Braves

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

This whole season is out of wack. LaRoche can’t hit at home. Seems no one can hit at home. Andruw can’t hit lefties. Hudson can’t pitch as well as he used to. The pitching has racked up injuries like Prior and Wood. I’d like to see them all figure it out and straighten out. End this season on a highnote. No more of this coasting into the post season on a losing streak. End it well and above .500.

GO BRAVES

By Lew

August 25, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-You’re right. Ever since the beginning of June everything seems surreal. It’s like the Braves fell down the rabbit hole or something. Personally, I think they need to listen more to Zamfir. That and eat more pie.

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

And, be spoilers. Wreck everyone elses chance if at all possible. The best way to do that is to take the wild card. But I don’t think I can get my hopes up anymore. I’d just like to see the Braves beat a lot of people for an extended amount of time.

By Zamfir

August 25, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

What an a$shole!

By Chop Chop

August 25, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, my guess is that lefties have just decided to pitch Andruw (because of his wide stance, I suppose) away. Since he rarely hits the ball the other way, he has a hard time getting a hit against them. Besides, he pulls off those outside breaking balls. A lot of lefties like to throw junk and Andruw, well, he likes to chase junk.

When you look at Andruw’s stats, you see that he has 25 Ks in 88 ABs against lefties. One every 3.5 ABs. Ouch. Against righties, it’s closer to one out of every five.

Money, it’s gotta be the stance.

By AJK

August 25, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

TennPaul & Lew - talk about out of whack! Add to the list not seeing Mazzone rocking in the dugout and losing our GM of the future to the lowly Royals. Weird, sad, forgetable season…

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

I’d especially like to see them sweep the Mets these final six games.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

ChopChop-You may have a point. Or it could just be that wierdness breeds still more weirdness. TenPaul-An extended winning streak would be great, but I am no longer willing to hold my breath and turn purple waiting for it to happen. Zamfir-get over it. You can use all the publicity you can get.

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop: Don’t knock the stance. It brought us 51 homers last year. The stance is solid. The stance is sound. It’s how he uses it that’s tripping him up. He and Francoeur could lay off the low and away junk. And the belt high and away junk. Do that, and things improve.

AJK: Dayton will return in due time. He’s getting his feet wet with the Royals, but I could see him returning after JS retires. As for Mazzone, he’s got his own headache up there. Not only is he wearing orange, but his staff is terrible. Sure miss the rocking though.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 25, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

DOB, First Todd Snider and Uncle Tupelo. Then Rollin’ with Nolan and 40 minutes of Hell. Throw in some Johnny Cash and of course America’s team. DOB, are you my alter ego? Keep up the beautiful work. If you start postin’ about Drive-By Truckers, Pink Floyd, and bow-hunting then I’m really gonna be freaked out. LET’S SWEEP THE NATS….WOOOOOO PIG SOOOOIE…

By Lew

August 25, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

This season just shows how relative everything is. If this was 1990, we would all be thrilled at how much improvement the Braves had made. Yes, weirdness abounds.

By BigDawg

August 25, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Injured Dick forces Nutt to insert Johnson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Robert Johnson is getting another chance to start at quarterback for Arkansas. Johnson, benched midway through last season when the Razorbacks needed a spark, was made the starter for 2006 on Wednesday night. Coach Houston Nutt’s announcement ended — for now — a three-way competition between Johnson, Casey Dick and prized freshman Mitch Mustain.

…Johnson played well during spring practice, and his improvement continued in the fall. …Meanwhile, Dick has been bothered by a back injury that has caused him to miss some practice time.

…Nutt said Dick wouldn’t be ready for Arkansas’ opener Sept. 2 against Southern California, and the team needs to move forward with a clear No. 1 quarterback. He hopes Johnson will be helped by having more experience than at this time last year.

“Arky fans love Johnson because he likes to go deep, he’s very comfortable in the red zone, and if he has to run, he really knows how to pound the hole. Johnson probably has a few wrinkles to work out, but being thrust into an awkward position might motivate him. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want Nutt in his face.”

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

dob, are you wearing a pair of chuck taylor’s pants? who is chuck taylor? journalist is more confused than ever. jimmy smith responded to the questions about the wurlitzer on the last blog just before this new blog came up. willard wurlitzer seems to be a nice man. willard wurlitzer would never wear chuck taylor’s pants, though. and speaking of pie, did the esteemed guy curtright ever get the pie sent by ralph peepers? there is much to keep up with on the blog and soon journalist bob will be here to confuse things even more. journalist jimmy smith is wearing a new pair of jimmy smith’s. always safer to wear one’s own pants. now, baseball … journalist isa concerned that so many people seem to know about zamfir. closet zamfir listeners? zamfir was known as the man in fuschia. not to be confused with the man in black who is a hero to someone on this blog.

By el bravo x

August 25, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

click

By Lew

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

Hillbilly-Decoration Day on the Dark Side of the Moon, hunting with Ted Nugent? Wish You Were Here.

By Chop Chop

August 25, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, maybe Andruw should employ a different stance against lefties? I’m not knocking the success he’s had with it against righties, but a guy with his kind of numbers shouldn’t be so bad against lefties.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 25, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

That’s what I’m talking about. Gotta go hang a tree stand and get back before first pitch. Catch up later. “Got to sinking in the place where I once stood. I ain’t living like I should.” McCann homers tonight Braves win 6-3.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly-Look out for them sinkholes and eat some nanner puddin when you get back.

By Adam

August 25, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

I think after 14 years of things going right for the Braves even when they had injuries have finally caught up with them. The law of averages finally arrived at Turner Field. Going into this year I actually thought the Braves were a better team than what they put on the field last year. Obviously the bullpen was the biggest concern and as we all know ended up being a huge problem. So the Braves aren’t going to make the playoffs this year…maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Not that they are complaicent, but this year could light a fire under them for next year to prove a point that this year was a fluke.

By tyyosh

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

I believe they were out of room last year on the banners. What they did to fit 2005 was shrink some of the later ones to make room. Take a peek and see if some of the later ones aren’t smaller. Very sad that they won’t be having to do anything this year…

Does it seem like lefties are using hard-breaking down-and-in sliders more and more to righties now? Might be a hole in his swing, especially the newer, vicious one. Also, with only 88 AB’s, he’s only 3-4 hits away from being at .250+. One other thing - I wonder if these coincide with the hitter behind him being mostly LH. Would a LHP pitch around Andruw with breaking stuff a little more than normal in that case, I wonder? Not sure why it would be steadily going down over 8 years though.

By geauxbraves2000

August 25, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Off the subject I know, but If the Braves don’t make postseason this year (I know it’s quite a long shot that they will, nevertheless) I plan on holding my glass high and toasting the team that gave me 14 consecutive years of dominance. Whoever wins the WS is definitly the champion, but that’s only because they dominated for a few weeks. The Braves have dominated 6 months out of every year for 14 consecutive years. In my mind, that is the mark of true champions. Thank you Braves, it’s been an awesome run.

Geaux Braves!!

By Arkansas Arnie

August 25, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Injured Dick forces Nutt to insert Johnson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Robert Johnson is getting another chance to start at quarterback for Arkansas. Johnson, benched midway through last season when the Razorbacks needed a spark, was made the starter for 2006 on Wednesday night. Coach Houston Nutt’s announcement ended — for now — a three-way competition between Johnson, Casey Dick and prized freshman Mitch Mustain.

…Johnson played well during spring practice, and his improvement continued in the fall. …Meanwhile, Dick has been bothered by a back injury that has caused him to miss some practice time.

…Nutt said Dick wouldn’t be ready for Arkansas’ opener Sept. 2 against Southern California, and the team needs to move forward with a clear No. 1 quarterback. He hopes Johnson will be helped by having more experience than at this time last year.

“Arky fans love Johnson because he likes to go deep, he’s very comfortable in the red zone, and if he has to run, he really knows how to pound the hole. Johnson probably has a few wrinkles to work out, but being thrust into an awkward position might motivate him. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want Nutt in his face.”

By Lew

August 25, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Lions, Tigers and Bears and Double Entendres, Oh MY.

By MBATL

August 25, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

AJ’s rankings, in the NATIONAL league only:

Slugging pct: 23rd On Base pct: 43rd Batting avg. 67th HR: 9th RBI: 5th Fielding pct among fulltime CF: T 5th.

I’ve been straddling the fence on AJ for a while, but I do not believe he’s worth the $15-20 mil a year it will cost to keep him.

Trade him for young pitching.

By Hillbilly John

August 25, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

This has been a gawd-awful year for the Braves. What would you call it cousin Cicero?

By Cousin Cicero

August 25, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

annus terribilis!

By Dave knockahomer

August 25, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

It seems that last year, Andruw learned to stay away from those low,outside pitches that had him looking foolish. But his stance changed this year, right? If so, then IT IS THE STANCE! But some good plate discipline against lefties would help alot. As for Francouer, at times, he seems a bit better at NOT swinging at anything and everything but he is so undisciplined! Why they continue to allow it is beyond me…..except they like it when he hits them thar homers. go figure… No one touts McCann like the media touts Francoeur, but Brian is such a superior hitter and plate disciplinarian. Shame he can’t teach his roommate the same RIGHT STUFF, but I imagine that “Mr. Glory-in-myself’ would ignore it.

and like some of you, let’s make it tough on the front runner and spoil any and everything we can for whomever is in the race for wildcard! and beat the snot out of the Mets the next time!!!!

GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. to begin 2007 on a bright note, trade Giles! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

By dfree

August 25, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

hoo ha

By laurance maney

August 25, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

From what I can see Andruw does not have his eye on the ball at contact. This keeps him from hitting to right field against righthanded pitchers and completely messes him up against lefties. I also feel he’s too far up in the box to hit lefties. Finally, to reiterate what I write anytime it concerns Andruw, go back to 2000 when he volunteered to hit 2nd in the order. .304 BA, 36 homers, 100+ RBI and his lowest ever strikeout total. Where you hit in the order is important to a batter without natural discipline. Ask Derek Jeter or even our own Marcus Giles.

By krath

August 25, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

So DOB…. once the season is over and baseball is a bit on the back burner…. are you going to do a baseball and music blog?

That would probably work… we can all talk about drug and alcohol induced suggestions some share about moves the team should make AND beat around some music and movie stuff.

“DOB’s Baseball And Boogie Blog”

By Ptown Bravo

August 25, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

Re: Andruw - I knew it was bad against the southpaws, just didn’t realize how much of a trend; nor how sickly the numbers. Wonder if Boras reads this blog? Could Andruw be sandbagging his numbers to make himself affordable out of team loyalty? That’s the theory I’m sticking with, though Andruw may cite bad toes or the drag of monogamy as reasons for the decline v. lefties. Nice catch, DOB.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Giles is back in the lineup tonight, leading off.

Cormier is the call-up to replace Baez (I know that’ll get the pulses rising out there, right?). Cormier available in pen for next five days before he starts again.

Hillbilly, them’s some funny posts, brother. And I mean it.

And we love the Drive-By Truckers, as we noted last week in a long trail of posts comparing them to Skynyrd, etc. But we covered that ground. Suffice to say, Patterson Hood and the gang of Truckers is alright in our book.

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Francoeur had one of the best at bats of his career the other night. It wasn’t that he took 3 straight pitches. It’s that he took three straight balls. I don’t want him to go up there and take a pitch down the middle. If the pitcher jacks up that much and tosses meat down the middle, I expect, and demand, who ever is in the batters box to smack that ball to the gap or over the wall. Mistake pitches are ment to be clobbered. But back to Francoeur’s at bat. It was beautiful. He drew a walk by laying off all the pitches he swung at the entire season. The pitches that, even if he did manage to get the bat on it, he more than likely wouldn’t have been able to do anything with it. I say more than likely because he did go get the pitch from Willis. I don’t know how he did it but he did. It was amazing and terrifying at the same time. I fear that when he does that once, he’ll go try and do it every time out.

I think having to sit there an watch McCann quietly dominate in the one area that Francoeur was supposed to be has opened Francoeur’s eyes a little. The two of them could really be something special for a long time if A) McCann can keep it up and B) Francoeur keeps approaching the plate like he did in the 6th inning the other night.

We aren’t trading Andruw. I just don’t see that happening.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

Krath, blog will live on, but won’t be every day, of course.

Ptown, no offense, but that’s the stupidest suggestion we’ve had in some time, Andruw sandbagging to make himself more affordable to Braves.

Surely you jest. If not, a sedative is recommended.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

cornbread. that’s right, cornbread. with some cornbread and blackeyed peas and some cold milk, andruw could regain his touch against left-handers. this ice cream diet is not going well.

By Don

August 25, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves I couldn’t agree more. It is easy to sit here and over analyze this years team. What a great run! I hope the final game of this season is sold out and that they give every fan a bottle and champagne and a glass so they can toast Bobby Cox, John Schuerholz, Smoltzie, Chipper, Giles, Andrew Jones and all of the others that have contributed to a phenomenal, unprecedented run. It has been fun to watch and it still is. I remember going to the games in the 70’s when the average attendance was less than 10,000 and the teams could barely win a game. Heck, it was fun watching the Braves then.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

Has success spoiled Braves fans?

Oh, hell, yes!

There’s enough holes in this team to make a few dozen doughnuts. Schuerholz can’t possibly plug them all in the next few months. The bullpen’s a disaster area. The team’s greatest stars are past their primes (C. Jones and Smoltz) and your best power hitter is an old 29. And none of them are going anywhere, so get set for a few years of mediocrity. A bright future can be built slowly around LaRoche, McCann and Co., if the Braves can afford to outbid the other teams that will come calling for them a few years down the road when free agent eligibility kicks in. Otherwise, take a good look at these Nats and Pirates — the Braves before long will resemble them much more than the Mets and Yankees.

And for God’s sake, Jeff Francoeur isn’t suddenly Ted Williams because he managed to take one walk in five months. In less than three hours, you same bloggers praising him for such a tiny thing now now will be typing up that same old tired “take a freaking pitch!” post.

OK. Enjoy the game!

But try to watch it objectively. Those of you out there older than 15 should be well familiar with mediocrity when it’s put on the field before you.

By 3trees

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

First post, but I’ve been reading and agreeing (and not) for most of the year. A hearty thanks to those with imagination and time to burn! Can’t tell you how often a blog sponsored laugh has saved the day at work. Anyway, was DOB just speaking in the plural first person or merely voicing the collective?

Yep, weird season. Braves fan since they moved in ‘66. Music fan since roughly the same time. Love the blog, the Braves, Hag, the man in Black (not so much Black Flag), X, etc. Rave on!

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

Hey, 3trees! Welcome! We’re glad you joined us! :-))

Oh, no! I just noticed the number in your name. That may a problem here what with the DOB system of math in use, but don’t hold that against us, please. Poor 10-7-4 wound up being ‘35’, so be prepared just in case!

By TennesseePaul

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

Who said anything about Ted Williams? Just excited to see Francoeur have at least one at bat that was disciplined and good. And, maybe Francoeur will get a lashing for swinging at a ball in the dirt tonight. But before that happens, he’ll have to swing at the ball in the dirt. Like Mets fans are stoked when David Wright throws the ball into the stands. Here’s to hoping Francoeur can build on a great at bat.

GO BRAVES

ps: We here on the blog must praise Francoeur for said at-bat. He gets more than enough praise in the dugout when he hacks at the dirt… Ata boy Frenchy! Way to be agressive

By ncscoots

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

for the DOB-Accounting-course-uninitiated….3Trees: oak, maple, pine, cedar.

By ncscoots

August 25, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

CLady, what if 3Trees is deciduous? Must we still be nice because he/she is new growth? LOL

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

Scoots, we need to know if it’s 3 of one or 2 + 1, or 1 + 2, or none of the above. This could get complicated!

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

And of course we must be nice because we are nice people, right?

By ncscoots

August 25, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

CL, you speak true. And I can say, as a woodworker myself, mixing species of wood can be…disquieting. Perhaps we shall leave nicknaming of the new blogger till further ponderment!! BTW, good to chat with you again, darlin’

By Tonight on TBS

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

After the game…

The Boring Identity (2002)

The Boring Identity’s plot pertains to a Brave’s proponent (Matt Damon) who, psychologically pained by the pathetic performance of the 2006 players, is plagued by partial amnesia and is presently preoccupied with posting on a particular web portal under poly pseudonyms. Possessing prodigious phrasemaking proficiencies, he pours through posts potentially pointing to his previous persona. Is he the persistent “jimmy smith” who prattles profusely about toes and pies using “p-words”? Puzzled by the predicament of his past, he is pulled precariously into the plans of a phalanx of perfidious Pirate’s partisans pursuing a purloined Pulitzer. (Parental prudence preferred per profuse profanity).

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

3trees is welcomed to the blog. coincidentally, it takes 3 trees to make a wurlitzer. did 3trees know that? and what of all these broken bats this season? why is that, 3 trees? should the bats be made of ash or of some other tree? these are things 3trees can help us with. can 3trees also help with the bullpen? does 3trees own a wood uh, chipper?

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Scoots! and you as well! Mother and I have been to 11 appointments in 10 days (M-F) so I’ve not had much time of late. Next week we have only 4 (M,T,T,F)!

Let me tell you something: just because your own kids grow up, don’t think that your days of bibs, diapers and soft foods are over! :-))

By ncscoots

August 25, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

TOTBS, dude, Tina Fey is leaving SNL. You have GOT to call those guys! You’re a funny dude…

By ncscoots

August 25, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

wow, CL, tough home stand :-) My best wishes, of course, and hopes for better days and nights.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

I appreciate it, Scoots! I’m just thankful that I’m ABLE to do it! Some folk aren’t.

By elbravox

August 25, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

I need help. I have being a Braves fan since ‘84, when I was eleven. That same year my family went overseas. Now a friend is betting dinner, he says the Braves went to Puerto Rico for some spring trainning games in ‘84 and ;85. I say no way. Who wins?

By Snowball's Chance

August 25, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Lew, Weirdness abounds but the dude abides.

By 3trees

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

Really didn’t mean to get a pre-game name dust up started with my first post. I guess I can change my handle, but I am fond of trees and there are 3 of us in our little family, hence the handle. Thanks for the welcome, CL.

And Go Braves!

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

No dust-up, 3trees! We’re glad you’re here! :-)) Where are you located?

By Lew

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

Ma’am-If we are not nice, then what are we? Snowball-I’m not sure exactly which dude is abiding, but since I am nice, I wish him well in his abidedness. Rock on all, and try to keep the weirdness at bay.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

Evenin’, Lew! Listerine helps keep weirdness at bay, I’ve heard. Never tried it myself.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

cheese

By Carolina Lady

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

Cheese, jimmy??

By Lew

August 25, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

I thought Listerine was for toe problems. Now I find out that it, as well as cheese, keeps weirdness at bay. I swear I learn something new everyday on this blog. But the real question is this-Is the Dude still abiding?

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

For those keeping score at home, that double-play grounder by Francoeur gave him a .233 average and .269 OBP with as many GIDP (four) as homers (four) in the past 30 games.

Giles make his impact felt in first game back, or what?

Keep in mind, folk, this is Ramon Ortiz, he of 1-4 record nd 8.24 ERA in seven starts against the Braves.

BTW, Soriano just became the fastest player (929 games) to reach 200 homers and 200 stolen bases in a career, beating Eric Davis’ record (1,053 games).

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

The Dude abides, man. The Dude abides.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

He abides and provides us with stats at the same time. Let him eat pie. Or Skip and Pete’s BBQ.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Lew, Listerine is beneficial in many situations. Wasn’t it Krath who had a problem in a rather delicate location and the Listerine got to the ‘seat’ of the problem and cured him? We all know how effective it is for all toe ailments. Soak cheese overnight in a little Listerine and you’ll be weird-free all day! :-)

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you tried the BBQ at Skip & Pete’s? How does it compare to our good ol’ eastern NC fare?

By Lew

August 25, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I’m really not sure about this.

By Carolina Lady

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

Lew, not being weird, you really don’t have to worry about it. (But it does work!)

By Lew

August 25, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I had a friend with problems of the aforementioned personal nature who attempted a treatment with direct application of rubbing alcohol. He did not abide well at all. I suspect that direct application of Listerine to the afflicted area would provoke much the same response. Soaking cheese in it firstmay just be plain perverse.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Lew, :-)))))

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I do not attribute this bizarre ritual to you. However……

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I think I’ll go with a “no comment” on that one, in deference to two guys I have a great deal of respect for and genuinely like.

But hey, on second thought, NOTHING compares to NC barbecue, so that’s no slap in the face to say there’s does not. Compare, that is.

Hey, but it’s good eating for ballpark fare.

By elbravox

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

Does anybody here realy watches the game?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

journalist must step in. journalists know cheese best. many journalists (dob, old journalist, journalist jimmy smith) rely on cheese while on the road. cheese samplers once were readily available at many airports. pick up a cheese sampler and some crackers and a journalist is all set. now, traveling with cheese has changed. cheese is now considered as a potential weapon during air travel. explosive cheese (not to be confused with problems suffered by the old journalist with too much cheese) is not to be trifled with. journalists would never, never soak cheese in listerine. cheese should be soaked in root beer only and should remain soaking only until the color disappears from the cheese. hope this cheesy post is helpful to all.

By Carolina Lady

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

LOL Well done, DOB! Mmmmm! Wouldn’t some good old BBQ and cole slaw with a side of Brunswick Stew be out-of-this world right now??? Our former ‘best’ local place has gone the ‘commercial’ route and no longer has that great stuff as it should be. I’m thinking a trip to Kinston may be in order this weekend! There’s a place there that simply can’t be beat!

BTW, you should have your package Monday, I think.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

elbravox, we are adept at multitasking.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I need a good Brunswick stew recipe-Seriously, all cheese aside. These barbarians up here have never heard of it. I’m just happy I can get grits here. Elbravox-What game?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

soon, dob will be extolling the virtues of zamfir and the pan flute. one zamfir favorite is about an old dog that gets run over by a pickup truck while fetching a beer from the ex-wife who is living with a former best friend in the trailer next door. zamfir brings this to life!

By Chucky James (pg13)

August 25, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Well, all. Sorry that I did not dominate the opposition tonight. Clearly, the Nats don’t be Chucky James’ odalisque on this occasion.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’ll see what I can come up with for you. A friend’s husband was transferred to Oregon a couple of years ago; I regularly send them CARE packages of peas, grits, and other staples of life that are not available.

By elbravox

August 25, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Multitasking IS my life, baseball is my sedative and I only have less than 40.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

But is there sawdust on the honky tonk floor?

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

Elbravox-Less than 40 what? Have you been listening to Zamfir? You should, you know.

By elbravox

August 25, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

I left my self wide open for that one Lew!

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, true story: I sometimes play online skill game tournaments with a lady who says she is a pagan, lives with her ex-husband and what she describes as her current ‘sort of’ boyfriend. (Upstate NY.) Teaches a course on something about ‘how the power animals and 7 paths influence your life’ - I don’t have a clue what she was talking about…. :-))) People are indeed interesting!

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

That’s ok Elbravox-We are in poor position to criticize. We, too have been listening to Zamfir. The Pan Flute is an enticing instrument.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I wonder if he uses my book to teach his class.

By MEB

August 25, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy… Cheese samplers are those things that are rarely seen except during the Christmas holidays. Quite often they include odd jams and jellies and the deluxe models include a sausage or two. They make excellent re-gifts to those on your list, whom you must exchange with, but really and truly loathe.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Dunno, Lew. It is she who teaches the class.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I wonder if SHE uses my book to teach her class. Do you know where I can find crabapple jelly?

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

I still dunno. Will check on the jelly.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

meb has a good point. journalists are always wary of a cheese sampler display. dusty cheese samplers can be deadly. but to clary, a cheese sampler is never re-gifted by a journalist. no cheese sampler can stand up to a hungry journalist. true, cheese is thought to give one gas -but the old journalist dispels that one with constant gas - cheese or no cheese. cheese is a comfort food and journalists are comfortable consuming cheese during the game or after, while writing the game story or notebook. oops, there goes the journalist talking journalism. should have stuck to taxidermy and barbering a dual occupation enjoyed by many ugandans.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

She should use my book, I need the royalties. We need to open a cheese concession at Turner Field. Maybe we could subcontract to Skip and Pete.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

oh, the humanity! this bullpen is like a bad plate of cheese.

By elbravox

August 25, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

I need a sedative for my sedative.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Yes, very smelly bad cheese. Well, with still another 5 inning start it was probably inevitable.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Lew, that (cheese concession) wouldn’t work. jimmy would eat up all the profit.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I think you have a point. DOB-Is the Dude still abiding?

