chance

August 12, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

Elvis ,Live from Hawaii.,Somewhere around 1970 when about the only rock on Tv was ED sullivan is one of the best concerts you could ever see. Showed he was still the King.

DOB, Dave Alvin was in great form last night. LOUD and HOT. He came back for some songs with Los Lobos. Los Lobos were Their own fine selves. They also brought out Two guys from War to help out. Los Lobos was using a new drummer with Lois Perez playing some nice guitar out front. The drummer was Powerful-John Bonham Powerful and I don’t say that lightly.

Sounds like I missed a good one by Smoltz last night. How many more wins would Wickman have saved for Smoltz this year? I’m off to the paradise of the SW washington coastal mountains. Bushel of Willapa Bay oysters waiting for me.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

Robert, I didn’t say he told me it was a “ridiculous” notion. I said he was p’d off that someone wrote it as though he was set to retire. He’s not. He said as long as he’s healthy, he plans to pitch next year. In Cleveland, it’s been written as though he’s said he plans to retire. He told me point blank, he didn’t say that, and it ticked him off that someone wrote it. That’s from him, not from what you’ve read that he said. I’m telling you what he said.

Did someone from Canada actually compare Stan Rogers to Johnny Cash here, and say he’s a better songwriter than The Man In Black?

Sir, we don’t take kindly to such blasphemy. You’ve got a ton of great Canadian music talent, from Neil Young to Ron Sexsmith to Blue Rodeo, The Stills, etc., and I’m leaving out many, many others.

But please, I implore you, do not p*&% me off by comparing Stan Rogers to Johnny Cash.

Born: February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas; died: September 12, 2003, Nashville, Tennessee.

May he rest in peace. And hopefully he’s not turning over in his grave.

By chopthis

August 12, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

However, Dave, Chet Atkins was not the producer on “Kentucky Rain,” “In the Ghetto” or “Suspicious Minds.”

And of the three, only “Suspicious Minds” can be mentioned in the same breath with “Milkcow Blues Boogie.”

Bless-a my soul, what’s wrong with you? Treat me nice. Don’t be cruel. Because if we get many more Wiggles fans on this blog, you’ll be caught in a trap. You’re gonna need your loyal chopthis here someday. Then you’re gonna be sorry you treated me this way. But I’ll leave you cryin’. I’m gonna leave you here alone.

If you don’t believe I’m leavin’, you can count the days I’m gone.

By fastfoodfreak

August 12, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Hard to believe the Man in Black has been gone almost 2 years!

By Lew

August 12, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Pomposity Personified-Ain’t it great? Hell if you can’t feel superior then what good is it.

By Carolina Lady

August 12, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Lew, sometimes I feel superior to Littlejohn, my cat -

but not often

and it doesn’t usually last very long, either….

:-)))) Ooooooooh, lonesome meeeeeeee…..

By Butt-Head

August 12, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Huh. Huh. You said “little john.” Huh. Huh.

By Beavis

August 12, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah. Heh. Heh. Little… john. Heh.

Hey, Carolina Lady, you wanna score?

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

ChopThis, you are the man. Well, not The Man. That’d be Cash.

But you are the man. That was hilarious, and very impressive, that little ditty you composed.

Who said anything about Chet Atkins producing, though? Hey, I know E didn’t write his own stuff (or very, very little) or play any instruments (well, a little guitar), but That Voice. Those moves. That charisma. They’ll never be another, and all of us middle-aged Southerners who love him won’t be swayed by anyone who tries to point out his flaws. Am I right people? Are you with me? Oh, well…

SNOWBALL’s CHANCE _ man, you’re killing me talking about that show last night, and that weather, and those oysters… I love the Pacific Northwest. Only other place in the country I’d like to live. Well, that or San Diego…. Or a few cool places in the Rockies….

But yes, you missed one HELL OF A PERFORAMANCE by Smoltz last night. Just about as solid and admirable as you could ask.

