AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe Vulture no more
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So I’m late getting out of RFK, late getting on the subway (sometime after 6 p.m.) and absolutely certain that I’m going to miss my 8 p.m. flight to Atlanta and thus miss my connecting flight to Fort Lauderdale, because I’m certain that security at Washington/Reagan airport has to be brutal right about now …
And I’m pleasantly _ no, make that ecstatically _ surprised. Because here I sit in the Delta Crown Room rushing to hack out a blog, just one hour after leaving the stadium on the other side of town, 10 subway stops and one transfer away.
It’s great to expect the worst and then have things go so well, I tell you. But it just reminds me of how hellish our own ginormous airport is by comparison. I mean, I literally made it through ticketing AND through security here in a total of 10 minutes. Unbelievable.
Having said that, and feeling so good about how things have gone, I’m sure I’ll now get some wrench thrown in the works via a mechanical failure or a hold on incoming flights at Hartsfield-Hell International. But we’ll see.
OK, but enough of my travel itinerarary, because I’m sure a few of my agitators here will rip me for even sharing that much and not talking about the Braves within the first four paragraphs.
So the Braves. How ‘bout that Vulturreal, eh? Henceforward, until further notice, I’ll call Mr. Villarreal by his given name. Because he stepped up today and stuck it right up … uh, down the throats of us skeptics who questioned whether he could even make it through three innings without giving up a pair of homers to Alfonso Soriano.
Oscar, you’ve earned a reprieve, not to mention another start. He’ll get at least one more turn in the rotation, and if it goes like this one _ five innings, one hit, one walk, no runs _ you can bet he’ll get more than that.
But I’m certainly not ready to predict he’ll repeat this. We’ll see.
Talk about a must win, though. That’s the second time he’s responded hugely after a Smoltz disappointment. The other time, of course, when Villarreal took over in the second inning at Tampa Bay when Smoltz hurt his groin. No runs in 4-1/3 innings that day.
Is he best suited for starting? Maybe, because he throws a bunch of different pitches. But it doesn’t make sense that the guy can barely get through two innings as a reliever without giving up a bomb, yet can go five in a park where balls have been flying out, and not even give up an extra-base hit.
Oh, well. You can’t ever figure this game out. We all know that.
Braves had to have it, and of course did exactly what we discussed a few days ago. We know they’re almost certainly out of this thing, but yet every time you get the shovel out and start to throw more dirt on ‘em, they stick a damn hand up through the dirt and we have to stop shoveling and let them live for another day.
But after splitting in Washington, I’d say they absolutely need to sweep the Marlins, and at worst win two of three. They’re tied with Florida in the NL East and wild-card standings, so maybe it’d help mentally to put some distance between them and the $15 million-payroll Marlins this weekend.
God, think of that _ $15 million payroll. And tied with the Braves. Yikes.
OK, gotta catch my flight. Sorry can’t offer more. I’m really, really, rushed. This took _ let me check _ 7 minutes to write. And please don’t bother pointing out if there are typos. If you do, you’re an anal-retentive geek. Kidding. Sort of.
Onward and upward. I’ll share some soil with you Atlantans for 30 minutes in about 2 hours. Leave a pie for me at the airport atrium, if you’d like.
Comments
By Braves20
August 17, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this
Let’s see Everyday Oscar is now tied with Hudson for wins. I’ll leave it to some of the more mathematically inclined on the blog to calculate the $$/wins ratio. Hurry back Kyle.
By Calvin
August 17, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
I guess giving Villerreal a chance at starting from now on can’t hurt. Who woke up Renteria? Also, I am looking forward to September with the callups from the minors. I really want to see Salty and some of the young talent that is the future of the Braves. One more thing, I think once the Cubs non-tender Wood this offseason(there is talk that they won’t re-sign him), I think the Braves should give him a looksy at closer if they do not re-sign Wickman and/or Baez(don’t see that one happening)
By hk
August 17, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul,
… funny how the feel for our ‘chances’ changes … couple of days ago, I posted some guesses, that Braves had roughly one chance in 10, which looked as good as anybody else’s at the time … then, Courmier lost, thought (1 in 20), then Smoltzy lost, (1 in 30), then Oscar did super and the relievers did great, back to 1 in 15 …
… current ‘Analysis’ (rationalization) … Cincy only 3 over .500, if you use 6 over as best record by any of the contenders at season end, Braves would have to go 28-14 to tie that … hmmm, well, maybe 1 in 20 …
By 10-7-4
August 17, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
DOB—In paragraph 3, the word ‘ginormous…..oh!! I’m sorry….I uh uh uh gotta go to the bathroom. Hope ur flight is smooth. bye
By TennesseePaul
August 17, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
Have fun DOB
Two things. One, the Braves have had 4 spot starters before today fill in in 8 games. They were a combined 0-8 lasting only 4 innings on average. which means the Bullpen would pitch 5 innings in those starts, and usually filled in alright. Today, we skipped the journeyman and went straight to the penmen and we got a 4 hit shutout. Not bad.
Two. The Marlinsare at 15 million and tied with the Braves. This is more of a testiment to how bad the Marlins are doing than how good the Braves are doing. Sure, the Fish were picked to lose a hundred, and they haven’t and don’t appear to be. But they are still under .500, so it isn’t like they are tearing it up. Which only highlights how bad the Braves have been doing. At any rate, I’m still here, cheering, yelling, living and dying.
GO BRAVES
By Lew
August 17, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
Calvin-After all of the injuries to the Braves pitching staff, why would you even want to consider Kerry Wood? He and Mark Prior haven’t had an injury free season in at least four years. If the Cubs, one of the worst teams in the NL are giving up on him, shouldn’t that provide a clue? We would do much better to bite the financial bullet and give Wickman what he asks for, within reason. He hasn’t given up a run in 8 appearances. Why would you want to look further than our own yard?
By TennesseePaul
August 17, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
Ha! That should be reversed on the Marlins/Braves point. It is a testiment to how bad the Braves are doing than how good the Marlins… eh. You get the idea.
By 10-7-4
August 17, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
10 Paul—Do you know how the Tigers payroll compares with the ‘big dogs’? I would assume they do not have one of the top payrolls.
By Tiger
August 17, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Tigers don’t have a large payroll—just huge talent and heart!
By Calvin
August 17, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this
Lew, My suggestion was only a “if Wickman retires or is too much to re-sign” type of reply. In no way am I suggesting that Wood would be the perfect fit. It was only a “trial” basis type of acquisition. Would you rather have Wood at closer or a bullpen by committee like it was earlier this year? If Wood can stay healthy(big if), he has the ability to be a Eric Gagne type of closer. Remember, Gagne was a starter before becoming a dominant closer, prior to him getting hurt.
By MBATL
August 17, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this
Tigers payroll listed on USAToday at $82.6 mil.
By MBATL
August 17, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
Calvin, if we could get one of those big insurance policies like we had on Hampton, might be worth a shot (I don’t know how that works; is it a ‘league’ insurance policy, or did the Braves just go out and buy private insurance on Hampton?).
But I bet Wood’s not gonna be sitting around wishing for a job; somebody’ll offer him a big contract, I bet. (geez, he was at $12 mil this year).
Regarding Oscar: whatever Villareal brings this year, great. But just good to see him pitch well. Remember, the guy was a very solid reliever as a rookie - pitched almost 100 innings with a 2.57 era. Might just be that next year, he’ll be very good.
By 10-7-4
August 17, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
MBATL—that’s higher than I thought it would be. They are still getting their money’s worth when compared to some others.
By Thomas
August 17, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
Villareal has a different aprouch since that game in Tampa, he has thrown strikes, and always seem to get better as the game goes on. Yes he has an ERA over 4 but when he comes in relief and may do one mistake, and he cant erase that mistake with two innings. I think Mccdowell has changed his mechanics, and added a very good sidearm pitch.
By Calvin
August 17, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
MBATL, I think policies like the one Hampton has is really for injuries that put players out for the year. Btw, Gagne will probably also become a free agent because the Dodgers do not want to pay a guy 12 mil when he hasn’t pitched a full season in two years. Maybe the Bravos can give him a looksy as well.
By MBATL
August 17, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
35 (is that what they call you? feel like I’m on the outskirts of a clique…), yeah, they’ve got a TON tied up in M. Ordonez… something like 16 mil; and I-Rod and Kenny Rogers (kinda like our AJ, Chipper and Hudson). Aside from Rogers, their pitching is amazingly cheap. That’s what we need to do if we want to keep AJ.
By 10-7-4
August 17, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
MBATL-yes,please call me 35. It has to do with DOB’s math skills!! You know it seems to happen so often, teams tying up big money in an older player, and then he gets hurt and their budget falls to pieces. They are left with little or no room to operate.
By MBATL
August 17, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
Thanks, 35. BTW, how on earth did Ordonez earn that contract? I know he had some good seasons a few years back, but wow, I just looked at his stats vs. his pay.
Man, I hate to think what AJ would be worth on the open market. I am ambivalent (meaning I can dribble and go to the hole with either side of my brain) about re-signing AJ vs. trading him, but we better deal with it early and not let it get to a bidding war.
By TennesseePaul
August 17, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
OUr pitching will be pretty cheap next year. Hampton is slotted at less than 8 million a year for the remainder of his tenure with the Braves. Hudson is 6 million next year and Smoltz is 8 million. Then you have the other guys, James, Davies, Ramirez, Villarreal who make a million or less. Chipper isn’t going to be that expensive either. It’s all AJ. He makes the most. But I still think they can resign the guy and be competitive.
We aren’t doing well this year because of pitching. Our pitching has been terrible compared to years past. Had Hudson been the Hudson of old, and the injuries not piled up, we would be in this thing. We have some keepers in Davies and James. Ramirez was starting to throw much better as well.
82 million. Isn’t our payroll around 80 million? I know it says more on the postings, but they don’t figure in insurance and how JS has prorated everything.
By 10-7-4
August 17, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this
MBATL—I believe he will have a huge year next year if we keep him. Players seem to do that in the year before free agency,motivation- I guess. If we keep him, we reap the benefits but then lose him. I don’t beleive we can afford what he would then bring on the bidding market. I kind of think we need to move him.
By Thomas
August 17, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
How would the braves look as a team without injuries.
Lineup:
2B Marcus Giles
SS Edgar Renteria
3B Chipper Jones
CF Andruw Jones
C Brian Mccann
RF Jeff Francreour
1B Adam Laroche
LF Matt Diaz
P (pitcher)
Bench:
2B/Util Pete Orr
3B/IF Willy Aibar
LF/OF Ryan Langerthans
C Todd Pratt
1B/LF Scott Thorman
Pitchers:
SP John Smoltz
SP Tim Hudson
SP Mike Hampton
SP Kyle Davies
SP Horacio Ramirez
RHP Oscar Villareal
LHP Chuck James
LHP McCay Mcbride
RHP Blaine Boyer
RHP Ken Ray
RHP Danny Baez
RHP Bob Wickman
By 10-7-4
August 17, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
I reallyknow how to spell ‘believe’. I before e, except after c and all that stuff. My typing skills however, are another matter.
By Carolina Lady
August 17, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
crickets chirping………….
Helloooooooo??????
echos……………..
sigh
back to the Solitaire……..
By David
August 17, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
Three Eleven Three Three Eleven
By dadgum
August 17, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
Guys please quit talking about the AL. It is kinda like talking about the AFL and NFL back in the day. AFL was the gun slinger newby an dthe NFL was the established polished league. Glad they merged on NFL terms. Until the AL abolishes the DH then I will always consider that league totally inferior in baseball . Just the way it is folks. It ain’t my fault. Also something about Johnny Damon I just don’t like. Glad he is an AL guy.
Glad the Bravos won tonight and Cincy lost. Let’s just hope Bobby learned his lessons in DC. NO MORE DAMN EXPERIMENTING WITH LINEUPS.THANK YOU! McCann is 22 he can catch everyday trust me. OK give him a day off every now and then but I will always blame Bobby for at least one of the losses in DC. Go ask Johnny Bench how many days off he had. Bobby you screwed up plain and simple. Renteria doesn’t need a day off just because he is batting around .200 lately. They are getting paid millions and I am not. Don’t come crying to me about needing a break to get straight. Play through it or take up tennis. Makes me so damn mad.
OK I am over it. Glad I was able to introduce the original Lynyrd Skynyrd Band on stage back in ‘73. Perhaps the most underated band EVER. Still go to see the current lineup twice a year. Ain’t shabby. Guitar work is exceptional. Vocals…well God Bless Ronnie…and I sing along to every word anyway.
I can only imagine DOB thinking “auntie em auntie em there is no place like home” oh wait he is going to South Florida. Watch out for those 80 year old New Jersey ladies in the left lane. Where is the sweet tea Marge?
By Glass Half Full
August 17, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
I hate I missed Oscar’s outing. He does seem to perform better the earlier he appears in a game. 3rd inning entrance: 4 scoreless innings. Middle innings or late: 4 grandslams in an inning, 95 walks, 0 strikeouts, 125 doubles, 755 homeruns, 98 triples, 432 wild pitches. Amazing!
By Glass Half Full
August 17, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Any thoughts on current Braves bullpen guys likely to return in 2007?
By dadgum
August 17, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this
I think Beaz is gone for sure. Ditto Yates, Reitsma, and Ray. Paronto is on the fence. Except for Wickman resigning as the closer you can make a case for very few returning.
By Glass Half Full
August 17, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about Ray. I think he’ll get an invite to spring training if no one else has signed him. I see Paronto & McBride back because they’re cheap. Macay walks too many people though.
By dadgum
August 17, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
every pitcher save Smoltz is a potential casualty. Maybe not Hampton due to his contract. we will see. nobody here in richmond is coming to the rescue that is certain. i kinda like neikro to return though. seems he hasn’t been used in a while.
By Glass Half Full
August 17, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
I’m designating myself for assignment…time for bed (AAA Richmond since I’ve cleared waivers). I’m hoping for a call-up tomorrow during the game.
By dadgum
August 17, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
hey glass, we need you here in Richmond. i mean we are 26 games out. what is there to lose, right?
By dadgum
August 17, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
oh the blog, the blog, i’m melting..melting…melting…ohhhhhhhh
By dadgum
August 17, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
where’s the confounded bridge!
Class?…class?….SHUT UPPPPPP! Thank You.
Turn out the lights the party’s over…..
Good night and may God bless.
By flbravesgirl
August 17, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this
Sure is a lot more fun to watch a game like today’s. I’m still stunned by how well Oscar pitched. After all the guys they’ve thrown out there…. who would have thought he’d have the best performance of all the fill-ins? Good to see Edgar snap out of it with 3 hits too.
DOB, the “shoveling dirt” analogy fits perfectly. You’ve probably arrived by now so…Welcome to the Sauna State. Try not to melt. I recommend lots of AC and frozen beverages.
By glennbo
August 18, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
dob, just saw mr dylan at lake olmstead stadium in augusta, ga.. (who said augusta, georgia is just no place to be.) voila, an american dream. junior brown, jimmy vaughn and elana james ( whom my just shy of 2 years old daughter completely rocked out to) made for a great night. was most impressed with mr brown and his home made slide and lead geetar. bob and co will be in winston-salem tomorrow and then multiple other minor league habitats. those who can should do it to it. good vibes to all. later.
By Edwin Hubble
August 18, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
For those of us whose life revolves around the Braves, here is the ideal lineup as Bobby Cox should plan it:
1- Mercury (2B, small and quick).
2- Mars (SS, known for his aggressive play).
3- Saturn (3B, this veteran is hoping for another series ring).
4- Jupiter (CF, the big bopper on the team).
5- Earth (C, ideal build for a backstop [slightly bulging at the equator], just getting warming up).
6- Neptune (RF, excellent athlete, but lack of discipline at the plate is a Great Dark Spot on his future).
7- Venus (1B, LOVE his defense, but slow retrograde motion a liability on the basepaths).
8- Pluto (LF, below the Mendoza, I mean Kuiper, line; could soon be cut from squad).
9- 2003-UB-313 (P, newly drafted; could be added when roster expands; nickname is Xena).
Closer – Uranus (is downright nasty).
By The Grinch
August 18, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
I’d rather uranus be further than closer, but whatever wins games. I am now off to the grill, to check on that which may already be burned.
By Tru Dat
August 18, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
I would like to see what kind of team that the Braves “genius” John Schuerholz could put together with the Marlin’s $15 mil. payroll!
By chris
August 18, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this
Biggest difference between this year and last (besides Hudson’s ineffectiveness, of course)is that when 3/5 of the rotation went down, they had Davies and Sosa who came through. This year their lack of starting pitching depth was exposed. Sure wish Villareal was tried before Shiel.
We’re still in it though. I honestly think the Wild Card will only require 84-85 wins.
Mooch
By flbravesgirl
August 18, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this
That’s the weirdest part, Chris, that with all the Braves’ problems lately, they haven’t really lost ground in the WC race. I think it’s unlikely they’ll get it but not impossible.
Grinch, how’s the back? No more mixing painkillers with libations for you, OK?
By The Grinch
August 18, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this
Thank you for your concern, my dear; I spent 25 minutes in the sauna at Gold’s this afternoon to ease my back pain. This evening’s libations are unnacoutred. I probably spelled that wrong, but I don’t much care. My Birthday happened 36 minutes ago! Hoo-ray for me! Nothing like being older…
By flbravesgirl
August 18, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this
Happy Birthday, Grinch!! Party hats and cake for everyone!
