AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.US7 Train to NL East title town
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On 7 train, headed toward new home of NL East division championship….
Three levels down in Grand Central Terminal…. Couple of underground stops…. Now surfacing from tunnel beneath the East River…. Is this still Manhattan, or Queens? Can’t tell from map. Too bumpy. Can’t open map; too geeky….
Endless warehouses with broken windows …. “Now we’re moving on up, to the East Side,” in my head…. Peeling paint on subway platforms…. Graffiti covering satellite dishes on top of apartment buildings rung with barbed wire….
Hand-painted sign for dentist office…. Graffiti covering empty billboard frames…. So many folks still have those metal TV antennaes. Or just left on top of buildings?….
Dude on guitar sits on floor in train. Sings anti-Bush, anti-war song. “Say a prayer for the troops,” he says. Collects $3 in tips. Moves to next train car….
Remarkably detailed graffiti. How many hours? Covers entire side of building…. “Raekwon” spray-painted across entire top floor. I hear that Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothing to f*&$ with….
“Medicina General” on metal sign of clinic, beneath subway platform…. Junction Blvd. stop …. 103rd Street-Corona Plaza…. entering heart of Mets country…. 111 Street…. There it is, on left. Ahhh, yes. Huge, ugly, blue. “Shea Stadium” in white letters, above stick figure of ballplayer (neon lit at night … 1970s)….
Shea Stadium parking lot…. Next to Auto Glass, Auto Body, Brake Repair, Transmission Repair …. Dozens and dozens of auto shops. Each has garage door covered in graffiti….
Ticket counter…. Girl in Beltran jersey. Guy in Franco jersey. John, not Julio. Guy in Yankees Jeter jersey? Whatever, amigo (as Julio F. would say)….
Show bag to security. Doesn’t look in (Atlanta security officers act like 9/11 occurred in Atlanta, while Shea and LaGuardia security shrug shoulders, relatively speaking….)
Braves clubhouse, quiet. Chipper playing cards. Few guys on couches, watching SportsCenter. One reporter….
Mets clubhouse, crowded. Dozen reporters. Julio Franco on couch, demonstrating flex pose to young teammate. Wide-screen TV… Univision news…. Glavine holding court with reporters…. Billy Wagner. Pedro. Lo Duca. Delgado. Beltran. Shawn Green….
Omar Minaya, one interview, then another. In Spanish. In English. Man has stamina….
“If they were to give a Pulitzer Prize in baseball,” Minaya says (knows his audience), “Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz and the whole Braves organization would deserve the Pulitizer Prize. They would win in a landslide…. I can’t say enough positive words about the Braves. All baseball people see them as a model for success….”
Clubhouse closing, 45 minutes to first pitch. Elevator stuck at upper deck. Take ramps. Back and forth, back and forth, to press level…. Tired. Long week…
Feels like fall. Like October. Maybe closest Braves will get to that feeling this year….
Let’s play two.
Comments
By Voice of Reason
September 6, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
By Head Coach September 6, 2006 12:59 PM
“I am not going to argue stupidity with you guys , forget it. I’m watching the game , bye.”
By Voice of Reason September 6, 2006 01:10 PM
“HC - Argue stupidity? Please explain… If you’re referring to me, don’t simply commit a drive-by denial without the benefit of any support. That’s as effective as “Is… Is not… Is… Is not…” I’m not picking a fight, I just want to see your side of the debate. Also, I’ll show a little more maturity and dignity than to call you stupid for your unsupported remark…”
Well…
By elbravox
September 6, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the tour. Now lets win two!
By Voice of Reason
September 6, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
I miss having a magic number…
By David O'Brien
September 6, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
eh-eh, magic numbers are cool.
Hey, ‘speaking of cool (or not), how ‘bout this Braves lineup today: 1. Aybar, 2. Edgar, 3. Francoeur (first 3-hole hitter with sub-.300 OBP in history?), 4. Andruw, 5. Diaz, 6. McCann, 7. LaRoche, 8. Prado.
Uh, that’s not exactly what we had in mind leaving spring training, now, is it?