By Butt-Head

August 12, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Huh. huh. Yeah… we like chicks with big thingys. Huh.

By chopthis

August 12, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Dave. I can’t quite accept your flattery, but I’d rather go on believing your lies than blogging without you.

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Lew-Thanks for the clari or whatever.I should know better than to listen to Drunky Clint. Glad you were on top of things.Carolina Lady-most times I can’t make heads or tails of my posts either.DOB-thanks for the info about why Marcus seemed to be lollygagging around third.When Frenchy hit it,I too thought it was gone.Also DOB- I was referring to Furman playing some hot licks on Dave Kindred’s CD. Now I know you are all clarried up.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Meant to type “performance,” of course. But that looks like a good southern pronunciation, now that I say it aloud, “perforamance.”

Fastfoodbreak, it’s almost THREE years, not two.

Snowball’s Chance, if you dig Dave Alvin, I’m sure you like John Doe, too, right? His last album: killer. Must have.

How were Los Lobos? Talk about underrated. That Kiko LP was outstanding, as is just about everything they’ve produced.

Here’s my rec of the day, if you don’t already know them: Los Super Seven. Kind of a revolving super group in the Los Lobos vein, with the last album, “Canto,” featuring a lineup that included David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos. Joe Ely and Freddy Fender are among the many others who’ve played on the CDs.

Also, for krath and others who’ve mentioned Albert King and B.B. and Buddy Guy, you folks into R.L. Burnside? Now that’s some hard, gut-bucket Delta blues. Love the man. He died a year or so ago, but he’s got about five CDs that were terrific and came out in a flurry in the past 10 years.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

JudyBats … another damn fine band. Two great things out of Knoxville? Wow. I gotta be more open-minded.

Carolina Lady, there certainly ain’t a thing wrong with “I Write The Songs.”

By CC Rider

August 12, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, I just wanted to inquire about a possible candidate for the left field/leadoff sport we need to fill next year. What do you know about Reggie Willets of the Salt Lake Bees. He seems to have the qualifications for an excellent leadoff man. High on base percentage, steals bases and is already 25 years old so might be relatively cheap to obtain. Any info on him.

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

DOB-ever exposed to Jimmy Reed?? No Dave, I mean musically.

By teoa

August 12, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Add Scott Miller to the list of Knoxville talent — really solid songwriter going back to the V-Roys and now solo stuff. Another new band from the upper east Tenn. area worth checking out is the everybodyfields. Brilliant stuff. They’ve really got a fresh, unique take on traditional country/Appalachian music that might just bring relevance to the genre for a lot of people who would never give it a chance.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 12, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

ethel merman? dob is now listening to ethel merman? guess anything goes. now, man in black … is this not dale earnhardt? black car, black clothes, black hat. could there be two men in black? did earnhardt also sing? country, right? north carolina boy with twang.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

35 _ I hold in my head Jimmy Reed’s “Live at Soul City” CD, and I think you’ve inspired me to make this my musical choice for the drive to Turner Field here in a half-hour.

Fine choice, thanks for the inspiration.

Jimmy, I’ve got nothing by Ethel, but if you’d like to burn one for me, that’d be cool. And the CD, too.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 12, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Sorry, DOB. I misinterpreted the quote. I still think Wickman would be a good signing and probably would sign just a one year contract or a one year contract with a team option for a second year.

Now, DOB, I am not asking you to start any rumors or anything but who do you think Smoltz was talking about guys showing their true colors. That statement he gave you yesterday was garbage and as you said he probably just realized he said too much the night before. I just can’t figure out who he would be talking about. I wonder sometimes about Chipper. Chipper is my favorite player, but he looked awfully unhappy earlier in the year. He has seem to be more exhuberant lately, but he didn’t seem so much earlier in the season. I thought it may have to do with tha fact the he wasn’t 100% healthy from the injury in San Fran.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Damn, thought I caught that typo before it was shipped into the blogosphere.