By Kentavo
August 18, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
Cox needs to stop “resting” players and put the best lineup on the field. It is not April anymore. I cannot stand his inane lineups and substitions. It is do or die time and he acts like it’s spring training. I suppose I’m more angry at the GM who thought the team could scrape by with smoke and mirrors once more and ignore obvious weak spots. Giles is not a leadoff hitter, and everyone knows this except Cox and Scheurholz. I would love for this team to make the Wildcard, but what kind of chance would they stand once there? Not much, with no bench and no pitching depth, and the impatient hitting approach. If the Braves were serious about making a run they would have picked up some starting pitching (Livan?) and added a veteran bat.
By Drummerdad
August 18, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this
DOB, I really like the hand sticking up through the grave analogy. good one. the levity helps in a season like this. This team is mediocre because of their youthful (and not so youthful) inconsistency. Last year was an anamoly. All this stuff should have happened back then.
It was incredible to watch Chipper hit those shots out the other night. BUT, I contend that JS has got to be figuring what to do about a 34 or 35 year old 3rd baseman who has been injured for significant amounts of time over the last 3 seasons. Please don’t get me wrong. I like Chipper and hope he goes out wearing the tomahawk on his jersey. But the production, injury, salary equation is not making sense. This starts to feel like the team is being held hostage by someone we love. Does anybody in here remember the Brett Butler trade? I hope we haven’t repeated it with Betemit.
By Tonight on HBO
August 18, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this
A Very Special Everybody Loves Dave
Episode 5: “Say It Ain’t So, Jones!”
With his swinging bachelor pad destroyed in a crystal meth explosion and the Gold Club closed, Faundruw Jones (Keenen Ivory Wayans) accepts an adoring Dave’s (Dave O’Brien) invitation to stay at his house. The family’s excitement at hosting the famous visitor is soon tempered, however, when their serene suburban existence is infiltrated by a steroid peddler (Mr. T) as well as various sycophants and hangers-on. When a drunk and lusty Faundruw wakes the family late one night and demands that Debra (Patricia Heaton) and Amy (Carolina Lady) entertain him with some “good lesbian action,” Dave must choose between what’s best for his career and what’s best for his family. (TV-MA, for great lesbian action; good choice, Dave!)
By Head Coach
August 18, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this
I was just reading through all the latest blog entry’s and wanted to respond. Salty isnt going to get the call up in September , for one he hasnt earned it and second Bobby Cox isnt going to carry more than three catchers ( Brian McCann , Todd Pratt , Breyan Pena ). Baez is a free agent as is Wickman and signing one of them in the offseason is a reasonable goal. I’m not sure if Schuerholz has enough cash in the piggy bank to resign both of them for 2007. As it stands right now the team payroll projects somewhere in the neighborhood of 70-73 million. Dadgum , the American league at the moment is far superior ,it makes the National League look like the ugly step sister. The Marlins and their 15 million dollar payroll have a team ERA of 4.38, 12th in the majors. While our lovable Braves with thier 80 million dollar payroll have a team ERA of 4.73 , cuurently 23rd in the majors , cant you just smell the stink coming from the pitching ? DOB , I’ll keep shoveling , so please don’t kick the dead horse it makes the smell even worse.
By Snowball's Chance
August 18, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this
glennbo Jr Brown calls his axe a guitsteel. He plays the crap out of it, nice old school vocals,too.
Happy Birthday, Grinch.
Just when I’m ready to jump off the bandwagon the Braves suck me back in.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 02:53 AM | Link to this
Where is everyone? Man, I get to my hotel at 1:30 a.m. after a long night of travel, come to get some pearls of wisdom and wit from the denizens of Braves and the Man in Black, and this is it? Just 40-some responses and nothing since 2 a.m.?
(shakes his head sadly, for his own efforts are predicated on the responses he receives. sad level of interest a signal to start tapering down blog)
Damn. I’ve been up since 7 a.m. and I’m STILL TYPING, and you blogging slackers are in bed.
Dadgum, you’ll have to relate that Skynyrd story _ when you wake up, of course. About 10 a.m. tomorrow, after 12 hours of sleep? can I get you a cup of coffee, a donut?
How can you say Skynyrd was underrated. I think they’re widely regarded as a huge band that influenced an entire genre of Southern Rock. Gotta love ‘em.
Train roll on, on down the line,/Won’t you please take me far away?
Now I feel the wind blow outside my door,’Means I’m leaving my woman behind.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind./My woman’s gone with the wind.
And I don’t know where I’m going./I just want to be left alone.
Well, when this train ends I’ll try again,/But I’m leaving my woman at home.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
My woman’s gone with the wind.
Train roll on many miles from my home,/See, I’m riding my blues away.
Tuesday, you see, she had to be free/But somehow I’ve got to carry on.
By Head Coach
August 18, 2006 03:42 AM | Link to this
Yep , you and me David. The only two still awake . Free Bird is my favorite Skynyrd tune.
By Tonight on HBO
August 18, 2006 03:46 AM | Link to this
They’re all watching a very special episode of “Everybody Loves Dave,” Dave.
See, they all make fun of the show on the blog, but trust me, our ratings show they’re hooked.
It’s a guilty pleasure, like Cinemax.
Patricia Heaton wants a raise. She’s got us by the balls, Dave!
By ncscoots
August 18, 2006 06:25 AM | Link to this
DOB, the lack of responses may be all Oscar’s fault, you know. Many bloggers, myself included, were simply stunned to the point of inaction by his performance :-). Plus, it was a win, so there was no venom to vent. And, of course, bloggers go through the dog days, too, you know. Wonder if those posters decrying a day off for players have taken one off themselves? Anyway, happy to clary.
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
DOB DOB DOB……I have to keep this blog rocking while you are working. Wish I could get up at 10:00 though, already have coffee but how about throwing in that donut. I start dozing off at the keyboard if I stay up too late.
The Skynyrd Story….yeah I do think they were underrated. Not by me of course but in general they were. Look how many ballots it took to get them in the Hall OF Fame. Years. Plus in their hayday they were always the stepchild to The Allman Brothers or so it seemed. Granted lately they have received many accolades and artists constantly acknowledge their influence.
At our college homecoming weekend we had, that Friday night in ‘73, Lynyrd Skynyrd open for Marshall Tucker. Sweet twin bill but still hard to believe they opened for Tucker. Like them too….a lot. Next night however was one of the real gems. Harry Chapin for 2 hours up close. Man was an absolute genius. “WOLD”, Taxi, Cats In the Cradle. As you say…GOOD STUFF! Hard to believe those three acts in one weekend at a small NC school. Never will forget it. NOw if I could just get some of those brain cells back………
By 22oz
August 18, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
Some of us poor 9 to 5ers have to go to bed dave. not to mention the fact that the only time we have internet access is at work…for the government. i’m being watched…..
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
Head Coach…..Free Bird is a great song but just as Rock The Casbah isn’t DOB’s favorite Clash song. Free Bird ain’t my favorite Skynyrd song. My top are:
Tuesday’s Gone (see Dob’s mostly accurate post above) That Smell Ballad of Curtis Lowe Simple Man Needle and the Spoon Coming Home Free Bird
Gotta run….GOD BLESS THE LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND…..getting ready to go see Montgomery Gentry rock tomorrow night.
By chopthis
August 18, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this
It’s simple, really. In a 5-0 win, Braves fans can’t attack the manager, the pitching coach or the bullpen, and it doesn’t really matter how many first pitches Jeff Francoeur flailed at. There’s no need to overanalyze every little thing that went wrong, because practically nothing did.
Conversely, for the very first time this year, a single win did not convince even the most starry-eyed dreamers out there that the Braves are back in the wild-card chase. It’s probably going to take another win tonight in Florida (back-to-back wins!) for the blog to be rockin’ with optimism again. A loss tonight, and the bloggers will be back at their Cox-bashing, Francoeur-flagellating, Hudson-hating, bullpen-berating best.
Either way, Dave, you’ll be better off listening to Johnny Cash or watching free HBO.
By Drummerdad
August 18, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
A bassplayer I used to work with once put it very well. When asked on a job if we would play a certain song he answered the client and then turned to his microphone and said, “Ladies and gentlemen we’ve had a request for a song and we’re going to play it now. However, we do not play Stairway to Freebird.” That said, Skynyrd was huge to southern rock, just not as groundbreaking as the Allman Brothers or as progressively adeventurous as Dixie Dregs. When you think of Skynyrd, how many songs come to mind? There’s another southern rock band that comes to mind, but I’ll wait to see if anybody brings ‘em up. Jeff Francoeur will be REALLY good if he learns some pitch recognition while at the plate. When Bob Gibson was Joe Torre’s pitching coach, he said that Dale Murphy was so instinctive that curve balls killed him. I hope Frenchy doesn’t fall into that mold. Does anybody reading this remember the BRETT BUTLER TRADE IN 1983 OR 84?
By chopthis
August 18, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
By the way, have two more sad-sack starting pitchers ever taken part in shutouts in the same series than Pedro Astacio and Oscar Villareal?
Bring back Rick Mahler. Maybe he’s got one more shutout left in him.
Oh yeah — he died. How about Zane Smith then?
By Steve
August 18, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
I’m not even going to try and look at the standings the rest of the way until I;m told that they’re mathematically eliminated. Of course, then the Braves will win two or three in a row, I’ll check, and the slump will start again.
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
When I think of Skynyrd about 100 songs come to mind. Dude they were and are great still. Gotta love that 4 guitar lineup.
NOt sure if that other Southern Band is Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers but I just made a 20 song CD of their best not long ago. Really fine music. I can come up with Wet Willie, Charlie Daniels, et al. not sure if that is what you are looking for but gotta go…really. later. safe travels all. How is that humidity in Miami DOB?
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
When I think of Skynyrd about 100 songs come to mind. Dude they were and are great still. Gotta love that 4 guitar lineup.
NOt sure if that other Southern Band is Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers but I just made a 20 song CD of their best not long ago. Really fine music. I can come up with Wet Willie, Charlie Daniels, et al. not sure if that is what you are looking for but gotta go…really. later. safe travels all. How is that humidity in Miami DOB?
By Bill
August 18, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
In honor of the “vulture”: the “blown save” is an overblown statistic for measuring the quality of a bullpen. The Braves’ bullpen has been bad — no doubt about it. But, people sometimes engage in the following analysis: the Braves have 27 saves in 50 opportunities so the 23 blown saves account for 23 losses. Most people realize that this isn’t exactly correct — sometimes the team comes back for a win after a blown save. The question is: how far off is the “blown save” equals a loss assumption?
I looked over the Braves’ season. They’ve had 17 games with a single blown save. Their record in these games: 9-8. Yes, better than .500! They have had three games with two blown saves (i.e., one reliever blows a lead, the team comes back, and another reliever blows that lead). In these games, the team is 1-2. (The win being that crazy game right after the break in SD.) So, overall, in games with a blown save, the team is 10-10.
My point is not to say the bullpen has not been bad — it has been. Instead, the blown save is a peculiar stat. Compare the following outings: (A) reliever comes in with the bases loaded and no outs with the team leading 3-2; the reliever allows one runner to score while getting three outs; and (B) reliever starts an inning with the score tied 3-3; the reliever walks three batters and then gives up a grand slam. Situation A is a ‘blown save’ but B is not. However, the reliever in A did a pretty good job and the one in B did a lousy job.
Looking over a season’s worth of box scores revealed that the starters have not needed that much help in losing games. There were a bunch of ugly starts from Sosa, Hudson, Thomson, and the revolving band of castaways that have started other games.
Here’s hoping that Oscar can find a new home in the rotation!
(By the way, I’m a bit puzzled why the record is so good. I suppose one factor is that a team can only have a blown save when the game is close — but with a bad bullpen, the team should lose more “close” games than it wins. Who knows? Just random noise, I suppose.)
By Hizouse
August 18, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
DOB-perhaps you’ve gone over this before, but why don’t the Braves let you ride their charter? Or does the AJC require you not to accept gifts in order to maintain your objectivity? Just wondering. Keep up the good work.
By yes
August 18, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
can anyone explain how chipper jones qualifys for the batting title? i understand why mccann doesnt but it feels like chipper has missed way more time than brian.actually chipper played 86 games and has .328 avg. brian played 91 games and has .343 avg. i guess a better question maybe how do they calculate batting avg. ?
By Brent
August 18, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
I’m still sick about Shiell (0-3).
Oscar would’ve gone at least 1-2 :)
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Dadgum, LOVE That Smell. Even more that Tuesday’s Gone. Damn, now I’ve got it locked in the brain.
T.P. and the Heartbreakers … still kicking strong. New CD, very good. Got it at used CD store (Ella Guru in Toco Hill Shopping Center) last week.
Hizouse, I’ve gone over it but will repeat: No paper, with very, very few exceptions (like the AJC and Morris News immediately after 9/11) has its writers travel with teams anymore, in any city. Reason is practical, even more that the objectivity thing: After a game, we’re generally writing for another hour to 90s minutes. We go get quotes, go back upstairs and do a lot of rewriting on the first game story sent immediately after game.
So on a night game, I might file my first game story at, say, 10:15 p.m. at the last pitch, then rewrite a second game story and send about 11:20 or so.
OK, by 11:20 the team has already taken its bus back to the team hotel or to the airport on getaway day. See what I’m saying? They’re on their bus soon as they shower, eat the clubhouse food spread, and do interviews with us.
That’s when we’re doing our deadline work. So you see, a major league baseball team isn’t going to delays its travel plans 30-90 minutes to wait for writers to do their work.
And on a day game like yesterday, I might not even start writing my notebook (the side story thing with two-three notes is called the notebook by most of us) OR game story until I’ve gone down and talked to the players. So I might work another two hours after the game has ended. Many times, players’ charter is already halfway to whereever they’re going by the time I’m leaving the stadium they were just at.
By KC
August 18, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
I’m not sure from one day to the next whether to thank the baseball gods or curse the heavens.
Us Braves fans have had our share of ill fortune this season. It actually began last September with Hampton’s “Tommy John” surgery. The hits just kept on coming over the winter when our two key free agents both left for major market money elsewhere. Then the Braves were unable to land a free agent closer, and there were no closers available (without grossly overpaying) on the trade market. Then came all the rest of the injuries… Blaine Boyer, John Foster lost for the season. Then Horacio went on the DL (the first time). Kyle Davies wend on the DL for an extended period of time. Chris Reitsma hurt his finger and was lost… oh wait… that was good news. Sorry.
Let’s not forget the inexplicable underperformance. John Thompson who had been quite good for Atlanta (when not on the DL) from about the half way point of 2004 through the first 6-8 weeks of this season (he led the league in ERA over that stretch), suddenly became a 5 million dollar batting practice pitcher overnight. Then when it seemed he was finally turning it around, he got hurt again. Tim Hudson was having a decent season and was coming off a dominant 4 start stretch, when all of a sudden the wheels came off. That horror show lasted for about 7 weeks.
Every time it’s seemed we were getting off the deck, we’ve taken another punch to the gut. After the worst June (or any Month) in franchise history, the bats exploded, this is… until Chipper had to go on the DL again. Tim Hudson finally seemed to have ironed out his problems when HoRam was lost to a finger injury. The National’s series was a perfect example. We got very good starts from both Cormier and Villareal (who’d a thunk it), but John Smoltz goes out and gives up 6 runs. Amazing. There’s no other way to say it… it has been a genuinely lousy year for the Braves so far.
Yet For all of the ill fortune the Braves have suffered this year, they’re still very much in the Wild Card race. Maybe we do have something to thank Lady Luck for after all. Yes, the more I think about it… it might be appropriate for Braves fans to take time out from cursing the baseball gods for the season that has been, and thank them for the mediocrity of the rest of the league. We should not still be in this thing. But we are. We very much are.
We are trailing.500 teams. That means the Braves are likely one 10-of-13 winning stretch away from finding themselves no more than a game or two out of the WC lead, with no more than 1-2 teams in front of them. At the end of any given 2 week stretch, the Braves could find themselves knocking at the door of the Wild Card lead. They certainly have the talent to do it. The question is, can they put it all together and play the kind of ball they’re still capable of (even without Hampton, HoRam, Thompson, Boyer, or Foster) the rest of the way? The Braves have got some work to do, but the playoff hopes are still very much alive. We’ll just have to see what happens over then next 6 weeks. Until then, I’ll reserve judgment on the cruelty or generosity of the baseball gods.
By Paul
August 18, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Dave,
Great list on the Clash. How about the Ramones though? (now that Vinnie Chase is going to play Joey) They are vastly underrated in the punk scene. If I could play arm chair GM for a moment: what do you guys think of these off season moves:
With Hampton coming back and the addition of Lester, you have a surplus of starting pitching and some chips to trade down the line. We have a solid closer for next year, and a bona fide lead off hitter for years to come. I guess these moves are contigent on what the payroll is for next year.
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Mornin all—DOB,any thoughts per my 12:36pm[2 days etc} post concerning Drunky Clint’s claim of his uncle with The Man In Black circa 1978 at Tenn. State Pen??
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
dadgum, I may argue with on baseball, but you’re right on with your Skynyrd selections. My only addition to your ‘favorites’ list would be “I Know a Little” … and no wisecracks please. Saw Skynyrd with Mother’s Finest at the Fox way back - I think it was New Years’ Eve in about ‘78.
Also, in Athens, used to see Molly Hatchet play the Other Place and B&L Warehouse just about every month, it seemed. They were kindof a poor man’s Skynyrd… Gator Country was a great song and they were a lot of fun live.
By KC
August 18, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
Dave:
We have to try and re-sign Andruw. He’s too good a player not to do what we can to keep him here.
I believe Crawford has another year or two before he’s eligible for free agency. Also, Giles is under contract for one more season.
Sign Wickman? Yes. I agree 100%, and I would bet that he will be back with ATL next year.