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Giles shouldn’t even have thought about throwing home. You should almost always be willing to concede the tying run if you can get two outs, and Giles had a sure double play. Instead of 4-4 and no one on, Braves still led 4-3, but two men were on for Kearns’ homer. Giles’ mistake cost the Braves at least one run. Bigger hill for the Braves to climb now.

By Joan Borysenko

August 25, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

7 Paths

There are seven specific spiritual paths corresponding to the (Yogic) chakras and the directions on the (Native American) medicine wheel.

Path 1) Direction=Down(below); Represents Earth and Home. Path 2) Direction=South; Creativity and Abundance: Generosity of Spirit. Path 3) Direction=East; How Can I Help: The Passion To Serve. Path 4) Direction=Within; The Way of the Heart: Bridging Earth and Heaven. Path 5) Direction=North; Discipline, Ethics and Will: Thy Will, Not Mine, Be Done. Path 6) Direction=West; Opening the Wisdom Eye: Contemplation and Transformation. Path 7) Direction=Up(Above); The Way of Faith: Paradox and Grace.

By parks

August 25, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

you play to win …not to lose……thats what Giles was doing…..

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

bring in bobby dews! he can do no worse.

seal is a power animal, right? hartebeest? jimmy smith already knows the wolf is.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

Thank You Joan for the 7 Paths. The Wolf Song Cards and Book talk about the animal side of life. I really do need the royalties.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

You win by getting outs, especially when your bullpen has immense difficulty getting three outs at a time. I have no doubt that, given the way things are going for his team, Giles opted to preserve the lead at all costs, but he also left two men on and his suspect bullpen with two more outs to get instead of one. The smart play would have been to take the two outs and concede one run, emptying the bases in the process. You saw the results. Sometimes making the overaggressive play turns out to be playing to lose.

By The Grinch

August 25, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Lew, I had no idea you aspired to be royalty. Good evening, All. I have yet another borrowed computer. I just had a burbon-marinated pork chop with green beans and roasted elephant garlic. Elephants make excellent garlic, but then they have strong toes…

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

With our bullpen, it is mostly a moot point. We gave up more runs, anyway.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Can you access your email from that computer?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

a pitcher strikes out a hot batter and bobby removes him from the game! matchups don’t make much sense with this pen. let the guy who can throw strikes pitch.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Hey, Grinch! You’ve been missed, my friend! Welcome back!

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Yep. And one more run than we should have. How many games have the Braves lost by one run?

I’m certainly not saying the Braves would have won if Giles had made the right play, jsut that Giles should have made the right play.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with you on that, jimmy! Oh, well…..

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

elbravox, how are you doing? This one has to be bad for you!

By Ptown Bravo

August 25, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, Re: Andruw, absolutely in jest, but a sedative has been poured in honor of the Dude. Was just thinking that the best center fielder of all time has not exactly been Scott Boras’ best client (negotiating last contract on his own and struggling at the plate as well as physically going into his contract year). Stupid, yes, but in no way meant to supplant rational thought. Another sedative to be poured in honor of Skip & Pete.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Elbravox is fine-He has discovered Zamfir. Grinch-check your email dude.

By Joan Borysenko

August 25, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

We followers of the Braves might ask: what is the current path of the Braves?

The first homorous response may be to say Down! or South! But, no.

The Braves current path is the sixth path: West. This also connotes the autumn when the life-force energy withdraws and nature goes to sleep.

The abode of the setting sun, west is the direction of the ego death that makes room for rebirth into spirit. This is often accomplished by undergoing a dark night (this annus terribilis) of the soul, when our old life (past glories?)is left behind and we enter a period of wandering or searching before the sun of enlightenment rises.

The dark night of transformation calls out the question: “Who am I? Am I just THIS, or I am something more?” Those on the sixth path are called to deep meditation and contemplation. These practices help shed the ego’s (i.e. the team identity) attachments to praise and blame, tragedy and triumph.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

The Sixth Path-West-May also indicate that we play the Giants next week.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Don’t know about all of these other ‘paths’, but mine is leading me to my own little bed. I am tuckered out! Y’all have a great evening! ‘Night!

By elbravox

August 25, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Wow, this builds character and a huge bar tab!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

diane lane told jimmy smith much the same. still, her pudding was pasty and she had to go.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

Stupid is ranking Andruw Jones as the best center fielder of all time ahead of the likes of Willie Mays, Tris Speaker and Joe DiMaggio. Get real.

By Carlos Casteneda

August 25, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

My power animal is the coyote, the achetypal trickster. The Norse called him (it?) Loki.

Coyote: Stealth, mischief, recognizing your mistakes, ability to laugh at yourself, bedevilment, clowning around, enforcer of karmic laws.

By 3trees

August 25, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

Well, that pen, oy!

CL, I’m in ATL via Tallahassee, Philly & Brooklyn. My mom was born in Fayetteville, NC if that’s of any consequence.

No wood chippers or stone(d) idols either, JJS. I do enjoying splitting wood for kindlin’. Not sure why there are so many bats that shatter, split, etc. Poor curing? I know that luthiers think that pollution has taken its toll on the wood stock for instruments. But here’s praise (since I’m having trouble w/ the Braves at present) for the Sycamore. Grows from mountain to coast and looks cool with that shaggy bark.

Ah, this team. I just can’t quite figure them out. They shouldn’t be quite this bad, but nothing seems to really come together for them. But, oh, that pen.

Anyone remember that Possum song “Mr. Fool”? His singing on that tune is just killin’. That’s what these Braves make me feel like. - Later

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Tom-Did you see Tris Speaker play? He couldn’t come in on the ball very well. He played too deep. Jimmy, what’s wrong with Pasty Pudding? Didn’t they name some society at Harvard for it?

By The Grinch

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

Hey, again. Sorry, off reading another article for a while. Thanks for the welcome, CL, though it may be another day or two before I’m back again. Don’t get the net back at home until Wednesday. I’ll check it and return, Lew.

By ssiscribe

August 25, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Hey everybody, settling in after a good first week at the new gig. Seems we’re settling in for an early start to hockey season, damnit.

Anyway, introduced myself to Smokey Bones BBQ tonight. Sat there as the bullpen continued our march into the fiery pit of no postseason. First time I ate there and, folks, it was pretty darn good. Any BBQ talk gets my attention, so here’s my list of favorite BBQ joints …

(This is far better than talking about what we’re doing on the field):

1. Hudson’s. Grew up eating this BBQ in my hometown of Douglasville. Also the home of the best hamburgers this side of Manuel’s Tavern.
2. Johnny’s. Located just north of Gainesville, where I worked for nearly four years. Great, great flavor.
3. Shane’s Rib Shack. Started in McDonough, one opened on the coast right before we moved back to the ATL. Really, really good stuff.
4. Georgia Pig. A South Georgia landmark, off Exit 29 off I-95. Beware the tea, though; it’s made with sulpher water.
5. Sonny’s. I know it’s a chain, but never had a bad meal there.

Seven back, could be eight after tonight, with 35 to go … alas. My soon-to-be 4 year old and I hit the park Sunday, along with a bunch of dogs.

It’s good to be home. See y’all soon.

By The Grinch

August 25, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

That’s really tight, background included. If I didn’t know better, Lew, I’d suggest that you may have some talent.:-) 3Trees, welcome to the blog, although your Sycamore reference just put a Terrance Trent D’arby song in my head, which is an unforgiveable sin. Expecting that was not your intention, however, glad to know ya.

By nathan

August 25, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure who was calling me crazy the other day for saying Billy Beane got rid of Tim Hudson in a “salary dump”. Meaning he didn’t care what, if anything he got back in the trade. Thus “settling” for Chuck Thomas, Juan Cruz and Dan Meyer.

Here is an excerpt from Ken Rosenthal’s story on FOXSPORTS.com:

Hudson, at age 31, is 24-23 with a 4.14 ERA in two seasons with the Braves after going 92-39 with a 3.30 ERA for the A’s; evidently, A’s GM Billy Beane was onto something when he traded Hudson and left-hander Mark Mulder. Hudson should be performing better in the NL than he did in the AL.

Looks as though wasn’t too far from the truth, was I?

If you want to read the whole article, here is the link. It’s both sickening (reality bites) and uplifting (it can’t get worse, can it?), for next season. Here’s the link:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5903264

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Lew, I know you’re too smart to believe what you just wrote. If you want to provoke a debate, you’ll have to do better than that.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Scribe-The Smokey Bones in Orlando is real good. Tom-I was being a smarta## about Tris Speaker, but I just looked up his stats. The Dude had a CAREER OBP of .428 and had an OBP of .485 one year. Damn.

By The Grinch

August 25, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Scribe- wht’s the name on exit 29 (I look at names, not numbers when I pass exits)? It seems like from reading past posts we’re the same age and both just moved back here after a substantial time in SE Ga. Just curious as to where you were. I was in Swainsboro for 10 years until this last April.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

luthier? luthier? welcome 3tree! we often speak lute on this blog. journalist sometimes plays the tzouri long necked lute, similar to, but smaller than a bouzouki, the middle one out of the baglama, tzoura, bouzouki family. dob does not favor the lute, however.

oh, the humanity! this will be a one-run loss. sad.

By nathan

August 25, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

For those of you who have read the link I posted.

The part I find most amusing, is the fact that everybody on these blogs wants to blame the LACK of payroll Time Warner has given JS.

WE WE’RE ALMOST ALWAYS IN THE TOP 5 IN PAYROLL AFTER 1993. And during that time we proceeded to win ONE WORLD SERIES!!! So what was the problem back then? Just a “crapshoot”, right?

It’s way more about the QUALITY of players that you develop, trade for, and sign as free agents. NOT about how much MONEY they demand, or JS is willing to OVERPAY. We need good players, not expensive ones!

That’s all I’m saying.

Start the rebuilding, ASAP!

Go Braves in 2007!

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Like that, huh? Think it will serve the purpose? Jimmy-Careful where you point that bouzouki. 3Tree- Earlier we were speaking Pan Flute. A rally! The humanity!

By journalist jimmy smith

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

this titanium necklace must go.

By nathan

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

Nice AB Chip!

By Ptown Bravo

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

Mr. Hawk, with all due respect, yes, as good or better than your trio of HoFers. In my humble homer opinion, Andruw is the best center fielder of all time. And it’s common knowledge that Tris had a terrible time coming in on the ball. Check the film if you don’t believe Lew.

By nathan

August 25, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Well DOB, here’s a RIGHTY for Andruw! LOL.

By The Grinch

August 25, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, that reminds me of the beginning of “A Confederacy of Dunces,” where the main character, a fat, lazy genius who beleives the world should go back to the feudal system is accosted by a police officer outside a music store for loitering. The protagonist proceeds to repeatedly whip the cop with his newly purchased lute string…the book had me in tears of laughter during the first page and never let up. One of the greatest ever. Naturally, the author committed suicide right after finishing it.

By Thimble Half Full

August 25, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

YEAH! We only lost by one run.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

those jones boys sure know how to put the ball in play, don’t they? please don’t make us listen to a chipper interview tonight.

By Ptown Bravo

August 25, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

Well, that game-ending pop-up didn’t help my case very well at all.

By The Grinch

August 25, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Why would the Greeks name their god of mischier after something you cook cornbread in? Inquiring minds want to know. Lew, more than adequate, to be sure. When is this all to go down?

By Lew

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

The Braves centerfielder I think was better than he ever got credit for was Marquis Grissom. He wasn’t flashy, but could come in and go back for the ball. I always felt confident with him on defense. He always managed to get to the ball.

By The Grinch

August 25, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

True, Jimmy; Chipper says “Uh” more often than Butt-head. Something tells me he got into high school on an athletic scholarship.

By Tonight on TNT

August 25, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

A Confederacy of Dunston (2006)

The comic masterpiece is now a made-for-TNT movie. The central character is Shawon D. Dunston, a disgruntled, underachieving, former five-Toole infielder, living with his mother in New Orleans. He befriends a rag-tag bunch of colorful characters and works at a series of odd jobs. Eventually, he becomes a hot-dog vendor at Turner field (wearing a Pirates uniform) while working on his opus “The Journal of The Working Batboy (Who Almost Got Run Over at Home Plate)”. Part 1. Part 2 to be shown tomorrow.

By beki

August 25, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Langerhans, who hasn’t been hitting recently, just hit a two-run homerun with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Cordero walked Giles.Renteria is up at bat.Cordero can’t find the strike zone ( that’s alright by me!). Base hit Renti! Two on and Chipper at bat (oh,please,please,please don’t strike out). Chipper struck out.S**t AJ pops out to the infield to end the game. So typical of the Braves:get a lead,lose the lead,rally to within a run of tying;and,wimply and quietly,do nothing. That’s as big a problem as pitching has been:no “killer instinct” for putting away the lesser team.

By nathan

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

beki

Face facts. The lesser TEAM was put away. It was the Nationals showing their killer instinct.

Sorry, it’s sad, but true.

By The Grinch

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

That was incredibly well thought up in a short space of time, with a number of refferences only the people who actually read that relatively obscure novel more than once would appreciate. Especially considering who I think wrote that, that makes his plight as a person all the more saddening with such creative potential wasted.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Tomorrow. Should be wrapped up by Monday. Think your Mom might see the character? You must be thinking of the god Pie Pan.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Check the film? Tris Speaker’s career ended in 1928. As far as I know, Ptown, there’s no clips of him coming in on the ball on SportsCenter. But then, you didn’t know that, because you’re just shooting dumb opinions from the hip.

But here’s what you should know. Speaker played a shallower center field than anyone in his day not because he couldn’t come in on the ball, but because he could afford to play shallow — according to the writers and players of his day, no one else — ever — could go back to get the ball any better. Speaker also hit .344 for his career. Get back to me when Andruw’s within 60 points of that.

By the way, nice popout to end the game by your all-time greatest center fielder.

And as it turns out, Giles’ mistake in throwing home instead of taking the sure double play DID cost the Braves the game. Another one-run loss.

By nathan

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

Lew

Grisson was great. But most of all, he was CLUTCH! People can talk about Glavine and Justice all they want. But NO-WAY do we get to, let alone win the 1995 WS without Grissom. IMO

By Lew

August 25, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Tom-We’re giving you grief, dude. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. I did see Willie Mays play, though. I tell you, it’s hard to say anyone was better than him in center field. Everyone talks about THE CATCH, but the trow he made after the catch was the real marvel.

By tyyosh

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

By unofficial count, that is the 11th loss this season when they scored 6 or more runs.

By nathan

August 25, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

You last post was well said Tom A. Hawk

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

part goat. jimmy smith remembers that pan is part goat. tonight, chipper and andruw were part goat. jimmy smith loves the braves but gets so frustrated when they do not play as a team. did pan also wear a titanium necklace? did it work for uh, pan? did pan blame the crowd for being too relaxed?

By Samuel L. Jackson

August 25, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of all these m-f-‘in losses in this m-f-‘in Turner field!

By Lew

August 25, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

If they thought the crowd was too relaxed tonight, wait until Bark At THe Park on Sunday, when no one pays attention to the game. Go Dawgs.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

Maybe we need Snakes In The Ted night.

By 1tree

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

Bark in the park? I’ll be right at home!

By The Grinch

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

I’m sure someone else coined the phrase “MF,” but Jackson perfected it’s delivery. Jimmy, I don’t think it fair to compare Pan to Chipper; Pan was never on the DL for a hoof problem. Andruw, on the other hand, does like to party…

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

well, tooner field may outdraw turner field from here on out. chipper wants emotion from the fans and then offers none in that at-bat. true, he was the best one to be up (unless somehow mccann could have been up there) but jjs would just as soon seen pratt up there trying to make contact as the jones boys trying to hit the three-run homerun. pan indeed! journalist must be delirious on bad cheese wishing for pratt over uh, chipper and andruw. at least we did not hear torborg tonight telling us andruw was no longer falling down after the braves discovered that shortcoming four weeks after it began. better to listen to some zamfir cd’s than be so upset.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 25, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Lew, I know you weren’t serious, but I think that Ptown Bravo is just as misguided as he seems.

Andruw’s been a marvel to watch for the past 10 years, but I’m afraid his best days are done, and even his best days were nowhere close to the best of all time.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Grinch-True, but Pan has no power to the opposite field. Then again, the goat in him would probably qualify him to work on the ground crew.

By Dennis Hastert

August 25, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

Well I’M the speaker. I am shallow. I have a hard time coming in and I never go back, I stay the course like good ol’ George. I tend to play more right than center.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

Tom-You have to remember, Speaker never got on Sports Center, as you say, but neither did Willie Mays. I think Andruw and all the stars of today benefit greatly from media saturation. We’ve all seen film of THE CATCH, but how many of us really saw Mays on a daily basis? A lot of players from that era suffer today from lack of exposure. How many people today saw Roberto Clemente throw out runners at first on singles? Or Johnny Callison for that matter. I was commenting earlier on the blog that even living in Vermont I have only missed seeing telecasts of 6 Braves games this year. You can now do this with almost any team. I can see ALL Red Sox games. When you see Andruw play every single day, it makes it harder to appreciate those you’ve only heard of. As a baseball fan, I think it would be great to see Speaker or Mathewson play. Cy Young might make Maddux look like a minor leaguer. We’ll never know for sure.

By Ptown Bravo

August 25, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

Mr. Hawk, no SportsCenter in 1928? Now I know you’re messin’ with me. …On the other hand, that might explain why it was called the Great Depression.

I guess we could make Tris Speaker the CO-GCFOAT if it would make you less unhappy. Still, with not even one Gold Glove to his credit, I hardly think this concession is fair to Andruw.

By nathan

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

The lead paragraph on the story for tonights game states: That the bullpen let James down, since he left with a lead.

Yeah! AFTER FIVE INNINGS!!!!!

Don’t get me wrong. THIS BULLPEN HAS, DOES AND WILL SUCK, until JS fixes it, not just sprays some WD-40 on it to temporarily stop the “sqeaking”.

But the starters have not done this bullpen any favors all year long. Even the best bullpens in MLB would not hold up if they had to go 4 innings EVERY NIGHT.

That’s all for tonight. Goodnight all.

By nathan

August 25, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Sorry. The “lead story” I’m talking about in my last post is on the atlantabraves official site. Not on the AJC site.

By TommyB

August 26, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

All,

Just got in from the game and am calling it a night. I have not read anything in this new blog yet so if what I relay has already been reported, sorry.

I heard Bobby Cox pre-game tonight on the radio discussing Baez. He added some information that makes things VERY INTERESTING.

He said that Baez had been experiencing these same symptoms in LA for some time before the trade and that it was right when his performance started going down. The doctors out there hadn’t figured out what was wrong with him other than “it was some sort of virus.”

So, it would appear that once he gets back and up to speed, we have the pitcher he was when he was closing in Tampa Bay.

That seems like some really good news to me… especially after the way things are going.

Night-night.

By Drummerdad

August 26, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

Well I read Nathan’s link to Rosenthal’s article and I think most of us have graduated to the “let’s get to next year” mindset. There are big question marks that come out of this season to me:

What do you do with an often injured (3 years), aging 3rd baseman with a large salary who is rather enigmatic?

What do you do with a loveable center fielder whose agent is ready to play Osama bin Laden with you?

How long does it take to revamp a farm system that is apparently not producing the way it has in years past?

How do you instill confidence in the players you have left for next year?

How much longer are John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox at the helm? No insinuations of letting them go. Just, how much longer will they want to do this?

What will Liberty Media do to this team? I for one, dislike corporate ownership of a sports team.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 26, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

Ptown, we can make Speaker and Andruw co-No. 2 of all time, perhaps, because the title of BCFOAT obviously belongs to Willie Mays.

Lew, I can remember Clemente in the ‘71 World Series. He took it out good on the Orioles over how underappreciated he’d always been. DOB could ask the Orioles right fielder in that sereis, Frank Robinson, about it — I’ll bet the pain lingers.

By Ptown Bravo

August 26, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Mr. Hawk, I do apologize for ruffling your feathers earlier. Sincerely. Nothing more than hyperbole when I mentioned that Andruw was the GCFOAT, and then just to make the point that Boras has had a tough time cashing in on one of his most high-profile clients. Perhaps I should have made my less than salient point less stupidly and we could have promptly nodded in dull agreement.

I may be misguided, but I fully acknowledge that there are stronger cases than Andruw for GCFOAT. Then again, if Bobby says he is, who am I to blow against the wind?

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Ok Y’all, got to call it a night. I might get access again in a day or two, but nothing fully ‘till Wednesday. Somebody take care of T’hawkin’ for me in the AM until then…sorrostitutes can make one pine for intelligent conversation (eventually, that is). Cheers!

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

We’ve just returned from a reconnaissance mission to the left-field upper deck, where a screw was removed from the 1995 sign so that it now swings slowly in the breeze, with the aching sound of metal against metal.

Elbravox, hilarity with the 10:31 post. I love it.

Lew, the Dude still abides. The Braves, however, do not.

Tyler Yates is not The Dude. He is, however, from Hawaii. Which means he’s got some dude in him. But not The Dude.

What are you gonna do but laugh to keep from crying, Braves fans? I feel your pain. If these were my Jayhawks doing this immolation, I’d cry. But lately, we wait to do it in the first game of the NCAA Tournament.

At least the Braves seem intent on protecting Braves Nation for the indignity of a first-round playoff loss. Though I don’t know which indignity is worse. Surely a 14-28 home mark since May 29, and a worse home record than the Royals, and a 15-28 record in one-run games … surely that’s even worse than losing again in the first round, is it not?

Oh, well. I’m packing up and driving home.

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

Make that “from” the indignity of a first-round loss, not “for.”

Better yet, make it sparing Braves Nation of the indignity. That’s better. It’s late. That was my last strong use of the language.

later.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 26, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

DOB, your game story touts Giles as a difference maker, but was there any discussion in the press box or the postgame clubhouse about why he chose in the sixth to cut down the tying run at the plate instead of taking the easy double play and letting the Nats have the tying run? I know Giles couldn’t have known that Kearns would homer, but he had to know the risk of taking one out instead of two. And as it turned out, Giles’ decision led to an extra run, and the Braves lost yet again by that single run.

Maybe I should just get off the subject, but I was surprised when Giles threw home, and I’m even more surprised that, since it turned out to be such a crucial, game-altering decision, nothing has been said about it.

I know Giles is a hard-nosed, aggressive player, and the Braves could use more like him, but in this instance I think his aggressiveness worked against him and his team.

Ah, what the hell. So we’re seven games out instead of six. I was just curious.

Maybe I’ve just listened to Tim McCarver too much.

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this

Humphrey Bogart used to say that the trouble with the world is that they are two drinks behind. I am three hours behind, but I am drinking as fast as I can

Lew, I owe you one for the “Heroines” recommendation. I don’t think you got the “the dude abides” reference. Check out ” the Big Lebowski” by the Coen Bros. the best use of ” I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in”. Kenny is p**,But he had to have made a ton of money on it.

By Coop

August 26, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

HEADLINE - Braves: From first to worst.

By Lew

August 26, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this

Snowball-Glad you like the cd. What do you think of Fireflies in the Storm? I did not see Lebowski. I’m not a huge Bridges fan, so I did miss the reference. However, we shall take the abiding of Dudes to extremes never envisioned before. For what are we if not Dudes, and what do we do if not abide? Abiding certainly beats indignity any day.

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk I agree that Marcus’ move was surprising. I believe he caught the ball and knew he could nail the runner. Wasn’t there one out. I don’t remember. Maybe they are out of it with a double play. Who knows. We all know it’s over. They are still fun to watch.

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

Lew, Rock on.

By Lew

August 26, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

Snowball-I shall certainly try. Good evening and do abide, one and all.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 26, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

No, there were Nats on first and third with none out. With one out, Marcus would definitely have gone for two and ended the inning. And there’s a lot to be said for preventing the tying run. But it’s also almost always better to give up a run if you can get two outs and prevent further trouble, and that, as it turned out, would have been the much better play in this case.

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Lew, I have been playing that CD a lot. I can’t listen to “Fireflies” without getting lost in how sexy Jesi Colter is. I will have to go back and actually listen and get out of my fantasies. All the women on that CD get down with their best growl and Tony Joe White does his best to meet them halfway. Thanks, again.

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk, I hear what you are saying, but I think Marcus is still thinking like the pitching staff will do their part.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 26, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

Well, McBride did his part by getting a double-play grounder right at Giles that would clear the bases yet tie the game. And with no one on base and two out, maybe Yates can go more aggressively after Kearns and jam him rather than pitch him away with men on first and second. Hell, probably Yates and his sorry track record for getting crucial outs doesn’t even factor in if Giles goes for the double play, because with nobody on and two outs, Cox probably would have stuck with McBride to pitch to Kearns.