Meant to say, I hold in my “hand.” Now, I’ll try to dislodge it from my head so I can drive to the ballpark.

Don’t know if we’re gonna play today. Anybody seen a forecast?

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Jimmy-while perusing back issues of our blog, I saw someone imply that ‘Grinch is no Grinch. They may even have indicated that he is a pleasant character. This got me to worrying. What if ncscoots has nothing to do with God’s country, or Lew really isn’t Lew. We know Carolina Lady is a lady no matter what, but what if chopthis has no hatchet or ax. What if journalist Jimmy——no no no I cannot nor willnot go there—I refuse. Please excuse me, I must go take my meds and lie down.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Robert, I have no idea, which is why I asked him. I’ll leave it to you to speculate wildy, because if John won’t tell me (if he actually had someone in mind, or not), then I’m not going to go back and demand he tell me.

Over and done with me, bro. Unless he says it again, it don’t much matter, at least not to me. To you, perhaps.

Peace. Gotta get to the park.

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

speculate “wildy.” yet another good Southern typo. I’m full of them.

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

CLady, gracias for the lyrics.

Reading them made me think of these from Lori McKenna. Paired with the ones you posted, they make a funky set of bookends. ………………………………

“Stealing Kisses”

It’s late enough all you kids should be home The policeman says as he takes your beer for his own You remember wondering what his wife Thought about his occupation

He knows that you were just chasing a dream To the town line and then back and over again So he winks at you girls And he tells you all he’ll see you later

I was stealing kisses from a boy Now I’m begging affection from a man In my housedress don’t you know who I am Don’t you know who I am Standing in your kitchen

It’s late enough your husband’s dinner is cold So you wrap it up and leave it for him on the stove It’s probably the traffic again Or another important meeting

And you haven’t talked to one adult all day Except your neighbor who drives you crazy When he finally gets in he’s sure Not in the mood for talking

And hours become days, and days become years And you could burn down this town If they made matches from fear But you’re no worse off than anybody else Hey don’t you even know Don’t you even know yourself

So you’re standing outside the high school doors The ones you walked out of twenty years before And you whisper to all of the girls, run, run, run

I was stealing kisses from a boy Now I’m begging affection from a man In my housedress don’t you know who I am Don’t you know who I am Take a look at who I am Take a look at who I am I’m stealing kisses Stealing kisses ……………….

By ncscoots

August 12, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

well, Dave, let’s just hope the Braves bats will be “wildy” effective tonight. That should certainly help clary the wild card situation, don’t you think??

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 12, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

I was just wondering because it does seem like this team doesn’t haven’t that slight cockiness of teams of the past. So, I was thinking maybe some negativity was going on inside the clubhouse. Like you said, it is over and done with.

Well, Chipper will be back tomorrow, so that is very good news. It is also good to see Salty and Lerew doing a lot better. I think this team would be a lot better next year with Lerew on it. I wonder if Salty continues to hit and keeps doing it when he is called up in September if that won’t make either him, LaRoche, or Thorman more likely to be traded in the offseason.

By Lew

August 12, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, Esteemed Jimmy and Journalist Bob-New artwork has been sent. Anyone else wanting to see some good (at least I think so) Braves art, send email address to lewhartman@adelphia.net and I’ll send it along. DOB-If you like blues, I’m sure you’re into Peter Green. Several years ago, a British rocker named Bernie Marsden did an album of PG covers called Green and Blues. I have no doubt you will like it much.

By TommyB

August 12, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Dave,

I’m totally with you on Guralnick’s book. That is The One. And I celebrate everybody’s favorites but for me, Elvis P pretty much went into a swoon record-wise, when he came back from Germany and started the movie star life. With one exception — the ‘68 Special. That is pretty much the best performance captured on camera since 1956, IMHO.