With Hampton coming back… I think we already have a surplus of pitching. We will have 6 starters for 5 slots. Although with it being Hampton’s first season back from the surgery, HoRam’s apparent injury proneness, and the fact that Smoltz will be 40… I think we need that surplus, just in case. If Davies comes back and pitches well, he will probably be the 5th starter next year with C.James moved to the bullpen. If Davies doesn’t come back in pitch well this year, he mat very well find himself back at AAA at the start of next season for the time being.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Just starting to catch up…
Dave: Loved the hand-rising-from-the-grave image. Perfect. (Or maybe “perfect” would be a pinky barely catching a glint of fading sunlight.)
Tonight on HBO: You outdid yourself. Still laughing on that one.
Now, don’t get the wrong impression. I’m still no longer an ‘06 Believer, but of the Top 10 in the NL Wildcard chase, 8 are 5-5 in their last 10.
Back to the pepper mine.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
Crawford isn’t a free agent. Unless this is a different Crawford.
Could not blog last night. Went to an Armada game and watched a routing of the Silver Sox. I saw an amazing pitching performance. Just down right incredible. The guy had, what should have been, a perfect game through 6 or 7 innings. There was one play that was called a hit, but should have been an error on the 3B throw. He struck out 14 for a complete game 2 hit shutout. Just amazing pitching. Braves should send a scout out to see that guy. #6 on the Armada. I don’t recall his name. He popped them in there pretty hard. What a game.
The Brave game yesterday is still in my head. Villarreal came through in a spot start. The first spot start win for the Braves this year. That’s crazy… Is it? Or is it so sane, you just blew your mind?
How’s Florida lookin’ DOB?
Comparing the Marlins healthy pitching staff to ours really isn’t fair. We’ve had Shiell in our staff. Shiell, Barry, Smitth, Sosa, Thomson and flavor of the week. Remove those guys and replace them with average joe and our ERA drops quite a bit. Plus, we still have to count Boyer and Devine at the start of the season. There are a lot of guys hands on that ERA that should be. I’m ready to start helping this team out of the six foot hole. I’d love to see some more great starts from Hudson, Smoltz and James. And now that Villarreal had a far better start than any other spot starter, I’m even happier. If we’d get Cormier some run support we could really take off.
GHF: Are those real numbers on Villarreal? For serious?
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
I don’t think they’ll move Chuck back to the pen. He’s been a better starter than Davies has. I’d imagine, if anything, someone gets traded. We’ll need depth, but I could see a trade of maybe Giles and Horam for something nice and a minor league pitcher or two. I’d imagine trades this winter will bring back more pitchers than hitters. We have hitters all over the place. But, we’ll see. I just can’t pitcher James doing this well and going back to the pen. He’s gotten better and better as the season goes on.
By KC
August 18, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
TennPaul:
I don’t think they want to move James to the pen. But he would probably be of much more value in the pen than Davies would because he’s a lefty, and because he’s already proven he can produce out of the bullpen.
I don’t think they’ll trade anyone, becasue again… with Hampton coming off surgery, HoRam’s injury pronenes, and a 40 year old ace, they’ll want to keep that depth in place.
I think one of two things happens: 1-James to the bullpen (temporarily), or 2-Davies starts the season at AAA.
By ncscoots
August 18, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Chipper qualifies for the batting title because he has enough plate appearances (after 120 games, minimum of 372). He hits higher in the order, so he’s always going to have more appearances than the five-hole.
McCann probably has no shot at making the minimum PAs without playing just about every single day, and I doubt that will happen. His only other shot is to finish up at about .370, and hope Sanchez, Chipper, and Cabrera don’t hit over, say, .330 by the end of the season. Figure he’s going to be at least 20, maybe 30, appearances short of qualifying. Add in enough hitless at-bats to make 502, and he would have to be about that many points better than the next best average to win.
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Hey guys—I’m ok with Roger as pitching coach, time will tell. There is one move however I would implore the Bravos to make…Kevin Brown as bullpen coach. He pitched at Tech, and certainly knows the in’s and out’s of major league pitching. He also has a history with guns, so he could kill some of those guys the next time they add fuel to the fire.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
ncscoots: McCann could get the PA if we have more 10 run games. Or a few more extra inning games. Plus, he could be used to pinch hit. But I think you’re right. If he is to win it, he’ll have to win by the @sskicker rule. And McCann is an @sskicker, so it’s possible.
KC: I could see Davies in the minors before James is in the pen. We’ll see though. Maybe Hudson does get traded and we get some young arms in return. I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that one starter is included in a package, as long as that package, or another trade includes pitchers in return.
By ncscoots
August 18, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
TPaul, that’s right, and that isn’t a scenario I really figured on :-)! Having the dude rack up 5 or 6 PAs a game for 30+ games oughta do it! and seeing him rake it for the last month wouldn’t surprise me, either. Though it will be the longest season he’s ever played, his number of games played ought to be about the same as a AAA season, no? So figure he’s probably no more weary than he might usually be during a season (thank Bobby for that).
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
Y’all probably already know this but I haven’t seen any comments on it: “Alfonso Soriano has been placed on waivers, according to a FOXSports.com report. But his next stop most likely will not be Detroit. It’s unlikely that the Red Sox and Yankees would fail to place a claim on Soriano, who was a second baseman for the majority of his career. — Detroit Free Press”
I’m not a fan of his.
By bammer
August 18, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
Braves have eight pitchers on the DL, including four starters. Marlins have two pitchers on the DL, both relievers. Health can make a difference.
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
Afternoon Carolina Lady, you and Mom doing ok today, I hope.
By ernesto
August 18, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
That other southern band…The Allman Brothers obviously.
By beachcomber
August 18, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
ncscoots - I had forgotten that aspect of the BA race. Has it ever come into play? I seem to remember that it might have once upon a time. Interesting stuff here as I’m just catching up. Enjoyed the discussion of next year’s pen. My guess for sure - Oscar, McBride and Paranto. Yates - maybe (incredible stuff). Wickman (from my lips to God’s ears) Boyer back from injury and the balance - SEE YA!
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Hey, 35! No appointments today, so just kind resting up a bit! Yesterday went beautifully and the endoscopy was 100% successful. She slept really well last night and feels pretty good today. All pluses! (Thanks for asking, good guy!) :-))
Missed the game yesterday. Sounds like it was a good one! Let’s hope we can show the fish a thing or two tonight! I dont’ even know who is pitching! I’m waaaaay behind!!
By KC
August 18, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
What is the @ss-kicker rule? Is there a provision by which a player can be awarded the batting title without 502 pa’s???
By Lew
August 18, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this
Hi Ma’am-The eye doctor went well after I got past the attitudinal technician. Paul (Not TenPaul)- Why in the world do you think that trading Crisp and Lester for Andruwm is an equitable trade? For the life of me, I can’t figure why some people are son orgasmic over Coc Crisp. Do you need someone to do cereal promos? Since 2003, Crisp has played 99 games, 139 games, 145 games, and this year has played 77 games of 119. He has missed an average of 25 games per season, IF you forget the 99 he played in 2003. He only hits .274 against RHP, which is most of what he will face. I keep hearing of his blazing speed, but he has never stolen more than 20 bases in a season. He has never hit more than 16 HR in a season. THERE IS NO WAY HE CAN REPLACE ANDRUW. That’s it. Bottom line. Throwing in a pitcher that the Sox balked at including, who has only pitched in 13 games in the majors, doesn’t make me any more warm and fuzzy over this deal. Sure Lester is 6-2 with a 4.09 ERA, but I seem to remember that so were Kyle Davis and Horacio at the same point in their careers. Why is everyone so gung ho on this trade? Andruw is an MVP type player who is a lock for 35-50 HR and 120RBI. He is arguably the best center fielder ever. You want to trade him for an outfielder of dubious durability and a rookie pitcher? You’ve got to be kidding. Look what our lineup has looked like without Andruw for three days. You think Crisp will change the outcome more than Andruw? Not quite.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
Yes. If he kicks so much @ss that, you add in those missing at bats as outs, or an o-fer, and he still would have the title. Tony Gwynn won by this rule once.
By beachcomber
August 18, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
Ten Paul - Thanks for clearing that less than 502 question up. Thought it had happened once upon a time
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
That should be missing Plate Appearances. So if he is 20 shy, and you factor those 20 in as an 0 fer 20 and he still has the highest average, then he wins. It’s like how Lance Armstrong won a few Tour’s. He’d pile up the time to be so great, that he could just coast threw the rest of the course and still win. Or, for a comparison closer to home… think of how the Braves have won the Division over the years and all those times we had massive leads and Bobby benched the line up and played the AAA and AA teams down the stretch. Sure, they came back to bite us, but this won’t happen to a hitter. His missing PAs are over the course of the season and is typically still playing at the end.
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady—glad to hear the good report!! Now baze-boll..you missed a great game for the good guys anyway. Today Marlins go with S. Olsen 4.19 era and Huddy goes for us. Also A. Jones will be back. Maybe-just maybe, 2 in a row!!!!!
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this
Hey, Lew! Great news on your eye!! Thanks for letting me know! (I know what you mean about the attitude!)
I’m with you on the ‘trade Andruw’ stuff. He’s the best and can’t be fully replaced! I think we’re so spoiled by the excellence of his play that we don’t realize what a treasure we really have in him. If he’s playing even at 80%, he’s still head and shoulders above anybody else, IMHO. When most players leave, it looks odd to see them in a different uniform. But there are a couple that it would just be a sacrilege for them to play for somebody else - and, to me, he is one of them.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
Thanks, 35! Which Huddy will show up, I wonder?? :-))
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
C. Lady—I hope I know you well enough to call you that, the good Huddy, we hope.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
Of course you do, 35! Sometimes, I’m even known as CL. :-))))
Hmmm. pressed Post and got an error page. Clicked the Back button and am resending - hopefully without a double post!!
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
Lew, CL; I’m not saying ‘dump Andruw,’ but the issue is whether JS thinks we can sign him and still field a ML team in ‘08 and beyond, and whether AJ is worth $18 mil or so for the next 5 years.
Lester was a top prospect, and has walked onto a VERY big stage, and performed well. Crisp is no AJ - I don’t really like him that much either - but he’d be a better leadoff hitter than we have now and is a good defensive OF - when healthy.
The big thing is that a deal like that would free up about $12 mil or more per year (I think Crisp makes about $5-6 mil, and Lester is ML minimum); so before you call the trade inequitable, you have to factor in whoever else we might obtain using that money.
Plus, if we added Lester, one of our other starting pitchers could be traded to fill other needs as well. But I doubt the Sox would trade him anyway.
Again, I’m not trying to push AJ out the door, but a trade like that MIGHT make some sense, especially if AJ doesn’t give us an indication that he’ll sign for a relatively modest number.
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
C. Lady—[always the Lady] good news concerning our conversation regarding our link to ‘royalty’. I now officialy stake claim to link with Marie Antoinette!!
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
Here, here Lew! I’m not sold on this Lester guy as being worth Andruw. Maybe if the trade would return a clone of the Rocket in his 1984 youth and form and signed through the next 22 years at 5 million a year every year, then I’d make the trade.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
Hey, MBATL! Yeah, I understand the numbers and money perspective, but somehow my heart just doesn’t want to accept that. :-))
35, your stock just went up 40 points! And the link to Marie, how that you find that?! I love genealogy and have been heavily involved for many years. Fascinating topic! I always wondered what the different ones were like: happy? serious? smart? not so smart? honest and honorable? scoundrel? It’s been a wonderful expedition in the past! :-))
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
MBATL: It would free up money. But even still, the type of player you’d sign with that kind of money is Andruw, but we’d have traded him away.
The notion of trading away our expensive talent to get cheap talent in return and then to go onto the free agent market and try to sign expensive talent seems a little off. We have expensive and cheap talent both on the field. Might as well keep the home growns cheap and expensive. It’s save us some time, headache and countless hours of pointless JS bashing and loathing the traded stars.
By Lew
August 18, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
MBATL-Everyone is griping about Chipper missing so much time. What would they say about Crisp? The thing about Andruw is this-you think we are losing out if we get nothing for him. Not so. After having him for another great season in 07, we will then have the money if he walks and a supplemental pick or two. Why dump himthis year for the money, when you can have an MVP type season for a lousy $13.5 million. You could not replace himfor less than that. As far as Lester goes, the Sox cut off talks when JS asked for him (they had only offered Hansen, which is really an insult) and he has no track record. I refer you again to Kyle Davies and Horacio. They started out with almost identical numbers to Lester. It’s still an unproven quantity, where Andruw is a guarantewed 35-50 and 120 RBI with another gold glove. Do you want to win next year? Get rid of Andruw for anything short of a number 1 or 2 starter, ML record of success in hand and you are losing a shot at the division in 07. Bottom line. Talk to me straight up for Liriano or Kazmir and we may have something.
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
C. Lady—I have searched diligently, and the evidence is staggering. 1] I have an aunt named Marie..2] I like cake..3] rumor has it that someone in my family once ‘French kissed’..4] I have often heard the phrase—you’re out of your mind or you’ve lost your head. Sounds concrete to me, what do you think???
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
TnPaul, you Rocket scenario is good! I think Bobby Cox would be doing a war dance on JS’s desk if JS wanted to trade Andruw! :-))))
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
35, that’s solid documentation if I ever saw it! :-)))) Works for me!
So what do we call you now - Prince 35? Sir 10-7-4? Your Baseball Excellency??
By Lew
August 18, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
Old Marie Antoinette had it wrong and lost her head over it. She should have said “Let them eat pie”. Since we have all learned that the pen is mightier than the sword (if not the Guillotine), Sir James’ ancestor, the Journalist Formerly Known As The Scarlet Pimpernal, riding the trusty hartebeest, might have saved her.
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
C. Lady—please just 35. That confuses enough already. Gotta run—hope we shared a smile..God knows we need to. bye
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
Be safe, 35! And indeed we did! :-))
Lew, can’t wait for jimmy to see that! :-))))
By Lew
August 18, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
Ma’am-Ther’s nothing quite like revisionist history, is there. It was the best of times. NO, hell it wasn’t!
By Joe
August 18, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
with the acquisition of Bob Wickman, and Danys Baez the Braves made a very warm welcome for the 37 yearold veteran right hander to feel very comfortable about his pitching performance in the NL EAST, and since he is new in the NL he will be a very tough closer when the Braves square off against the important teams like the Marlins and the Mets the Braves have a pretty great scare coming at those teams with Chipper Jones healthy, and Andruw Jones is getting back to normal, and Edgar Renteria is starting to go up in flames, and Marcus Giles is rekindling the lineup again, and Kyle Davies is working his way back to the Big Show again, and he will be great in a five man rotation with : Smoltz, Hudson, James, Davies, Villarreal would be putting a lot of pressure on with a lot of great back to back pitching and if Horacio Ramirez comes back from that popped blister then it would be a six man rotation without putting either Davies, or Villarreal back in the ‘pen. Hudson is starting to pitch like his old Oakland A’s style pitching delivery used to be, Smoltz has worked very hard to keep his team in 3rd place behind the Phillies, and Chuck James’s slider should be used only against left handers because it has that Randy Johnson eseque-like movement, and he has a very distructive change up against righties, that looks like a Tom Glavine like Change up, Davies will be back baffling hitters soon, Horacio a lot of Ground balls when he gets back, and then Villarreal would be great as a starter.
When the Braves gave Wickman a warm welcome to the team Wickman feels more confident in the clubhouse now that he is getting more run support from the team and he would re-sign with the Braves during the offseason, Andruw will also re-sign with the year he is having both defensively, and offensively, Giles’ might leave and make room for Yunel Escobar or Martin Prado, Pratt might leave and give Salty a chance to bring more offensive threats and versatility behind McCANN, I think John Thomson might be with another team during the offseason for a veteran reliever, and that way the Atlanta payroll is looking very impressive, if we can sign Danys Baez to a 3 year 3million dollar deal that would be splended, because the rotation will be the best in the majors next season with Smoltz, Hudson, James, Davies, Ramirez, and Hampton. and the Braves will win the division, this year and next year.
By AZBravoFan
August 18, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Interesting comments by Bill on the “blown save”. I didn’t realize they were 10-10 in those games. Makes it seem not quite as bad as portrayed. Although if you make that 15-5 then we’re 1/2 game behind the Reds. Just 5 lousy saves! Anyway probably a more telling statistic for this bullpen is to find out how many times they came into a 1 or 2 run game and promptly blew it up. Smoltzie’s start the other night was a perfect example. Those guys were coming back and had a better than average chance of getting to the Nats pen before Ray put it out of reach. Those games are equally demoralizing and it seems like there’s been a ton of them. The “hold” is probably an underrated statistic and our pen hasn’t done it very well. Finally, does it count as a blown save when your reliever gags up a 5 or 6 run lead and loses? Wasn’t a save situation but we’ve seen our share of that this summer as well.
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
little sammy new to blog, helping sammy learn to read. sammy see lot of potty jokes. ha ha ha. sammy not allowed to watch hbo. what is less brain action? maybe it take less brains to make potty jokes all day. bye bye.
By Lew
August 18, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
Joe-Horacio does not have a burst blister. He has a partially torn flexor tendon-the same injury John Thomson had, but not quite as bad. There is a pretty good chance Horacio is gone for the season.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
Actually, I’m not even sure I’d be happy about that trade C.L. I like Andruw too much. And the Rocket is kind of a p******.
The only instance I can, think of since JS took over, of a star being traded is David Justice. He was traded right? For Kenny Lofton. (Shudder.) Lofton can’t go back on a ball. He just does pirouettes and then loses it. I see him dancing around out in Dodger Stadium now. It’s pretty sad, but comical.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Wow, they sensor pr!ck. What if I stated: Be careful not to p****** your finger.