But Skip and Joe had nothing to say about the play, and neither did DOB. But I thought at the time it might come back to hurt them. And it did.

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

I see your point. But Marcus made a good play. He should not have to consider how weak the next pitcher might be.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 26, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

He shouldn’t have considered anything, I think. If the ball is hit sharply to Giles, then the smart baseball play is to turn the double play, let the run score and come to bat in the bottom of the sixth tied instead of trailing 6-4. Even if it had been the go-ahead run at third, I still think the better choice would have been to go for two. The Braves still had four at-bats left.

By Head Coach

August 26, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this

Sigh………. I just don’t know what to say ? How could they not see this coming ? For once , I’m at a loss for words. Got to go clean up the beer cans………. anybody got a fresh six pack ?

By Tom A. Hawk

August 26, 2006 03:01 AM | Link to this

Sorry. The Giles play was in the top of the seventh inning. Braves would have had three at-bats left.

By Adam Worth

August 26, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Lets face it. There’s not enough light beer to blot out the pain inflicted on Braves fans. We’ve all got blue baseballs from being teased for the last 10 years by an organization that never really wanted to go all the way. And now that the run is over, (and it is over), We get to look back and second guess Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz for their dedication to low and away bargain basement bullpens, the Jones Boys, and soft toss girls like Maddux and Glavine. Oh, well. Life sucks and then you spend 80 bucks more a month for upgraded cable to watch a bunch of losers and nancy boys take turns on the DL like dock workers on a 50 cent piece. This Sartre-esque version of hell was actually predicted by Head Coach. DOB panned him for it, but who’s laughing now? Not me.

By Adam Worth

August 26, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

That didn’t sound bitter, did it?

By Curt Gowdy

August 26, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

Attention Journalists:

Why do so many of you keep incorrectly using the term “blown saves?”

Here’s a freebie: Try “blown lead” out and see how it fits.

By MEB

August 26, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

Giles made the right play. Given a golden opportunity (because of Soriano’s poor base running) to stop a run from scoring an infielder should make the play. Giles almost blew that opportunity with a poor throw to McCann, who made a great dig on the ball. In retrospect its easy to say he should go for the DP. As a pitcher I would expect the fielder to prevent a run.

Adam Worth… you are further off base than Soriono was last night. Speaking of “of loser and nancy boy” your post was pathetic.

By ssiscribe

August 26, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

Grinch: Hey, Exit 29 is the “Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island” exit, for U.S. 82 and U.S. 17. Lived out that way for a while and used to snag the Pig on the way home. Could never stomach the tea, though.

We kicked around the coast for six years, mostly on St. Simons Island (hence the first three letters of my screen name; the rest of the name comes from the fact I’ve done a little “scribing” in my time … there’s a new verb for you, Journalist Jimmy).

We moved back to the big city just last week to be closer to family and to take a job that’s a step up the career path and has me home every weekend and every night. Grew up in the ATL and glad to be back, even if the ballclub sucks. Didn’t realize just how much I missed this big ol’ place.

Can anybody pitch here? Still looking forward to hitting The Ted tomorrow. I’ll be the one wandering around Tooner Field with an old school lid and a future first baseman in tow.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Morning all, unexpected temporary access. Adam Worth, you’re not exactly the most optimistic person I’ve ever heard, but an amusing post nonetheless. As for my suspicion regarding last night’s Dunston post, the person I suspected likely would have made a juvenile comment about me late last night. Either they’re growing up, or I was mistaken in my suspicions, in which case I apologize. Brilliant work, whoever it was.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Hey, Scribe. Yeah, that’s a little further down 95 from where I was; never tried the Pig. I’ll have to check it out next time I visit. Lew’s BBQ (no relation) in Twin City was where I usually hung out down there. Funny, I lived about an hour West of where you’re talking about straight down 95 for 10 years, and I bet I visited SS, Jeckyl, Brunswick maybe once each and about a half-dozen trips to Tybee and Savannah. Just really preferred riding dirt roads on my time off, I guess. Bad breakup made me decide to move back up here. I do a little freelance journalism myself, but choose not to name myself so in such austere company. :-)

By Lew

August 26, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Where’s my BBQ-I’m hungry.Are y’all abiding, Dudes? Talk later. Have to go buy a vaccuum cleaner and music.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Just don’t get any music that’s stuck in a vacuum…

By dadgum

August 26, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Well with the fact the Braves are no longer involved in a wild card race and no baseball pundits(ESPN)even having the Braves as players in such race, I just hope the Braves play well enough to finish ahead of Washington and Pittsburgh. Sadly that probably won’t motivate the players but let’s hope we don’t fall to dead last. Remember, this is the easiest stretch of baseball the Braves have on their entire schedule in all 162 games. We lose the series to Pittsburgh and another head shaker last night. Let’s hope people. Let’s hope. It’s all we got.

I’d rather talk about barbeque, Zep, Skynyrd, et al. Here are my top 5 BBQ joints:

1. Pierce’s - Williamsburg,VA
2. Salih’s - Dallas,TX
3. Lexington #1 - Lexington, NC
4. Rendevouz - Memphis,TN
5. Smithfield’s - Smithfield/Dunn,NC (could be any one of the chain’s restaurants) just thought I would include a chain since someone mentioned Sonnys. Sonnys is OK but no Smithfields. Also I have never eaten at Dreamland - maybe one day… I hope.

Well just rambling to get off the Braves stuff. Can’t seem to say the right things there sometimes.

Liked that Jerry Lee Lewis/Jimy Page take on Rock & Roll. Sort of like Great Balls of Fire and Rock & Roll got put in a blender with a few Page riffs thrown in. Not sure you would like it but I did at that moment anyway.

The newest Skynyrd guitarist, goes by “Sparky”, is a tremendous addition. Doesn’t look the Skynyrd part as did Hughie Thomasson but can certainly play circles around him. Well worth the time to see them.

Just wondering, why is that Rooster on the top of the water tower in Wilson, NC on 95. Probably same reason as the peach tower in Gaffney on 85. Been in Wilson for youth world series and kept seeing it and wondering. Kind of cool….

South of the Border may be the cheesiest place in North America. If the billboards don’t make you puke you will when you get there. Why couldn’t God have put that idea in the head of someone in say Equador and called it South of the Equator. Place looks like a ghost town every time I drive by it and for good reason. Unfortunately I drive by it a lot.

Take care and drive safely. Go Braves…please!

By The Grinch

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

Dadgum, what line of work are you in where you’re driving by Equador a lot? Or did I completely misunderstand you? Don’t tell me you’re a “Gov’t Mule!” Hee-hee

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

Alright, Y’all; being yanked off the computer again. May be tommorrow or the next day before I can get back on. Cheers!

By ssiscribe

August 26, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Rendevouz … think I ate there on my one trip in Memphis, to cover my alma mater, Ga. State, lose by 72 points (yes, folks, SEVENTY-FREAKIN-TWO points) at the Pyramid in 1994.

Of course, I ate nothing but barbecue on our trip there. Our point guard at the time was from Memphis, and we ate at all his favorite haunts. Good stuff, except for the game, of course.

Is there a 12-game winning streak in the house? That’s about what it’s going to take to stave off the beginning of Thrashers’ season.

Grinch, welcome back to the big city. Don’t really know how I came up with my screen name. Just pulled it outta thin air one day when I first signed on the blog way back when during the offseason. I scribe, sure, but mainly, I’m a baseball and sports guy who loves good food, good music, my family and life in general.

And, of course, good conversation with my fellow inhabitants of the blogosphere. Good day, all. A birthday party awaits us! Let’s win … the race for fourth in the East is on!!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 26, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

scribe, journalist jimmy smith is quite familiar with the coastal ga area - and has eaten at the ga pig on a few occassions. also, the restaurants on ssi and a fish camp up in darien. journalist must say there is better bbq available to you now than ga pig. several places in atlanta come to mind but scribe must come to marietta to have award winning state champion quality bbq at sam & dave’s. trust journalist on this one. try the sides, too. macaroni and cheese is delightful. now, baseball … journalist awoke this morning feeling as if journalist had consumed a huge platter of bad cheese. but it was not cheese - it was baseball that had journalist jimmy smith out of sorts. ugly, ugly, baseball. six runs should win the game unless you are going to give up seven.

“We can’t hold leads or we can’t move runners over or we can’t score runs in the crucial part of the game,” Yates said. “Something’s got to change soon.”

By 10-7-4

August 26, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

Greetings all—[well almost all]. Just saw where researchers at Newcastle Univ. in U.K., have released a study that finds ‘Global warming causing glaciers to grow’. Now didn’t researchers at Al Gore Univ. find that global warming was causing glaciers to melt? Boy, talk about having your cake and eating it too! Well speaking of eating, and BQ and such, I loved a place near Hartsfield called “The Flying Pig”. Don’t know if it’s still there or not. Also I hear former Cardinals great Bob Gibson has a few barbecue places, and has won some awards.

By The Grinch

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

Greetings again. Ain’t this something. My internet’s been out since last Friday; I come home just now and its suddenly fixed itself. Go figure. Scribe, I got this particular name playing poker, but only a handful of people actually call me that. 35, all I can say about glaciers is that I wish I had one in my pond; it would provide some temperature relief (though the fish might find it chilly). Keep in mind too that this new research is from Newcastle, and they might have been consuming much nut brown ale while compiling information. Also, BBQ should not be used as a projectile; I would be wary of this “Flying Pig” place.

By MEB

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

I wonder if Yates feels that part of the change may involve sending him back to the Aloha state.

Living in Alabama I have enjoyed many BBQ places including the world famous Dreamland BBQ. They used to only offer BBQ, white bread, and tea, ut I understand they do offer a couple of sides now including bananna pudding. YUMMMM!!!

Bob Gibson has apparently opened a couple of stores in Decatur which are receiving critical acclaim.

We have a local place called Larry’s which is excellent and they also do a great Brunswick stew. Hey, its time for lunch!

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Taylor Yikes strikes again.

By The Grinch

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

Funny, I missed the last game or two but last time I saw him pitch a couple of games ago he struck out the side. Looked totally dominant. What is it about our pitchers? Yes, that’s a rhetorical question. Time for lunch, then nap. 35, perhaps Snowball could help you out with glacier information. You know, like a big brother sort of thing. If not, I can vouch for his knowledge of cigars, at any rate. Cheeseburger time.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 26, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

I think we should event a new betting game. How many Tyler Yates pitches does it take to give up a lead. The winner gets to take a shot for every ball that Yates through during his appearance. The trick is to make it to the toilet before throwing up. Of course the real trick is to figure out whether your throwing up from the alcohol or from the performance.

Yikes, this team drives me to drink.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 26, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

Shows how much I’ve been drinking c/through/threw

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Lew, Snowball: I’ve GOT to get that CD. Didn’t know Jessi Colter was on it. She’s incredible. Just got the CD she put out from a few months back, and it’s a must.

Dadgum, I’d strongly recommend you try Mitchell’s Barbecue and Parker’s Barbecue the next time you’re in the Wilson, N.C. area. Absolutely the best.

And Gates and Bryant’s, both in K.C., are the best non-NC BBQ joints I’ve been to. But I’ll take the Eastern NC vinegar-based anytime.

You guys should try the Fox Bros. BBQ that’s sold at Smith’s Olde Bar. I’m telling you, it’s phenomenal. Best BBQ I’ve had in Atlanta. And you can eat it downtstairs in a booth or at the bar, or take it upstairs if you want to eat while a band’s playing. Can’t beat that with a stick, folks.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 26, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

And c/event/invent….geesh I should proofread more. And drink less….I’m going to change my handle to TruedrunkBravesFan

By TrueDrunkBravesFan

August 26, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

DOB…you should warn Cox that if he keeps putting Yates into games he’s going to be responsible for more incidents of DUI and Alcohol related illness

By Goat Horns

August 26, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

Big Ones for the Jones boys!

Another little one to Bobby for having our 2 hottest hitters batting 7th and 8th!

By Tom A. Hawk

August 26, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

Adam Worth, if the Braves leave you frustrated and unfulfilled, you can always just switch off the TV and satisfy yourself.

MEB, it was Felipe Lopez on third. Soriano had already scored on Zimmerman’s single. And it wasn’t bad baserunning. Lopez had to stick close to third so he wouldn’t be doubled off in case Giles was able to catch the ball in the air. When the ball hit the ground, Lopez started home so he would score if Giles opted for the double play. Then he got in a rundown to give the other baserunners a chance to move up, which the Braves quick rundown prevented.

Lopez did exactly the right thing on the play by baiting Giles into throwing home rather than going for the double play. Giles chose wrong.

By TrueDrunkBravesFan

August 26, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

You know I’ve read some posts from people that hope the Braves do well and make a good finish of it. Call me crazy but if the Braves are going to tank I want them to tank all the way. I want them to have the number 1 or 2 draft pick and hopefully find some pitchers that will be early impacters like that Papa….whatever kid in Boston. They need to find some kids in the draft that can leap frog up pretty quick and help this awfull bullpen.

My 2 cents worth

By Adam Worth

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

Tom A. Hawk, Wow, what a neat name. Your mother must be proud.

By Adam Worth

August 26, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

TrueDrunkBravesFan, ditto. The Braves should be playing for the future, not the past.
MEB, I guess Tom A. Hawk told you. Thanks Tom A. Hawk.

By A Nobody

August 26, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, like most, I rarely post but stop regularly to read the blog. I don’t know how many hits your blog gets daily, but it must be considerable.

Don’t you think it’s time to have a certain someone’s IP address blocked? That post today exceeds all boundaries of decency and will be found to be very offensive to many visitors, posters or not. I have 2 boys who love the Braves and like to read about them online. I would hate to have to block the Braves blog on our computer, but it’s time action was taken, don’t you think?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 26, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

anyone know about a yates apple? tiny little apple grown in georgia- a small, hard, tart fruit suitable for making jellies. and that is what happened to yates in the ballgame last night. he turned to jelly. the apple does not fall far from the tree.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 26, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

a nobody, hello! please stop by more often. if and when dob blocks that ip address “several” controversial bloggers will be gone. it is time. now, about carolina lady … can you convince her to slow down? she is not yet fully recovered and journalist can tell she is doing too much already. did you read about the oil changing giraffe? oh, the humanity! carolina lady, jimmy smith has let the secret slip! now, baseball … smoltz has a 6-run lead - looking pretty good.

By A Nobody

August 26, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

Hello, journalist jimmy smith! Thanks! I usually don’t hve time to blog, but do enjoy reading the ‘goings on’ as often as possible.

Yes, I was told about the slipup! lol! She’s forgiven; she’s the kind of person you just can’t get mad at. And, honestly, I don’t see how she’s going now! Her mother’s care is so consuming. My wife and I help when we can but we also have a family, my job, etc, so it isn’t a lot, I’m afraid. Thanks so much for your concern, jjs; I know it is sincere.

As you say - now, baseball: sure am looking forward to next year. This one has been a disaster since day 1.

OK - back on the sidelines! have a good one

By TennesseePaul

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

nathan: Your assesment of the Hudson trade doesn’t make sense. I’ll agree that Bean traded him because he knew he couldn’t afford him once he was a FA (“salary dump” if you like). But to think Bean, or any GM, would trade a guy with Hudsons numbers (at the time) for a bag of balls is foolish. (Bag of balls might be a stretch but you stated: Meaning he didn’t care what, if anything he got back in the trade)
Every GM is going to attempt to trade their players for the most in return, they are trying to win a season and a WS ring. Bean’s folly is that he thought Chuck and Juan were going to be good. He based this on their numbers. Chuck put up the kind of numbers Bean likes.
Take a look: Chuck had a decent OPS (.813) which was improving with more play and he had speed and a .288 AVG. Juan had a winning record (6-2), low ERA (2.75) and a good K/BB ratio (70/30). Meyers was supposed to be something.

Now, here is what happened after the trade:
With Atlanta:
Hudson 14-9 3.52 ERA.

With Oakland:
Chuck: .109 AVG .364 OPS.
Cruz: 0-3 7.44 ERA (22/34) K/BB.
Meyers: hasn’t made the majors yet.
Charles is no longer in the pros. And Juan has been traded.

Hind-sight is 20/20 I supposed. I am not pleased with Hudson’s performance this year. This year he is averaging 6.1 innings per start. He also averages 3.4 ER allowed per start. He has had 19 games, out of 28, allowing 4 or fewer runs (the team is averaging over 5 runs scored a game, so he potentially keeps you in the game). He could be better. Much, much better. He has lost nearly a full inning from his best season (7.1 per start). In his defense though, he is still striking out more than he is walking. And, his worst stretch is from Jun 16th to Jul 29th. Over those 10 starts he was 2-5 with a 7.97 ERA. Removing that stretch from this season he is 8-5 with a 3.57 ERA. Over his last 5 starts he is 2-1 with a 2.97 ERA. So, minus those 10 starts, his Career in ATL is 22-14 with a 3.54 ERA.

You’re original post the other day was something to the affect of Billy Bean is rolling around laughing at the trade. I still say that isn’t true. And that this trade smarts more than it chuckles, from Bean’s perspective.

By Lew

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

Yes, We must abide idiots. It is a shame, but it is a fact of life. It is much like people who put grafitti on walls, though much less artistic. Grinch-no music in a vacuum today. I picked up Jethreo Tull live@ the Isle Of Wight, Exotic Birds and Fruit by Procol Harum and the new Ian Gillan cd (Deep Purple’s lead singer. It has guest appearances by Joe Satriani, Jeff Healey, Janick Gers of Iron Maiden and Steve Morse. Looks interesting. DOB- If you want a copy of the Heroines cd by Tony Joe White, let me know and I’ll take care of it for you.

By TennesseePaul

August 26, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

I went to the movies last night. I missed the latest episode of Bullpen BS with the Braves. But, I can say that Little Miss Sunshine is a pretty funny movie. It’s a shame James had his struggles with command. From reading the article, it sounds as if he learned his lesson. Somewhere, either in DOBs article or Bowmans copy, James said he didn’t throw on his off day. Maybe now he will throw more regularly and be on. 4-1 lead though. Not bad for a guy who walked one an inning.

By MBATL

August 26, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

10Paul, good post about Hudson. I think his last month is Oakland was kind of bad (not terrible, but a couple of bad starts), but not bad enough that it would indicate he had lost it.

It’s a great example of how LITTLE you can expect to get when trading veterans. Nobody is gonna take Giles, Hudson, even AJ, and give us good, young, inexpensive, PROVEN players in return. It’s either gonna be mostly prospects, or high-dollar guys that we can’t afford.

Not saying don’t trade anyone, just saying don’t expect a #2 starter or a leadoff/left fielder in return, unless they’re young and just starting out.

And Nathan, felt like I jumped your case a little the other night (not even sure what the subject was). If so, sorry…

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

10Paul, I rarely post much about baseball, and even more rarely about trades/value, but something about your last post regarding Hudson for Thomas/Cruz makes me want to ask a question. Yes, he has proved to be more valuable straight up, but shouldn’t this also take his salary into consideration? My understanding is that we’re more or less getting what we pay for this year (middling salary, middling pitcher) but isn’t it supposed to jump to 13.5 mill or so next year? I know that number’s probably off, I just seemed to remember it’s supposed to be a considerable increase. And being very payroll concious now, can we afford such for a guy who hasn’t proved in a Brave uniform that he can consistently do anything more than be inconsistent? I think that may have been the point of trading him for a “bag of balls,” to make sure that money next year is spent on someone we fairly well KNOW can throw strikes for the most part. Before you crucify me, keep in mind I’m really just putting in my 2 cents; I’m not pretending to know more than any of you. Just making conversation. BTW Lew, who the hell is Jethreo Tull? Are they kind of like REO Speedwagon? “You gotta roooooolll with the Aqua-lung!”

By Lew

August 26, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Grich-It’s Jethro Tull’s idiot cousin. Otherwise known as Crazy Bastard.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

We must be a famous blog indeed then, for such a gent to be chatting with us! Our ledgendary musical tastes have attracted musical legends… :-)

By Lew

August 26, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Would that it were the legendary singer-songwriter and not said idiot cousin. As per the previous post by Crazy Bastard-Why do I get the distinct feeling that the only eyes he’s seen roll back in their head is the kid he ran over with his bike at age 7?

By Goat Horns

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

No horns today!

Another Halo for Smoltz.

If the bullpen had been better for him he might be talked about as a Cy Young candidate this year.

Another Dunce Cap for Frenchy!

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

You mean CB was 7, or the kid was 7? Or CB was middle aged and still riding a bike (possibly with training wheels) when said accident/purpusful event occured? Inquiring minds want to know. Goat Horns: a halo? Do you mean in an angelic sense, or did he have a severe head/neck injury? I missed the game while napping…forgot it was on! BLAH! Our only starter, too.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Lew, maybe CB wasn’t lying; he could be a lawyer and meant it in a figurative sense…

By TennesseePaul

August 26, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

The Grinch: Next year we pay Hudson 6 million. It’s the two years after that that his salary jumps. But as for performance and salary, I don’t really know. JD Drew is the only guy I can think of that performs up to his salary and no further, and even then only when the salary is on the line. I believe JS was attempting to get another Maddux-esque pitcher out of the deal. Hudsons career numbers with Oakland suggested he could be that type of pitcher. Obviously it hasn’t turned out as such.
My break down of the trade was mainly due to nathan’s persistance that Bean made off better than the Braves. So far Bean hasn’t made off with anything (2 players that haven’t contributed at the pro level and one which dealt him 3 losses). He just gave up a pitcher before he was a FA.
I hope Hudson’s numbers come around. I’m not sure he’s only performing for what he’s paid though. If that’s the case, he’s even more dissappointing than I ever thought.

Basically it’s like this. Hudson had better numbers than Beckett. Yet, the Beckett trade returned more for Florida than the Hudson trade did for Oakland. I’m pretty sure Bean was hoping to return something of similar level with the Hudson deal. Most GM’s would shoot for as much. In this case though, Bean fell far short of achieving such a goal. And that was because he relied to heavily on stats. Had we only kept Hudson for the 1 year and then let him go on the market, we still would have made out well. We would have retained him for a solid season and then recieved draft picks as compensation when he signed else where for 10-13 million a year. But in JS’s defense, we did get him for 3 years at pretty cheap and then 2 years at a high price. The salary jump I think was factored into the rebuilding that JS has been doing over the past two seasons. He figured we could keep a solid veteran to mentor the young arms he was bringing up. I could be wrong, but that seems the most logical reason for all of it.

On that note, I think trading Hudson and Giles with an outfielder could return a quality young pitcher. But I don’t think JS will trade Hudson, despite the looming large salary. We still have enough money to sign someone like Andruw. And Hampton will be making less than 8 million a year for the remainder of his contract, assuming JS spread out the insurance payment he recieved this year. So, that’s not bad. Next year our three veterans will make 8, 7.75, and 6 million. If they all perform like they are capable, it’ll be the best valued rotation in the majors. But that is a big if.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Sounds sensible. I remember how good he was at Oakland (his reputation; I rarely watch AL games) and being excited that we got him. I wasn’t critsizing JS, nor meaning to imply that Hudson was purposefully underperforming. I’m sure the man has some pride, and he hasn’t looked real happy during his bad starts. I’m just thinking that this is a weird situation: NOBODY KNOWS why Hudson isn’t pitching like an ace. NOBODY. He’s still young, and he doesn’t appear to be injured. Unless DonC was right the other day and it has something to do with banning amphetemines, it really doesn’t make any sense. So, it’s reasonable to assume he’ll regain his form, especially in a much weaker league. But, it’s also reasonable to assume he should be in form now; it’s not like this is just a few starts we’re talking about. What if this dude’s like Wohlers and just inexplicably has lost it, never to be found again? Can we afford to assume anything under the looming payroll hatchet of corporate ownership? I’d hate to be JS right now trying to make these decisions.

By TennesseePaul

August 26, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Yeah, this is a tough one to figure. I don’t want to think that it is the lack of greenies doing it, I put Braves players on a high pedestal. It’s a bias, I know, but it’s my favorite team so charge me guilty. But, from the reports, “every one” used to do them. I’m not sure that’s entirely true, but it would imply a lot did and it’d be foolish to think no body on the Braves ever did. If that’s the case, then maybe next year he’ll perform better. We can only hope. His salary is going to make him unmovable if he’s not pitching well. It’ll cripple the team. The only way out from such burdons is the DL like Gange.

Did you read the latest on the Sale? There’s an article on the main Braves page here at the AJC. It really offers little, but it does toss around numbers. If this team gets sold to Liberty as intended and the IRS says it’s a no go on the taxes, they’ll be out aroun 500 million. That’d put a dent in the salary. But, if it works, then there is reason to believe that the salary can stay the same. It’s our only hope.