All, Today and last night have been fun, but I’m going to start getting ready to head to the gym and then down to the Ted. I’ve gots to see what Kevin Barry looks like starting. I saw him pitch about 4 innings about a month ago (but that was sitting outside the 755 so that wasn’t really SEEING.) If anybody else on this blog is headed down, holler back. I’ll check once more before leaving. I gave two tickets to my sister and brother-in-law when I thought it was going to be a day game. Now that’s a night game, I HAS to GO! I’ll take my chances and get a single when I get there. I may well head over to the 755 again for a libation so if you see a guy with an armband (cellphone radio tuned to Skip/Don/Pete/Joe) and an earplug, feel free to say howdy. Let’s GO BRAVOS…!

By Ho Man

August 12, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Just watched my Braves tape from last night and found myself feeling sorry for the floundering Brewers reliever Turnbow. The poor guy can’t catch a break.

Did anyone notice the 3-2 pitch to Andruw literally went over the heart of the plate. I mean it was dead center! They showed a couple of replays but of course the Fox Sports South cheerleaders in the booth didn’t make mention of it.

Another great performance by Smoltz last night but let’s be honest. He was pitching with a different—wider—strike zone.

A Brewer at the plate in the same situation in the 9th—and the same exact pitch—would have been rung up.

By flbravesgirl

August 12, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, good choice on the song. Country’s not my thing, but that one is played frequently on the station my mom listens to in the car. Every time I go somewhere with her, it’s on and I laugh every time.

Lew, my curiousity has got the best of me. I’ll be emailing you. Did I see you mention once that you have a portrait of McCann?

By Lew

August 12, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

FlBravesGirl-Yes, but it is not posted. I’ll catch that one (pun intended) next time around. The hartebeest is on this post, though.

By Carolina Lady

August 12, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

*Lew!! Fabulous! I love the one of B Dews. Beautiful. And Hartebeest!!! Looks just like him! What a gift. What a gift.

By Carolina Lady

August 12, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Hey, Flbravesgirl! My daughter and I have enjoyed that song, as well! Thought it would be appreciated by the guys baby-sitting this am. :-)) Love the tune!

By flbravesgirl

August 12, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Lew. Email is on the way. So we can see the one of Mac next time? Pretty please?

By Beavis and Butt-Head

August 12, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

To Carolina Lady and flbravesgirl: We are ready to do you now.

By Bill

August 12, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Dear Dan Kolb:

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

By krath

August 12, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

TommyB Yeah it’s great to have a son who is into some of the same things the old man is. We lost something when he and his mom split, but it’s coming back since he’s older (and so am I)

10-7-4 Yeah, being a father @ fifty is a trip. I don’t have as much energy to run her around like I used to have….but I have much more patience than I did when I was 25.

MEB I’m lucky it’s the Wiggles. Barney just makes me ill lol

Carolina Lady Those lyrics are so true! My wife is young enough to clean up after her and myself as well :) (I still change a mean diaper though)

Lew, Nantucket Sleighride would be great! And Wicky has the body type of Leslie West in that era. Actually… Leslie West is a shadow of his former self. The guy lost weight and looks like a completely different guy.

DOB

Yeah, RL Burnside has been a favorite for years. There are so many talents from the Delta (and everywhere for that matter) that have been overlooked and under appreciated.

I’ll try to raise the bar a little and go with lyrics a bit more high brow than the Wiggles. How bout Jelly Roll Boogie?

Speaking of lyrics and being a dad at 50…. I used to be a real musician a few years back (as opposed to a fake musician I suppose) Now, I spend spare time in my home studio working with some guys on some of my original tunes. This stuff is probably not gonna be heard anywhere, I thought I might sneak in a link to an mp3 of one of my tunes if anyone wants to give it a listen.

I wrote the tune as a first b-day present for my daughter. Nahhhh it’s not a mushy tear jerker or anything like that.
When you’re writing a tune, you really don’t know what you’ve got until it’s done. I had no direction when this tune started but it ended up like a male version of a Bonnie Raitt tune…at least that’s what it felt like to me. It’s not rocket science, but it had meaning because my son played some guitar on it and it was for my daughter.