By Lew
August 18, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
MBATL-Andruw is slated to make $13.5 in 07, so you would not have a $12 million surplus with Crisp over Andruw, all of the other drawbacks notwithstanding. Joe-This year was Thomson’s option year. He will not be back next year, nor will he be traded for a reliever. His career is pretty well shot. Also, there is no way Baez will sign for $3million for one year, much less for three. I suspect that both he and Wickman will be in the $5-6 million per year range. I also doubt Salty will even fit into the Braves future plans. With McCann’s emergence as a superstar, and Pena MLB ready behind him, Salty will never play for the Braves. They have not had him play anywhere but catcher, and the Braves are set there for years. I suspect Salty and Thorman (maybe Giles) will be traded for more pitching. They might pick up a RH hitting 1st base sub, but I doubt they will do too much for a top line lead off hitter. They will concentrate on pitching.
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
what does paul mean when he types “p*”? sammy figure out he mean naughty word that begins with p. Maybe poopy. ha ha ha.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
I know what you mean about Andruw, TnPaul. He belongs with the Braves ‘til the day he retires, in my estimation. Lofton was a dud from Day 1. His attitude stunk and he just didn’t fit in with the rest of the team. EGO.
I saw today where Vinny was signed to a minor league contract. I’m sorry to see him descend that way. I understand the desire to keep playing, but there comes a time for some when that decision should be made before tarnishing a beautiful career. Go out with grace and dignity intact! :-))
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Paul, alright ENOUGH with underrated. Anyone who knows music knows that the Ramones were a seminal band, the originators. It was the Ramones, the New York Dolls, and about the same time in England, the Pistols and the Clash were getting going, but Pistols and Clash give all sorts of props to Ramones.
Ramones were absolutely a huge, pioneering, incredibly influential and just plain damn great band.
By KC
August 18, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Okay, ya wanna talk music… Billy Joel rules the world!!!!
By Hizouse
August 18, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the response, DOB. I really appreciate your attention to the blog (unlike a certain other AJC writer).
Btw, I was supremely impressed you pounded out the blog entry in 7 minutes—that’s really moving.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
Florida looking very humid, but nice. Got a breeze coming off the ocean, a bit of cloud cover to keep it bearable, and “only” about 89 degrees. not bad.
Can’t believe how many high rises have been built on beach down here in Hollywood, only about a half-mile from where I owned my first house. And it’s only been four years since I left. Amazing, especially considering the multiple hurricanes. Nothing but modern, opulent high-rises going up where all the mom-and-pop motels used to be. Shame in a way, but it is rather nice.
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
sammy like carolina lady. carolina lady dignified and not maks potty jokes.
sammy wonder why lady don’t like fonse sorryano. sammy see him laughing and hit lots of home runs. fonse skinny like sammy.
By KC
August 18, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Funny, after seeing Villreal in a few of his longer relief outings, I wondered if he’d ever been tried as a starter at the major league level. His first start sure was a good one. It’ll be interesting to see how he does the rest of the way.
By KC
August 18, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Apparently there aren’t enough hotels and condos in Miami. All those hotels, and no one can seem to find the motiviation to build a damn baseball field.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
And Paul, how much did that make you smile when Vinnie said he wanted to do that movie. Sooo cool. Should make for some good episodes. They better handle it with proper respect; I think they will, since they’ve already said it’s Vinnie’s favorite band and they’re from the same neighborhood in Queens.
35, refresh me on Drunky Clint’s uncle and Mr. Cash.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
Noticed that Devine is up to AA Mississippi; a single run (solo HR) in 2 appearances, 3 innings, and 4 strikeouts.
Hope we’ll see him in Atlanta in September. I still think he’s the closer of the future.
Lew, regarding AJ, I’m talking about ‘08 through ‘12, and guessing at $18 mil per year.
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
sammy laughing! sammy reading about billy joel on baseball blog. ha ha ha. billy joel play baseball? no. sammy don’t like billy joel. billy joel marry crissy binky. crissy binky nice and very very pretty. billy joel get drunk and make crissy cry. bad billy joel.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Sammy, you are very kind; thank you. Carolina Lady loves to laugh and have fun, relishes good wit and humor, but does not like crudeness and vulgarity. It is just not necessary, especially in public forums. Just my opinion, Sammy!
I don’t like Soriano because of his better-than-everybody-else attitude and his perceived superiority (of himself). Can’t abide that in anybody - just another character flaw I have! :-))) To me, a person’s character is #1; character, or lack thereof, tells all one needs to know about a person. Again, just a personal opinion that evolved over many years.
Thank you for talking with me! :-)
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
Nice lady! Now baseball - sammy wonder if people know real sorryano. Not everything in media is correct. Sometimes journalists have genders. sammy go to ballgame one time - sit in left field. see sorryano real close. he seem to have most fun of any player. seem to get along with teammates. sorryano smile and joke with fans and give foul balls to kids. maybe sorryano not so bad.
By 22oz
August 18, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Too bad they don’t have a modern, opulent stadium to go with those high rises.
i have no idea what opulent means.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to know that Sammy. Maybe I should within my opinion unless I have personal experience as you do. Thanks for telling me! :-))
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
Can’t type! “withhold” was my intent! :-))
By Tony Almeida
August 18, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
The Ramones? What is a Ramone? Nothing like a good ol Tim McGraw/Faith Hill duet…now that’s worth making a movie over.
By 22oz
August 18, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
Forget the Clash and the Ramones. What about Ernest Tubb and his Texas Troubadors?
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
sammy also has no idea what opulent means. sammy likes to learn new words. sammy looks up in dictionary. says “amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation”. What? Sammy has no idea what ostentation means. ARRGH. maybe man who runs blog means another word instead of opulent. maybe prurient. from reading blogs, sammy thinks many braves bloggers are prurient.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
My grandaddy played a pretty good washboard…
By Paul
August 18, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Living off queens boulevard has made it difficult being a Braves fan (the show will do it justice). (grew up in Powder Springs G.A.)
As for Andruw, I dont see the Braves resigning him. Crisp is young and has huge potential…and Lester is 6-2 in the A.L. east….that has to say something.
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
sammy thinks troubadors is funny word. only time sammy hear this word before is when sammy’s dad plays mick jagger song: “…and I layed traps for troubadors who get killed before they reach bombay.” sammy wonders why mick jagger wants to kill ernest tubbs?
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
ha ha ha. some braves bloggers really funny. want to put coco crisps in centerfield. ha ha ha. maybe put sugar pops in left field. maybe poptarts on first base. ha ha ha. sammy thinks that braves fans should ‘preciate andruw jones. andruw is special.
By yes
August 18, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
thanks ncscoots
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Any serious discussion of music (20th/21st century anyway) can’t go on very long with discussion of those four working class lads from Liverpool.
Come ON. They be IT, boys and girls…
And for Clapton fans (yes, I be one also) who may not yet know it, tickets go on sale Saturday AM for a just announced show Saturday Oct. 14th at Gwinnett Arena. Me, I don’t like the acoustics there. I think I’ll try to wait for a Tabernacle visit. (Not holding my breath, though.)
It looks like the entity that impersonates Journalist Jimmy may now be inhabiting Little Sammy. Wadday’all think?
And Dave, I just got notice from Netflix that I should be expecting OldBoy on Saturday. Boy, I bet the wife can’t wait to see THIS one. ; ) I can see it all now. I push play for the Saturday Night (or maybe Sunday Night) Movie and… well, I guess I’d better sweep out the doghouse.
By Lew
August 18, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
MBATL-I don’t think it will take that much to keep Andruw in Atlanta from 08 on. You know the arguments for that point as well as I do. What I’m talking about is 07, and I know this shouldn’t be directed at you. I just feel that if we don’t re-sign him, then oh well. I don’t think losing him to free agency without getting the Cereal Guy and Nearly Anonymous Pitcher is the end of the world. At least we will have one more MVP worthy season and then we save money. I just don’t see the flavor du jour as being worth dumping him for next year.
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Huh? sammy not entity. that’s like science fiction. sammy part of humanity, just little. sammy well behaved. now movies - sammy wants to see snakes on a plane starring sammy jackson - he scary funny. sammy jackson has potty mouth - says mf all the time. sammy (scott not jackson) has funny idea. how about snakes in a bullpen? ha ha ha. maybe then braves relievers run around and get some exercise. stop eating their coco crisps.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
Lew, maybe not… I think that if we don’t come to terms with AJ in the offseason, then it’s headed for a bidding war and that could get out of control. But obviously, I don’t know the number… I think it’s a good debate, but again, I’m not an AJ hater and certainly won’t be upset if we sign him.
All due respect, but I think you give way too little credit to a guy like Lester. But, I doubt he’s on the block anyway so it’s all hypothetical.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Dang it. I was thinking “without” but typed “with” in first paragraph above.
And it appears Little Sammy is signaling in the affirmative.
By knowitall
August 18, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
I think little sammy scott is the love child of jimmy smith and Diane Lane.
By Head Coach
August 18, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
There is no such thing as a surplus of pitching , as demontrated by all the injury’s the last two season’s.
By Snowball's Chance
August 18, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
drummerdad {I qualify as drummergrampa] I skimmed the blog and didn’t see any response to the Brett Butler trade. I have thought of that trade alot with all the trade talks on the blog. That has to be the worst trade ever for Atlanta. Just the thought of Len Barker makes me shudder. Brett was playing great and finds out that he is the dreaded “Player to be Named Later”. I don’t think they ever have filled the leadoff spot adequately since.
By 22oz's ofTowlie
August 18, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Going to the Dolphin stadium dave? don’t forget to bring a towel!
By Snowball's Chance
August 18, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Then to have Brett become a dodger. Sacrilege.
By Lew
August 18, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
MBATL-Maybe so on the not enough credit for Lester, but Andruw is an established superstar with numbers you can take to the bank. I just feel that not enough was offered for him and if he leaves in 08 we’ll deal with it then. I just think he’s worth more to the Braves in 07 than anything we will be offered in return. Many people think that just dumping him for salary is a good way to go. I don’t. I think that with a few small, typical JS moves in the offseason AND DEFINITELY THE RE-SIGNING OF WICKMAN, we stand a great chance at re-taking the division next year. Without Andruw-I doubt it.
By 22oz
August 18, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
It may not be the worst, but the Klesko trade still chaps my backside. Klesko was my favorite.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Lew, ideally, we could sign AJ to a new contract this offseason… a 5 year deal covering ‘07-‘11. If he’d discount the first two years - say, $14 mil for ‘07 and ‘08 - and then take a higher number for the out years, that would make a lot of sense. We can move Smoltz off the books (hurts to say that!) after ‘07, and Chipper, Hampton and Edgar after ‘08. And we’re locked into Hudson only through ‘09. True, we’ll then have to start dealing with real contracts for the kids like McCann, Francoeur, James, etc., but they won’t be in tall cotton just yet.
So, I’d hope AJ would consider something like that… not really less money, but less in the first couple of years, if he wants to stay.
By Tonight on HBO
August 18, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Everybody Loves Dave season finale
Episode 6: “The Beat Goes On?”
With a late-August winning streak of 11 games and interest in the Braves and their burgeoning wild-card chances at a season high, Dave (Dave O’Brien) rushes around a jubilant postgame locker room gathering quotes when he barrels smack into Faundruw Jones (Keenen Ivory Wayans), knocking the team’s star center fielder to the floor and causing a rupture to his already fragile patella knee tendon. With the Braves’ postseason chances and Faundruw’s career suddenly lying in shambles, klutzy Dave goes from beat reporter to beaten pariah, and soon finds himself the butt of jokes all over the sports world. But not everyone is laughing: Not general manager John Scheurholz (Sam Waterston), who now is faced with the daunting task of patching together a competitive ‘07 squad with a gimpy superstar as his best trade bait; not other reporters, who now are barred from the postgame locker room for the safety of the players; not the fans who once happily jammed his AJC blog and now shun him, and definitely not Guy Curtright (ssiscribe), who now must work every game because he’s the only AJC writer the Braves’ players will speak to (plus he now must be the shepherd to all the moron bloggers Dave has stirred to great vengeance and furious anger). Relegated to covering girls’ sports for the AJC and with options for other beats limited by a past scandal with a sultry fan (flbravesgirl) in the Marlins’ press box, Dave finds himself mired in a career crisis so emotionally overwhelming that even a hot, naked and willing Debra (Patricia Heaton) does more for the show’s viewers than she does for him, if you know what we mean, and we think you do. With no idea of which way to turn, finding himself such an object of ridicule at his own paper that even the copy editors look down on him, and realizing in a searing moment of clarity (Emmy nomination!) that even his ultimate loser of a brother (The Grinch) has it better than he does, Dave teeters at season’s end on the very brink of a nervous breakdown. In what we in the industry call a cliffhanger ending, Dave sits near tears at his workdesk (now in the very back corner of the sports department) when his managing editor (Jim Tharpe) places a hand on his shoulder and says sternly, “Dave, we need to talk… in my office, please.” None of his formerly friendly co-workers can look Dave in the eye in the course of his long, slow walk to the ME’s office as the telling “What have I become?” chorus from Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” plays ominously in the background. Must-see TV, folks. (TV-MA, not so much for a breathtakingly nude Patricia Heaton as for the gutter language Faundruw spits at Dave as he writhes on the locker room floor.)
By 22oz
August 18, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
JS won’t gamble with a five year deal for Andruw, unless its a great discount. He’s getting older, and is still streaky. 3 year deal, max.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
22oz, Andruw (and Boras) would be out of their minds to accept a 3-year deal. I could see AJ offering a home town deal (though I hope the Braves are counting on more than some statement made to a writer a while back), but NO WAY do I see that.
By Snowball's Chance
August 18, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
I liked Klesko, too. Bobby demands good defence, though. Diaz forced Bobby to play him. Diaz reminds me of Lou Pinella- professional hitter who gets the job done in left. His fielding isn’t pretty but it’s not that bad. I don’t think he is as crazy as Pinella, I have to add.
By little sammy scott
August 18, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
ha ha ha. there is stupid hbo guy again. sammy can imitate: tonight on hbo. blah blah blah. hbo guy clever as farty underparts.
By 22oz
August 18, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
If there’s such a thing as a pattern developing, Andruw will sign with the Los Angeles Braves after next year.
By ncscoots
August 18, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Give Lester his props, he’s stepped up on a stage where it’s a lot to easier to step on…well, you know. But I submit that, for all the young studs out there (Kazmir, Liriano, Lester, Weaver, almost any Marlins/Tigers starter), 30 starts does not a career make. Trading AJ for one of these guys is not value for value, IMO. I’m not knocked over by the idea of an AJ trade in the first place (unless it’s deemed impossible to reasonably sign the guy), and certainly not by the notion of trading him for less than a Johan-Santana-type pitcher or Carl-Crawford-type position player (no, I’m not saying THOSE specific guys!!!!)
By Lew
August 18, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
MBATL-That is definitely the best case scenario and would make me a happy fan.
By CRAZY BASTARD
August 18, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
D.O.B…..ARE YOU A FAN OF ENERGY DRINKS? MY PERSONAL FAVORITE WOULD HAVE TO BE “VON DUTCH” BUT I ALSO MINGLE WITH RED BULL AND ROCKSTAR. ALL GOOD CHOICES, AND MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS.
By ncscoots
August 18, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
MBATL, wouldn’t all of this year’s (and last year’s, I guess, too) kids just start to become arbitration-eligible in 09? I know there’s some other rule that allows earlier arbitration, but, heck, I have no idea how it goes.
By crazy batard
August 18, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
David, voulez-vous le cafe? cafe americain? ou cafe au lait? J’aime une batard avec beurre avec mon cafe. Au revoir mon ami.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
OK. Now I’m getting it.
Journalist Jimmy, Tonight on TBS, Tonight on HBO, LeTwan, and Little Sammy: All the same entity.
Sybil At the Keyboard, if you will.
Are there more, perhaps? We must all be vigilant.
I think we need to buy this entity a beer or two and give him (or her) a big round of applause.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
scoots, I’m kinda shootin’ in the dark on that one too. Just guessing that sooner or later we’ve gotta start paying those guys. Like you say, we probably don’t have a big problem with the kid’s contracts until at least ‘09, or later, and that’s way too far off to worry about.
The main thing, as I see it, is getting through ‘08 and ‘09 with enough financial flexibility to fill our needs.
By little sammy smith
August 18, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
sammy is stupid HBO guy? no way! maybe crazy b- (oh oh sammy almost use b word) is hbo guy. sammy well behaved. Try to be witty like nice Carolina lady likes.
By hk
August 18, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
TommyB, … looks that way …
By 10-7-4
August 18, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
DOB—-Per your 1:53pm request to refresh you concerning Drunky Clint’s uncle and Johnny Cash. I posted yesterday the following:”Drunky Clint upon hearing of your appreciation of ‘The Man In Black’, informs me that his uncle once performed with J.C. at the Tenn. State Pen.Happened in late 70’s according to him.He says Linda Ronstadt was also there. Don’t know when to believe him or not.” Well Dave old pal, seems I got some ‘splainen’ to do. Upon further investigation I have pieced together the following: In 1978, Drunky Clint’s uncle worked on a late-nite cleaning crew at a hotel in Nashville.Some sort of ‘incident’ took place on an elevator with Linda Ronstadt. His uncle say’s he saw Jesus[J.C.]cause it was like heaven. He did time in the Tennessee State Penitentiary. Anyway DOB, my bad—I should have known better. He does say to tell you he likes Johnny Cash also. Sorry for the corn-fushion.