By Lew

August 26, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Grinch-They were probably both 7, but the kid who got run over grew up.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Hee-hee. I bet he wears a “special helmet” and “special shoes.” 10Paul, I aprreciate your loyalty regarding the Braves and drugs, and it does seem like we’ve not had anyone exposed from this team in recent years (I still think this is the reason we traded Spooneybarger; heard of him since the ban?), however, keep in mind Huddy’s been in Cali where ANYTHING can go down. Plus he went to Auburn and is therefore suspect to begin with. However, if it WAS drugs we’re talking about, maybe he can pull a Giambi and suddenly realize after a season or two he doesn’t need them. Or maybe I’m just doing like everyone else and throwing darts in the dark ‘cause I can’t come up with anything else. I agree though, if he regains even most of his form next year’s rotation looks good. I think Hampton will surprise some folks. Gonna go mix a drink in preparation for the Falcons game; be back shortly.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Dang, I just thought of that. He was on the same team as Giambi when Jason suddenly started to look like a tree trunk. Obviously they hung out…conspiracy theories abide. Mind you, I’m not casting any stones regarding character. I absorb some banned substances myself fairly regularly, but then I don’t sign little kid’s autographs either.

By TommyB

August 26, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

The Flying Pig… I missed the original post on this one but I know the place. It’s right off Virginia Avenue in Hapeville (just outside the Delta campus on the north end of the airfield).

If I remember correctly though, it’s changed hands and names.

And the quality was decent. Huge brick oven that dominates the place (small). Not the place to go eat in mid-day in the summer.

I tend to like things more Texas-style (but that’s not where I’m from) or Memphis/St. Louis style. IOW, Dry Rub, I guess. With maybe some kind of (non-sweet) sauce on the side occasionally.

Any places like that in ATL?

Oh. One place comes to mind that sort of does multiple styles with flair (and they have blues upstairs on the weekends). It’s on Main St. in Alpharetta and it’s called Smokejack.

DAMN. We are one superstitious bunch… ain’t we?

By TennesseePaul

August 26, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

I sign autographs for little kids all the time. It confuses the hell out of ‘em. Who was that masked man?

I’m watching the FOX game today. Out here it’s the Angeles and Yankees. These announcers are so terrible. They tried to make a reference to the movie Major League. But then stupidly said Omar Epps played Willie Mays Hays. If I were Snipes and go kick the ever lovin’ sh!t out of ‘em. Here’s another lame quote: They say the good teams never get too hot or too cold. Well these Giants are like bunji jumpers. Every time you count them out, they come storming back. What a good team.

By MEB

August 26, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk you are absolutely correct on Soriano, my bad. I don’t think Lopez was baiting Giles on the play and I believe in a tight game preventing the run from scoring is the best option. Baseball is certainly a lovely game with tactical decisions made in a split second.

Adam Worth… Hey I’ve been told many times before, but I’m not throwing this team under the bus, like you did in your post.

By TommyB

August 26, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Falcons game? What Falcons game?

I apologize Grinch, et. al., but I’m not much of an NFL fan… and not too much of an NCAA fan.

Is this another exhibition game?

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

I really, genuinely loathe sports cliches. I hope you’re not like me and and someone who lives and breathes football, because incredibly poor announcing and bad cliches are much, much more prevalent. Not because it’s a stupid sport, but most people who are watching either already understand it, in which case there isn’t much to say, or they don’t and certainly won’t want to try to learn the finer points from you in three hours, which is impossible. So they’re reduced to Madden drawing circles around people with his light pen and stating the completely obvious, or Al Michaels completely butchering the English language. I actually heard him say this last Monday night: “(I forget the player’s name) has a uniqueness about him that not too many other players in this league have.” Not only did he modifiy the word unique, but he actually suggested that players in other leagues besides the NFL might have more “Uniqueness.” You can just picture Madden chuckling and drawing a circle around his steak and potatoes he’s stuffing down while announcing. And this was a pre-season game! Picture ‘em when they get warmed up (plus they’ve been doing it together about 30 years already). Another one of my favorites is “This guy’s a real PHYSICAL player.” No $#%@. Reckon that’s why he’s playing football and not on the debate team? Tommy, I agree; Memphis BBQ jams.

By TennesseePaul

August 26, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is so frickin good. He should stick around until he can’t toy with no-hitters every start. He’s 39. Old, but showing very little sign of it. I’d like to see him pitch after next year. Suppose that’ll have to be decided after next year though. He’s getting closer and closer to 3,000 Ks (2,743).

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry; yes. Second to last Pre-season Game. Falcons-Titans at 8 on NBC. The Bucs are playing on CBS at the same time, but only people with no taste like Lew will be watching them. :-) If you bother watching it, remember it doesn’t count and much of it (at least the second half) will be played to evaluate back-ups. It’s mostly for the die-hard, or really bored. The former in my case. Plus, the Falcons two biggest recent pick-ups, who will likely dramatically be altering their season’s success, won’t even suit up tonight.

By Glass Half Full

August 26, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

That ‘stache Nick Johnson has makes him look totally like a late ’70s/early’80s porn star.

By Lew

August 26, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Rave on. The Bucs still own the Falcons. We know who Michael Vick’s daddy is. It is Mr. Derrick Brooks. Case closed.

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

Yeah, GHF; he should have a real funky @$$ bass-line as intro music when he bats. Knock-knock. “Who’s there?” “Plumber, Ma’am.” “Is your tool big enogh for the job?” Cue Nick Johnson’s music…

By The Grinch

August 26, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

He’ll eventually grow old and die, Lew, and Vick will still be reasonably young. Besides, we have a defence now. With the pick up of Grady Jackson the other day, even ESPN said the Falcons have potentially one of if not the best defensive lines in the game. Go eat some pie!

By Lew

August 26, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

Yes, I will abide and eat pie. Just what is the Falcon’s record against the Bucs in the Vick era? Oh yeah, 0-2 for every year Vick has played the Bucs. Isn’t that 0-8 or 0-10 now. Derrick Brooks will extend his career just so he can keep sacking Vick. Or intercepting him. Or recovering his fumbles. Having a defense will not save Vick’s rear end from being smashed into the turf by Derrick Brooks, or Simeon Rice, or Booger MacFarlane, or Ronde Barber. Who’s your daddy Michael? Derrick Brooks (although he probably isn’t the father of Vick’s illegitimate-acting brother Marcus-no one wants to claim him).

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

A Nobody, thanks much for your post. I just saw it. I forwarded it to the AJC.com folks and suggested to them that I agreed with you that the loser’s IP address should be blocked. What can I say, there’s some people with very little else in their lives, who get a charge out of drawing a reaction. It’s why I’m even reluctant to answer you, because the sad little person will probably get excited and fire off a few more posts now.

See, he doesn’t know anything about sports, music, BBQ, books, movies or anything else, so he spews senseless bile. that’s his contribution. Sad, but true.

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’ll see if I can find that CD at the used store, Ella Guru. If not, I might take you up on your offer.

TennPaul, I thought Little Miss Sunshine was hilarious. Great cast, and you gotta love the push-start scenes with the van. LOL, indeed.

I guess it goes without saying, but folks, we’re seeing something special in 39-year-old Mr. Smoltz. Check out these figures, by the way, from game story I filed that should be posted soon:

The Braves are 27-34 at home this season, and Smoltz is 8-1. Since July 26, he is 4-0 with a 1.97 ERA in four home games, and the rest of the Braves are 2-10 with a 6.03 ERA.

Smoltz has won six consecutive home starts since July 3, posting a 2.11 ERA in those while piling up 51 strikeouts with only three walks in 47 innings. That’s RIDICULOUS!

By the way: Francoeur (sore ribs) says he’s going to try to play tomorrow. Bobby said he’ll probably have to rest. I’d bet on him playing, since he’s started every game.

Marcus Giles has hit .358 in his past 27 games, including 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs today

Andruw Jones is 1-for-24 with one RBI in his past eight games. He’s hit .192 with five homers, 23 walks and 26 strikeouts in his past 30 games….

Chipper’s last 35 games: .413 (57-for-138) with 13 doubles, two triples, 13 homers, 35 RBIs, 19 walks, .473 OBP, and OPS just below 1.300.

By Mike M

August 26, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

Anyone checked the pitching stat leaders in the NL lately?!….pretty mediocre stuff for the most part….with a solid final 6 weeks, Smoltzy would definitely merit some serious Cy Young consideration….Trachsel and Marquis among those tied for 2nd in wins?!…unreal. Zambrano’s been dominant at times but the Cubs record is even more embarrassing than the Braves’ and he has nearly 100 walks. John is very near the top of the leaderboard in innings, wins, strikeouts, and is climbing the e.r.a ladder. He trails only Carpenter in WHIP. If the Braves don’t catch fire for the final month of the season, a Cy Young run would at least be some consolation.

By TennesseePaul

August 26, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Mike: Wow, I hadn’t noticed that Smoltz creeped back near the top in wins. Had all those Blown Saves not occured, he’d have it for sure. The Cy Young is a “W” award. If he comes out with the most, or tied for the most, He’ll probably get it based on the sheer dominance he has been displaying. I sure hope he does. That’d be incredible. I’d like to see the batting title in the Braves as well. Maybe Chipper or McCann can get on a streak and over take Sanchez. I’m really hoping Sanchez has a run in with a rough patch.

Smoltz’s numbers are better than Glavines.

By TommyB

August 26, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

With the numbers that Smoltz has (per your analysis, Dave OB), one has to wonder about the possibility of the rental question (as in Tigers) within the next 3 days.

By Daytona Beach Seabreeze

August 26, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. are you a fan of John Mellancamp? I just popped in his CD…”The best that I could be” today, and I really forgot how great his songs are. Not a bad tune on the entire CD.

By TennesseePaul

August 26, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

TommyB: There is no chance of Smoltz being traded.

By Snowball's Chance

August 26, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, there is always a lull in the blog about 3AM. How about adding the sound of the banner grinding away at that last screw. Nice image. Makes me think of deserted towns in spaghetti westerns.

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

I love that. I really wish it would start swinging, just for a few minutes. That’s be priceless.

TommyB, TennPaul is exactly right _ No way, no how Smoltz is being traded this year. Or this winter. No way. There’d be fans marching on Turner Field with torches if it happened. Remember, $8 mill next year, for a guy who’s going to finish in the top 5 in the Cy Young balloting, and perhaps top 2 or 3. And Mike M’s right. If he keeps this up another month, gets 15-16 wins, he’ll be a strong candidate to win it.

Seabreeze, I love Mellancamp, man. And that CD is incredible. So much good stuff. Man doesn’t get his due for being a great songwriter, probably because he’s had a few huge hits, so music snobs tend to dismiss him. He’s great.

Did you get that bonus DVD with that greatest-hits CD? Very cool.

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

You guys want a great, overlooked CD: The soundtrack to the little-seen movie “Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus.”

It’s produced by Jim White, great North Florida songwriter who writes tales of the swamp and the South and general darkness. Awesome songwriter, incorporates subtle electronic weirdness into his otherwise organic, bluesy sound.

The CD has a few songs by him, a spoken-word intro by Harry Crews (if you’re familiar with that demented genius Southern writer, you know the sort of vibe I’m talking about), and songs by Cat Power, Handsome Family, David Johansen, David Edwards (from 16 Horsepower), Lee Sexton, Doc Watson, etc.

Great CD. Got it on right now.

By David O'Brien

August 26, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Here’s a synopsis of the movie, to give you better idea of the soundtrack (I haven’t seen the movie, by the way):

“Alt country singer Jim White drives a souped up and beat up Chevy Impala through a hard-scrabble underworld of Pentecostal church, trailer park, coal mine, prison and truck stop, where the secular and spiritual are joined at the hip. With dramatic musical interludes _ as well as grisly stories from the cult Southern novelist Harry Crews _ the film dissolves the borders between story, song and poetry, in an atmospheric bayou of pure evocation.”

As the dude on Entourage might say, “Does that sound like something that might interest you?” I know it does me. The Dude abides.

By Daytona Beach Seabreeze

August 26, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

D.O.B—I figured you would be a fan of “Cougar” gadging from your other musical interests. I saw the Greatest Hits in store and was intrested in getting it, one for me and my dad, but didn’t have the cash on hand. And I totally agree with your assesment that the man doesn’t get his due. Was actually going to touch on that in my original post. I still remember the days when my dad would pop in the record (yes record….) “Scarecrow” when I was about 6 or 7 yrs of age. Those are some great memories.

By Daytona Beach Seabreeze

August 26, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

Looking at my first post…meant to say “The Best That I Could Do” not “The Best That I Could Be.”

By journalist jimmy smith

August 26, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

news story from journalist jimmy smith - a call tonight from willard wurlitzer to this journalist confirms that the wurlitzer prize winner for journalismn has been determined. willard wurlitzer would not reveal who won the wurlitzer prize this year - only that there is a winner. as some will know, dob, a beat writer for the ajc has been nominated for the coveted prize. when the announcement is made this journalist will report the news for it would not be wise to withhold word of the winner of the wurlitzer when word of the wurlitzer winner wends its way to this writer. whew!

By Daytona Beach Seabreeze

August 26, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Yes, DOB’s right. Can we please forget the “is Smoltz going to be traded?” curiosities? I mean, he is one of the best and greatest bargains in baseball. You should see some of the players in the MLB that are making $8 million, and you would be shaking your head in wonder thinking “if these lads are worth $8 million, Smoltzies worth $20….”

There’d be a lynch mob if he was moved.

By Carolina Lady

August 26, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, jimmy smith! You’re a good person, ya know that??

DOB, I love the mental vision of that sign slowly swinging in the passing breeze and the screeching of the remaining rusty nail holding it in place. Perfect! :-))

By ssiscribe

August 26, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, I could write an entire blog on the great eating along the coast. Brogen’s. Crab Trap. Dressner’s. Skipper’s Fish Camp. Mudcat Charlies. Blackbeards. Ah, the coast. I do miss the seafood.

I’m looking forward to slippin’ away on a Saturday night and checking out the music scene, though. I miss the big-city culture, I guess. DOB, Smith’s sounds like a winner, with the BBQ and the tunes factored in to everything.

Back to Journalist Jimmy, I grew up about 20 minutes west of Marietta (at a time when, if you wanted to go to Hooters — where I saw Otis’ great catch during the big winning streak in 1992 — you had to go to Cumberland. I must go and get some BBQ at the place you recommended.

For the record, because scribes are all about reporting for the public interest, Hudson’s in Douglasville was covered up with cars and people when I passed it today.

OK, off to bed. I take my oldest to The Ted tomorrow. Honestly, we’re six back in the wild card, but I’ve pretty much given up hope … for now. If we get back in it, great. Otherwise, the last month is about introducing my kids to the Braves in person.

Outta here.

—30—

By Lew

August 26, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Well, well well,word of the Wurlitzer winner is in the wind. Well may we wonder who will win the Wurlitzer. One well might wish for it to be an abiding Dude, wouldn’t one? Seabreeze, The Lonesome Jubilee rocks, also.

By old timer

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

Just checkin’ in. Season has gotten worse, but blog has improved. Not as much negativity. Nice Carolina Lady stuff and Jimmy Smith just gets funnier, and others made me laugh, too. All we need is a winning streak to steal the wild card. What a story it’ll make.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 26, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, thanks very much. journalist is flattered that carolina lady would say that. journalist felt the need to nominate dob for the wurlitzer since the pulitzer people were so snooty on the phone with jimmy smith. imagine that they never heard of dob! do they not read this blog? journalist has did everything journalist knows to do to elicit this award for dob but the proof is in the journalism. to clary, if dob wins it will be because of dob’s own cutting edge journalism and startling toe revelations. dob may not win this year but dob is now known to a lot of people who have to realize toes are difficult to cover journalistically. this may bode well for future prize consideration. we shall see.

now, scribing away in atlanta is ssiscribe late of st. simons island. last time jimmy smith was at the crab trap on st. simons journalist had a short wait in the outside lobby before a table was ready. journalist was soon seated and proceeded to devour many fried shrimp that night. journalist also is fond of the grouper sandwich at brogens - the one next to the lighthouse. now, scribe will enjoy a visit to sam & dave’s and will find many bbq competition trophies on display in the restaurant. worth the drive. journalist hopes that scribe and little scribe enjoy the game and the time together tomorrow. jimmy smith has some good memories of doing that with sons little jimmy smith, tiny jimmy smith, and of course, baby seal.

By TennesseePaul

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

Smoltz’s first three-ball count came with one out in the eighth, against Robert Fick. Smoltz struck him out

I love it. It just makes me smile. He is kicking so much @ss!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 26, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

pie. yes, pie. it is too late for pie but pie is drawing this journalist to the kitchen. pie and cold milk. can journalist resist? nope - journalist out.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

TennPaul, how ‘bout Smoltz giving up a triple to snap his perfecto bid, then striking out the next two guys to get out of the inning. Dude is absolutely a … I won’t use term warrior, because that’s a cliche that doesn’t really apply to baseball players. But he’s a gritty old dude, to say the least.

Jimmy, Wurlitzer would be preferred to the Pulitzer, for two reasons _ 1. I ain’t winning the pulitzer anytime soon for writing about the braves toes and bullpen woes and 2., A man of the people would always prefer the blue-collar award anyway, and the wurlitzer is certainly representative of that, right?

“The Lonesome Jubilee” is Johnny Cougar’s (aka Mellencamp) best, for me (as Bobby C would say). But so many great ones. Small Town, for a single song, never gets old, especially for those of us who spent a good portion of our lives in just such a hayseed little town.

“Human Wheels” is great. How ‘bout “Rough Harvest Sessions?” Tremendous best-of raw versions. And “Trouble No More” from a few years ago, with that song Baltimore Oriole (the baseball team can only dream of being as good as that song).

SSISCRIBE, go to Smith’s next time a good band’s playing, or even if none is playing. Get the BBQ, play some pool, the place is great. And the BBQ _ you’ll be amazed how good it is. Really. I know I was.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this

Wow, just got an e-mail from the tech folks. I won’t embarrass anyone by letting the others here know where the C.B. loser posts are coming from, because I was a bit shocked myself, since an interesting and lucid set of posts has since come from the same computer.

But I will say, dude, you either need to watch who’s filing posts on your computer, or, if it’s you actually filing under those various screen names, you should seek help. Because any single individual capable of writing as divergent posts as those coming from your computer, has some issues.

Just so you know, your IP address has been noted and when the people who are authorized to block get it get in on Monday morning, they will do so if they see another vile (and I might add, just lame and unfunny) post from you. Just giving you a tip. You know who you are, and so do we.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 01:39 AM | Link to this

Amen and Selah. May we all abide. Good Night.

By Snowball's Chance

August 27, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

I enjoy this blog. I have only taken part in one other. It was a cigar blog and I learned a lot. Once the people with “issues” found it, the people paying the freight decided to pull the plug. DOB, weren’t you given 7 or 10 minutes of company time? We all, who bother to read your posts and see where your passions lie, realize that you put a lot of time and yourself into this. DOB will abide.

By Snowball's Chance

August 27, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this

The creepy thing is that I feel that the same person making the negative posts is also making good ones. What the …?

By Head Coach

August 27, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

I cant tell you guys how happy I am at the moment. I’m originally a Columbus native and to see a little league team from my hometown going for the little league world championship makes up for some of the lost season the Braves are having. Go you Northern little leaguers and make Columbus proud on sunday !!

By Snowball's Chance

August 27, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this

Head Coach The Oregon team is a suburb of my hometown. Congratulations. The thing that killed me was that only one player on Columbus named a Brave as his favorite player-Marcus Giles-and one Oregon player named Chipper Jones. Pujols is the favorite of these kids going away. I guess the Braves are not America’s team anymore..

By Snowball's Chance

August 27, 2006 02:21 AM | Link to this

The LLWS was big news in Portland. I was wondering why more Georgians haven’t weighed in. I was watching a few nights ago when the Beaverton coach was cussing out his pitcher and berating kids for striking out. I had to keep rooting for the kids but it brought back bad memories of organized sports. My best memories are of playing ball with friends with no adults around.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

Mornin’ All,

Dave, 10Paul, et.al, I’m not speculating that Smoltz could be traded, as in “gone.” Just a rental to the team of his home, where his family works/worked… to the team where he came from… and back here for next year.

This year is over. We have 3 days left before rosters have to be set. He has already said he’d like to do it “if it will help the Braves get better.” Right after he said that the Braves started playing better and the chances of us making the postseason looked somehow within reach.

That’s gone now. And there are a few days left to make that short-term deal. One which could “help the Braves get better.”

I’m not saying it’s going to happen. Just that it just might.

By TommyB

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

For cryin’ out loud folks,

Read what I said in the post. I specifically said rental.

That obviously means we GET HIM BACK next year.

I would not entertain any notion WHATSOEVER (er, let me qualify that… I’m sure there would be a deal that would make it impossible to refuse) whereby Smoltz would be traded away and GONE.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

It Would Have One Mighty Cosmic Ring To It

1987: Out of contention Braves trade Alexander to Majorly Contending Tigers for prospect Smoltz. Alexander goes 9-0 for Tigers who go on to win 98 games and their Division (but lose to the yucky Twins in the CS… Twins only won 88 games).

1991-2006: Prospect Smoltz goes on to the Heights of Glory, becoming the winningest pitcher in post-season, a Cy Young winner, MVP… just to name a few. Plus, at the age of 39, he leads the league in innings pitched.

2006: Smoltz rejoins his hometown former team… the Tigers… in yet another title run, helps them go on to a World Series title. Braves wind up with cash and 3 top prospects.

2007: Smoltz has another classic season with the Braves. One of the new prospects makes the rotation and has a promising first year in the majors.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

Plus… Smoltzie would LOVE to do it.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Tommy-I’m not sure how you think we could “rent” Smoltz. He is under contract to the Braves for next year. If we give him up, he’s gone. They don’t have to give him back and he would have to play out his contract, become a free agent and THEN return in 08. Dude, give up this line of thinking. It won’t happen. Smoltz doesn’t want to go anywhere, no matter how much you think he would like to play for Detroit. Besides, no one is going to give up cash and three top prospects for him. Won’t happen. Look at what was offered for Andruw, who is only 29. It was nothing close to three prospects and cash. You, my friend, must be living interdimensionally if you think this scenario is even a vague possibility. Please come back to earth orbit.

By KC

August 27, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Let me be the lone voice in the night to say… if you can believe it… we’re still not out of this thing. It’s not stating the obvious to say “it’s over”. Hear me out…

The Braves are only 5 games back in the loss column from the Wild Card lead. There are 8 teams ahead of the Braves, with no more than 2 games (in the loss column) separating ATL from 5 of those 8. I think you can disregard the D-Backs and the Brewers… neither team has the talent it will take to win this thing. That leaves 6 teams to be concerned with. Here’s where we learn that Atlanta will have their destiny largely in their own hands. Of those 6 teams, the Braves will play 4 of them between now and the end of the season: FLA-3 games, PHI-7 games, SF-3 games, HOU-3 games.

The reality is that the Braves have to go at least 24-10 in their remaining 34 games to have any chance. If they can do that, they will have a great shot of catching the Reds and the Padres. And since the will have to beat all of the other Wild Card contenders in the process, a 24-10 or a 25-9 stretch from here on out might very well be enough to get it done. That will not be easy, but it is possible. The Braves do have the talent to play that kind of baseball. With Smoltz, Hudson, and James at the top of the rotation, and even Villareal coming through (let’s keep our fingers crossed today), along with Wickman at the end of the bullpen and a potent offense, the Braves are far have more ability than any other team in this race.

The 2 questions that will decide the Braves chances are this: Can the starters keep up the good work, and can at least one or two of our middle relievers step up? If those two questions have positive answers, the Braves could find themselves back in the thick of a post-season hunt once again.