It’s called, “You Learn Some Things From Turning Gray”

This may not translate well on computer speakers but translates decently if you have good speakers. Of course, the wav file is better :)

If it means anything…. Roy Clark’s drummer is playing drums on this track lol

(http://www.bmojo.com/april.html)

By flbravesgirl

August 12, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

Lew, the pics are wonderful! I love the non-baseball ones too, the fantasy stuff is my cup of tea.:-)

By Lew

August 12, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

Krath-I saw Mountain in 70 at the old Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta. He rocked. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. The opening act was Mylon LeFevre and Holy Smoke. His back up band later became the Atlanta Rhythm Section and Mary Clayton who did vocals for the Stones on Gimme Shelter was their backup singer.

By krath

August 12, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Lew

Did you ever check out any of the Alvin Lee- Mylon LeFevre stuff back in the early 70’s? It wasn’t bad. Of course Mylon was the bad seed from the gospel singing Lefevre family lol ARS, Ronnie Hammond, Barry Bailey..keyboard player (damn I know his name)was with…..Dennis Yost and the classics IV? (think thats right…did the original version of “Spooky.”)

By Lew

August 12, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

I did see Alvin Lee and Ten Years After at the Municipal Aud. That was some show, too. That was a great venue. They used to have pro wrestling there in the sixties and early seventies. Before it hit WWF status. They had great concerts there. I saw Procol Harum, Rod Stewart and the Faces, Fleetwood Mac, pre-Buckingham Nicks, ELP and Humble Pie. I also saw Ike and Tina Turner, there. No one came to the show so we sat on the equipment crates on the wings of the stage and watched Tina and the Ikettes from 15’ away. Most energetic show I ever saw.

By Tonight on TBS

August 12, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

After the game…

Fifty First Pitches (2004)

Frenchy (Adam Sandler) is a skilled outfielder with a terrific arm. Unfortunately, he has a short term memory problem: whenever he steps in the batters box, he thinks he has a two strike count. So he swings at the first pitch over and over and over again. Can Frenchy’s maid (Drew Barrymore) help find a cure? With Rob Schneider as “P” player, Pete Orr.

By T 2 the D

August 12, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Peace In The Valley, is the KING’S best from the Ed Sullivan Show… Love every thing else, but it’s the measure

By T 2 the D

August 12, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

Peace In The Valley, is the KING’S best from the Ed Sullivan Show… Love every thing else, but it’s the measure

By Tomas

August 12, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

What happedened to Willy Aibar, Pete Orr starting today and in last nights game he was taken out. Why?

By Moe

August 12, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Merry Clayton (not Mary)…

She appeared on several Joe Cocker releases, but is best known for her impassioned appearance on the Rolling Stones’ ‘Gimmie Shelter’. She was a member of Ray Charles’ Raelettes during the late 60’s.

Merry was called that name, by her parents, because of the festive time of year she was born.

By MBATL

August 12, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Tomas, read in the paper (or maybe online) that he’s got a sore hand… not supposed to be any big deal. Go Pete Orr!

By Tomas

August 12, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

ok thanks.

By Moe

August 12, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Barry is on the Eve of Destruction.

By Wilson Watch

August 12, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

Dodgers beat Giants 6 to 5.

Wilson is 2 for 4 with a 2 run homer.

By krath

August 12, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

After the first, Barry pitching for the Bravos reminds me of the intro to the old Saturday Night Live show. ” It’s Saturday Night Live…..featuring the Not Ready For Prime Time players!”

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

Hey, just checking in real quick, wanted to let you know Aybar actually has a chipped bone in his hand and will go on DL tomorrow. It’s legit, and he did it VERY FIRST GAME, when he slid into second base for the final out in his four-hit debut.

Which goes a long way in explaining why his swing’s looked so weak since. Bobby Cox said Aybar was able to play, but could only try to lay the bat on the ball, which is what he’s been doing since that four-hit game (or trying to do, at least). Anyway, with Chipper coming off DL, they decided no reason not to DL him, as Aybar would’ve been on bench anyway.