By Lew
August 18, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure that after four years of service, they are arbitration eligible. After six years they can declare for free agency. This way a club holds rights on a player for six years (or less if they are traded.) If this is not right, then they can be arbitration eligible in 3 years instead of four. It’s one of these.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Lew, thanks. One question, if you know: If (for example) we called Elvis Andrus up for one game this fall, would that count as a “year” of ML service? I think the answer is yes, but you may know… and no, I’m not suggesting we call up Elvis this year…
By Thomas
August 18, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Braves)=
By MGL
August 18, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Speaking of pitchers for next year, don’t forget that Reitsma will be available. You know how Bobby loves him!!
By ncscoots
August 18, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
MBATL, don’t know if that would count. Wouldn’t you have to be on the 25-man roster (instead of the 40) to earn service time? Jeez, I bet even Bud Selig doesn’t know all this stuff, what’s a poor fan supposed to do????
By Joe Roman
August 18, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
Just a few things in passing about Skynyrd. Nobody sounds good covering Skynyrd. Especially Skynyrd with the “other” Van Zants. Led Zeppelin stands alone because they had the class to fold the tent when John Bonham died. Skynyrd should have stopped after the plane crash. They were pretty pathetic after that, but not nearly as pathetic as The Who “soldiering on” after Keith Moon passed on. I started covering rock and roll in 1967 and stopped in 1996. I consider myself blessed. Not much worthwhile has happened since. My condolences to the generations who followed. I’d rather be held at Gitmo as an “enemy combatant” than listen to “Free Bird” ever again.
By Lew
August 18, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
MBATL-Definitely not. They count days of service. September call ups don’t affect their options, either.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Lew, scoots: thanks. Gonna have to study the rules a little, I guess (or just wait and see what happens).
Joe, if you wanna tell, I’d love to know who you worked for. God, what an interesting career that must’ve been.
Without a doubt, Skynyrd was done after Street Survivors (the flames on the album cover pretold the tragedy, right?!). The Who (probably my favorite band) did a few decent songs after Moon died, but even with Who Are You (I think Moon was with them then, wasn’t he?) they were starting to fade, starting to write for radio play. Seems like the times just changed, as much as the music. I really liked the operas, especially Quadrophenia.
I guess it’s easy to look back and say a band should’ve hung it up when a member died, but at the time, probably hard for them to see it that way (“oh, Keith died, so I should shut down the band and retire”) … just speculating, though. You would know much better than me.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
Lew: That is correct. If a player is called up for september, it isn’t rounded to the nearest year. This is how we held on to Betemit so long. Also, this factors into how AJ wasn’t 10/5 until a certain date… Minor leaguers have similar deals when it comes to options. A player has so many times he can be called up and sent down before they have to make up their mind and either keep him, or put him on waivers. At that point his cumlative MLB service time (either starting or riding the pine) is calculated to coincide with his arbitration and/or free agency.
There might be some caveats in there about 30 year old rookies like Ken Ray and so forth. I think those types just become free agents regardless. But I don’t know for sure where the line is drawn.
By Chop Chop
August 18, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
God, I hate the present composition of Skynyrd. In the ’70s (prior to the plane crash, of course), they were a really good Southern rock band. Ever heard that song “Red, White and Blue”? I have. That’s how I know Skynyrd stinks.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
TommyB, she’ll like it. I guarantee you. She’ll like “Oldboy.”
Paul, RE: Coco Crisp and Andruw. Coco Crisp is a solid young player who might become a very good player. But he cannot and never will be half the player that Andruw Jones is. No way, no how.
By ssiscribe
August 18, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
Tonight on HBO: If I was Guy, I’d interact on the blog a helluva lot more … and include more quotes in my gamers (much respect for GC, just an opinion).
BTW, it’s nice to officially be a resident of the Metro ATL again. The move is done. On to the new gig. Here’s to a sweep of the Fish to start my new era back in the hometown.
Later on.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
Did someone say “Call Up Elvis?” Like a seance deal or what?
Opulent: adj : rich and superior in quality; “a princely sum”; “gilded dining rooms” [syn: deluxe, gilded, luxurious, princely, sumptuous]
By Chop Chop
August 18, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
Yeah, MBATL. Moon was around for “Who Are You?” Even a post-Moon Who song like “You Better, You Bet” was good…and they were well-past their prime. If you look at Led Zep, they still put out some good songs (“All My Love”, “Achilles Last Stand”) after “Physical Graffiti”, but the albums just don’t hold up as well. Death can rip apart a group, and Skynyrd is a prime example of it.
By Chop Chop
August 18, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
Of course, Bonzo didn’t die until 1980, but heroin sapped most of what Zep had left in the late ’70s. Sex, drugs, death and rock and roll. What a life.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
Welcome back to the ATL Metro (north, south, east, west?) SSISCRIBE!
Now you just have to unpack the boxes… Or have you already done that?
Here, let me pull you a pint.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, the new Skynyrd, or closest thing to them, is Drive-By Truckers. They blow away the current Skynyrd. Really good lyrics, too, to go with a tight, rockin’ band.
By MBATL
August 18, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, be fair and balanced! No one is saying Coco is AJ or even close … he’s almost a throw-in to the deal we’re discussing, which really hinges on young pitching and payroll flexibility. Anyway, don’t mean to start the whole thing over again…
Chop Chop, agreed on all counts.
Hey, Tim Hudson, you need to go out and out-pitch this young Marlin tonight. It’s gut-check time.
By td
August 18, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
you can always fly into BWI and take the BW parkway down the stadium when you are covering the braves @ the nationals. piece of cake (most of the time).
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
Dave… Time will tell. If we can make do with the dubbed version, there’s a chance. I have gotten her to admit she likes Jet Li movies. I have subjected her to all sorts of kung-fu movies for years and until Jet Li, she kept jumping lanes to (gasp) Jackie Chan movies.
I have also subjected her to anything Tarantino (including his productions directed by others). She will go to these.
We shall see…
By Chop Chop
August 18, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
Well, maybe Hudson will continue his decent work of late. I gotta head out for the evening. Got a new job today, so drinks are on me!
Later, folks.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
Marlins question, Dave O’B.
What is/are the underlying reasons for the leveling off of their skyrocketing trajectory in the last couple of weeks?
I’m sure you have a very knowledgeable opinion.
Do you think it’s the loss of their closer?
The fallout of Henry’s tirade/firing/reversing of same… of Joe Girardi?
Both?
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Did someone say “Call Up Elvis?” Like a seance deal or what?
I’ll light the candles.
Of all the rock stars and musicians discussed on this Blog, none of them quite reach Elvis’ level. I am not the biggest of Elvis fans. I grew up listening to the man. My father loved him and his cousins were the Jordanairs. (My grandmother bequethed all of my fathers Elvis albums to his cousins, without my fathers approval. Now he spends hours tracking down everything he ever had of Elvis and more). But, despite my lack of diehard affection for Elvis, I respect him. I grew up loving Led Zeppelin and the Beatles. I thought nothing could ever top those two. Then, when I was a young man, I made the trip to rockmeca and my eyes were opened. Elvis truely was The King. One trip to Graceland quelled any doubts I had. It was just the most amazing thing I’d ever seen. Elvis made, in his days’ value, about 4 billion dollars. When he passed, God rest his soul, his estate closed at 250 million. He spent 3.75 billion dollars during the 50’s (not so much the 60’s) and, mainly, the 70’s. Just walking around at Graceland and realizing what it was to be the King of Rock and Roll… hmph. Long live the King.
Led Zeppelin had the youth/rebellion thing going on; the Beatles some as well. But the King. Oh man, was he the King. Words can’t say enough.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, would you believe I have a gold bust of Elvis in what I call my music room (it’s a room filled with CDs, LPs, an old record player, a huge framed black-and-white picture of Johnny Cash, a black-and-white of Ali standing over the Beatles in the ring, and … a gold bust of Elvis.
yes, I’m a geek.
By Justin
August 18, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this
My prediction for the game is Braves 4 Marlins 1
Hudson will give us 7 good innings then baez and wickman will pitch the 8th and 9th and Chipper will hit a three run homerun
What do you guys think
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this
Justin,
If it plays out according to your Vision, I’d have to say you definitely have a future in the beverage distribution business.
I know some folks that would be very happy to talk to you.
By el bravo x
August 18, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this
4, 40 oz. miller high life is my liquid diet today. The Braves will start a 6 game winning streak! I hope.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
I’ll go out on a limb here.
Pete Orr.
Nobody I know on this blog has given him the time of day, that I can recall. Other than a tip of the hat to his speed.
Here I go. I like him and here’s why. I think he’s just hit another gear. Figured something out. Made a transition. Whatever the phrase.
I’m one of these folks who thoroughly loves to see the new guys come up and eventually get it going. That includes pitchers. To me, it’s far more enjoyable than seeing the known/expected quantities do their thing.
That’s why I look for great things from not only James but also Barry and Schiell… and Paronto.
And I did for Villareal, based on what he showed early on.
If they show flashes and sparks, give ‘em some time (and coaching and nurturing).
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
(In the edit pass…)
Look at how Orr’s been doing for his last three (or is it four) games.
By hk
August 18, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
… up twice, on base twice, scored twice, not too shabby …
By Glass Half Full
August 18, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
Contract of GHF purchased and he’s in the blog rotation for the evening…
By Lew
August 18, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop-You make a good point about Led Zep. Only I would include the whole of Presence, not just Achillies last stand. Coda and In Through the Out Door were pale shadows of their earlier stuff. I was lucky and saw the House of the Holy Tour at the old Launcxhing Pad. Great show.
By Glass Half Full
August 18, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Off subject, but I was listening to Merle on the way to work this morning and I was wondering if he took alotta flak for “Okie…” from the counterculture crowd and other considered “hip.” God, that song tells an entirely different story of the 1960s than the one we’re shown in most movies.
By Glass Half Full
August 18, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
It was pretty gay of Page and Plant not to ask John Paul Jones to join them when they “reunited” a few years ago.
By hk
August 18, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Yep. I love TommyB. I’d like to marry him. Why he might even BE me - imagine me talking to myself.
By el bravo x
August 18, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this
Very good sign by Chipper on the right side. Good swing.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this
A-hem.
That one HK, did get me to sit up a little straighter and take a closer look.
Please tell me… are you female? (fingers crossed)
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
Nice to know you have a music room DOB. I’ve got a music wall (not as much space in my place as I’d like), covered in CD’s and box sets, books, and the likes. In front of it are my 7 guitars, 2 bases, and my mandolin. No gold busts though.
Where has Bob been these days?
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope he’s just on vacation and all is well.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
It’s really starting to look like Hudson just might have turned things around.
Can it be? ? ? ?
By hk
August 18, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
… not hardly TommyB, am a granddad with 4 children, who in turn have 4 spouses, 12 grandchildren … sorry to disappoint :))
… here we go to the dreaded 6th, pitch count very low, only 62 through 5 …
By Beachcomber
August 18, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
Encouraging night, the bats are strong, Hudson’s earning his money, even the much maligned Pete Orr is having a good night. We need this one and Saturday’s game.
By knowitall
August 18, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
In honor of the missing Bob, Me thinks Orr is tired of his roster spot being questioned by blog members.
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this
Joe Roman and DOB and maybe others that didn’t chime in…..if you will indulge me while I chime in on Skynyrd. May I please say, somewhat as a quasi-expert on Skynyrd, that perhaps putting Drive By Truckers ahead of even the current Skynyrd is southern scandolous material. Oh my my my…OK I like DBT actually saw them in Nashville a couple years back. BUt pleaseeeee…..don’t treat Billy Powell and Gary Rossington like that. God Bless them they are keeping the spirit alive man.
Skynyrd just added another guitarist(check the website) and with Medlocke, Rossington and crew they rock. I saw the new guitarist in his first or second gig with Skynyrd when they played in Richmond this spring, awesome. As to an earlier post I also saw the original Skynyrd Band and also introduced them to start our concert. Trust me it is money well spent to see the current edition. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and my vision is just fine thank you.
1973 lineup vocals - Ronnie Van Zant (may God Bless) lead guitar - Allen Collins Drums - Bob Burns(that’s right prior to Artimus Pyle) Keyboard - Billy Powell Rhythm/alternate lead- Gary Rossington Bass- Steve Gaines
Just FYI….For those that aren’t aware the current country duo Van Zant includes Johnny Van Zant of Skynyrd. Good stuff.
Ricky Medlocke didn’t just decide to be in Skynyrd. He was in one of the very early versions as the drummer. 1972 I think. You can look it up.
Skynyrd concert tip….many of the concerts are outdoors open seating. In other words start meandering toward the stage at the onset of the opening act. Please don’t view them from these grassy areas in the Verizon venues etc. Wade through the as**ses and elbows so you can see the sweat and passion coming from their souls. They put it on the line every night.
“If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me”. God Bless the Skynyd Band!
By hk
August 18, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
… TommyB, … ah, just noticed, that’s wasn’t me (the supposed female above) … that’s the first time I’ve ever been impersonated on this blog !!! … my guess is it’s the same ‘entity’ that was I think impersonating jimmy at al this afternoon, (on which you and I commented) …
By hk
August 18, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
… whew, barely made through the 6th, but the same pattern … now for the 7th …
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Just turned on the Braves…glad we are winning. Why is Orr playing 2nd? Did Giles get hurt or is Cox playing one his stupid roster moves…again. The man is an absolute idiot at times. I will also add that he is an absolute genius at times. Did I just type that?
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
We might just pull this thing off. Hudson is actually throwing a good game. A couple more starts of this caliber from every starter in the rotation and we have a shot. We’re still scoring 5+ a game, but we are starting cut down on the amount we give up.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Giles has a bruise on his hand.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
Hudson has only 79 pitches through 6.2 innings. Not too bad.
By hk
August 18, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
… 82 through 7, that’s wonderful … now, if he weakens in the 8th, we’re in good shape …
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe it….there must be absolute baseball idiots that watch the Braves telecasts. The announcers just took a question from the internet from someone wanting to know what a “seeing eye” single was. Gotta be some chick sipping a Zima whose significant other had no idea she was typing that question in. God let’s hope that was it. Ms. Rudolph, ms. rudolph can you tell me what happened to the tarantula…no, but if you ask another stupid question like that you will see him again.
two guys were walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and wanted to have a contest….OK I will stop.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
Dadgum! My friend. Now, doncha wanta ‘rethink’ one of your statements above????? Hmmmmmmmmm? It’s gotta be who??
:-)))))))
By Vol
August 18, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
I saw a very surprising stat in the local paper today. Although Hudson is 9-10 on the season, the TEAM is 16-10 in the games he has pitched. That’s probably better than Smoltz. In fact, I’m almost sure it is after all of those blown saves.
Strange (almost Villareal-like). Maybe Oscar’s the one who got those 7 other wins.
By ssiscribe
August 18, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
CHILLIN ON THE SOUTHSIDE, WORKIN ON THE EASTSIDE — TommyB, thanks for the warm welcome, bro. Boxes aplenty in the storage unit east of town. Boxes aplenty in the inlaws’ garage south of town.
“Boxes to the left of me/boxes to the right/here I am/stuck in the middle with brew.”
Glad to be back where I spent my first 27 years on the planet. Wife and kids are excited. Ballclub’s coming home in a couple of days (will make it to The Ted once or twice on the upcoming homestand, I’m sure). Chop Chop, congrats on your new gig, man. I’m fired up about mine and I can’t wait until Monday.
You know, if we can just get some good pitching, we might make a run at this before it’s all said and done. Oscar yesterday was super, plain and simple. Exactly what the ballclub needed. Need to sweep the Fish and come home with momentum. A long winning streak sometime before Labor Day is what the Braves need. Get it, and it’s on the final three weeks.
Time to ride. It’s Friday night, and with the new gig, I get to enjoy something I didn’t get to enjoy very often: Friday nights at home, with the family and a cold drink.
Cheers, all!
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
ssiscribe, I’m really glad for you! Hope you’ll have more time to blog with us! We always look forward to reading your posts! Welcome home!!! :-))
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady on my mind…..sorry
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
Just teasing you, Dadgum! :-))) Did you have a nice time at the beach? (Holden, was it?) It sure was hot enough!
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
Here are the results for games started by…
Barry 0-1
Cormier 0-3
Davies 4-4
Hudson 17-10 (after this game)
James 5-4
Ramirez 8-6
Sheill 0-3
Smith 0-1
Smotlz 14-12
Sosa 3-10
Thomson 5-10
Villarreal 1-0
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
If I have to watch that commercial where the oil drops on the street one mor etime during a bRave’s telecast I am going to puke. Get a new sponsor…please!
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
Holden Beach was absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend the Paradise Cafe. If you are there during Karoake on Friday nights it wasn’t my fault. My daughters drugged me and got me up there. Really….no really ah well at least I thought I could sing. It was after 1:00 am. Didn’t think anyone was listening….they were.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
Night all,
I’m closing up the laptop to watch Wicky and then, over and out.
Entity: Go Towards the Light.
HK (Real One): Sorry. I wasn’t using the Force.
By TommyB
August 18, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
CLady,
I hope things are reasonably well with you and your mom.
TB
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
Wickman time…gotta find out his favorite BBQ joints.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
That’s the fastest I’ve seen Wickman ever move.
By hk
August 18, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
…. 4 and a half out, Cincy only two over .500 … Braves need to go 27-14 the rest of the way to reach 84 wins, which looks like the magic number right now …
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
Is Giles day to day? did he start the game?
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
Aside from the Smoltz game the other day, we’ve been seeing some consistancy from the front of the rotation. And, even though Smoltz did have the bad outing, he has been consistant all year. This is promissing. I’m banking on a lot from Villarreal. I hope he can perform well the rest of the season. If so, then we might just have this thing.
GO BRAVES
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
The Brave swill need about 30 wins minimum. That is a 70% winning ratio the rest of the way. Too many teams to leapfrog.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Late scratch from the game. Day-to-day.