Don’t get me wrong… I’m not betting on the Braves to come back and win this thing. I lost a lot of faith in this team after they found a way to drop a series to the Pirates at home. My point is simply that believe it or not… it’s still not “over”. I think the Braves do have the ability to win 24 or 25 of their remaining games. I’m not holding my breath by any means… but I thought it was at least worth pointing out.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

KC- I’m really glad you’re not holding your breath. I’d hate to lose you on this blog. Cosistency, dude. That’s what the Braves need the most and what they have shown the least. Let’s put this into perspective here. Yes, there is a mathematical possibility that the Braves could do it. First, we need to get back to .500. If we keep “winning series” like most propose, we would have to win the next 8 series by a 2-1 margin, just to be at .500. That would leave us 2 series, one with the Mets and one with the Astros, who are also fighting for the wildcard, for us to win. I have not seen anything to indicate that we can play at close to a .667 clip. With the exception of around the all star break, we haven’t done anything resembling this kind of play. I just don’t see that all cylinders are clicking right now and they would have to be to stand a chance. I’ll settle for a .500 season at this point. We are not going to the playoffs. It would take a minor miracle.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

dob has come out in favor of the wurlitzer. let’s hope dob is not disappointed when the selection committee weveals the wurlitzer winner. this journalist did all within jimmy smith’s power to wrangle from willard wurlitzer the name of the the wurlitzer winner without waiting until wednesday. still, willard would only weveal that the winner will win early next week. dob was modest in his post but it should be pointed out that toe journalism is courageous journalism - not since ralph mcgill has there been an ajc journalist with a toe beat. it is hoped that this will sway things in dob’s favor. we must wait with wonderment for word on the wurlitzer winner.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Francoeur’s in the lineup. No surprise there. Called Bobby at 8:30 a.m. today to tell him not to count him out, that he wanted to play. He’s gonna play all 162, barring serious injury.

TommyB, look at Lew’s 10:28 post, because he lays out EXACTLY why there is no way, no possible way, that Smoltz is going to be “rented” to Detroit this year and come back to Atlanta next. It’s NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. PERIOD. OK? Good.

And I don’t know why you keep saying John wants to do it, that he’d love to do it, etc. He’s told us nothing of the sort. You’re just speculating and assuming. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

Back from my bike excursion.

OK. I hear what everyone says, and it will likely play out just that way.

But, deals can be worked out any way all the parties agree. Yes, even baseball GMs can think outside their sox.

If Dave Dombrowski, John Schuerholz, and John Smoltz were to all agree that Smoltz goes to the Tigers for the remainder of 2006 and back here in 2007, you can bet your sweet and sour bippies, it would happen.

Just because it isn’t commonplace, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Just look at Clemens’ arrangement this year. Look at what’s being discussed for his “monthly” fee arrangements for 2007.

Such arrangements… “creative” if you want to think of them that way… not only happen all the time throughout the business world, but as we see with Clemens, are entering into the world of MLB.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

PS - Come on. Go back and look at what Smoltz said in late June (right when things were at their bleakest). And -in context-.

Why would he say that if he wouldn’t want to do it? He cannot be traded or moved in any way without his permission.

It’s his hometown. It’s the team that brought him up. It’s the team where his dad (or granddad) works (or did work). More than that, Smoltz is a COMPETITOR. A Gladiator. He’s never had an October in which he hasn’t been able to Gladiate in the Big Collosseum since 1990 He’s nearing the end of his opportunities.

Sorry, but I disagree in that (a) this IS a possibility and (b) Smoltz would relish the opportunity to do this. All indicators are that he would jump at the chance. Tell me one indication that he wouldn’t.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

How does Clemens relate to this? Only way Clemens could relate to this is if Astros had an option on his contract for next season and agreed to “rent” him to Boston or New York, then bring him back to Houston for next season.

Personally, I’m done with this irrelevent conversation. Sorry. You can’t keep discussing, your prerogative. But since it’s not happening, hasn’t been discussed, and isn’t going to be discussed, I’m done until something changes. Sorry.

Is there anybody out there today watching the game?

By P

August 27, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

Andruw isn’t staying on the ball and using all fields. What’s frustrating is that he has the power to drive it to all fields. It’s also frustrating that everyone in the park knows that he will see at least 2-4 pitches on the outer half of the plate ever at bat. Yet, he doesn’t look for it and drive it the other way. It’s ridiculous that his follow through has him falling ON his back knee. On a slow ground ball to 3rd or SS (that’s what happens when you pull off a pitch on the outer half), how is he going to have a chance to beat it out when he is picking himself off the ground from a wild swing? Why would we pay 17 MIL a year to a guy that just refuses to get “it”. He gave us some good years, but it’s time to get younger and add some needed pitching.

By supergrass

August 27, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

lots of dogs watching the game today- i love going to baseball games but not at bark at the park promotions. its the absolute worst.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

meant to say, you CAN keep discussing, of course. Your prerogative. But I’ll sit this one out. Not happening. Period. Not. Happening.

By Cowpoke Duane McClary

August 27, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Listening to the game on my transistor radio and posting on my balckberry while mending fences. It’s great to be a cowpoke in this modern age.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Yep. I see dogs running wild everywhere. Did you bring yours?

Is Francouer playing hurt?

And the Clemens tie-in is only in the sense that it’s “outside the box” arrangements for a highly-in-demand, future HOF’er still at the top of his game, pitcher. Big difference with the Smoltz/Clemens comparison though is that Smoltz wins in October.

Yes, let’s watch the game. : + ) I’m having fun…

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Supergrass, the dogs are so far up above the left-field bleachers, the vast majority of fans here won’t even see them. not like bark in park promotions at other places, where the dogs are visible out in a prime seating section.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

uh, they’re not running around everywhere. sorry. i wish they were (I love dogs), but they’re not. i had to get my binocs out just to see the dogs up in the left-field upper deck. none visible anywhere else in the stadium, at least not out in the seating sections. maybe beneath on the concourse.

By Cowpoke Duane McClary

August 27, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Well, this season is winding down and the Braves had better get it togther real soon.

I’d say the Braves need to “cowboy up” - but that expression is a little old now.

We need a new cowpoke expression:

TENTS UP, Bravos!

By supergrass

August 27, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

thanks for that information. but i unknowingly went to one at dolphins stadium this year and i threw up….seemed like the dogs were everywhere. im not a big dog fan and then they play that awful song “who let the dogs out” over and over again doesnt help

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

yes, jimmy smith is recording this game journalistically in case there is a snafu with dob. back-up journalists must be ever vigilant.

commentary - chip caray just revealed that for a pet he has a “bunny”. journalist jimmy smith is not altogether surprised. now, if the announcers get soft, so does the team. iamgine a bunny for a pet! no wonder that this team can no longer hit and run - no longer hit the cutoff man - no longer lead the division. a bunny! and is this the reason chip caray did not play well in tough town chicago? did the braves not do a background check on his pet preferences? a bunny is a sissy pet for a professional baseball announcer. better to have a seal than a bunny. journalist has lost all respect for chip caray who has no dog in today’s dog show. of course, chip caray is all set for bunny day at the ted in september.

now, titanium necklaces and magnets on the field. are such devices approved by mlb? we know that there is a provision in the official rules of mlb for toe plates - but what of magnets, titanium, seeds, and spittle? why more players do not wear toe plates this journalist does not understand.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Judging from the dearth of blog responses, no need for me to post a new one today. So I’ll just go with this (seems appropriate)

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN by Kris Kristofferson

Well I woke up Sunday morning,/With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt.

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad,/So I had one more for dessert.

Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes,/And found my cleanest dirty shirt./

An’ I shaved my face and combed my hair,/An’ stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.

I’d smoked my brain the night before,/On cigarettes and songs I’d been pickin’.

But I lit my first and watched a small kid,/Cussin’ at a can that he was kicking.

Then I crossed the empty street,/’n caught the Sunday smell of someone fryin’ chicken.

And it took me back to somethin’,/That I’d lost somehow, somewhere along the way.

On the Sunday morning sidewalk,/Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned./’Cos there’s something in a Sunday,/Makes a body feel alone.

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’,/Half as lonesome as the sound,/On the sleepin’ city sidewalks:/Sunday mornin’ comin’ down.

In the park I saw a daddy,/With a laughin’ little girl who he was swingin’.

And I stopped beside a Sunday school,/And listened to the song they were singin’.

Then I headed back for home,/And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin’.

And it echoed through the canyons,/Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.

On the Sunday morning sidewalk,Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned./’Cos there’s something in a Sunday,/Makes a body feel alone.

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’,/Half as lonesome as the sound,/On the sleepin’ city sidewalks:/Sunday mornin’ comin’ down.

By supergrass

August 27, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

favorite beer for breakfast- corona opposed by favorite beer for dinner red stripe, hooray for beer!

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

As the man sitting a foot to my left in the pressbox would say, selah.

By Cowpoke Duane McClary

August 27, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

When this cowpoke is out on the prairie, there’s nothing like some barbecued rabbit for dinner. And beans!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

well, chip caray will be writing no country music songs. imagine singing about your bunny getting run over by a pickup truck. not going to happen. dob has jimmy smith cryin’ some today with those tearful song lyrics - either it’s that or the performance of this braves team so far today. and where is journalist bob? is this not his day to return?

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

DOB, you’ve heard Cash sing that, yes? I love the line ” my cleanest dirty shirt”

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

dob, the old journalist is there today? not on st. simons? we must ask scribe if he would run into the old journalist there. bet the old journalist doesn’t have a pet bunny. a foot is pretty close proximity to the old journalist. watch yourself.

did bobbycox bring dogs to the game today? journalist jimmy smith has teed one up for somebody.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 27, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, I asked a legitimate baseball question yesterday about the Giles play Friday and got zero response. But I suppose Kristofferson lyrics are deeper and more meaningful than any insight you could provide.

By Another Nobody

August 27, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

Now look what someone posted:

On the Sunday morning sidewalk,Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned./’Cos there’s something in a Sunday,/Makes a body feel alone.

Don’t you think it’s time to have a certain someone’s IP address blocked? That post today mentions illicit (and illegal!) drug use and is very offensive to many visitors, especially those with children. It’s time action was taken, don’t you think?

By Shirley

August 27, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

When are the Braves going to have Meow in the Park day. There are more pet cats than dogs? We can turn the Brave’s bullpen into a litterbox.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 27, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

I think the IP addresses should be blocked of anyone wanting to talk baseball on this food and music site. I mean, why get our hopes up?

I’ll leave y’all to your pontifications of barbecue and Southern rock and other diverse subjects. It wouldn’t be so bad, except baseball runs like a distant fourth or fifth as a topic of discussion here. Just shows how distracted most Braves fans get when you remove winning from the equation.

By elbravox

August 27, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

Prohibition also lasted 14 years, who would have thought? Say what you want, our 1st baseman is soon to be top 5 in the N.L.

By MEB

August 27, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

There is certainly something in a Sunday for Kris, but it has nothing to do with getting stoned. Now fryn’ chicken is certainly a worthy thing to do on a Sunday. Fried chicken is worthy of any day ending in the letter “y”. A worthy meal for this beautiful Sunday: Fried Chicken Potato Salad Corn on the Cob Lemon Meringue Pie Sweet Tea

Oh… and a big Braves victory. I think ssiscribe picked a great game to take the young scribe to. GO BRAVES!!!

By Lew

August 27, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

DOB-Is it possible that said person next to you is also an Abiding Dude? Enquiring minds want to know. Kind of a messy game, defensively today. Chipper sure has that stroke going again. Let’s hope we don’t decide to rent him out for the rest of the season. Jimmy-You have word that the Wurlitzer will be awarded to the Wurlitzer Winner early this week? Will Ed McMahon show up with the prize patrol? Will there be baloons and tv cameras? Will Zamfir be playing his famous Pie Pan Flute over loudspeakers? Again, Enquiring minds and Abiding Dude want to know.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Tom-What we have here is a case of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, resulting from a terrible June. If you had been following this blog all season, you would realize that we have gone through all of the identifiable stages, such as anger and denial. We are just now coming to the acceptance phase of the process and we just don’t care to rehash the same stupid trade proposals and over analysis of every bad play, missed bunt and defensive lapse we have see, We choose, instead to speak of things that bring us great joy in life-music, food and Wurlitzers. We are very sorry that this does not meet with your approval, but we have been informed that this is our blog, and this is what we choose to discuss. If you would like to talk about BBQ or music, please feel free to join us. Your presence would be welcomed. If not-Flipping get over it dude. We will not force either your presence or participation. Amen and Selah. You need to Abide, Dude.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

MEB, set another place at the table! I’m on the way!! :-))

By MBATL

August 27, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

Are we solving the question of whether Giles can bat leadoff? I know he’s said he’s not comfy there, but he’s getting the job done.

I saw where Marcus holds the Braves’ minor league record for home runs (think it was 37); do we really expect the same kind of production from Prado, who has hit a handful in his career? Not that Giles is a power hitter now, but he does have gap power, at least.

I’d be very careful about dumping Giles. I think we’d regret it.

By MEB

August 27, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

I love the shot of the kid that got Frenchy’s home run. One of the great things about baseball and I hope someone will help him get Jeff to autograph it.

With McCann going 3 for 3 so far, how close is he to being in consideration for the batting title? Game Day is showing his current average at 340.

By Ron Roberts

August 27, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

…but I tell ya what… unloading his salary with viable alternatives waiting in the wings is tantalizing… if the Braves don’t keep Giles, my fuzzy math has ‘em dropping $10 million in payroll, altogether, what with Thomson going, and Reitsma & Jordan to name a few…

…abiding by the supposed $80 million self-imposed salary cap, that would give the Braves plenty to tinker with the current roster (minus Giles) to make a serious run at one or two key free agents.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

Hottest Hitters X Last 30 Days (Minimum of 30 ABs)

1- Diaz: .412

2- Orr: .353

3- Giles: .352

Kinda looks like Tony Pena may be turning a corner, also. He’s .500 X last week but I think 4-5 ABs…?

By MBATL

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

Ron R, so I guess that assumes that we’re trading Giles for NO payroll… that is, minor leaguers. Okay, I’ll accept that, long as they’re great propsects.

Then you’ve got an extra $5 mil to play with, by all estimates. I think we can afford to sign Wickman (or someone else to close) even if we keep Giles, so what do you do with that extra $5 mil? I’m sure there’s a good use for it, just don’t know what it is. I guess the obvious answer is to find a left fielder who can bat leadoff, and sit Diaz.

And then you hand 2B over to Prado (who is a nice player… this is not about bashing him) or Aybar (likewise). I just think you’re taking a big hit to your starting lineup and don’t know just what we’d get in return.

Giles is young, talented. If we can’t afford to keep one of the best 2B’s in baseball at $5 mil (and we could probably go ahead and sign him to a longer contract without breaking the bank), then we’re gonna have a hard time competing… and we’re paying too much at other positions.

By MEB

August 27, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady… y’all come and please bring your mother along. As you well know its traditional to make plenty.

Sure would be great to have a get together with the regulars on DOB’s blog. Can you imagine the craziness that would surely come about. Oh, the humanity!

By TennesseePaul

August 27, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

What a game. Two in a row of 10+ runs. Let’s keep our record going. Undefeated when scoring 10+ runs. And Chipper with another homer.

Coming into the game late. Serious brain-pain after quite an eventfull evening.

It would be funny to see the Dogs all over the place. Packs of them roving through the concourse marking everything in site, pushing people around.

GO BRAVES

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Thank you, MEB! Let me get my shoes on and we’ll be right there! Let’s see……turn left at the corner, right?

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

MEC, it’s strange that you should mention a gathering of all the blog regulars! Several nights ago, I dreamed that we were all meeting in a hotel ballroom in ATL - and everyone was there just talking and having a wonderful time! There was a band, beverages of one’s choice, and lots of yakking! Very vivid dream; if I had the talent I could draw you a picture of it! I guess that could be taken as a sign of too much time blogging, huh?? :-))

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

oops - sorry, that’s MEB, not MEC….

By TennesseePaul

August 27, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

McBride looked pretty good that inning. Wish he could do that when the game is on the line.

By MEB

August 27, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady… Well we certainly have all the bases covered when it comes to some of the best things in life, conversation, music, food, and baseball. I’m four hours away from ATL you can count me in.

Hey, was baby seal there and were there any other critters not normally found in the southeastern US?

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

Hi CLady,

How go things today?

Good idea. I vote for a table at the 755 Club, pre-game. Then everybody could go to their seats after. Doing it at The Ted would be Most Appropriate.

Lark In The Park.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

in that dream did the old journalist serve as emcee? and did the old journalist make a spectacle of himself? was dob there with a beautiful woman - or with his cat? did baby seal drink from the punch bowl? dreams sometimes portend the future. was dob carrying a wurlitzer? plenty of cheese on the table? bbq? pie? hartebeest? were crows in the area? probably if more of the dream can be revealed it can be analyzed by some here and more can be learned. braves win the series with the nationals!

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

In that dream, the AJC picked up the tab…

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Sorry, had to leave the computer for a few minutes. Just stopped in again on my way to the kitchen…..so much for dreams! :-)) Back shortly! (I’ve decided that what I really need is a good chef!! And the budget to go with it!!!)

By Lew

August 27, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts-Thomson $4.5mil, Sosa $2.5 mil, Reitsma$2.5 mil, Jordan $1 mil, Remlinger $1 mil. Ther’s $10.5 million in savings and we still have the best 2nd baseman in the NL. Who cares if we have a bona fide leadoff hitter? Our problem this year has been injuries, lack of consisitency in starters, injuries, lack of relief pitching and injuries. Sign Wickman and try to re-sign Baez and we’re good to go next year.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Excuse my fuzzy math-$11.5 million.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

C. Lady, there were Yakks at this gathering? Appropriate, I suppose, but I hope there were a suitable number of Tibetan Yakk wranglers and plenty of oats on hand to keep those monsterous hairy beests well behaved. A froward Yakk is not to be trifled with.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Especially in ballroom society. A Yakk at the punchbowl! 2000 pounds of drunken Yakk attempting to waltz! Oh, the humanity indeed. However, I’m told Yakk yogurt is a staple of the Tibetan diet. Does anyone have a recipe for Yakk yogurt pie?

By Lew

August 27, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Musk Oxen

By The Grinch

August 27, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

BTW, DOB, Harry Crews was one of my first major influences; he almost single-handedly caused me to change my mind from being a forensic pathologist to being a writer/historian. Unfortunately, the latter career doesn’t pay nearly as many bills. So, the loser’s IP adress was shocking, huh? I wonder if I was right all along and about 20 people (sans Snowball, who already apologized) owe me an apology for thinking me insane. Well, insane on THAT point, anyway…

By The Grinch

August 27, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Musk Oxen are close, Lew, but not nearly as shaggy. Don’t you watch the National Geographic channel? Haven’t you ever hung out in Tibet? I bet Jimmy Smith knows his Yakks; there are bound to be some grazing near Uganda. But not Cordele, unless something mighty unusual has happened to the environment recently…

By Lew

August 27, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Grinch-These others may need there addresses blocked, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves on the insanity part. Like the saying goes, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean someone’s not out to get you.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Like we talked about last night-Global warming. Al Gore has said all along that if we didn’t do something soon, yaks and Musk Oxen would migrate to Cordele. Your computers been out of wack, so I guess you’re just out of touch. Intense study will remedy this shortcoming.

By tyyosh

August 27, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Before this edition gets replaced with fresh info…

Any more info on the blog question, why Andruw is struggling vs. lefties?

By Lew

August 27, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Andruw is struggling because he has not abided well with lefthanders. Either that or it is the fault of Global Warming, Al Gore, or Yaks and Musk Oxen. Or maybe because he hasn’t listened to Kris Kristofferson lately.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Sorry, All…been gone for a few. Lew, if you’ll look back I modified my comment relating to my own insanity. So Al Gore says Musk Oxen and Yakks will be riding melting glaciers to Cordele? Jesus, I need to catch up on things. Fixing to grab a shower and go to the Elder Grinch’s for a Sunday visit. I predict tasty food will be in abundance. Till later in the evening…

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Y’all have done better with the ballroom gathering than I could ever have! :-)) All you men were dashing and handsome in your tuxedos, all the ladies were beautiful …….. and then there was me (some things never change) ….. DOB was hosting, music was playing, people were dancing, talking, the Yaks were a bit tipsy but what can you expect…. baby seal was happily splashing in the punchbowl, but it didn’t matter ….

:-)))

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

Hey, TommyB! Sorry to be slow responding - had to go cook (stuffed shells tonight). Had a good day today, thanks! Back on the raceway tomorrow, but today was nice! Hope yours was, as well!

Of course AJC picked up the tab! A BIG tab, at that!!

And wouldn’t it be fun for all of us to gather?! It’s out of the question for most of us, but it’s fun to think about, isn’t it?

Hey, Grinch! :-)))

ssiscribe, how did the visit to the game go today?? Tell us about the little guy’s reactions!

:-)))

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

red eared sliders will disappear if the warnings of al gore are not heeded. who would want to be responsible for the loss of the red eared slider? now, baseball … why is chipper jones allowed to wear magnets but sammy sosa cannot cork his bat? same thing, right? are these little science fair magnets with the horeshoe shape or are these more sophisticated magnets? do the magnets pull the ball into and across the plate for chipper jones? and since when were the baseballs made magnetic? more scandal! now, jimmy smith must go out for fried chicken - driven to this by meb’s earlier post.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-It must have been a dream if I was in a tuxedo. I just paid my son and daughter-in-law to elope so I didn’t have to wear one to his wedding. Jimmy-Yes, it is all Al Gore’s fault.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Same Al Gore who invented the internet, right?

Have a population of those sliders around the pond out back, jimmy!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, was jimmy smith present in this dream and was journalist handsome and debonair? in this dream was journalist jimmy smith offered a job by the ajc? columnist jimmy smith, perhaps? was journalist even a contender (always wanted to be a contend-uh)? now, journalist was once feted by the ajc and received a 1099 at year-end. there must be no strings attached if such a gesture is made to host the dob blog family - no 1099’s. only the best cheese samplers and name-brand root beer. what root beer is most in favor these days? perhaps we should take a pole. and pie? lots of pie. pies of every description!

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Hey, Lew! A dream it was, for sure. :-)))

By Lew

August 27, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

Sir Jimmy-I prefer IBC root beer or sometimes Stewart’s root beer. Both are good for root beer floats, which must use Breyer’s vanilla ice cream. I must use the diet varieties, however, due to my sugar allergy (we won’t talk about sugar in ice cream-we pretend it does not exist).

By MEB

August 27, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

jjs… Sorry, I was just practicing a very subtle form of mind control. Oh… and don’t forget the sweet tea.

Carolina Lady… stuffed shells sounds great. You are going to have to post a daily menu.

Oh, the humanity! Tiger missed his putt and Stewart Cink missed his as well. They get to play more golf.

As far a Andruw’s hitting woes I think it has to do with his approach and these mammoth swings for the fences. I would like to see him be more of a contact hitter. But he does have 30 HR and 103 RBI so what do I know.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

jimmy, none more handsome and definitely debonair! Excellent dancer, to boot! Don’t know about job offer by AJC; regrettably, the dream was not that detail-oriented. Root beer: not being a connoisseur, my experience is primarily with A&W.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Lew, if you stand while you eat it, calories don’t count, either!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

one vote for ibc from lew. ibc is pretty good. now, barq’s? mug? frosty? hires? dad’s? a&w? oh, the humanity! some of each! now, pie …

By Lew

August 27, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-A&W just has good PR. MEB-Just what I said-Andruw does not abide well with LHP-He swings wildly at bad pitches.

By MEB

August 27, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

Ahhh… I see the journalist is practicing mind control as well. Root beer is indeed a favorite of mine and like Lew I prefer IBC. Now as far as ice cream I prefer Blue Bell Old Fashioned Vanilla for an outstanding float.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

dob will be on here soon - the talk of root beer and pie will attract dob like the old journlaist to cheese. diane lane liked barq’s root beer. diane lane had some good qualities but could not make a decent pudding. lew, publix has a butter pecan ice cream that surpasses even breyer’s. pour a little root beer on top and …

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

ears perking up …… Butter pecan???????

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

ah, yes, butter pecan. butter pecan separates the ice cream makers. funny, that jimmy smith prefers publix premium store brand. best butter pecan ever in this journalist’s opinion. worthy of the wurlitzer for ice cream. journalist is going out for fried chicken now - back later. journalist will soon need more pants like wickman.

By MEB

August 27, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

Has anyone else noticed that those sneaky Florida Marlins have won 7 in a row and are only 3 games out in the Wild Card (only 3 under .500). Our Braves are a measly 5 out

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I’m on the fence as to who’s version of Sunday Morning Coming Down is better, Cash’s or Kristofferson’s. Love both versions.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I’m on the fence as to whose version of Sunday Morning Coming Down is better, Cash’s or Kristofferson’s. Love both versions.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Oops, thought I stopped that post and corrected “who’s” to “whose” before shipped it. Instead, sent both. But that’s OK, gosh darnit.

A bunny? A BUNNY?!

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

Hey, David! I vote for Cash (but I’m unabashedly predjudiced). :-)))

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

Tale of two Joneses:

Chipper Jones batting .408 with 14 homers and 37 RBIs in 36 games.

Andruw Jones was in a 1-for-27 skid before his eighth-inning home run. He’s hit .190 with six homers and 28 strikeouts in 100 at-bats over his past 30 games.