By Voice of Reason
September 6, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
Spring training seems so long ago…
By elbravox
September 6, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
Spring can not come soon enough.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Smoltz IMO is not well. He struggles every now and then, like every pitcher does, but 2 of his last 3 have been not so good, and maybe one run is all he will give up today, hopefully, but I think something is ailing him.
Geaux Braves!!
By Shaun Payne
September 6, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
Why not bat Francouer 8th? Seems like that would force him on-base more.
By Voice of Reason
September 6, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Maybe BC thinks he’ll get better pitches to hit batting in front of Andruw… I think the prevailing thought is that Laroche or McCann are too slow to bat at the top of the lineup; can’t say as to why Diaz couldn’t bat 3rd…
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, here’s a braves fan directly from Brazil! Who would’ve tought that in the “soccer-mad country in south america” there would be someone who actually loved baseball…
The only problem is having to “watch” the Braves on MLB.com-gameday…
Let’s sweep the Mets and keep this thing alive!
By Bravo Nam
September 6, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
A few errant thoughts:
1). The Braves string of division titles is coming to an end this year. Let’s all root for the Red Sox or whoever else is in the Yanks division over the next few years…it’s one record I want the Braves to keep…and it’s one record the Yanks with their endless dollars don’t deserve.
2). Talking about records I want the Braves to keep…here’s to Hank that Bonds doesn’t catch him. It would be a travesty is a great player like Aaron who did so much good for the sport was unseated by a great player who did so little for the sport.
3). DOB- I notice that you’ve been consistent in writing that Perez will face off in the second match- but the Braves site and elsewhere says Glavine- what gives?
4). I’ve noticed in recent weeks a few of our bloggers berating ESPN for giving the Braves a raw deal. I must admit I’ve noticed this year that ESPN has dissed the Braves quite a bit. I think no better example was the other day, when on the ESPN website, as it’s major headline, it stated: A National Treasure (referring to Ortiz’s flirt with a no hitter)- fair enough, the guy hit a home run and only gave up a run- but on the same day, Chuck James’ one hitter, no run performance didn’t even rate a minor headline.
5). There is no doubt in my mind that Giles will be traded this winter…and while the guy plays hard, plays well and is by all reports a stand up guy, there are three problems with keeping him: a). Proneness to injury, personal tragedy and other things that prevent him from playing. With Chipper having all sorts of injuries and Andruw’s back and general health showing wear, the last thing the Braves need is for three players with question marks. b). They have current players who can fill his shoes. c). He’s one of the few tradeable commodities we have that can bring a good SP in return.
6). Trading AJ- unless he signs this winter, there’s no way I see AJ allowing the Braves to trade him.
7). CJ not playing in NY- I reckon Chipper must be like a caged lion at the moment- can you imagine that a guy who loves to beat no team more than the Mets has missed three series with them this year? Let’s hope he will be available to play the Mets at Turner.
8). NY Fans are pussies. Or front runners…been giving us s** for weeks on end, then the Braves take one game from them and they don’t have the courage to come back here and face the music.
9). Steve Irwin- good bloke.
10). Even though all games are of equal value, I can’t help but feel that each game we win against the likes of FLA and PHI from here on out are almost like winning 1.5 games.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or do the Braves struggle against lefties. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a leftie w/an era of 1.00 or 10.00, they just can’t seem to hit them.
Hopefully js can get it together, 44 pitches in two innings ain’t so good.
Geaux Braves!!
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
That’s more better Smoltzie, 12 pitches = inning over.
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
What about Aybar? 2 hits and a lot of speed. Could he be the leadoff man next season for us?
By Voice of Reason
September 6, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
44 pitches over 2 is real bad when you consider they have a 2nd game today. You really don’t wanna go to the bullpen too early in game 1… Of course, you really, and I mean really, don’t wanna go to the bullpen too early in any game with Los Bravos this year…
By eware
September 6, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, is Diaz our official starting Left Fielder now? He should be.
Also, what happens with D. Ward after the season? I don’t remember hearing anything about this. I don’t see a place for him next season until rosters are expanded.