Orr has been doing pretty well. This could be a marked change, or just a Langerhans late season performance boost.
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope Smoltz can go Sunday. My guess is that Cormier will get the start though.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Every team they have to leap frog has been playing .500 ball. All the Braves need do is play better than .500. Substantially better. Not drastically better though. Nothing is over yet…
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Hey, TommyB! Thanks! We had a good day today! (At last!) :-))
By Lew
August 18, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
TenPaul-One thing we need to remember about Villarreal is that he is barely a year back from surgery-two in fact. I think he actually may have some of his old potential left. I think he’s right on schedule. If Hudson keeps pitching like Hudson and Davies comes back strong, I’m real optimistic for next years chances. I still don’t know if we can pull it off this year, but with pitching back to a semblance of normalcy, the Mets won’t have anything on us in 07.
By ssiscribe
August 18, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
Alright, a good win tonight, for sure. Nice way to open the series.
Carolina Lady, thanks for the well wishes and the kind words. I believe I’ll have more time to jump on here. Of course, I’ve moved from 320 miles from Turner Field to 15 miles from Turner Field, so I’ll definitely be seeing the boys play in person a whole lot more.
And, even when we get settled where I’m working, we’ll be a half-hour ride on I-20 to the ballpark. I’m excited because it’s a great career move, it’s a homecoming but, most of all, I get to raise my two boys around family, and that trumps everything else.
OK, since I’m here in the ATL area now, let’s run off seven or eight more in a row and give us a playoff race as September dawns. Come on Chucky tomorrow night!!
Take care, all.
By The Grinch
August 18, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
Hey, Y’all; I’m exhausted and about to hit the sack. Just wanted to chime in on the “impersonation” theme going on here lately. I used to do some of the “Tonight on TBS” deals (I’m not sure who the other(S) were(are). “Tonight on HBO” can only be Chopthis since he’s here 24/7 under a half-dozen other names (you may notice these “reports” at any time of day or night), and he’s the only one here who both despises me and Jimmy Smith AND has enough mental energy and time to devote such lenghthy and lame efforts to try to P@@ us of while kissing DOB’s butt at the same time. By the way, DOB, half the time he’s making fun of you too. I’m signing off, so if anything else comes up under my name tonight you’ll know which special Met fan has been tempted. Night.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
ssiscribe, you are right on! There is nothing important except your family! God bless you! :-)
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
Hey, Grinch! Your TBS posts were funny. His aren’t. He’s demeaning, you weren’t! Big difference! :-)
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
Many times the wild card is won by a division leader falling into the wild card mix. I see St. Louis as that team possibly not definitely. Keep an eye on the Cards we are 7 games behind them.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
We shall see. If the Cards fall from grace, then they won’t be much higher than the Reds are now, and we are gaining on those guys.
It’s going to take a serious run no doubt. Maybe this is our time to do it. Usually we hit our run in July and burn out by October. This time, we could hit our run late and take it into October. If that’s the case, it will be a little more exciting than in the past. And we’ve handled the Cards/Reds this year so we stand a chance of not exiting early.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
Lester had quite an evening tonight…
3.2 Inn, 6 H, 7 ER, 4 BB 1 HR
By J Lemke, PhD
August 18, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
Very interesting. Just checked in for information about tonight’s Braves game and found mentions about identity and impersonation.
It just so happens that those are my areas of academic expertise.
Paraphrasing myself, somewhat, I would like to suggest and open for discussion three principal theoretical proposals:
1) That the multiplicity and hybridity of postmodern identities is not new or exceptional, but is rather the contemporary realization of the more general principle (Lemke 2002) that in identity development we learn how to perform diverse relational identities in interaction with diverse others (such as those on this blog) across the significant social divisions within our (braves blog) community, particularly age and gender, but also class, ethncity, ‘race’, religion, etc.
2) That the notion of identity needs to be more scale-differentiated: that is, we need a range of differentiated concepts from that of identity-in-practice on the short timescales of situated small-group activity (e.g. while we “post” on a blog such as this), to notions of identity appropriate to larger institutional scales and lifespan development. Identities across timescales are integrated by means of the material continuity of bodies and other socially meaningful material constructions across time (Lemke 2000), and
3) That identities on all scales shape and are shaped by desires and fears rooted in human embodiedness and its subsistence needs, affordances for pleasure, and vulnerabilities to pain. The phenomenological experience of unique selfhood overflows social semiotic categories, both structural and agentive, as we create feeling as well as meaning for ourselves and others across the multiple timescales of our lives.
Please, discuss…
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
well it is 11:00 and I have to go….see DOB will be chiming in here around 2:00 wondering where everyone is. It is my official job to be the setup guy. Throw some contoversy out there so DOB can clean it up or put in perspective. Damn I wish I could stay up until 2:00. Actually I tried it at the beach last week. My daughters who don’t go out until 11:00 had me drinking these little umbrella drinks and singing some country song about alcohol. Never heard it but the rest of the bar had. They love me. Hey isn’t that what Bob Uecker once said. Nobody was patting me on the back when the Karoake was over. Now I know what our relief pitchers feel like after getting the hook. Swing Batter Batter Swing Batter Swing Batter Batter Swing…..You get the idea. Pictures at 11:00.
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
J Lemke…what the hell are you talking about. I need things written in southern english before I can interpret. I mean dude you are harder to understand than Journalist Jimmy. DOB please translate after 2:00 and report back.
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
LOL, Dadgum! That’s a funny song (Alcohol). The picture you paint is hilarious! :-)))
By Carolina Lady
August 18, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this
Lemke, in the immortal words of Popeye - “I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam!”
By J Lemke, PhD
August 18, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Dear Lady, wonderfully succint and appropos!
Clearly, you are the embodiment of a self that creates feeling as well as meaning for yourselves and others across the multiple timescales or situated small-groups of your life.
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
A young man was in a confessional and said “father if you have the time can you ask the good man upstairs what the current odds are on the Braves making the playoffs?” The next day the young man returned and the priest said it appears it is 20 to 1. The young man said is that before or after Pete Rose placed his bets! Duh huh…..
By Snowball's Chance
August 18, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Dadgum I like your music posts but don’t pick on those questions on TBS.A lot of them are from kids. Okay maybe they are retards but give ‘em a break. I can’t remember which one it was but tonight Skip went on to mention the names of the Questioner’s pets.
But as for live music your suggestion to get up front is the way to go. It’s where you see ” the worn out places in the wood the things that make you feel so good” ,Drunken Blogger
By Snowball's Chance
August 18, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, I’m glad that wasn’t about how to get a nun pregnant.
By Snowball's Chance
August 18, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
Dress her like an alterboy.Brrrrrrpssssssch
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
hey, i’m gonna chime in when i get back to the hotel. i’ll just throw in the fact that because one of you (i forget who) liked my line about the hand through the dirt, the grave crap, i decided to cheat and use it again as my lead tonight on the game story.
so don’t give me crap. i liked it. dammit.
By flbravesgirl
August 19, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
That was me, DOB. Good game tonight (except for the very scary-looking injury to Jerry Layne. Glad to hear it’s just a bruise.) This is what we were expecting from Hudson all along. I hope he can keep it going.
CL, what I heard was that Vinnie was signing the minor league contract with Colorado so that he could be called up Sept.1 and retire as a Rockie. Classy move by the Rockies. Vinnie’s always seemed like a good guy.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
When the Braves didn’t protect Vinnie in the expansion draft I was disappointed[sic]. Blauser was secure in his spot but it would have been interesting to see Chipper and Vinnie side by side for a decade.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
DOB, Have you ever asked Chipper about the move from Short to third?
By chopthis
August 19, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this
You people don’t even give credit for the inspired casting of Sam Waterston as John Schuerholz.
At least ssiscribe was a lone sense of humor in the wilderness.
“so don’t give me crap. i liked it. dammit.”
Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted. Maybe I’ll catch you again sometime on a music blog, Dave.
No hard feelings on my end, folks. You all are just a mite too sensitive for me to relate to. You must have all been only children.
Good luck taking the wild card.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
I think it is rude to repost before someone answers but I am going to suck it up and take one for the team here
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this
F*** you very much, Bobby Valentine
By chopthis
August 19, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
On second thought, maybe no one likes me because I’m a complete imbecile.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
You obviously sleepy bloggers have to understand that Bobby Valentine, AKA chop this, is bitter about his stalled career in Japan. Steve Phillips promised him he would get back to him. They would do lunch. Maybe each other. Now Phillips is the big Kahuna on Baseball tonight. What did he do to Harold Reynolds and Peter Gammons? I know, Ive heard the stories But I just don’t know.
By chopthis
August 19, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
I’m not Bobby Valentine. I’m not smart enough to be Bobby Valentine. I’m actually Bobby Valentine’s sister and I do like to dress up as an altar boy. Yoo hoo, Bobby!
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
Drunken blogger you’re on the other side
Drunken blogger you’re on the other side
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this
Come on chop this, it has to be amusing and if it has a music connection that is even better.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this
Chop this ,I thought that was a goodbye post. Enjoy the sushi. I like sashimi myself.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
This is like a fillibuster. I am waiting for one intelligent post. Also I have an ipod with 17 days of music. I am working through Lucinda right now.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this
I have 7 Lucinda cd’s but I have gotten into trouble going commercial on this blog so I won’t say what I am listening through. Okay Grinch
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this
Seven Lucinda CDs on an Ipod. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not rich.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this
Blues Traveler/ Cafe Tacuba is on Austin City Limits at 11 [I am on the left coast] so I am here till then. Someone out there?
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this
Hello, Dob
By TJ / Half Moon Bay
August 19, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this
I’m watching things from the West Coast. Been a Braves fan most of my life (grew up in Florida and lived in Virginia for 10 years). TBS doesn’t show too many Braves games anymore - so I come here occasionally to check things out.
After tonights’ win, the Braves are only 4 1/2 behind in the wild card race, right? If somehow, they can just put a modest win streak together, they may have a shot. I have a feeling that this years finish will be memorable - no matter what the outcome.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this
I am rich in music. But my dirty secret is that I get cd’s from the library.Just order them up off the internet. I feel guilty but when I was playing music for a so called living I always got screwed. I know that is no excuse. David Lindley ,one of my favorites, Put in the liner notes of his ALBUMS,Yea this was before cd’s that he would put a curse on anyone that recorded his music, to a cassette, unless he sent them $5. One of my past bandmates said a guy he went to a concert with actually paid him the five bucks. He was amused.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I tried to bring you back the other night. I bow before your ability to type under extreme chemical duress.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this
TJ / Half Moon Bay It is hard with so few TBS games
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this
I can honestly say that I’ve never been more confused _ nah, that’s not he word _ more ambivalent … nah, that’s not it, either.
I’ve never felt less certain, had less of a gut feeling, about what I believe is going to happen to a team than I do with this Braves bunch. When they lost the middle two games in Washington, especially the Smolt game, I thought, that’s it. For the umpteenth time, but this time I really believed it. They were done.
Then they win with Villarreal, then win with another Hudson gem tonight when teams ahead of them in the w.c. standings are falling left and right. People THEY ARE ONLY 4-1/2 GAMES OUT WITH 40 TO PLAY!!
It’s just hard to believe. Doesn’t matter how many teams are ahead of them, if Braves run off a 5-6 game streak they can catch them all, or get close. Because EVERY TEAM is playing .500 ball, virtually. I looked tonight and of the top 10 teams in the w.c. race, eight of them were 5-5 in their last 10 game before tonight. EIGHT OF 10 _ that’s amazing. Only Philly (6-4) had a winning record in their last 10 before tonight, and they to Nats tonight.
It’s wide open, folks. Now that Dodgers have left this modest plane and stepped up to take charge of the NL West, there’s no exceptional team in the w.c. race.
Once again, I find myself thinking, somehow, some way, Bobby and his boys just might pull this off. Nothing is going to surprise me now. I’m giving up trying to predict it.
By TheSouthernEasterRabbit
August 19, 2006 01:46 AM | Link to this
Snowball’s Chance give someone else a chance to comment, that’s how it works you long-winded bastard!!!…GO REDS!!!…
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this
TheSouthernEasterRabbit go back and actually read my posts. This Blog died early .I was just filling up space. I was waiting for one intelligent post. guess what? It wasn’t you.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this
That was supposed to read Phils “lost” to Nats tonight. Dropped a word there. Brain tired.
Hey, while I’m thinking about it, anybody out there like World Party, great band in 80s-early 90s? They’ve got a new one out that’s really, really good. Same great sound. I was listening to Paste magazine music sampler driving back from park. That mag is worth the price just for the new-music CD they include in each month and the DVD. Not to mention it has very good reviews and solid writing.
DADGUM, I admire the Skynyrd passion. I dig it when someone is so into a band. I love them, too, I really do. But personally, I think Drive-By Truckers are way better than you’re giving them credit for. Just because they’re a lot younger than us, doesn’t mean they can’t be as great as some bands we loved/love.
Oh, and thumbs-up to the person who praised Orr tonight. I can’t believe how hard you folks come down on him. He had a bad first half, but you forget he hit .300 last year and he’s been pretty damn clutch lately. That’s twice in a week he’s hit leadoff and sparked the offense big time.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this
Snowball’s chance, don’t you just love the ones who weigh in with shyte like that? it’s like the guys who jump in and tell me to stop talking about music and “let’s talk about the Braves dammit!” and then you never see the person’s name again. never see their name before or after they demand we talk braves.
I mean, if you’ve got nothing to say except to bitch about what’s been said, then sit there, shut up and read it. or turn it off.
or jump in right now, like a witless twerp, and go “shut up and talk about the Braves.” as if your chain’s been pulled. do it.
By TJ / Half Moon Bay
August 19, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this
I have a World Party CD. Liked it but haven’t played it in a while. Best song was Hollywood, or Holly would - something like that.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this
The remarkable stat of the night, at least to me:
Twenty of LaRoche’s 25 homers have been hit on the road, where he has a .304 average and 52 RBIs in 61 games. He’s hit .238 with 16 RBIs in 51 home games.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this
Sorry,TheSouthernEasterRabbit, but I am posting again, Pete Orr has the toughest role on the Braves. Good to see him have a good night.
DOB, I only know about World Party because of Mike Scott. He was the force behind the Waterboys. If you haven’t heard them you are in for a treat. I am off to watch Austin City Limits.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this
Went to school (Kansas U) with a guy from Half Moon Bay, by the way. He was a decathlete on the Jayhawks track team. Forgot his name.
That’s a great place, huh? That part of the country’s beautiful, man. But the girls don’t look or sound as pretty as they do in the South, that’s for sure. And the tea, barbecue and biscuits, among other delicacies, can’t compare with what we’ve got.
but for topograpy, coast, climate … I’ll give you the advantage.
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this
DOB, The hand from the grave is a keeper. I said so last night while being a faithful night owl quasi blogger. We’ll see shortly if the Braves are trying to claw their way out or just get comfy in there. Kind of like a WWF wrestler hero trying to get up off the mat!!
Dadgum, When I was a kid I went to see the Allman Bros. at Township Auditorium in Columbia, SC. This was before the deaths of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley. The intensity from the Allman Brothers that night was enough to make the building crumble. The band that opened for them that night was called Toy Factory. They later changed their name to the Marshall Tucker Band. Another Great southern rock band.
The Betemit trade to the Dodgers scares ma a bit. In 1983 or 4, pardon my aging mind, we were desperate for starting pitching. The race with the Dodgers was tight and they had just gotten Rick Honeycutt from the Rangers for nothing. So Braves management freaked and traded a promising and very popular center fielder named Brett Butler plus 2 minor leaguers to Cleveland for a pitcher named Len Barker. Barker had once thrown a no hitter and Atlantans were all jacked up about it. One of the minor leaguers was Brook Jacoby who went on to start at 3rd for the Indians and have a pretty solid career. Butler had a great career (mostly with the Dodgers) and even battled through cancer at one point. After all that, Len Barker was doing good to throw the ball in the ocean. The Betemit trade troubles me like that trade troubled me. DOB, Check out the musical work of Rob Mathes if you haven’t already. Recent album on iTunes called “Evening Train”. His gift is huge. He has arranged/conducted/ directed for everybody from Paul Simon to Vanessa Williams to Luciano Pavarotti.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this
I was talking about Half Moon Bay, Calif., of course, being a great place.
And you better believe I know the Waterboys. One of my very favorites, in the late 80s-early 90s. The Big Music, man. They cranked that stuff. Had all their albums, then bought them all on CD, then bought the remastered ones when they came out, too.
Great, great stuff. “The Whole of the Moon.” If anybody hasn’t heard that song, they owe it to themselves to download it, buy it, steal it, get it. Because you’ll never, every forget it once you’ve heard it. Beautiful, uplifting, strong stuff.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this
So you made it to 2am again DOB. Not too shabby. It’s a little depressing how quiet this blog is getting. Not totally depressing. Some I do not miss. But where is Bob?
Have you recieved the CD’s yet? I’m going to see the Chili Peppers at the end of the Month. This is good for several reasons. I like the Peppers. I like the new Peppers CD. And by then, the concert will be a sort-of celebration of the rebirth of the Braves. We’re still in this. But this year has been the most ulcer inducing year to date.
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this
DOB, Have you ever been to Point Loma while in San Diego? Incredible views east and west from up there. Worth the time on your next trip if you haven’t been.
By TJ / Half Moon Bay
August 19, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this
DOB - hey, I lived in the South for most of my life so I am acquainted with the advantages. Out here, it’s wine (not tea), superfresh grilled seafood (not much barbecue, maybe I should open up a place) and fresh baked bread instead of biscuits. It hardly ever gets over 80 or under 50.