Butter pecan at Publix is really that good? Hummm…. There’s one right by my house, on my way home from the ‘yard….

Tom A. Hawk, what’s wrong with BBQ and Southern rock. Damn, son, are you play un-American?

Obviously no relation to Tony Hawk, who would surely love to discuss BBQ, extreme sports, and Led Zep.

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Sir Journalist Jimmy—is the red eared slider dangerous?? I’ve heard tell that former Brave Greg Maddux has a nasty back door slider and I also wonder if perhaps the two are related?

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Hey, 35! check it out

By tyyosh

August 27, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Whoa, did you see the Schultz article quoting Smoltz that’s out there now? (No comment here yet - was it just posted?) Ugh, sounds like a big controversy coming now.

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Evening C. Lady, hope you and Mom are doing well. Thanks for the link. I look real hard but I just don’t see any red ears.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

re: Schultz article - wow!!! It’s hard to believe that Smoltz was that blunt. I sure hope Schuerholz doesn’t tick off both Smoltz and Andruw enough that they leave! Wow.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks, 35! Ya can’t see ‘em because they’re red.

DOB, can you shed any light on Smoltz’s comments? Sounds rather disturbing, though I hope it comes to nothing.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Yes, CLady. It can be fun to think about. Thinking about rooms full of lovely women, who aren’t afraid to sashay, is always fun to think about.

Me, I visualize that just about every single one of the posters on this blog fits that profile. Most are just impersonating males, just because it’s their wont.

This can be so much fun to think about that it’s actually hard to accurately express well.

Why? Well, isn’t it obvious? Seeing an attractive woman showing that she is knowledgeable (to just about any degree) of Baseball is… well… ah, let’s just say it gets the motor running.

Dedicated to the Fond Memory of Erin Andrews

BTW, Girls and Boys, get ready for the Giants. Apparently, they aren’t so sleepy at the moment.

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

C. Lady, —of course! That ‘splains’ it.

By ncscoots

August 27, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

the Braves not winning a division, dashing and debonair bloggers in a dream, Yakks and Musk Oxen living together…now THIS is real wrath-of-God stuff!

By Lew

August 27, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy-There is no Publix in Vermont. I’m lucky that there is a grocery store in our town. It is the only one within 25 miles (chain grocery, that is).

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

You know, I’m big on tradition and love the philosophy of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, and I understand J.S.’s wanting to stick with “we do thing’s a certain way around here”. However, there are some times and some people who merit special consideration. John Smoltz is that man. I haven’t viewed a Braves player as favorable as him, since Dale Murphy. He needs to be treated well considering how he has treated our organization. Just ‘do the right thing’ Mr. GM.

By ncscoots

August 27, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, you know you are the light of my (blog) life, but re Smoltz and JS, here you are wrong. If an employee of mine mouthed off as Smoltz is quoted in the column, we’d be having a serious heart-to-heart about how the table of organization is actually organized. I don’t care who you are, you don’t publicly throw the person who runs your business under a bus, and not expect consequences. Frankly, the guy lost a lot of points with me today.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

35, I’ll ‘Amen’ that!

By Lew

August 27, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

Well, that is certainly what I would call outspoken, for sure. It would appear that there is no love lost. I still think that Smoltz will remain a Brave next year. Too much bang for the buck to give up on. I’m really beginning to wonder about JS, however. He doesn’t appear to be holding up very well this year. Perchance retirement after next season is more than a possibility? The only thing I will say is this-I’m real tired of losing our legends at the end of their careers. Whether or not this is because of crap like this or whatever, I’d like to see Smoltz end his career as a Brave-Chipper and Andruw, too. It’s a shame we lost Niekro, Murphy, Glavine and Maddux. Let’s hope Smoltz doesn’t join the list.

By mariner

August 27, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

there is no valid, defenseable reason for not having signed smoltz already. the gm’s rule or rules seem to be the tail wagging the dog. he’s crazy for not adapting to the situation. and agree that special players deserve special treatment, see jimmy johnson’s body of work. it’s not just smoltz that is upset by this. imagine being one of the baby braves and seeing how smoltz is treated. they’ll just view it as a glimpse of their future.

By ncscoots

August 27, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

Lew, exactly how in the world does this episode portray Schuerholz as “losing it”? That he decides to continue to operate in the same manner in which he has always (successfully) operated? Smoltz is out of line here. I realize the guy is frustrated with the season’s results, but if he thinks that not picking up an option in-season is reason enough to discard all the good that he and the team have DONE FOR EACH OTHER, then he’s just another dumb-as-a-rock, self-obsessed professional athlete.

By mariner

August 27, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

js could have had farnsworth in all likelihood if he had offered him the same 3yr/$15M contract in September when he had exclsuive negotiating rights and farnsworth risked injury vs october after free agency began and farnsworth is not risking injury and has no reason not to field all offers. js had to know that farnsworth was their guy, why not lock him up? for the record, i don’t blame js for not getting wagner, flash gordon, wickman, etc in the offseason. i understand budgets and their is the chance that those guys didn’t want to play for the braves. but farnsworth was js’s fault. and while i’m at it, replacing julio franco with brian jordan hasn’t endeared me to js.

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

I hope we don’t have to ‘choose sides’ on this one. Things do seem to be coming unglued around here. Like it’s written— “a house divided against itself, cannot stand”. We just need to do as that great social conscience, Rodney King implored us to “just get along”.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

Scoots, you may well be right, but I would hope that it wouldn’t be too much for Schuerholz to give a word of assurance or reassurance to an extremely valuable employee before it reached this point.

Sort of reading between the lines, I gather that there’s been a ‘strained’ relationship for some time. There are employees and then there are totally dedicated cornerstones who are, and have been, invaluable; I think I’d be a bit more accomodating to the latter. (I know you understand what I’m trying to say.)

I understand your point in a regular business environment, but though baseball is undeniably a business, it’s very nature makes it different.

I’d gather from the article that the feeling is rather prevalent that there is much disappointment in what is perceived as management’s failure last winter. Maybe it’s all colored by the accumulation of frustration of the team’s performance this year. I can only imagine how a person of Smoltz’s extremely competitive nature would take this year’s failure as a personal failure and must be eating at him no end.

We can disagree, Scoots, and I’ll still love you! :-))

By ncscoots

August 27, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

35, choosing sides has little to do with it. Smoltz, in my opinion, has gone against one of the main tenets of the organization, as I see them. That is, treat your teammates with respect and don’t show them up. If he was truly upset, a simple phone call to his agent for a sit-down accomplishes a lot more than venting spleen to a columnist, for God’s sake. BTW, the chances for his option to be picked up any time before the absolute drop-dead date for doing so? Absolutely nil. And, in my opinion, that’s exactly as it should be.

By mariner

August 27, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

i don’t think we have to choose sides. but their was an apt line from the schultz column about smoltz having a better year than scheurholz. it’s certainly true, and the person who really needs to get the message is js. we always go over the players failings in excruciating detail. why is the gm immune? js is great, has been great, but he can do better. start by picking up the smoltz option right away.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Scoots-Dude, if you go back and look at my post, I did not say that JS was losing it. I said “He doesn’t appear to be holding up very well this year”. And he hasn’t. When in the past do you remember him sniping back at players publically? I said that I”M tired of losing all of our legends at the end of their careers. Let’s get our quotes straight, my friend. I intentionally did not comment on just whose behavior was out of line. I think everyone’s attitude is a result of an extremely frustrating season. I do think, however, JS may well retire after his contract expires after 07.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 27, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Not un-American, DOB, just a mite out-of-touch with the flow of the blog today, I guess.

I’m in the flow enough, though, to know that Johnny Cash’s version of “Sunday Morning” far outshines Kristofferson’s.

Kris’ original version of “Why Me, Lord” is vastly better than The Man in Black’s cover version, though.

See? I can talk music, too.

By mariner

August 27, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, if js picks up the option for smoltz in the off-season as is his right, should he also expect a hometown discount in 08, or expect to sign smoltz at all?

By ncscoots

August 27, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Lew, sorry for the misquote, my friend. Think I took your “holding up” comment to mean “losing it” and just paraphrased! Mea culpa.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Tom-Welcome back dude.

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

ncscoots—tis my understanding that Smoltz, acting in a role of team leader-something we all clamor for more of, stated while being interviewed, that he hoped mgmt would get them some bp help. J.S. seemed to take offense at the comments. J.S. then proceeded to take a verbal shot at Smoltz. From there it has gone downhill.I have to put a lot of stock in mariner’s observation of the possible negative effect this may have on some of our young players.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

journalist has just returned from a delicious fried chicken meal. where to begin on the blog? dob, buy the butter pecan in the tub - it is so rich it will make your head swim. lew, journalist will mail you a tub of butter pecan next week. yes, chip caray admitted to a bunny for a pet. this should make him a marked man at the ted. imagine the mlb announcer with a bunny for a pet! 35, not everyone can see the red ears of the red eared slider. there is a secret method with the red eared slider but we must know you better before discussing this with you. 35 seems alright - but have to be careful with proprietary information. first, let’s see which root beer you prefer … now, smoltz … smoltz is an adult and will face adult consequences. scoots makes a valid argument - while journalist thinks smoltz should be renewed asap journalist also knows that ownership is in limbo. the players may have lost respect for js during the public debate with a player on another team (glavine) -reportedly best friend of smoltz. still, if it comes down to a test of wills and who holds the strongest hand - smoltz may find himself pitching in pittsburgh. not nice to sully the boss in print when you can ask to see him at the office and discuss this in private. oh, the humanity if smoltz is no longer a brave! still, here we are afraid to lose smoltz, andruw, chipper, giles … wouldn’t you lose them all for a pennant? wouldn’t take long to rally around james, francoeur, prado, and aybar if they could deliver.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Scoots-Absolutely no problem. All that being said, however, Smoltz has been more vocal this year than in the past. I think it is frustration talking and maybe he is trying to light a fire under some others. Who knows? I think he said it just to get us talking about baseball again and driving Tom crazy with our flip flopping.

By ncscoots

August 27, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

mariner, it’s his “right” to pick up the option because that’s the contract Smoltz signed. In other words, the PLAYER thought a team option was good deal, in the context of the rest of the contract. As to whether Smoltz considers a “hometown discount” or not for any future contracts, well, that really depends on him and how he assesses the value of remaining or not remaining with the Braves. And, CL, that’s the business end of the game we both love. Remember the great locker room line in “North Dalls Forty”? “When I call it a game, you call it a business, and when I call it a business, you call it a game!”

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

Sir Journalist Jimmy—I prefer Barq’s, but will consume most any— provided I have a frosted mug.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

Yes, Well it is all probably a result of Global Warming and can be laid directly at the feet of Al Gore. If he hadn’t moved the melted glaciers to Cordele, causing the migration of yaks and Musk Oxen, none of this would likely have happened. The Red Sliders would do well to look out.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

journalist at one time thought jeff treadway was a great second baseman for the atlanta braves and could not understand the fascination with mark lemke - then thought lemke could never be replaced - until giles arrived. it sure looked like tp was about as good as we’d ever do at third base - team leader, mvp - then chipper jones arrived. in cebter field jimmy smith thought the position was set for a long time with marquis grissom - and now andruw is called by some the best in the game. the point is - sometimes you need to upgrade at the position when the upgrades are available. chipper may be playing third base when he is old and gray but no one else on the team has that kind of contract - yet - and journalist bets no one else on the team will get that kind of contract again. this deal with smoltz troubles journalist but smoltz had best realize that collective bargaining is just a term for mass consumption - he is and will be on his own when the time comes and js will be the one on the other side of the desk.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

May I have some Butter Pecan ice cream, please?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

35, you are right. barq’s has bite. so, too, does the red eared slider. to see the ears of the red eared slider you must … not sure this is okay on the blog since there are some mets fans here from time to time. better that you get this information from the library - or in pesonal research with the red eared slider. not to worry, you can carry a half dozen in one hand. that would be 12 ears which can be seen merely by … oops, almost let it slip about the slider. best that carolina lady get jimmy smith out of this jam. journalist feels like smoltz is going to feel tomorrow morning.

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew—Drunky Clint says hello, he thinks he might know you. I asked him from where, and he says you might have shared a drink with him. Well anyone who drinks might have shared a drink with him. He’s really an intelligent fellow though—many years ago he bought stock in Seagrams 7 and has proceeded to drink himself into great wealth.

By Carolina Lady

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

jimmy, you’ve got Lew’s jam?? No wonder I couldn’t find it!

By tyyosh

August 27, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

This is strange. DOB has just posted an article on Smoltz as well, with recent quotes free of any of the rancor. I wonder if Schultz took some things out of context, or if he got Smoltz going somehow, or what. Either way, Smoltz is surely more media-savvy than that. Like ncscoots alluded to, you can’t do that to bosses and not expect bad things to happen. I am sorry for Smoltz, because he is such a great competitor, example, etc.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 27, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

one tub of butter pecan going in the mail to carolina lady tomorrow. what’s that baby seal? melt? journalist did not think of that. oh, the humanity! journalist has already mailed a tub of butter pecan to vermont! good thing there was no return address. the authorities already have some issues with jimmy smith over the hartebeest.

by softly singing a johnny cash song into the ear of the red eared slider the red ear will appear. there! journalist has revealed a secret known only to few. 35 is now family.

By tyyosh

August 27, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Actually I am wrong, DOB’s article only had one quote from Smoltz where he said these two years were his most gratifying. We anxiously await DOB’s take…

By 10-7-4

August 27, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Oh friends— I must bid adieu, like Yogi said, “it gets late early here”, and I am off in search of ‘red ears’. Nite all.

By Lew

August 27, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

No Ma’am-Jelly, not jam. 35, I have not had alcohol in over 20 years due to health problems. If Clint knows me, it is from way back. Say hello to him for me. Yes, Barq’s is acceptable, as is Hire’s. I’m not sure about the butter pecan, though. The pecans clog the straw. Probably another result of Global Warming. Damn you Al Gore. We were so happy in our ignorance. Did wonder about the Musk Oxen, though. Must get the professors at ABAC to study the glacier problems in Cordele, though.

By Carolina Lady

August 27, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Lew. My mistake!

By Lew

August 27, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-That’s quite alright. I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong. Jimmy-Not to worry about the melted butter pecan. Vermont is the home of Ben and Jerry. I’m certain they will assist in the clean up and probably schedule a Phish concert at the same time. Maybe Trey Anastacio will play his antler-enhanced guitar. That would be nice. I wonder if DOB would like antler-enhanced guitar music. It would go well with Pie Pan Flute. Yes, we must have a Phish concert with Ben and Jerry and Zamfir. Butter Pecan for all.

By ssiscribe

August 27, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

Quick one before I hit the hay here: Little guy is 1-0 after his big-league debut today. Three separate visits to Tooner Field, but he did sit in his seat for six of the nine innings, including the big six-run third. Tomahawk choppin’ and chantin’ the whole time. A proud papa I was! He wants to go tomorrow night; no game, though.

Did the Varsity for lunch before the game, too. We went all out, indeed. No barbecue or ice cream. Just dogs and fries. Next time, an FO, too.

Jimmy, Chicken Sandwich at Brogen’s indeed is great. Grouper good, too. And, yeah, I had the pleasure and honor of bumping into the grand gentleman of Atlanta sports journalism in the Isles on occasion. Always a blessing and a pleasure to see his warm smile.

OK, off to bed, plenty to do in week two of the new gig. Gonna go heckle Barr-oid on Wednesday night with the Missus (little scribe and brother baby scribe will be sleeping). See y’all soon.

—30—

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Hawk, I like it. Good call on “Why me, Lord?” Cash croaks that baby beautifully.

And I meant to say, plain un-American? not play un-American. I was rushing to get out of the stadium.

And I was kidding, of course. You know that.

Smoltz comments, Schultz showed ‘em to me as he was writing. Hey, two strong-minded guys with big egos who are great at what they do. The two will talk (briefly, perhaps) and get past it. Like usual. Nobody said they had to love each other.

I can see both sides of the argument _ Smoltz certainly has a right to wonder why the Braves don’t exercise his very affordable option, which is waaaaay below market value, and Braves might want to wait to make sure he stays healthy, though I’d hope they aren’t being that shrewd. The man (Smoltz) has done so much for the organization, they should pick up the option even if he were to reijure his elbow tomorrow. Sorry, but to me it’s the right thing to do.

But GM John doesn’t like to make exceptions, and they’ve always waited to do this stuff after the season. Still, this IS an exceptional case. Very much so.

By dadgum

August 27, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

First of all I thank God everyday that Led Zeppelin ever existed to start with. Thank You. Actually that is a title of one of my favorite Zep songs. Do you want to know my top 5? Great ….I thought so: 1. Since I’ve Been Loving You 2. Stairway To Heaven 3. Babe I’m Going To Leave You 4. Kashmir 5. The Song Remains The Same Yours may be similar but I like them all> In fact if Plant farted in the microphone I would probably like it. Not really.. BUt you get my drift. No I didn’t like Hats Of To Roy Harper from the 3rd album.

Oh The Braves Nation is getting restless!!!! Poppies… Poppies…That will make them sleep.

By TommyB

August 27, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Dang Good Movie Recommendation:

“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada”

Tommy Lee Jones directs and stars. Helluva good movie. I’d frame it as a good Sunday night movie. Wouldn’t put it in the Friday or Saturday night slots though.

Scripted by the guy who won Best Writer at Cannes 2005. Other major players include Dwight Yoakam and Levon Helm.

Here’s Ebert’s take.

By TennesseePaul

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

Well I just got in and caught up. I had to go read Schultz’s article. I can understand the concern Smoltz has, but at the same time I think he should tame his tongue some times. I appreciate his honesty, but honestly, you don’t always have to answer every question. JS is working the way he does every year. Nothing on that end has changed. Maybe JS will offer a multi-year contract instead of just picking up the option. Who knows. I don’t think they’ll pass on the option.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 27, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

DOB, has JS not learned his lesson about this not negotiating during the season crap?! He has lost both Sheffield and Furcal in the last three years to this stupidity. Not to mention Glavine. Where would this team be right now with those three guys or even two of them? Smoltz deserves to be treated better. He could have jumped ship in June/July and asked to be traded. But, he didn’t. He made it very clear that he wants to stay here. Why doesn’t JS see this? I honestly don’t think JS has been on his game this year. He has not attempted to make this team better. Yes, he traded for Wickman and Baez but we needed a starter and he basically laughed it off and acted like the rotation was fine.

Can someone explain to me how the Phillies can get Moyer and Connine and we couldn’t. I think when he jokes about being smart enough to have a wild card team he is actually serious.

DOB, I think you need to have a talk with JS. If he doesn’t think the other guys in the clubhouse don’t see how Smoltz is getting treated and don’t like it, then he is crazy. He has managed to tick off Andruw and Smoltz. I’m willing to bet Chipper’s problem early in the season was that he volunteered to restructure his contract and nothing was being done with the money. Giles is a little miffed at being forced to leadoff (because no true leadoff hitter was aggressively sought after)and isn’t that thrilled at the implication he will not be welcomed here next year. While Andruw has to grow up and realize that being put on waivers is a part of baseball, JS didn’t need to be so flippant about it and make the matter worse. The rest of the position players have to be upset that they have a bunch of rejects for a bullpen. Guys that the flippin Royals wouldn’t even take. I also think Cox is probably a little miffed. In fairness to Bobby he hasn’t that much to work with in ways of pitching. That bullpen as a whole isn’t good enough for AA let alone the majors.

JS has a lot of damage control to do in the offseason but can he do it. The incident with Andruw could come back to haunt him. If Bobby doesn’t committ beyond next season, don’t be surprised if Andruw and Smoltz aren’t back for 2008 and Chipper changes his mind on not wanting to play for anyone but the Braves and demands a trade.

I understand JS has an ego but his ego has runneth over this season. He seems to get quickly offensive whenever anyone says anything about improving the team. Is it old age or is believing the hype? I hate to join some of the more lets say irrational people on this post, but I am becoming less and less favorable of the way JS is handling this team.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

TOmmyB, I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about Three Burials from critics, but didn’t no anyone who’d actually seen it. So it’s great, huh? I’ll have to rent that or watch it on next road trip in my hotel.

Thanks for the rec.

I guess all have knocked off and landed ‘tween the bedposts (I have no idea why I just thought of and actually used that ridiculous homespun-sounding line).

I forget that much of the real world actually goes to sleep at a reasonable hour on Sunday night to start the 9-to-5 Monday.

Sleep well, denizens of The Blog.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

Oh, and Robert, believe me when I say this: There’s a very good chance that John S. (GM) will read your opinions here.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Good Night Mr. Scheurholz, wherever you are. Keep abiding, Dude.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

DOB, here’s another vote for “Estrada.” I rented it about a month ago, and rented it again to watch with my dad. Jones’ directing style is similar to Eastwood’s in that it’s long and slow, with great attention to minute detail. You have to have everything quiet (if you have a bunch of screaming children you won’t dig it), and just trust it. You’ll think nothing much’s going on for a while and then find the cumulative effect to be quite engrossing. Journalist Jimmy, I had a red-eared slider for a pet when I was a child. My dad used to play a lot of Johnny Cash on his old KLH record player and the little fellow’s ears were usually red. I didn’t make the connection, as I graduated to dogs shortly thereafter. I, too, vote IBC as best root beer. Mmmmm…..beeeeer.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 01:45 AM | Link to this

Are you trying to tell us that JS and Crazy B. are the same guy? And Chopthis? It all makes sense now…Just watched the Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner; it was hilarious. JImmy, I’m not much on butter pecan (too sweet for me); how do Publix’s other flavors stand up? I’ll be going there tommorrow. I mean today, and you’re probably asleep, like anyone with any sense is. Oh, well.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

DOB, just in case I was less than clear earlier, I find Kris’ croaking on “Why Me, Lord” far superior to Johnny Cash’s.

Cash, on the other hand, sings a much better “Hurt” than Nine Inch Nails.

And that “Hurt” video — simply the best ever.

I’d like to nominate Charlie Daniels’ “Uneasy Rider” for your and the blog’s consideration for lyrical classic status. What a great song — all over the radio in the summer of ‘73, when I was young and carefree and all of life’s disappointments and heartbreak and humbling episodes and disillusionment still lay years in the future.

Speaking of disillusionment, how ironic and sad is it that Charlie Daniels now keeps his career alive by kowtowing to those very elements of society he satirized so brilliantly in “Uneasy Rider”?

See? I can talk music, too.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this

Here it is, gang. Anybodt remember this one? Boy, it brings back great memories for me:

“Uneasy Rider” by Charlie Daniels

I was takin’ a trip out to L.A.,

Toolin’ along in my Chevrolet,

Tokin’ on a number and diggin’ on the radio.

Just as I crossed the Mississippi line,

I heard that highway start to whine,

And I knew that left rear tire was about to go.

Well the spare was flat, and I got uptight,

‘Cause there wasn’t a filling station in sight,

So I just limped on down the shoulder on the rim.

I went as far as I could, and when I stopped the car,

It was right in front of this little bar,

A kind of a redneck-lookin’ joint called the Dew Drop Inn.

Well I stuffed my hair up under my hat,

And told the bartender that I had a flat,

And would he be kind enough to give me change for a one?

Well there was one thing I was sure proud to see,

There wasn’t a soul in the place ‘cept for him and me,

And he just looked disgusted and pointed toward the telephone.

I called up a station down the road aways,

And he said he wasn’t very busy today,

And he could have somebody there in just about ten minutes or so.

He said, “Now you just stay right where you’re at.”

And I didn’t bother to tell the durn fool

That I sure as hell didn’t have anyplace else to go.

I just ordered up a beer and sat down at the bar,

When some guy walked in and said, “Who owns this car,

With the peace sign, the mag wheels, and four-on-the-floor?”

Well he looked at me and I damn near died,

And I decided that I’d just wait outside,

So I laid a dollar on the bar and headed for the door.

Just when I thought I’d get outta there with my skin,

These five big dudes come stollin’ in,

With this one old drunk chick and some fella with green teeth.

And I was almost to the door when the biggest one

Said, “You tip your hat to this lady, son!”

And when I did, all that hair fell out from underneath.

Now the last thing I wanted was to get in a fight

In Jackson, Mississippi, on a Saturday night,

‘Specially when there was three of them and only one of me.

But they all started laughing, and I felt kinda sick,

And I knew I better think of something pretty quick,

So I just reached out and kicked old green-teeth right in the knee.

Now he let out a yell that would curl your hair,

But before he could move I grabbed me a chair

And said, “Watch him, folks, ‘cause he’s a thoroughly dangerous man.”