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Way better, Smoltzie. 8 pitches to end an inning. I think he’s going for a long ride on this one.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Personally I hope they keep Ward. He could be that good power bat off the bench and could spell LaRoche every now and then, and maybe we wouldn’t have to see yet another LaRoche platoon. Man, if anyone has made a case for playing everyday it’s him. (notwithstanding a couple of brain farts).
Geaux Braves!!
By 1991-2005, RIP
September 6, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Baserunning obviously is not part of Aybar’s upside.
By David O'Brien
September 6, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
I can assure you, Glavine is NOT pitching today. I talked to him this morning.
He was scheduled to pitch the finale, but that changed even before the series began. They made that switch a week ago
By 22oz
September 6, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Who is this outstanding pitcher for the mets? Is he their ace? He must be if we can’t hit him.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
The Braves have a tendency to make a lot of pitchers look like an ace.
By Voice of Reason
September 6, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
OUCH
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Damn it. 2-run-HR by Delgado. Looks like a long day…
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
I tell you, Smoltz ain’t himself lately, something is amiss. He just doesn’t struggle in 3 out of 4 outings. Tired? Hammy? Obligue? Toes?
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Maybe he’s refining his mechanics with “nice guy” Reitsma.
By elbravox
September 6, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Yep, the most winnable DH ever! Smoltz will not make his start, not that it matters.
By rammerjammer
September 6, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
Boys, it just ain’t our year.
In virtually every “must win, need to win” game, we’ve lost. No questioning team toughness, just too many injuries to too many key players. Now, too many teams to pass for the wild card. It just ain’t gonna happen.
Let’s enjoy watching the call-ups and think about interesting trades. Fortunately, with just a little tweaking and better health, Braves will be right back in the thick of it next year.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
Alright, nice job Smotlz getting out of that job, now it’s time for the offense to step up.
Geaux Braves!!
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
Uh Oh…..Smoltz over 100 pitches, Cox will be going to the bullpen soon.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
“out of that jam” that is.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the reminder NYFan, now I feel better. Not.
NYFan, congrats on the Mets, they are the best team in the East this year, probably the NL.
Nonetheless, Geaux Braves!!
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Feliz Navidad! Fliciano’s pitching!
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
Please, no more platoon on LF. Give Diaz the job full-time. The guy can hit and he’s defense is improving.
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
Please, no more platoon on LF. Give Diaz the job full-time. The guy can hit and he’s defense is improving.
By nathan
September 6, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
That “clang” you heard down on the track was the sound of the ACE baton being dropped by Smoltz. It was being handed back to him by Hudson, who had NO IDEA what to do with it! LOL
Maybe they should give it to Chuck James. He seems to have a clue what to do with it.
geauxbraves2000 I’m with you. I think he’s either hurt. Or maybe just fatigued. He’s logged a lot of “high intensity” innings this year. It’s too bad he’s had to work so hard, with everybody else struggling just to tread water.
But like I said last week. I find it ironic, that after he makes some comments about the “state” of the Braves season, and players stepping it up. He’s dropped the ball BIG TIME when we’ve needed him most.
What’s that? You want some of my classic negativity, do you?
Here’s a prediction:
The team goes on a roll, and by some freak of nature, the Braves win the wild card. But by that time, Smoltz will be in full “Dave Dravecki Mode”, with his arm dangling from his shoulder. And like always……we get our A*******ES handed to us in the playoffs.
Just kidding, people! I gave up on this team (for the 3rd or 4th time. LOL) about 3 weeks ago.
BTW DOB, insert Aybar at 2B instead of 3B and put Chipper at 3B (when healthy) and I would have ZERO problem with that being the lineup next year. To me the offense isn’t the problem. Now if there isn’t some youth inserted into the rotation…..then, I’ll have a problem.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Well, that 1/2 inning didn’t take long.
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
So much for “The most winable double header ever”. As for todays Mets starter Williams, He’s pretty good for an unknown. As you can see the Mets pitching is more than just Pedro and Glavine.
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Please, no more platoon on LF. Give Diaz the job full-time. The guy can hit and he’s defense is improving.