By TJ / Half Moon Bay
August 19, 2006 02:14 AM | Link to this
Looks like the only folks still on are all Californians.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 02:16 AM | Link to this
Drummerdad, you happen to see Gov’t Mule at Tabernacle last winter? Greg Allman came out and played part of the second set with them, including Statesboro Blues. God, was it great. He sounds as good as ever, or least did that night. In fine voice.
I’ve got some Muscle Shoals compilation stuff that showcases Duane’s phenomenal playing. He played on some of the most soulful stuff imaginable out of there. They all wanted him to play in their sessions. He was, simply, one of the very most talented musicians rock and roll has known. And gone so terribly soon. Can you only imagine what he and Gregg and Co. might have been able to create in their lives? Wow. You just shake your head.
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 02:19 AM | Link to this
SC. South Carolina. palmetoo trees, large roaches, and high humidity.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this
That’s Gregg with two G’s, of course. I’m fading.
Good night, and good luck.
By BaseballWizard
August 19, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this
Sure be nice if AJC would remind DOB just what they pay him for, which is supposedly as beat writer for the Braves, and not some music promoter or salesman of cheap CD’s. It’s getting a little old now, between that and 3 or 4 self-proclaimed “journalists” rattling off what they think is clever wit day in and day out. Then the blog slows down to point where it just isn’t worth the effort. Do better AJC.
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this
yep. pretty tragic. I met Will McFarlane a few months ago. He was a Muscle Shoals guitar player who worked with Bonnie Rait. In his 50’s now and pastoring a church and playing beautifully. Mule’s drummer Matt A. is a hoss.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 02:25 AM | Link to this
Thanks BaseballWizard. Your contribution on matters other than baseball is well recieved.
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 02:27 AM | Link to this
late night banter. take care.
BaseballWizard, do you remember the Brett Butler trade?
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this
baseballwizard, good point. now turn off dad’s computer and go to bed.
would someone tell baseballwiz there that the AJC pays me to report and write stories for the papers, and that 95 percent of what I do on this blog is beyond my job description, and nothing to do with what i’m paid for.
got it wiz? they pay us to file a brief blog, and perhaps answer an occasional question, nothing more, as far as the blog. the rest i do myself. and if it’s getting old to you, what on earth are you doing reading it at 2:30 a.m.?
you got anything to say or ask about baseball? if not, read and be quiet. we’ll do the talking. go to bed.
By TJ / Half Moon Bay
August 19, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this
The large “roaches” are palmetto bugs, right?
Anyway - you all made me think of the Eat a Peach album by the Allmans. I had heard that the title was a gruesome joke about Duane’s fatal accident. But apparently:
The myth was that the band used the title because Duane had crashed into a peach truck when he died; in truth, it came from one of Duane’s throwaway lines in an interview. “How are you helping the revolution?” Ellen Mandel of Good Times Magazine had asked him. “I’m hitting a lick for peace,” Duane responded. “And every time I’m in Georgia, I eat a peach for peace.”
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this
Of course, we’d perfer conversations on Music, the Braves and occassionally movies and pie. The mission statement of the AJC Sports Department is a rather boring topic.
By Chop Chop
August 19, 2006 02:32 AM | Link to this
DOB, right on. It’s cool to see a beat writer connect with the bloggers on a human (read: not just baseball) level. Makes us feel like we’re closer to the team and part of something a little bigger than just another sports blog.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 02:35 AM | Link to this
good night californians, and others. wiz, your homework assignment is to write anything you might know about baseball that’s at all interesting, anything about the braves that you’d like to share, any point about the team that you’ve been dying to make, and to write it here, now. because you’re the wiz, and if we’re wasting valuable blog space here talking about music or what have you, then we’d like to turn it back around and provide a forum at 2:30 a.m. for you to talk baseball. so let it fly, wiz. give us what you’ve got.
i’m going to turn off my laptop and get some sleep. but when i wake, i hope to see some compelling points and fresh views from you about the sport that we all love. and if there are none posted, i’ll assume you have nothing to bring to the table (actually i’ve already assumed that; it would merely confirm it).
go wiz. it’s your chalkboard. fill it up.
By TJ / Half Moon Bay
August 19, 2006 02:36 AM | Link to this
It’s Brave-hemia after dark.
Not much discussion about jazz here, though.
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 02:37 AM | Link to this
yeah the roaches are palmetto bugs. BUT, only yeankees call ‘em that. they’re roaches and they are big. Eat A Peach was a great album, but my favorite was Live At Fillmore East. Burning, instinctive musicianship. In baseball terms, it’s like watching Andruw cover center field…and then some. yard work calls in the morning.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 02:38 AM | Link to this
Thanks, TennPaul, ChopChop. Didn’t know anyone but the Californians (and Wiz) were still typing.
Good night. I’m hitting the off button. Nice discourse.
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 02:46 AM | Link to this
I broke my own rule tonight and decided to post again; I felt a strange sense of urgency a few minutes ago to get up and eat another peice of birthday cake (chocolate, with a cold, tall glass of whole milk)…I now realize it was the burnt offerings of Snowball that wakened me. I am here my son; how may I be of cervix? Oops, sorry; but I did go to the body exhibit at the civic center today. Facinating stuff; you must all go (but not at once). Journalist Jimmy, there was much displayed and discussed involving fingers and toes, but much was over my head; perhaps were you to be exposed to the same audio/visual information, you could come to a conclusion of genius. Snowball, I actually had an alcohol free birthday (though tommorrow will be quite different) however I AM typing under sugar duress…mmmm…cake. Chopthis, I actually did appreciate the casting of Waterston, and I am an only child. My, you’re precient for an a*******hole! :-) I absolutely cannot believe the Braves are still in the hunt; love my boys, but that just shows you how bad the rest of the NL really sucks (sorry, CL, but since you’re probably asleep by now you’re not reading me anyway). Demerits for me. Anyhow, I’ll give someone else a chance to post now, so that I don’t get crucified by TGI Friday’s new Southwestern grilled jacka$$Rabbit.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 02:52 AM | Link to this
I know we all want to talk to Dave. I was that annoying guy in the front row with my hand up. I was just trying to stop the nuns from coldcocking me. We have to carry the flame.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 02:56 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Tell me what you really feel.
By BaseballWizard
August 19, 2006 02:58 AM | Link to this
You need a good shot of pus sy DOB, make a man out of you if it don’t kill you. Maybe Terence Moore could hook you up with one of his chicken heads, or maybe you have a sister that could help you out, hell, it is the south!
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 02:59 AM | Link to this
Looks like I missed DOB. Just wanted to say I once read Eric Clapton loved to have Duane in the studio with him while he was laying down tracks because he (Duane) was the only one who could really “push” him to be better than normal. 10Paul and Chopchop; I agree about Dave and this blog; all one has to do is look at the others to know we’re spoiled. Curtwright’s probably a cool guy, but have you EVER actually seen him post a response of any kind after his initial statement? Steve Wyche writes a good blog, but he has the same problem that the dude who writes the Dawgs blog does: the visitors are 99% knuckle-dragging cretins of the lowest order. You think we have some morons on here…shame, ‘cause football is a mighty fine sport. I’m getting sleepy…
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 03:03 AM | Link to this
I really feel like getting a hold of one of Terrence Moore’s chicken heads…cake make me so hoan-ee!
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 03:09 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I was reading your posts the other night, If you were blacked out your spirit was speaking the truth.To me it was like watching gollum be exposed. I don’t look for the multiple personality blogs. It was really creepy. I am an internet lurker. But I have found here that if you actually read the posts and you take the time to interact with people you make some friends and you understand the subtext. The other night ,if you could have wringed Chop This’ neck , none of us could have seen it.
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 03:10 AM | Link to this
Well, I’m off to snooze-land. I promise to be in worse condition tommorrow night. Time to dream of nuns and chicken heads, set to an Allman Brother’s background. Night, 10 Paul! Night Chop Chop! Night Snowball! Night John-Boy!
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 03:13 AM | Link to this
DOB has created a monster and we are all stuck here. make some friends.
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 03:15 AM | Link to this
Yeah, noticed I outed him with one post tonight? And it really is kind of creepy to have the ability to keep functioning long after most of the brain shuts down…wish I had a nickel for every time someone told me how great my conversation was three hours after I thought I’d passed out. Not always creepy in a good way. Shamed to say, I heard I was a good driver that way too. I now surrender my keys immediately.
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 03:24 AM | Link to this
I really do got to get some snooze time; got some (gasp!) manual labor to do in the morning. It’s been so long, who knows what might happen. Rest easy bro, I’ll holla at you tommorrow.
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 03:39 AM | Link to this
I really do like sleeping with little boys too—does that make me a bad person?
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 03:39 AM | Link to this
I’m listening to what I believe is the first Waterboys album [yes, it was an album] If you have another one, then tell me where I went wrong.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 03:43 AM | Link to this
No Grinch, I would sleep with you, and you could call me Blowballs if you like daddy!
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 03:46 AM | Link to this
OK———-Blowballs!
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 03:46 AM | Link to this
Thank you Bobby Valentine.You remember exactually what I gave you.
By Bobby Valentine
August 19, 2006 03:50 AM | Link to this
Yes I do remember Snowballs—and it felt soooooooo good!
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 03:54 AM | Link to this
Damn f*!…
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 03:57 AM | Link to this
DOB, we need passwords, Chop This is to infantile to f*** with.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 04:02 AM | Link to this
I am flattered that f*** are taking my name in vain. I thought you were out there Grinch. You were spot on. I am going back to see when Chop This decided to “strike”, Yeah, Blow me
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 19, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
Let’s hope that Chuck James can go out there tonight and keep this rolling.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Mornin’ everyone,
Just now reading the overnights….
It looks like Dave is now Officially a Believer again. (Don’t tell anyone but I just bought another 9-game pack of tickets. I’m just not admitting to myself that I’m a Believer though. Give me time. Maybe another win will do it.)
DAVE! World Party! YEAH… Thanks for pointing out the new CD. I do like them a lot. I missed them a couple of months ago at Variety Playhouse. We went the night before for Imogene Heap’s show (she is a MAJOR talent, if you aren’t familiar with her… check out Frou Frou’s “Details” and her lastest solo effort “Speak For Yourself”). World Party played the next night but I had to catch a plane that morning. Did not know they were touring behind a new CD but should have.
By dadgum
August 19, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
Man, I love those 3:00am posts. Did you guys get kicked out of bed or even go to bed? DOB may have the only 24 hour blog in existence that is actually participated on all 24/7. I appreciate the banter besides baseball.
The Allman Brothers with Govt. Mule are coming next week to Virginia Beach then Mule is going to go it alone in Charlottesville. Mule is excellent. Great guitar.
Marshall Tucker was first called Toy Factory per leader Toy Caldwell but the Tucker moniker came after the band found an old key in the warehouse they were using for practice. Name on the key? yep…Marshall Tucker. The actual Marshall Tucker belonging to that key was never located. Take The Highway, 24 hours, This Old Cowboy, Heard it in a love song, man really great stuff et al. It’s a shame Tommy and Toy Caldwell died so young. I appreciate what they left behind.
Best saying I have ever heard is absolutely true in everything in life: ” you never get a 2nd chance to make a first impression”. If you remember that it will make your life better I promise.
I still feel the Braves won’t make it but I am pulling like hell for them. If they sweep Florida with James and Cormier going back to back, then they have my attention. All these teams can’t keep losing…can they?
By dadgum
August 19, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
Help me guys I want to be cool so I can chime in on these rants/raves about bands I have never heard of. WORLD PARTY never heard of them don’t even know what style of music they play. I want to hear them though but I am just not in the flow if you will. Somebody please give me a list of their top 3 or so bands/artists that I must hear. You see I want to reverse the calendar and be 40 something cool again. Somewhat on the order of DOB! Gotta know what is on the ipods man. Help me pleaseeeeee.
By dadgum
August 19, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
How can the blog be so awake at 3:30am but nobody on it at 10:00am. Weird but…….oh never mind.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
They’re all still asleep/sobering up, Dadgum.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
Dadgum,
Top 3 (as in biggest hits) for World Party are:
Is It Like Today?
She’s The One
Way Down Now
If you go to iTunes Music Store and play the free 30 second previews, it should click for you.
By KC
August 19, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
For 2 months I’ve been saying “Don’t sell your Tim Hudson stock just yet”. I was called a delusional optimist for believing that 7 bad weeks wasn’t enough of a sample (when you compare to 7 great years) to sit back and say “Hudson’s hit a wall. He’ll never be the same again”.
So for all of you who have been proclaiming the demise of Huddy: I’m not the kind to say I told you so, but…
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
Baseballwiz, nice response at 2:58 a.m. Even better than I expected. So, just curious, does that mean you know absolutely nothing about baseball? How ‘bout sports in general? No? Maybe music? No.
Oh, that’s right, you’re all about that shot of…
Dude, you must be The Man. Fonz.
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
Mornin, All! Dadgum, most of us sleep at sometime or another, but Chopthis apparently is like some sort of retarded version of Stephen Hawking who’s wired into a wheelchair/broadband connection and lives off some kind of robocop nutrient paste so he doesn’t ever have to miss a chance at being a juvenile a$$-monkey. Y’all thought I was crazy; go back over the last two days. The guy even admitted it last night and acted as if he were about to bow out with some dignity, then followed his usual M.O. of waiting ‘till I was gone for at least 20 minutes and then posting a fake gay conversation between me and Snowball. It was kind of fun exposing him at first, but the reality of how depraved this poor fool must be is becoming morbid and sad. I’m starting to think it’s not even worth hanging out on this blog anymore. Hopefully something can be done. I like to argue as much as anyone, but when it degenerates past even MY level…
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this
Hey, DOB; bring us any of Terrence’s chicken heads this morning? :-)
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
TommyB, man, you forgot a few of World Party’s BEST SONGS, in my opinion:
Put the Message in the Box (definitely)
Ship of Fools
Thank You World
Ain’t Gonna Come Till I’m Ready
But I agree on “Way Down Now,” definitely in top five.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Whoa, Grinch! You do not have permission to leave the blog!!! When these pyschos come around, why don’t we just totally ignore them? Pretend they don’t even exist.
Speaking of psychos, has anyone noticed the weird resemblence of Mark Karr to Oswald?? The strikingly odd expression in the eyes is almost the same. Really creepy!
By Cpt. Crunch
August 19, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
I love the smell of pop culture in the morning!
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Grinch, that 10:53 post just about made me spill my coffee. That, my friend, was funny.
Alright, gonna slip out of this hotel for a couple hours, go to the Triumph (motorcycle) shop up in Fort Lauderdale, see what they’ve got. Not many such stores, so need to check it out.
Snowball’s Chance, if you don’t have Waterboys’ This Is The Sea (1985) and Fisherman’s Blues (1988), you should get in your car and drive to your nearest good record store (chain crap stores won’t have them, probably) and buy them at whatever price they’re demanding. Because they are two of the greatest albums you’ll ever hear. Moving stuff, man. Stick with you forever. Get them, you’ll be thrilled you did.
By The Grinch
August 19, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Ma’am! My problem with ignoring psychos is that I would thus have to ignore myself; you don’t want to see me after a few weeks of letting myself go. :-) I’m off to go see “Talladega Nights;” I’ll let y’all know how it is later. Ta ta.
By Cpt. Crunch
August 19, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Re: waterboys albums…
Looks like a certain on-line store (sounds like woe-be-gone) has both of the albums in stock.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
You are correct, Dave. But he asked for the Top 3. I’d also include Ship of fools in Top 5. Pardon me as I’m semi-distracted. Before I answered Dadgum I decided to check iTunes Music Store again to see if they had ever added World Party and when I discovered they finally did, I have been downloading full albums like mad. Also keeping an eye on the Little League World Series.
Back in a minute or three…
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
Dadgum,
Good news (if you like World Party). Just checked their myspace page and they will be playing Starr Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville on August 30th; Alexandria on the 28th.
Dave,
I don’t think they really have a new album. Dumbing Down actually came out in 2000.
By flbravesgirl
August 19, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
You can’t leave, Grinch. I’m afraid we’ve already lost Bob from the blog. It’s too bad that registration of some sort isn’t required to post. That would take care of a lot of the problems.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Hey, flbravesgirl! I understand that Bob was having some computer problems that are keeping him offline right now. (I got this 3rd hand, but the source is good). I sure miss his posts and hope he’ll be back soon!
By dadgum
August 19, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this
Everyone pull hard for the Midlothian, VA entry in the American Legion World Series. Won our first game last night. Beat Las Vegas 8-2. They are real good with plenty of D1 talent and several 90mph+ pitchers. They represent the South in the 8 team tourney in Cedar Rapids. Their record this year 35-3. Good kids, good families, good clean fun, good ball.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
Triumph man, eh?
This is getting weird. OK interesting.
We did have a Triumph dealership on Windward in Alpharetta. There is still one in Cumming and one on Piedmont intown. In case you didn’t know…
By dadgum
August 19, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Doubt I will be traveling to attend a World Party concert in C’Ville. Now if they came to Richmond and I could see them and only drive 15 minutes then yeah I would do it. Sure they are very good from what I read here. Thanks for the tip though. FYI…the only trip I would ever make to see a concert in Northern Virginia would be a Led Zep reunion. Nobody is worth the hassle involved except Zep.
Heading to the itunes site to preview World Party. Later……
By Metro News
August 19, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
Just in…
The first wife of blog stalker Chopthis described him as different and possessive but was nonetheless shocked to learn that he spends most of his time lurking on the AJC Braves blog.
“It really shook me up”, said Betty Chopthis Feeny. “I feel awful about it.” She has since remarried, but still lives in Queens, New York. Her marriage to Chopthis lasted only 9 days and was later annulled.