I said, “You may not know it, but this man’s a spy,

He’s a undercover agent for the FBI,

And he’s been sent out here to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan.”

He was still bent over holdin’ on to his knee,

But everybody else was lookin’ and listenin’ to me,

And I laid it on thicker and heavier as I went.

I said, “Would you believe this man has gone as far

As tearing Wallace stickers off the bumpers of cars,

And he voted for George McGovern for President!”

“Well, he’s a friend of them long-haired, hippie-type pinko f*,

I betcha he’s even got a Commie flag,

Tacked up on the wall inside of his garage.

He’s a snake in the grass, I tell ya guys,

He may look dumb, but that’s just a disguise,

He’s a mastermind in the ways of espionage.”

They all started lookin’ real suspicious at him,

And he jumped up and said, “Now just wait a minute, Jim,

You know he’s lying, I’ve been living here all of my life!

I’m a faithful follower of Brother John Birch,

And I belong to the Antioch Baptist Church,

And I ain’t even got a garage, you can call home and ask my wife!”

Then he started saying something ‘bout the way I was dressed,

But I didn’t stick around to hear the rest,

I was too busy moving and hoping I didn’t run outta luck.

When I hit the ground, I was making tracks,

And they were just takin’ my car down off the jacks,

And I threw the men a twenty, and jumped in and fired that mother up.

Mario Andretti woulda sure been proud,

Of the way I was movin’ when I passed that crowd,

Comin’ out the door, and headed toward me in a trot.

And I guess I shoulda gone ahead and run,

But somehow I just couldn’t resist the fun

Of chasing them all just once around the parking lot.

Well, they headed for their car, but I hit the gas

And spun around and headed them off at the pass,

I was slingin’ gravel and puttin’ a ton of dust in the air.

Well I had ‘em all out there steppin’ and fetchin’

Like their heads were on fire and their asses was catchin’,

But I figured I better go ahead and split before the cops got there.

Well, when I hit the road, I was really wheelin’,

Had gravel flyin’ and rubber squealin’,

And I didn’t slow down ‘til I was almost to Arkansas.

Well, I think I’m gonna re-route my trip.

I wonder if anybody’d think I’d flipped,

If I went to L.A. via Omaha.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this

Jesus Christ; he’s back again. Night, All.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 02:51 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk, cool either way on Kris or Cash. Anything they both sang, they both sang great. And yes, agreed the Hurt video is hands-down the greatest of all time. No contest. Got it on DVD, throw it in every once in a while. Never fails to give me chills and often a tear.

Dude, whatever Charlie Daniels once represented to you, his current state just completely turns me off to anything he ever recorded. Sorry, just does.

By Head Coach

August 28, 2006 02:58 AM | Link to this

I prfer Charlie Daniels “the Devil went down to Georgia” tune as my favorite. KC , what planet are you on ? Your gonna make me haul this stat out again arent you? This team has been Below .500 since June FREAKING 4th !! Thats two and a half months ago , their hallmark has been total inconsistency all season , yes they are talented and no they have not played up to their ability or talent level. Dude , its over , its been over for months and September is going to break your heart because they are going to get thier freaking brains beat out by some teams still in the playoff hunt ie. Phillies 7 games , Mets 6 games , Marlins 3 games. the Braves will be lucky if they finish the season with 75 wins.

By dadgum

August 28, 2006 07:04 AM | Link to this

heard “Luckenbach, Texas” again the other day. Something about that song that never gets old. Genuine Waylon and throw in Willie and it is hard to beat. The song is a classic….for me.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

That’s what’s so amazing about Charlie Daniels, DOB. He once possessed the enormous talent to compose an “Uneasy Rider,” and now he’s the artistic equivalent of the ignorant rednecks who confront him on record. I certainly won’t argue his merits with you now — his current status is as deplorable as it gets — but, like the Braves, he once had the stuff of greatness in him, yet managed but a single great accomplishment, and now his legacy lies in tatters. “Uneasy Rider” is his 1995 season.

I understand that Waylon and Willie’s relationship had deteriorated to the point that they weren’t speaking at the time of Waylon’s death. Heard Johnny Cash attempted a reconciliation before it was too late, but failed. Does anyone know the story behind this?

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

Smoltz Not Too Optimistic About 2007

Excerpted from a FoxSports piece dated Saturday:

Smoltz, speaking last week in the visitors’ clubhouse at RFK Stadium in Washington, was his usual frank self. “We’ve kind of gone away from our philosophy, if you ask me — having a solid pitching foundation and building off of that,” Smoltz said.

“If you think about it, where our rotation has been the last three years, it certainly hasn’t been anywhere near the top,” Smoltz continued. “For the majority of our winning seasons, our rotation has been first or second. I don’t think it’s by fluke. I don’t think we made the playoffs by fluke, either.

“Look at the farm system. Where did that go? Where are the arms? I know every organization has the same issues, the same questions, the same problems. We have had our share of injuries. But I’ve always said, when you’re missing power in your rotation, you’re missing a lot.”

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

Couldd it be that Smoltz yearns for a trade back home to Detroit, and is saying anything he can to irk management enough to get it?

Smoltz has lived too well too long. Rotations like the ones the Braves were fortunate enough to have — and, much more fortunate, to have realitviely healthy — during this run are difficult to come by, especially when the payroll you’re working with dwindles by the season.

By KC

August 28, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

Head Coach:

I didn’t say “I think the Braves are going to win it”. In fact, I implied the opposite. I lost a lot of confidence in this team after they dropped the home series to the Pirates.

My point was (and still is) simply that the Braves are not out of it. Atlanta is 4 games out in the loss column. They have the most talented team of any team in this race, and they play a most of the other teams (legitimately) in the Wild Card race head to head between now and the end of the season.

If the Braves go on any kind of a decent winning streak (8 or 9 games), or a 10-of-13 winning stretch or something like that… they will be, if not in the lead, then certainly at least knocking at the door of the Wild Card lead. I happened to believe that the Braves have the talent to pull that off.

If you were a level headed Reds fan or Padres, you wouldn’t be ready to count the Braves out just yet. But for some reason since you’re a Braves fan, it seems reasonable and level-headed to do so. I think the simple fact of the matter is that the Braves are not out of it. They are 4 games back (in the loss column). There are no truly good teams in this race, and the Braves are the only team capable of being truly good. Head Coach… regardless of your feeling on the likelihood (or lack thereof) that the Braves will pull this off… they’re not dead yet man. That’s a fact. Now then, believing that the Braves have a chance or the ability to do it, and believing that they will do it are two different things. I’m not betting any money on them. Not after dropping a key home series to the Pirates.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

The Braves win their share of 13-6 blowouts, but when faced with a pitcher who can keep the game tight, they inevitably fold late and lose. Check out their record in one-run games.

They won’t see .500 again until 2007. Face facts, KC. It hurts us to watch you kid yourself.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

Well, I hope JS does read these comments. The fans aren’t happy. I was watching that game on TBS yesterday and I thought I was watching the Marlins. That stadium looked so empty. Thank God the dogs were there or the attendance could have been down right embarrassing.

I’m not like some of the people on here who wants Cox fired because of one game or JS strung up by his toes for a bad trade. However, I don’t think the man is beyond criticism. I think the Betemit trade was necessary and a good one. I am more disappointed in what hasn’t been done. Am I expected to believe that a trade for Conine or a Moyer couldn’t have been made? Now, if they don’t really think this team can make it to the playoffs, then just say so. No one here will call them quitters if they simply say, “We just don’t have the tools to make the postseason this year and are already making preparations to come back next year and contend for a WS.” That is all that has to be done. Now, if they think they can make it to the postseason then act like it.

This team needs another starter. Even if Davies comes back and pitches like a Cy Young winner. We still need another starter. The really crazy thing is that the Braves are still in it. None of the teams in the wildcard hunt are going to pull away. The Reds showed their flaws this weekend against the Giants. The Padres and and D-Backs are too inconsistent. If JS believes in this team, then he needs to show them that.

And, again, he needs to start some damage control. He can begin by giving Smoltz what he deserves and give him his extension. Getting Smoltz for 8 mil is down right robbery. How much does JS think Smoltz would get as a free agent this winter. I’ll bet you the Braves’ payroll that the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Tigers, Astros, and METS will give Smoltz at least 12 to 15 mil a year. So, 8 mil is really a no brainer. His next goal is to sign Andruw or seek a trade. Don’t wait to trade him until next summer or wait to negotiate a contract until the end of next season. I will guarantee that Andruw will fell just like Sheffield, Furcal, and Glavine and start to believe that he isn’t wanted here. If it gets to that point, Andruw won’t stay. Get him signed now and if you don’t think you can then trade him.

This team is too talented to be this bad. Even with all the pitching problems this team should have at least 10 to 12 more wins. The reason they don’t is because the teams has not been given all the tools necessary to win. I think that the guys in that clubhouse are too professional to say things negatively in public but it is obvious something is going on. If you carefully read some of the comments in the paper the hitters and pitchers are blaming each other. I read where Tyler Yates said the other day that there are too many times this seasnon where the pitchers didn’t make pitches and the hitters didn’t move runners over. Well, lets be honest, Tyler. You and your buddies pitching has been much more detremental to your team’s record then the lack of timely hitting. The hitting struggles are a direct result of the lack of quality pitching. But, also Chipper said yesterday that he wasn’t surprised the Braves are near the top of the NL in offense but yet sit 7 games under .500 because the pitching hasn’t been there.

I really hate to criticize JS. However, can you say he’s been better than Ryan with the Twins, or the Reds’ GM, or Dombrowski with the Tigers, or Billy Beane. Notice I didn’t say anything about Cashman or Minaya. All of those other guys have budgets equal or less than what JS has to work with and have done a lot better job. JS is a genius, but even geniuses makes mistakes and begin to believe their own hype. He knew going into the season that the bullpen was horrible and stood by and watched this debacle take place. I defended him about not getting a closer over the winter because he was handcuffed. I still defend him about that. However, trades could have been made and other moves that could have strengthened the bullpen. And right now there are things that could be done. No one is going to tell me that we couldn’t have acquired Conine and Moyer.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

Well, I hope JS does read these comments. The fans aren’t happy. I was watching that game on TBS yesterday and I thought I was watching the Marlins. That stadium looked so empty. Thank God the dogs were there or the attendance could have been down right embarrassing.

I’m not like some of the people on here who wants Cox fired because of one game or JS strung up by his toes for a bad trade. However, I don’t think the man is beyond criticism. I think the Betemit trade was necessary and a good one. I am more disappointed in what hasn’t been done. Am I expected to believe that a trade for Conine or a Moyer couldn’t have been made? Now, if they don’t really think this team can make it to the playoffs, then just say so. No one here will call them quitters if they simply say, “We just don’t have the tools to make the postseason this year and are already making preparations to come back next year and contend for a WS.” That is all that has to be done. Now, if they think they can make it to the postseason then act like it.

This team needs another starter. Even if Davies comes back and pitches like a Cy Young winner. We still need another starter. The really crazy thing is that the Braves are still in it. None of the teams in the wildcard hunt are going to pull away. The Reds showed their flaws this weekend against the Giants. The Padres and and D-Backs are too inconsistent. If JS believes in this team, then he needs to show them that.

And, again, he needs to start some damage control. He can begin by giving Smoltz what he deserves and give him his extension. Getting Smoltz for 8 mil is down right robbery. How much does JS think Smoltz would get as a free agent this winter. I’ll bet you the Braves’ payroll that the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Tigers, Astros, and METS will give Smoltz at least 12 to 15 mil a year. So, 8 mil is really a no brainer. His next goal is to sign Andruw or seek a trade. Don’t wait to trade him until next summer or wait to negotiate a contract until the end of next season. I will guarantee that Andruw will fell just like Sheffield, Furcal, and Glavine and start to believe that he isn’t wanted here. If it gets to that point, Andruw won’t stay. Get him signed now and if you don’t think you can then trade him.

This team is too talented to be this bad. Even with all the pitching problems this team should have at least 10 to 12 more wins. The reason they don’t is because the teams has not been given all the tools necessary to win. I think that the guys in that clubhouse are too professional to say things negatively in public but it is obvious something is going on. If you carefully read some of the comments in the paper the hitters and pitchers are blaming each other. I read where Tyler Yates said the other day that there are too many times this seasnon where the pitchers didn’t make pitches and the hitters didn’t move runners over. Well, lets be honest, Tyler. You and your buddies pitching has been much more detremental to your team’s record then the lack of timely hitting. The hitting struggles are a direct result of the lack of quality pitching. But, also Chipper said yesterday that he wasn’t surprised the Braves are near the top of the NL in offense but yet sit 7 games under .500 because the pitching hasn’t been there.

I really hate to criticize JS. However, can you say he’s been better than Ryan with the Twins, or the Reds’ GM, or Dombrowski with the Tigers, or Billy Beane. Notice I didn’t say anything about Cashman or Minaya. All of those other guys have budgets equal or less than what JS has to work with and have done a lot better job. JS is a genius, but even geniuses makes mistakes and begin to believe their own hype. He knew going into the season that the bullpen was horrible and stood by and watched this debacle take place. I defended him about not getting a closer over the winter because he was handcuffed. I still defend him about that. However, trades could have been made and other moves that could have strengthened the bullpen. And right now there are things that could be done. No one is going to tell me that we couldn’t have acquired Conine and Moyer.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Consistency, KC, Consistency. Where is it? When was the last time you saw it? No, we’re not yet eliminated, but I still haven’t seen that we will sustain any decent level of play to be optimistic. I know there was an old Brooklyn team (or one of those ex NY teams) that pulled off a 23 game streak to take it, but this team has trouble winning back to back games at home. The rotation is basically patched together and the bullpen has been a relative joke all season. Andruw is shot to hell at the moment and despite his HR yesterday, you can tell the guy hurts something bad. Man, we’ve been the walking wounded for two seasons. I just don’t see us coming close with lame horses. Yes, we do have talent and yes, next year is not as gloomy as perhaps Smoltz may think, but the rest of this year will not see a playoff run. As far as Smoltz organizational comments (and I have trouble believing he really ran his mouth this much-if he did then maybe he needs to be gone), I have said before that having 3 HOF pitchers on the staff for more than ten years, is something never before seen in MLB. It may never happen again.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with you, KC. I’ll bet if you ask the other managers in this wildcard race they will tell you that they are not at all comfortable with the fact the Braves are still in this. They all know that Cox has this knack for getting his teams to play great at the right time. I have serious doubts the Braves can win the wildcard, however, the longer they “stick” around the more you have to wonder if they can pull it off.

By Head Coach

August 28, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Robert , Davies is ready to pitch and contribute. But for some reason management thinks he has to pitch two rehab starts in Richmond before he can rejoin the team. Its funny , they are finally going to have a decent rotation and a closer although the rest of the bullpen doesnt exactly inspire me with confidence. The team can hit and score with best of them. So why cant they get back into it you ask ? Well , Listen to the crap coming out in the news. They seem to have lost themselves as a team and the finger pointing has begun in earnest. Its hard to compete with people pointing fingers at each other.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Ain’t it amazing just what frustration can cause. GM’s, fans, players-It affects everyone. This team just has trouble building on what success they have had. One little setback or injury throws them into a tailspin. Then the finger pointing begins. I have thought for some time that an overturned banquet table may be needed to get people’s attention-just because I believe everything else has been tried. I know it’s not BC’s style, but can’t our limited budget absorb the loss of some food to get everyone’s attention and get them to focus?

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Robert, there are enough concerns with the Braves, enough negative issues, to make it quite unnecessary to exaggerate. And when you exaggerate, it takes something away from your other, mostly strong and valid points.

I’m talking about your portrayal or your impression of the crowd size yesterday. To compare it to the Marlins is so ridiculous, so ludicrous, that I can only assume you’ve never attended a typical game at Pro Player Stadium/Dolphin Stadium, at least not a game outside of their 1997 or 2003 World Series seasons.

Robert, official attendance was 30,587 yesterday at Turner Field. That’s tickets sold, which is what all teams are told to announce, not people through the turnstiles. But yesterday’s crowd was pretty legit, coming from someone who attends about 65 of the Braves 81 home games a season.

There were at least 25,000 in the seats. At least.

Do you realize how many people come to Marlins games? Not HALF that. They have announced average attendance, if I’m not mistaken, of around 12,000 per game this season. And there were no more than 5,000 in the seats for a couple of games this season when we were down there with the Braves. And that’s THE BRAVES, one of the Marlins’ best home draws. They only get a few thousand in the seats for some games against the dregs.

As much as I know some fans would like to see attedance decline to send a message to Schuerholz and/or Braves ownership, it simply hasn’t happened. It’s not showing up in the tickets sold this season, at least not to any significant degree. And we’re almost in SEPTEMBER with the Braves well below .500.

The Marlins, with a payroll less than one-fifth the Braves’ payroll, and a record virtually the same, would KILL to average 30,000 or more in home attendance, which the Braves are averaging.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Oh, forgot to say, it’s Monday so the new blog probably won’t go up until 4 p.m. Please hang in there and keep those posts coming.

Did you folks watch any of the Emmy Awards last night? When 24 and The Office when for best drama and best comedy, that, to me, bodes well for the Emmys.

And then there was Virginia Madsen.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

DOB-I’m really surprised the attendance has remained at the current level. It is a testament to the fans that they have stuck with the Braves this well. Considering how many people don’t show up for playoff games in Atlanta, I’m actually shocked at this year’s fan support. Has there been any word on the sale of the team? I know that negotiations are slow and not well publicized, but….Is it possible that if the Feds were to reject the tax saving deal to Liberty, that Liberty would drop out of the running. Is it even possible to know these things?

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Your calling out of Virginia Madsen gives rise to another FANTASTIC movie. You may well have seen it. It’s from 1987. Title is “Long Gone.” William Petersen plays a minor league manager in one of the best baseball movies ever made, IMHO. Last time I checked, it wasn’t out on DVD. But soon as it is, I’m getting a copy. Watch for it or set a Tivo automatic record agent. You will LOVE this movie.

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Meant to say “FANTASTIC movie recommendation.”

By KC

August 28, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

People, people, please!!!!

You’re preaching to the choir much more than you seem to think you are. I agree 100% that the Braves have not shown consistency, and have done nothing to show that they’re clicking on all cylinders. We have no reason to believe that they will make a serious run. I agree.

What reason do we have to believe that they will suddenly start firing on all cylinders and play the kind of baseball they’re capable of? None whatsoever. I have already stated several times that I don’t have a lot of confidence in this team. I am not “kidding” myself at all. If you asked me right here and now to predict whether or not the Braves will win the Wild Card… I will tell you no.

My point gentlemen, is that 4 games out (in the loss column) with a roster as talented as Atlanta’s, is not an insurmountable deficit. The Braves need 2 things to happen: 1-They need Kyle Davies to come through and give a solid boost to this rotation, and 2-the Braves have to have a middle reliever or two step up. That’s a lot to hope for… so I’m certainly not getting my hopes up. I think the Braves are capable, but I’m not at all confident that they will play as well as they are capable. That’s it in a nutshell. It’s not likely at all… but neither it is “over”.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith regrets that js was called “homeboy” by john smoltz. homeboy is not flattering when talking of someone in suspenders. in the hood, though, homeboy would probably be okay. so, it should be determined if these remarks from john smoltz were made inside turmer field or within the immediate surroundings of the stadium. if so, homeboy is cool. if made, by john smoltz while in the vinings or buckhead area, then homeboy is definitely not flattering - perhaps even disparaging. if js is reading this post, please know that this journalist will not refer to js as homeboy in this blog. still, if homeboy is what the esteemed smoltz calls js then js should ask why. does john smoltz no longer wish to be an atlanta brave? if js called his boss homeboy in the ajc, js would probably not survive. this recalls the incident where rico carty once called hank aaron homeboy, only worse. hank aaron then proceeded to get his homeboy whipped by rico carty. rico carty was soon removed from the team. “who you calling, homeboy?” now, if js is reading this, we must get beyond this homeboy talk … please sign some pitchers. trade some old timers for fresh, young, talent (the way other teams have done business with you for awhile) and see if this team can win another sign next year. thank you from journalist jimmy smith. and here’s a tip: remove gravy stains from suspenders using listerine.

By Tony Almeida

August 28, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Too bad Tim McGraw wasn’t there to give Jack Bauer his award.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

DOB, I didn’t mean to use the Marlins as an exact comparison. I was simply trying to say considering how well this team has performed over the last decade and a half and how important it is for the fans to support this team right now when they are trying to get some sort of momentum, the stadium looked quite empty. I saw a lot of empty seats. In no way can Braves fans be compared to Marlins fans. However, what would be said if Yankee Stadium only had 25,000 people in it on a Sunday afternoon? Perhaps, I used a bad analogy.

My entire point is that this team just doesn’t seem to get the support it needs. I understand attendance is up. But, its up enough for the TW to make money but not enough to get the team hyped to play. What happened to the crowds of the 1990’s? The Yankees haven’t won a title in almost 7 years, but the crowd is always large and always loud when the Yanks are getting a rally going.

Maybe I’m just frustrated and trying to find an answer. But, something doesn’t seem right about this team and I feel it may have to do something with them not feeling like they are being given the best chance to win. I don’t care what anyone says. This team is the most talented team in the NL outside of the Mets and yet they are mired in a ridiculous wildcard chase with a bunch of mediocre teams. Doesn’t make sense.

Again, I find it unacceptable that another starter hasn’t been acquired. You can’t tell me nothing is available. Other teams are making deals left and right and we aren’t. I think the Red Sox are in a similar position. As smart as Theo Epstein has been, like JS he has not been on the ball this season. He has been hesitant to pull the trigger on deals. It just burns me that the Phillies can get guys like Moyer and Conine and we couldn’t. The Phillies didn’t give up anything. It just doesn’t make sense. You give up Adam Wainright for JD Drew, whom they knew would probably only be here on season, but they can’t give up some no name minor leaguers for guys who can bring a winning presence to the ballclub? Makes no sense. And I think what makes it worse is that JS really seems flippant and indifferent about all of it. The way he has blown of Andruw, Smoltz, and Chipper isn’t a good way to treat the faces of your franchise. If he doesn’t think the future faces (LaRoche, Francoeur, and McCann)don’t see that and wonder if they won’t get treated the same, then he is crazy.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

KC-You are absolutely right. They are still in it. A winning streak of more than 3 games would, however, be much appreciated and would go a long way to restoring a modicum of optimism. I’m concerned, however, with Andruw. The man is hurting in a major fashion. Say what you will about AJ-He may not run out everyground ball, for whatever reason, but he is having difficulty in the outfield. This just does not happen. Call him the greatest ever or not, the man can field. He was limping in center yesterday and I’ve never seen that. We need his bat, especially with this pitiful relief corps. As it stands right now, I don’t know how much you can count on him.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

let’s say for a minute that js wants to get even with smoltzy for calling js a homeboy but in a way that will not deprive the atlanta braves of their ace pitcher. js must become devious. say that, prior to the game, js sneaks into the clubhouse and places a red eared slider in the pocket of smoltz’ uniform pants … imagine the dancing on the mound when the johnny cash song starts up over the public address system! and, would it be fair to say that john smoltz throws the best red eared slider on the team? these are thoughts to ponder.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 28, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

I wish I had access to these blogs at home instead of having to sneak a peak at work every so often and missing the weekend discussions. So forgive me if I bring up topics that have already been beaten to death. The Friday afternoon attempt to hang deer stands and get home before the first pitch was a disaster. Fender-bender—long story.
Noticed Andruw almost took a knee again on his HR swing. I know this has been discussed before, but its still sparks intrigue in my simple mind. I am really taking a liking to watching Diaz and McCann hit. I always like a line drive hitter. Kinda reminds me of the way Mark Grace used to hit. Since I’m too lazy to figure up the days I’ll go ahead and ask this question “Since both of the spot starters were used in one game, how will the rotation stack up this week. Will the off day take care of it?”.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

KC-Yes, a chance remains, but times a wastin’. We can’t count on the rest of the teams to play like misfits. I’m concerned about Andruw. He is obviously hurting in a major fashion. Even with the HR yesterday, a .192 average is not even as good as Langerhans at the moment. He needs to sit and hope his knee gets better. He really isn’t even a defensive upgrade on Ryan at the moment.

By Gizzard

August 28, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Where can I find the baseball blog?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 28, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

I’m surprised no one has metioned the story of how Kris K. presented Sunday Morning Coming Down to Mr. John R. Cash. K.K. supposedly wrote the song and then brought it to J.C.’s house via helicopter, landing it in Cash’s yard. Fact or fiction, it’s still a cool story, and genius songwriting.

“Five generations of an unlocked door and a loaded burgular alarm.”