They say he’ll only need a couple weeks’ rest, not a surgery thing. Called it a non-displaced fracture and sprained middle finger. Pena and Orr will be the infield backups a couple weeks.

Bobby still won’t say who’ll hit leadoff when Chipper gets back tomorrow, but count on it being Giles. I’d be shocked if it’s not.

By supergrass

August 12, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

most would say when a pitcher and a batter never face each other before, the pitcher has the advantage, and this year alot of young “rookie” starters came up dazzling (verlander,loriano,nolasco,sanchez,paplebon,olsen etc) and braves starters getting a first shot have been lackluster to say the least. tonight, barry has 3 walks in 2 innings. chuck james has been ok. sheniell sucked. there arent any pitchers left on in the farm system?

By Moe

August 12, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

Supergrass, man - you must mean the captain and “sheniell”.

By supergrass

August 12, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

exactly MOE, the guy just didnt seem ready for baseball-probably could sing the hell out of Love Will Keep Us Together

By Tomas

August 12, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

David why don’t they call up Martin Prado instead of Peña, Peña hits like he is a pitcher.

By Tony

August 12, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Who knows what would have happen if the Braves wouldn’t have given away games by starting Double-A prospects. Sheniell basically was a loss everytime he stepped out on the mound. Cox basically ended the winning streak by starting him against the Cardinals. And Barry against Sheets…Are you kidding me? Have the Braves traded all their pitching prospects away? And I see people talking about next year…well unless James and Davies are something special…then who knows. Ramirez is way too injury-proned. Smoltz will be money as usual. Hudson and Hampton…YIKES!!

By 10-7-4

August 12, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

oh well, anybody got any good music comments???

By supergrass

August 12, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

how bad does that betemit trade look now that aybar cant contribute now and wilson is on fire out in LA (i didnt mind it much at first, p** me off now, especially since starters cant reach to baez either) edgar has been great at the plate but hes not that good in the field,his arm is weak and he doesnt have that much range.i think sutton said the grass its a little wet, i say maybe its age. but tejada, jeter, and a whole bunch of ss could have thrown out mench on that play.

By Tony

August 12, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Well I guess this is what you should expected coming from a 28y/o career minor leaguer…I wonder how the offense feels knowing Milwaukee has Sheets going and the Braves have…nevermind. Sigh….

By David O'Brien

August 12, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

New blog just posted. Don’t say I never did anything for you guys.

By nathan

August 12, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Kevin Barry, Huh?

Yeah, I’ve been saying we’ll be fine next year. I might backtread on that comment if THIS is the best we have to offer in the minor leagues for a spot start!

BTW…..Lance Cormier isn’t much better.

This season is over!!!!! BRING UP LEREW! Nothing wrong with him getting a couple of months up here before he’s up here getting POUNDED next year. Not like he won’t be here in September anyway.

At least Francoeur can still throw! WOW…that was nice!

By MEB

August 12, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

I’ll give Kevin credit for giving his best out there, but this is the major leagues and the Brewers are good hitting club.

Speaking of hitting… we will get some tonight, won’t we?

WOW!!! What a throw by Frenchy.

By Tomas

August 12, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

Sheets has so much succes against the braves, he always goes at least 7 innings and strikes out at least 8.

By Vince

August 14, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

NYFAN

It’s “I am the egg man, I am the egg man, I am the walrus goo-goo-ga-choob”

By Snowball's Chance

August 14, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Lew, were Tina and the Ikettes wearing those fishnet outfits.Man

DOB, “Los Super Seven” is one of my favorites. They have another cd ” I Heard it on the X” that isn’t as good as the first two, but still worth a listen. Los Lobos were not involved with this one. It closes with Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Might be his last recording.

I have the Live from the Whiskey A-go-go Cd by X with John Doe. Good stuff.