“I got scared by his ways”, said Feeny, who started reading Chopthis postings when she was only 13. “He was never violent, just creepy. He thought he was inspired, but he was just insipid. I hope he is finally gone for good.”
By flbravesgirl
August 19, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
Hi, CL! I’m relieved to hear that it’s just technical problems keeping Bob away.
Reminding everyone that we have a weird starting time for the game tonight- 6:05. The Marlins seem to pull gametimes out of a hat, I’ve noticed. They ought to start later in the evening when it might be a few degrees cooler if they don’t want to do the traditional 7 or 7:30 start. Hopefully Chuck James can keep things rolling.
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
Afternoon C.Lady,flbravesgirl,dadgum,TommyB and all other distinguished guests.
By Dsquared
August 19, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
Have to wonder if the Braves would play better if they started to wear the grey road jerseys at home. Does Matt Diaz remind anybody of Sue from the movie Swingers?
By dadgum
August 19, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
Just back from the Itunes preview of World Party…damn can’t believe they have been around so long and I have never heard of them. Thanks DOB and others for the tip. Love the band’s music. My take seems like a soul/blues, early Stones, Jack Johnson mix with some good melodies. I believe, I believe, I believe………………
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
Hey, 35! Hope you’re on top of the world today!
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
—-#10 news—-A London paper, ‘The Daily Mail’ reports that 100’s of tickets remain unsold for Sunday’s Rolling Stones concert in Twickenham. Tickets have been on e-bay for one penny. Also a company SAGA, which specializes in ‘bargain buys’ for senior citizens is involved in trying to ‘make up the slack’. Guess the clock finally struck mid-nite.
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
Yes C. Lady all is well, hope you and Mom are doing well also.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
Thanks, we’re both faring pretty well today. Gotta cut grass when it dries out a little. Just enough “scattered” showers to keep it too wet to cut. Guests note: machettes may be found at the foot of the driveway.
(Just think of the gas I’m saving!) :-))
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
Say flbravesgirl,
Any idea what the reason is for the 6pm start?
Justin,
Your prediction last night came within inches of happening. But the Chipper 3-run dinger settled for a 2-run triple.
Afternoon 35,
What’s your take on today’s game? Think James will be on today?
Dsquared,
You just might have something there. Hey, if they can take their red Home Sunday jerseys on the road, why the h(eck) not?
Off to grab a sandwich and tune in TWIB.
Maddux Alert: He’s pitching tonight at 9 on HD (on DirecTV anyway if you have MLB Extra Innngs) against the Giants in San Fran
Giants have now wond 5 in a row. Dodgers have lost 2 straight.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
DOB I have Fisherman’s Blues. I was playing it last night. I have the first World Party but I prefer the Irish Pub rock of the Waterboys. I guess that was Mike Scott’s country phase.
By krath
August 19, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
DOB
You mentioned Gov’t Mule in an earlier post. One of the best music happenings in the South each year is the annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam in Asheville, N.C. It’s been going on now forever and benefits Habitat For Humanity.
Things generally start around 8pm and go until. A couple of years ago, it finally wound down about 4am.
There’s always a great lineup. He usually tries to get a pretty diverse group to play.
People and groups who have played the jam are, Trey Annistasio and Mike Gordon of Phish, Les Claypool, John Popper,Edwin McCain, Kevin Kinney, Robert Randolph Family Band, Phil Lesh and Friends, Marty Stewart, Ralph Stanley, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Col. Bruce Hampton, The Neville Bros. Hot Tuna, John Schofield, Bill Kreutzmann, John Modeski,Galactic. Living Color, Little Feat,Artimus Pyle, the Sonny Landreth Band, Funky Meters, North Mississippi Allstars,Tinsley Ellis,Sam Bush, John Cowan,John Hiatt,moe,Bob Weir,Jimmy Herrin, Blues Traveler,The Jayhawks, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Cry of Love….. and this is just the last five years! The Thing is been going on for 17 years I think.
I think it was 5 years ago that I saw my favorite show. The Allman Bros Band, John Popper, reunion of The Aquarium Rescue Unit.
Heck I have even played the Xmas Jam! (before it got so big) lol
Anyway…. the Times Of London called it one of the TOP 20 concert events of the year.
Only a couple hours from Atlanta….(actually more like 3)
You also spoke of Gregg Allman. I don’t think it’s been released as to who his lineup will be this fall, but I just got word that a bandmate of mine is going to be playing guitar for him when the Gregg Allman and Friends fall tour begins in October.
Guess that makes him an “ex” bandmate lol
It’s an incestuous little music community we have here in the Southeast lol.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 19, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
I think its too early to start saying this team is back and in the thick of it. However, they are in it mainly because the rest of the field is so weak. I believe that the Dodgers will run away with the division in the west. The Giants are playing well now but like the Padres can’t score runs consistently and will continue to play .500 ball. The Astros can’t score runs either so they will continue to play .500 ball. The Reds don’t have pitching beyond Harrang and Arroyo and the bullpen is still questionable. They have showed that good pitching will keep that offense in check. I still say before this season is over they will regret getting rid of Kearns and Lopez. The Rockies do have the best ERA in the NL but still seem shaky and Coors is actually a negative for them offensively. Who would have ever thought that would be said. The Brewers offense is inconsistent and their bullpen may actually be worse than the Braves. Believe that or not! The Phillies are dangerous but I think ultimately getting rid of Lidle, Abreu, Bell, and Cormier will hurt them and if Gordon is out for any time at all they will struggle. The Marlins are dangerous as well but their youth may start to be catching up with them. I have compared them to the ‘91 Braves but the difference is those Braves had enough veterans (Bream, Pendleton, Treadway, Liebrandt, Olsen, and Lonnie Smith {I still blame him for that ‘91 WS loss}) to keep them grounded and most of them had postseason experience or at least had been in division races.
Basically, these Braves can get it done. But, it is now or never. They have to win tonight because tomorrow will be difficult since we have Cormier on the mound and they will have Willis (who BTW JS should put an exerted into acquiring. A cheaper Horacio Ramirez or the likes of Scott Thorman I’m sure would be quite attractive to them). They have to go home and take care of business on the 9 game homestand. Seriously. No reason they should not go at least 7-2 on that homestand. The Pirates, Nats, and Giants are not that tough of teams. And if the rotation is worked right James, Hudson, and Smoltz can pitch 7 of those 9 games with Villareal and Davies each getting a start. So, in these next 11 games (including tonight’s game) if the Braves can go 8-3 they would be 65-67 at the end of the homestand going into Septemeber. I would imagine that at worst they would be 3 to 4 games out with a month to go. As far as I’m concerned that is what has to happen. Now, honestly I don’t see why they couldn’t got 10-1 during this stretch but I am giving them some leeway. If this doesn’t happen their chances will be officially dead. Pure and simple. Now is truly gut check time. If these guys really want to get back to the postseason, this is the stretch that will show what they are made of. Andruw has to get hot, Chipper has to stay hot, Diaz has to prove he should be a starter, Giles needs get over his mental block about leading off, LaRoche needs to keep doing what he is doing, and Frenchy has to step up and be star he so desperately wants to be. September could their month with all the callups because they would have the deepest team in the WC field.
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
C.Lady—-I know you have all heard of NEA[art endowment people, not the educators] well seems it’s everywhere not just here in ‘good ole USA’.I’m saddened to report the following: Reuters-London, Animal rights activists have described as “sick” a live art performance involving a naked woman cradling a dead pig for four hours. Now not only is this ‘sick’ it’s also not very original. Why, once I observed Uncle Cletis sitting in the mud, in his boxer shorts, cradling Porky—his pet pig, who had expired after eating one of Aunt Mildred’s biscuits, for 2 days. Told of this ‘art exhibit’ Drunky Clint, said he wanted to see it, until he viewed a picture of it online. He said it didn’t look like no naked lady at all, more like a 12 year old boy. Don’t know what to do with Clint. At our wits end.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 19, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
One more thing. Cox has to treat every game like a game 7 from here on out. I don’t think you can give James much wiggle room tonight. I’m not saying pull him at the first sign of trouble but you can’t let him give up 4 or 5 early runs. He has a 8 man bullpen right now, so he has to use it. I would say everyone but Berry has to be used. I only say not to use Barry because he needs to be kept as an insurance policy for Cormier tomorrow.
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
TommyB—I have to say the Braves are like MS. Gump’s box of chocolates. You just never know.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this
TommyB, I bought my Bonneville at the Triumph/Ducati/Moto Guzzi shop on Piedmont. I’m strictly a Triumph guy. Just checked out a sweeet black Speedmaster at the Triumph shop in Ft. Liquordale. Awesome bike. Might just have to get me one someday in not-too-distant future. I love the huge Rocket bike, but couldn’t get that bad boy through the doorway to my basement (i’m a practical guy, don’t want to have to build a shed or store the thing under my carport in winter, etc.)
The Brit dude who opened this Triumph shop in FL says it’s the biggest Triumph-only shop in the world. I believe it. Great place. Dude even sellss the “Dylan Triumph” T-shirt (had to get me one) from the album cover.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
35, :-)))))))
(Don’t get me started on that “arts” bunch… I’m liable to lose my moniker!)
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
Snowball’s Chance—greetings. I was perusing some , and believe you asked if anyone remembered the Butler/Barker trade. Well, I’ve been trying to forget it for 20 plus years. Who was our GM at that time—Mullen or E. Robinson?? I can’t recall, must be my ‘defense mechanism kicking in.
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
C.Lady—sometimes we just gotta say what we need to say, and the heck with P.C. Your post from 11:03am was right on as usual. I second the motion— let’s just ignore when needed. You can’t win in any confrontation in ‘blog land’.
By CharlotteDave
August 19, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
I agree with DOB and others about the wild card situation. All the Bravos have done is win two games in a row, but with the other teams being so cooperative the Braves really do have a reasonably legitimate shot at this thing. Still, I think this time I’ll wait a few more games before I allow myself to get too excited. Let’s see if they can sweep the Marlins, or win two out of three and then get off to a good start in the upcoming homestand.
The wild card leader, Cincinnati, will be starting a 10 game west coast road trip in another week or so and have a lot of games with western division teams the rest of the year. They might as well be in the West, and it just adds to that possibility of all these wild card teams constantly knocking each other off.
By Snowball's Chance
August 19, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this
Robert(Justice Is The Best) Nice post. That has enough baseball talk to even make Baseball whizzerd happy. Bobby won’t treat every game like a game seven, though. As maddening it is to watch, what you see is what you get from BC. Remember in the playoffs when Don Baylor was managing the Rockies against the Braves and ran out of players. Myself and a lot of bloggers would burn out our pitching staff in a few weeks as manager.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
Robert, interesting to see even you’ve been pulled back from the cliff, at least a bit, on the Braves. now you’re giving them a shot, huh? I know, I know, it’s excruciating for you folks that the Bravos keep you teetering. That kind of season. Crazy, man. Crazy year.
I also agree they need to win tonight, because Cormier … yikes! His numbers as a starter are just HORRID, not just this year but careeer. I was just doing them for the info preview box, the ondeck thing for tomorrow’s paper. I’ll give you a sneak peek:
He pitched better in Tuesday’s loss at Washington than numbers would indicate (eight hits, five runs, three earned). Nonetheless, Cormier is 1-7 with a 9.08 ERA and .392 opponents’ average in eight career starts, including 0-3 with a 6.28 ERA in three this season.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
krath,
Thanks for the WHChristmasJam tip. I’d never heard of it but I am planning to make this year’s. Any links will be appreciated.
35 and CLady,
I saw the pig story earlier but decided I didn’t want to risk reading the story and seeing a picture. Sounded too much like a Yoko thing anyway.
Dave,
As a kid, I was in love with the classic Triumphs (and BSAs, secondarily). Nowadays, I’m lookin’. Semi-seriously but probably will wait until I relocate to a quieter place to live. I have been eyeing the Speedmaster (love it in all black). Man, that is one sexy looking bike.
Here’s a diversion. My son just sent this to me and for whatever reason I sat and watched the whole thing. These are unbelievable…
Beckett looks like he has it going’ on today (Yanks at Red Sox on Fox Game of the Week). I hope that pans out.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Krath, what’s the date on that show. I hear nothing but great stuff about the Christmas Jam and want to attend this year. I can work it into a visit to my parents’ house over in Wilson NC (though it’s actually farther from there to Wilson than it is from here to Asheville).
Anyway, what’s the date? I’d really like to check that out.
dadgum, glad you liked it. welcome to the World Party audience, which is a hardcore one, I might add. they might not sell billions of records, but their fans are a loyal, strong following.
I’m gonna get to the ballpark and try to get a new blog written soon after I get there. Try, at least.
By MBATL
August 19, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, is there ANY consideration of bringing Smoltz back tomorrow on 3 days rest? I’m not generally a fan of that kind of move but it does seem like we need to take some bold moves. With an offday on Thursday, he could then come back on full rest next Friday.
I know, he’s 79 years old and did throw a lot of pitches last outing, and I really don’t want his arm to fall off. Just wondering…
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
You see ya’ll!!! TommyB confirms pig story. This stuff I send youse guy’s is for real. Even chopthis couldn’t make this stuff up. Just in to #10 news—‘Monks brawl at peace protest.’ My, oh my.
By 10-7-4
August 19, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
Just cane across www.pandora.com, and it’s a pretty good music site. Kind of different in a very versatile kind of way.
By Dsquared
August 19, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Next time we get deep into the pen, Bobby should bring in LaRoche to pitch. Would much rather see him out there than Barry or Yates.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 19, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
Yeah, DOB, I have taken a couple of short steps from the cliff. I am not putting them back in it yet, but because the NL is so horrible they still have a chance. But, I honestly think they need to go 8-3 in the next 11 games, which will take them through the upcoming homestand to truly get back into this. Hudson, Smoltz, and James could start 7 of the 9 games on the homestand if Cox adjusts the rotation right. With Villereal and Davies (who I would surely think had quit his tour of the Braves’ minor league system by then) getting a start each. For the love of all that is right, they will be playing the Giants, Pirates, and Nats. If they can’t get through that, then they don’t deserve the playoffs. I pray they prove me wrong and get hot. It truly is now or never. I think your analogy was dead on the money though. Everytime you get ready to shovel that last bit of dirt on them they stick a hand up and show some signs of life.
By Drummerdad
August 19, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Don’t know who posted under my handle at 3:54 a.m., but it wasn’t this drummerdad. The Barker/Butler trade was horrific. I don’t know who the GM was back then. Joe Torre was the manager and Ted had his hands all over everything. No trade that JS has made has played out like that. It was terrible and sank us. I think the best lead-off hitter we’ve had since then was maybe Otis Nixon.
If the boys get it together and make a run at the wild card it will feel good, but not like what we’re used to. It’ll give us a sense that they did something to salvage the season. But i think that Mark Lemke is right when he suggests that Wild Card team should have to win 4 games in a best of 5 series in order to get to the next round. The current system is really favoring AL teams with the DH. They can rotate and they tend to be more rested as a result. I’ll be surprised if Andruw is a Brave in 2008. The only way that happens is if he tells Scot Boras that he wants to stay a Brave and to get it done, or he does an end run around him again. Schuerholz doesn’t appear to like dealing with Boras (see J.D. Drew if I remember correctly). Boras will want a piece of flesh just out of principle. With the miles on him, his age, and the money Boras is going to want, I think seeing Andruw with the Tomhawk on his chest in 2008 is a longshot.
AND WHAT DO YOU DO WITH CHIPPER? Cornerstone, injured 3 years in a row, absent and it impacts the whole team. Mr. O’Brien, do you have insight about this?
By gpburdell
August 19, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Keep it going Bravos
By dadgum
August 19, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
MBATL….I actually thought Smoltz would be starting tomorrow anyway but DOB has mentioned it is Cormier for sure. Anway it woudl be technically 4 days rest which I feel Smoltz could do. Cox may be saving Smoltz to start the next series. Let’s get James through today and pray tomorrow.
By krath
August 19, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Dave and Tommy
I’m guessing the date of the jam will be sometime between Friday Dec. 15th and Friday Dec 22nd.
It seems like it’s usually October before the date is set because it takes to that point each year for Warren to firm up the acts. Even at that, there are usually some surprises added at the last minute. I know the entire Allman Bros Band was a last minute firm up a few years back. The rumor was they were going to be there but no offical press release was made.
I’m constantly amazed at the contacts he has made on so many different levels and genres of the music industry. He is truly one of the really nice guys not only in the music business but in the real world as well. (I know this first hand) I mean just look at the lineup he put together to play on “The Deep End” tribute to Alan Woody. Some of the most legendary bass players in the world! Jack Bruce of Cream, John Entwisle of the Who, Chris Squire of Yes, Flea of the Chili Peppers, Roger Glover of Deep Purple. Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, Les Claypool of Primus….etc.
There is a xmas jam website but it doesn’t usually heat up until about October. You can check it out but it’s probably last years info.
www.xmasjam.com
I would say the Mule website is the best bet for the first published report of the Jam dates.
mule net
Finally… The Allman Bros website may have info as well.
The Allman Bros Band
Final word….. when the tickets go on sale, buy one immediately!!!! It will likely sell out in hours! Not exaggerating. Tickets usually go on sale in early November. It’s next to impossible to even scalp a ticket, so if you don’t have your credit card ready when they go on sale, you ain’t gettin a ticket.
Hope you guys can make it.
By krath
August 19, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
www.xmasjam.com
www.mule.net
These links should work.
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
Tj/Half moon bay, saw your question about Jazz. Most of the music talk is about American Roots music, but all the Duane Allman talk reminded me of some liner notes off “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis. Duane often listened to this album before going onstage to tap into some great melodies.
By ted
August 24, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
Anyone out in pc land also having trouble receiving MLB TV live baseball?