By KC

August 28, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Lew:

I agree. To tell you the truth, I was kind of hoping that BC would sit him out of last night’s game so that he could get 2 consecutive days off. I am also concerned about Andruw. I f giving him a week off might allow him to come back with a vengeance, then by all means, pencil Langerhanz’s name into the lineup for a bit.

We need Andruw to be Andruw, and he certainly isn’t helping us much right now. I suspect that it’s not so much that Andruw can’t be productive in his current state of health, but that some of the nagging injuries threw his swing off and sent him into a slump. I think he still may be able to get it going, even with the knee and shoulder problems. But again… if a week off would help, I say rest him.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Count me in on those who are concerned about Andruw. He doesn’t look right. He looks very uncomfortable and in pain. At this point is it really a positive to have him in the lineup. He is in a horrendous slump and you can tell its his knee. Even though he ran down some balls yesterday it looked like it took everything he had to do it. I just don’t think Andruw is anywhere near healthy and perhaps the knee is worse than he is letting on.

By KC

August 28, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

I think we will know by the end of this weekend whether or not the Braves still have a shot at the Wild Card. They will play a four game series (including a double-header) in Philadelphia this weekend. The disturbing thing about that series is that it looks like they’ll be pitching their 1-4 starters in that series, and we’ll be starting Villareal, Cormeir, Hudson, and another AAA call-up in that series. Ouch. It could all be over by the end of next weekend. On the flip side, if the Braves survive that series, it will bode well for Atlanta. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Oh… and of course they’ve got to win this series against the Giants starting tomorrow. This is because the Giants are ahead of them in the WC standings, but also because they have to win every series from here on out. I think we can be happy with slip of the upcoming 4 game series against Phili given the above stated circumstances, but they must win every other series they play this season.

By KC

August 28, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Oops. Meant to say: “…I think we can be happy with a split of the series in Phili…”

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

If this thing with Smoltz doesn’t get worked out and he is truly upset that his option hasn’t been picked up yet, then the smart thing for JS do would be to go ahead and exercise the extension and then trade him. Can you imagine the teams that would line up for a guy (40 years old or not) that could be possibly coming off a Cy Young season and would only be making 8 mil a year? What do you think the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Angels, Rangers, White Sox, Tigers, Twins, and Reds would give up to get a guy like Smoltz? Especially the likes of the Red Sox, Yanks, Rangers, Reds, and Dodgers. Smoltz would be the one guy that could put them over the top.

By geauxbraves2000

August 28, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

What I read about Smoltz sure doesn’t sound like him. I believe it’s out of frustration for this season, the bullpen costing him so many wins the last couple of seasons (and possibly a Cy Young last year) and TW squeezing payroll. I don’t blame him, I’d be frustrated to.

Night off, time to rest some of the aches and pains and take on a suddenly resurgent SF club.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

The only problem with trading Smoltz to any of theses teams RJIB, is that we need pitching in return and if they had any major league ready pitching, they would already have called it up.

By Sammy Kershaw

August 28, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

MEB noticed you comments on Barbeque on Saturday. You mentioned Larry’s. You wouldnt be familiar with Dobbs would you? If we are talking about the same city in Alabama i always like Dobbs better.

By Billy (TBFNB)

August 28, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Not that I agree with Smoltz or J.S. but this seems more of people showing thier fustrations with a disappointing season rather than the actuall issues them selves. The Braves are going to pick up the option barring a serious injury. Even though smoltz is the man (I love him to death) he is not above the team. What happens if he blows his elbow out again. The braves will then be on the hook for 8 million for getting nothing in return. I think smoltz is worried about this very thing himself and is why he is making a big deal about it. Can you blame the now thrifty braves for wanting to ensure they dont blow more of their payroll on defective pithcers that cant produce anything? ala M. Hampton, J. Thompson.

I do think the ego of J. shurholtz has bitten him this year however, you cant help but place the blame all the way around the team. Then only bright spot for almost the entire year has been J. Smoltz. Everyone has struggled at one point or another.

C.J. early, A.J. Late, C. James has been good at times and bad the others. Thomson, Ramriez.

You also have to ask how much of this season would be diffent if people did not get injured. Blaming the one person or one thing is not the correct answer and is really over simplifying what went wrong this year.

Oh, and right when I thought the Braves were dead I find them 5 games out. If they sweep the Giants, hopfully they can pick up 2 games and mabey be 3-4 games out.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Billy-You may have a point about Smoltz’s elbow. We shall see. To those who keep track of these matters, DOB won the Wurlitzer. It was delivered to him this morning with much fanfare and Pan Flute musical accompaniement. Just remember DOB, Zamfir must be placed under glass for optimal results. Check with your local retailer of cheap Chinese merchandise for frame with glass. Zamfir will appreciate it.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

DOB, I agree “24” was overdue for an Emmy, but I think that one was at least cancelled out by giving best dramatic actress to Mariska Hargitay. I have almost religiously watched every episode of L&O CI and SVU, so I know what I’m talking about. She’s the only one on either show that CAN’T act her way out of a paper bag. Her only job is getting close-ups while interviewing a rape victim where she looks concerned, and asks them how they feel. She’s never on camera by herself otherwise. KNow what she did for a living before she got this job? She was a rape crisis councellor. THat’s right, she plays herself and doesn’t even do it well. That’s like the producer of the Sopranos coming up to me and saying “Grinch, we’re gonna give you all the camera time you want. Just signal to us when you’re ready and we’ll cue your close-up. Then I want you to take three heavy swallows of Guiness and belch. Well keep it comin’ as long as you’re ready. See? What’d I tell you? You won best actor!” Homeboy, please.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

lew scooped this journalist! how did lew find out first? dob has won the wurlitzer prize for journalism! congratulations, dob! this journalist thinks toes turned the tide. anyway, the wurlitzer is quite hamdsome, don’t you think? reward for a job well done. now, has the red eared slider yet arrived?

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Sorry ‘bout the double caps. Lew please clary that. Did you just say DOB won the Wurlitzer? Hoo-ray! Pie for everyone. I knew “Has Did” would do it…:-)

By Lew

August 28, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Grinch-I agree. Did you know her mother was Jayne Mansfield? I, too watch all of the L&O shows, etc. and I think she and Chris Meloni need to go. Their characters are getting old. What do you expect. It’s another episode of Hollywood’s self congratulaory season anyway.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Yes, it has been confirmed (check your email Dude), Our own Esteemed Journalist DOB, of the humble AJC has won the Wurlitzer. I believe it was a certificate for dinner for two at Sizzler and the Complete Works of Zamfir. We, of course, couldn’t be prouder of our boy, The Abiding Dude. Three cheers, and indeed, Pie for All. Journalist Jimmy-Yes, toes definitely tipped the scale in his favor, no doubt. I understand that Ed McMahon dressed as a postman to make the presentation. He forgot the baloons, though. The Humanity!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

I do think some of Smoltz’s comments are from frustration. But that frustration is the result of the lack of action to make the team better. Smoltz has been here 19 years. He watched good player after good player leave here. He has watched Justice, Glavine, Maddux, Sheffield, Furcal, Blauser, Stanton, and Dye leave most of whom left because they felt like they weren’t wanted or they were traded because they were due money. Baseball is a business but you have to factor in loyalty somewhere. I think somethings JS had no control over. When he gave Chipper and Andruw their contracts and traded for Hampton the payroll was conducive to having those kinds of salaries. It is not his fault TW pulled the rug out from underneath him. But, it is his fault that he did not address the real issues this team had during the winter. It is his fault he didn’t sign Furcal last year during the sesaon. It is his fault now that Smoltz hasn’t been given the contract option. Does anyone but me find it curious that Cox has been quite silent on this issue. Is it because he isn’t real happy with the way things have been done this year. I know he didn’t want to lose Furcal. And he has enough sense to know that if it wasn’t for Smoltz this team would be fighting the Pirates and Cubs to stay out of the NL basement. The fact is JS hasn’t handled failure very well this year. His moves haven’t worked out. His non moves regarding the bullpen finally came back to bite him in the butt. His trades of the last few years have in reality brought nothing and given away a lot of good talent. He has been very flippant and sarcastic this season and that is turning off some of the players. I understand he runs a tight ship and its way or the highway. In principle there is nothing wrong with that philosophy but he has to have a little give to him. He could have handled both Andruw and Smoltz much differently than he did.

He isn’t Brian Cashman. He can’t say whatever he wants because he knows he has the resources to replace players at will. JS doesn’t have that kind of advantage.

I think the two biggest mistakes JS could make this year is to not exericse Smoltz’s contract and to make Andruw committ to what he is going to do. Again I will say that if Andruw will not sign an extension then he has to be traded and get something in return. You can’t just let him walk in free agency. This hometown discount crap can’t be counted on. Andruw is still upset about the waiver thing and apparently JS has done nothing to smooth things over. I’ll bet you that the Mariners wished they had traded away both Griffey and A-Rod while they had the chance. They bought into the whole “I want to stay. I love it here” thing and got burned twice. Now, they are bottom feeders in the AL West. THE AL WEST!

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

3 cheers for DOB! The Wurlitzer!! WOW! :-))) (That was a pretty good escapade, wasn’t it, gang??! Lew, you da best!)

By 10-7-4

August 28, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

Sir Journalist Jimmy:::I’m reporting from somewhere in Southeast Nigeria while in pursuit of red eared slider. Mission got off to dubious start when while packing for trip Drunky Clint came by and offered to accompany me on said mission. After discovering that ‘the part of no, that he does not understand, is the part-from n to o’, I relented. He called his favorite ‘watering hole’, and the resident genius advised us to search here. After extensive investigation I can report the existence of ‘the Red Eared Guenons’ which are local to this environment, but no ‘red eared sliders here. We are now in hot pursuit of new leads and will report in as soon as practical.

By Braves20

August 28, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Oops, sorry. Thought I was at a baseball site.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Yes, Lew, I was going to go into the irony of Mansfeild at least KNOWING she was a joke of an actress who was only popular for her ta-tas and accepting it with grace and humor to…well, you get the point. Morning, CL! You got my tummy thinking last night, and I’m fixing to go get things to make stuffed shells for supper. I’m also going to grab a pie (I’m a good cook, but no baker) to consume after Monday Night Football in DOB’s honnor. I’m thinking Key Lime. Gotta have a graham crust…

By Lew

August 28, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-Yes, The Wurlitzer Selection Commitee was in fine form for this award. It could not have gone to a more deserving Journalist. Al Gore, The Journalist Formerly Known As The Vice President ran a distant 2nd in the voting. I have heard that it was a close race until the migrating Yaks and Musk Oxen showed up in Cordele. That lost it for Al Gore, then and there. Curse you Al Gore, we were deliriously blissful in our ignorance! No pie or Zamfir for you Oh Journalist of Doom and Gloom. Three cheers for DOB, the Wurlitzer Winner.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this

Braves20-Speak on baseball subjects and perhaps someone will answer you in kind. Speak on other subjects and someone will answer you in kind. Or go away mad if you prefer. Free airways, dude, abide or not, at your pleasure. Amen and Selah.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Braves20, no problem; that’s a common mistake. :-) 35, I need to know more about these “Guenons” before I feel safe. There’s no danger of Yakk-like glacial migration, I hope? Unless, of course, they live off mosquitos. We don’t want another “Blue Worms” type episode…

By mariner

August 28, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB), Mariners traded Griffey for four players in 2000, including Mike Cameron and Brett Tomko. Cameron quickly became a fan favorite and a Gold Glover in CF. Mariners only traded Griffey after he turned down an 8yr/$138M extension. Griffey signed with the Reds for 9 yr/$112.5M. I don’t think the Mariners have ever regretted the trade, they did all they could to keep him, and even won 116 games in 2001 without him. I think the lesson for JS and Braves fans here is that there could be life after AJ, if the right deal is struck. As far as being bottom feeders in the AL West, Mariners just swept the Red Sox this weekend and took two of three from the Yankees before that. Braves would be hard pressed to duplicate that feat.

By Braves20

August 28, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

IYEL-SY

By Lew

August 28, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Oh, The Horror! I never thought about the possible interaction of Yak, Musk Oxen and Blue Worms. Curse you Grinch-We were blissful in our ignorance.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

And the Mariners had just come off of a 11 game losing streak when that happened. Adn right now sweeping the Red Sox is not that huge of an accomplishment because the Sox aren’t playing anywhere close to the way they were when they played the Braves.

Now, as for Andruw, I would like to see him stay. But, if he doesn’t committ to an extension this winter then a trade has to be explored. Holding onto players in hopes they will stay or give a “hometown discount” are silly. Just like the Nats will regret not trading Soriano. He says he wants to stay but is he really going to stay when the Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers, White Sox, and even maybe a team like the Astros are willing to give him whatever he wants?

By Georgetown Kid

August 28, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Mr. B’Brien,

John Madden often says that “winning is the utlimate deodorant.” Everyone on the Braves is incredibly frustrated (especially the fans), and the mounting losses have led certain individuals to make mountains out of molehills. Few people were complaining about JS’s decisions when the Braves were winning by large margins and playing in October. JS wasn’t to blame for our early exits, but rather they were due to Sheffield, Hudson, Farsnworth, et al, choking in the clutch.

Smoltz will be retained, and if the Braves have a good season next year, JS will miraculously become a genius again, and Cox will become brilliant again.

However, I do have concerns with the manner in which JS has handled the Smoltz situation. I am concerned with the fact that JS rigidly adheres to his operational philosophy regardless of the scenario. For, to quote another coach, Don Shula once said that a good coach does not rigidly adhere to a “system.” But rather, a good coach designs a system to maximize the strengths of his team.

Smoltz should have been viewed as an exception to the rule, and JS should publicly state his confidence in him. It would be positive PR, it would attract attention to the magnificent season Smoltz is having, and it would send a positive message to the other players. Instead, by treating this situation with arrogance and haught, JS has exacerbated an otherwise minor problem.

The Atlanta Braves are a very different organization than they were 10 years ago. They are now corporate owned, they have a rigid salary cap, and their farm system is rather depleated. JS must show that he can adjust to changing times.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Of Course, Braves20-You must speak English, not computerese. We would be happy to converse with you if you would tell us what is on your mind. I promise, I have had enough of eye charts for quite some time.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Good post, G’town Kid. Gotta run, Y’all; work to do. Later in the day when the blog is not bogged…

By Georgetown Kid

August 28, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

I’ve got to give you props on Kansas, by the way. They would indeed wipe the floor with the Hoyas.

The JHawks return most, if not all of their starting 5, and y’all picked up some real Blue Chip recruits.

However, I must admit, I went to Virginia for undergrad, so my athletic loyalty is to the Cavaliers. But Kansas would blow them out by even more.

BUT, both Gtown and UVA would KILL Kansas in Lacrosse. But that’s only because Kansas doesn’t have a lacrosse program. Were you to start one, you’d probably beat us in that too.

Why couldn’t you have gone to Kansas State, then I could talk some serious smack.

By mariner

August 28, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB), don’t really want to tangle with you over which bad team, Braves or Mariners, is worse. Just wanted to correct the statement that Griffey was not traded and that managment ended up with nothing, and that this along with losing A-Rod, has something to do with the Mariners current state. If the Braves were paying Francouer and Betemit (I realize he’s gone) $25 million this year, they’d be in a world of hurt. That’s what happened to the Mariners when they signed Beltre and Sexson. 25 mil per year for Francouer and Betemit numbers. That has more to do with the Mariner’s being bottom feeders than anything they did or didn’t do with A-Rod and Griffey. Plus, they held on to Moyer too long and wound up with bupkus.

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Understand this, folks. Smoltz has put Schuerholz in a position in which he CAN’T pick up the option now, in-season, even were he so inclined. To do so would intimate that the inmates run the asylum, and that man will never do that. As I said earlier, if this were a real sticking point for the player, a single phone call to his agent would have gotten him a sit-down to air his grievance in the proper forum. Instead, Smoltz has acted like a three-year-old in Toys R Us. Some “leadership”.

By 10-7-4

August 28, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Grinch—never fear my good man, I assure you the Red Eared Guenons, are harmless. They are part of the ‘monkey’ family and are indigenous to S.E. Nigeria and S.W. Cameroon only. They have a red nose and a red tail to go with their red ears. Come to think of it, Drunky Clint also has a red nose!!

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Hoya, K-State is not worthy of smack. I wouldn’t waste the time.

Folks, the Wurlitzer was an even greater award than I could’ve imagined. Truly humbled and appreciative of those involved. Thanks again, and I hope each of you received the checks I sent.

Grinch, I’ll take your word on her acting. I watch the other two L & O’s but, not Special Victims Unit. But I know she’s deserving of some award….

Oh, and by the way … Virginia Madsen.

Gizzard, I don’t know where the Braves blog went. Let me know if you find it.

One more thing: New blog has been filed, but they usually post them at 4 p.m. as a group on Monday. It’s Smoltz and homeboy stuff.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Hey Scoots-How are you today? It’s frustration, pure and simple. It’s like Lowell George says in Teenage Nervous Breakdown-“It makes some men crazy and they talk like fools, Makes some men crazy and then they start to drool”. Let the drooling begin.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Well, ncscoots, whose to say that Smoltz didn’t ask for a sit down. Remember, Furcal asked for a few of them last year and JS told him he wouldn’t discuss a contract until after the season is over. That is the way he does it. There is no negotiating contracts during the season. The problem is that is a stupid policy and it can’t always be so ridgid. No, JS could defuse this whole situation by saying they have every intention of signing Smoltz. The fact that he won’t give any vote of confidence at all is a sign that maybe he is thinking of not exercising the option.

Georgetown Kid is right. If for no other reason than good PR should JS come out and say that an extension will be offered. JS has been taking hits for a couple of years now and this year is just a culmination of all the corner cutting and the such JS has done with this team and in particular the bullpen.

I’m not saying that JS has all of a sudden lost it but this year he’s been less than on his game. The fact the Brian Jordan and Todd Pratt was on this team is enough evidence to show that. He has managed to irk Smoltz and Andruw and I think Chipper as well. I don’t think management should ever cater to the players but you sure don’t tick off the faces and heart of the team either.

I think the losing is frustrating to the players no doubt. They have definitely pressed. However, they also see that other teams are making moves and basically sans Baez and Wickman the Braves have stood pat when they have so many obvious needs. Thank God Cox is there because I wonder who would want to stick around next year if Cox were to say right now that is retiring at the end of the season?

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

robert, try to get a grip here. If Smoltz had asked for a sit-down and been rebuffed, do you not think he would have said THAT instead of wondering “why haven’t they picked up my option?” He would have been furious, and rightly so. His years with the team accord him that respect, and I doubt Schuerholz would have denied the chance to speak his mind. In private.

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

Lew, you’re absolutely on point. Only mad dogs and Englishmen go forth in the noonday sun, and that orb seems to be shining more brightly than ever in the Braves universe. And they ain’t Englishmen.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

Well, I could easily believe Smoltz asked about his extension and JS told him they would discuss it later. I think Smoltz has every right to be upset. He could have long ago booked for more money and fame. JS has a strict policy of not negotiating contracts during the year. Don’t believe it?! Go ask Furcal and Sheffield and Glavine. They will tell you.

By Gizzard

August 28, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Well DOB, from the looks of it, the Braves blog slid down the $hitter a long time ago!

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

Whatever you say Gizzard, just keep posting, brother. See that number of responses at the top of the blog? You’re one of them. Actually, several now.

By TennesseePaul

August 28, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

I think all these issues have a root in 2 main issues from the past off season.

1) Payroll held or reduced.
2)Team put up for sale

All other issues stem from those. Chipper and Smotlz restructured to stay in Atlanta and be more affordable under a tighter belt. That puts their hopes higher. Furcal bounced out of town on a ridiculously over blown contract which smarts all those who remained. JS didn’t have the piles of cash to buy whom ever he needed. And, after 15 years of success, he confidently went into this season with much less than was needed. When June rolled into town and presented the worst month in Braves history, a lot of the spirit was crushed. July trade hopes came and went with bullpen help coming. Smoltz had hoped for some improvement “down there” and he got it from his “homeboy upthere”. But then, with the pen in seemingly better shape, the troubles of the rotation became ever more apparent. All of these things contribute to the losing. The losing increases the frustration. The frustration increased the pressing, which compounded the chances of injuries. All of this is added to the losing and the inconsistancy. It’s a viscious cycle. It could have been avoided without the salary restrictions. Without the looming sale. If JS had picked up Wickman at the beginning of the season. If someone had taken Thomson and Sosa off our hands before the season started. If the middle relief was more steady. If the rotation was more consistant. If Chipper didn’t get hurt. If, if, if. It’s a snowball thing.

In the end, I think this will be for the best. Maybe they needed to have the underbrush cleared by fire. I’m not sure how they can “clean” it up with trades. I think part of the hesitation with making deals now is that every other team’s GM is working from a more powerful position than the Braves. So trades more than likely are coming from the strip down stand point. I don’t think JS is willing to part with the players other teams want out of fear it would do more harm to next years chances. It’s easy to see it that way. This whole summer there’ve been posts complaining about deals made 10 years ago. Now we have solid young guys and we are actually trying to build around them. We have good veterans to mentor them.

Our weakest spot was the bullpen. Lesson learned. Introduce 3 younguns into the starting rotation then you need to shore up the pen. Once these young guys get healthy and a year under their belt, they’ll last longer in the games. This will mean less use of the pen. And therefore you don’t have to build a pen that can be rock solid for 4 or 5 innings a night. Which means you don’t need as many talented, and therefore expensive, arms down there to hold the games. IF the starters went 7 innings a game, we wouldn’t need as much in the pen.

Having said all that, these Braves need to do some soul searching. Are they going to sulk? Are they going to sit there and say, we aren’t winners? That the guy, or guys, they need to help them win is playing for another team? Or, are they going to suck it up, and play the rest of this year to win. No more excuses. No more complaining. No more if only’s. Go out and execute and try and salvage something for this season. They can end this season as crap, pointing fingers, or they can end it with a winning record at the least. I’d perfer they end with a winning record. Not every part of this streak is dead.

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Over 500 posts on this blog. Grizzard, what do you want?? You are welcome to join in! What do you want to discuss?

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

MLBTradeRumors.com Picks Up Smoltz Discussion

In it is this excerpt, which I’m a little surprised at:

“Smoltz is worth $7.4MM next year according to Baseball Prospectus. They project his value at just $11.5MM over the 2008-10 seasons, however.”

I have to think Baseball Prospectus must be substantially behind the curve.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Scoots-Go Dawgs-Mad and otherwise.

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

jeez, robert, listen to yourself for a minute. You can easily believe that Smoltz asked for clarification on his option, Schuerholz said they’d discuss it later, and Smoltz NEVER MENTIONS IT????? Please! Is brain-lock a requirement in your zipcode, or something?

By Lew

August 28, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Well, whatever happens (and whatever happens all the time), they will still print tickets and have Braves games at Turner Field. In all likelihood most of us will still be Braves fans and we will still be going back and forth about something.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

I think part of Smoltz’s problem is that he has watched this team slowly dismantled. We lose people and the attitude is that its no big deal. Franco leaves and it is just like “oh well”. Sheffield leaves and its like, “oh well”. And on and on. I think having to sit and watch a talent like Francoeur be so undisciplined and virtually nothing done about it. To have a young team with no helpful veteran presence there to help. (Pratt and Jordan don’t count.) This team could have been improved even with the budget. The fact is there is money still available out of that 6 mil. Why isn’t it being used for a starter that can help right now? The fact is JS doesn’t want anyone to question his moves or non moves at all. I like JS and think he is one of the best GMs ever but even the best screw up and he has this year. Big time. Same with Theo in Boston and the guy in Houston. They have made the wrong moves and now don’t want to own up to them.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

No, ncscoots, I believe Smoltz asked if the extension was going to be exericsed and JS said something to the effect they’ll address it later and Smoltz thus said he has no idea why it hasn’t been exercised because he doesn’t. I don’t have brain lock. Is memory loss required in your zip code. This is the same crap that happened with Furcal last year.

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Yo Dave…

I meant to say this in the earlier post, but by the time I started typing, I forgot. Since you’re a big Virginia Madsen fan, you —definitely— need to check this one out.

Not only is it one of the best baseball movies ever, but the views of Madsen are triumphant.

By Barbara G

September 1, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

I still haven’t given up on the Braves yet. I think they have done quite well seeing they have so many pitchers and key players out on DL and playing hurt all season. Also with the Braves up for Sale and Time Warner not spending any money for key players Bobby Cox has done extremely well with what he has to put on the field every game. Also don’t ever forget they are the only professional team who has won 14 straight division titles. Give credit where credit is due. GO BRAVES