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
YATES!
YIKES!!!
WTF IS BOBBY THINKING??
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Did Jimmy Smith write “7 Train to NL East title town”? Man, that was an example of mailing it in.
By rammerjammer
September 6, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
This Williams guy has been doing ok with the Mets. After they got him from the Reds, he made three August starts with a 3.79 ERA. Easy to say now, but I wouldn’t have characterized this as an automatic win beforehand.
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
My point was that a team doesn’t go 30 plus games over .500 with just 2 known pitchers. It takes more than that.
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
OK, in the dark over here. What’s the score? Is game one done? What’s up?
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Mets 3 Braves 1, bottom of the 8th.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Decent pitchers and a power lineup will win a lot of regular season games, trust me I know, but decent pitching and a power lineup doesn’t mean squat in the postseason. If Pedro is Pedro and Glavine is the Glavine of old and if Williams pitches like he did today then the Mets may have a chance. Traschel’s wins have mainly come from his run support and that won’t do it in the postseason. It doesn’t matter who is in the lineup, no pitching in the postseason = early exit. This is experience talking. But I’m sure you know all of this NYFan. Good luck in the PS.
Geaux Braves!!
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Mets 4 Braves 1 bottom of the 8th
By 22oz
September 6, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
And……..Done.
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks.
GO BRAVES Let’s pull this one out! Yeah.
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Man, that didn’t look like a bad pitch green hit. Gotta give him credit on that one.
Congrats, NYFAN-too bad we missed you Monday!
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
It’s been the 9th inning in these DH’s where the Braves have done their damage, maybe again today??
Geaux Braves!!
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
I totaly agree gbraves2000. When we get to the post season the Mets will rely heavily on Pedro and Glavine. One good thing about the big lead we enjoy, it allows both of the “old” pitchers to get rested before the post season. Just for the record I’ve never been a big Trachsel fan.
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Did I miss something on Monday Rodger?
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
That has to be the shortest 9th inning I can remember!
By rammerjammer
September 6, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Another must win game lost. Tough season.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
I have a feeling somewhere deep down inside the players are starting to realize they have very little chance of taking the wilcard, and are probably losing intensity. Just playing to get this dreadful season over with. Maybe I’m wrong, but if so I can’t say that I blame them, for the wildcard is possible but barely. They’d have to win something like 20 of their next 25 ball games, and there’s not too many teams that could do that.
Then, they win 4 in a row and the “maybe’s” start again. What a rollercoaster.
Win or lose, the Braves are still my team and forever will be.
Geaux Braves!!
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Don’t know, NYFAN-just didn’t see any NY fans on here during or after the game…
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
I don’t discuss Met losses….LOL
By journalist jimmy smith
September 6, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
the unrefined blogger who finds fault with the poetry of wurlitzer winner dob’s blog here today is just that - unrefined. this journalist felt as if this journalist was riding on that train with that journalist. good stuff. worthy of another wurlitzer. journalist jimmy smith thanks geauxbraves for taking up for journalist with the blogger known as stinky. stinky has many names but a tired, old act that makes stinky no friends. bet stinky was as unpopular in school as on this blog. now, baseball … oh, the humanity! how have they lost this game with john smoltz pitching against, who? some things that cannot happen are happening frequently with this year’s team.
By Tony Almeida
September 6, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
How many Braves does it take to screw in a light bulb?
By superadam
September 6, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
anyone taking odds on how long Davies will last
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
Let’s bet Davies goes into the 8th-no hitter, one hit, whatever-repulls groin-never recovers.
By rammerjammer
September 6, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Believe Smoltz would be better served by taking the rest of the month off. No sense wasting our best pitcher on meaningless games…better to have him rested and refreshed next spring. We have enough arms to finish out the season.
By Skip Caray
September 6, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
Plenty of tickets left for the Braves’ upcoming series with the Cubs at Turner Field, folks!
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
DOB-are you going to work with Shultz on Weekend predictions? Sweepable DH indeed! (or was I just misreading the winner?)
By Greg
September 6, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
That was the most absurd lineup in recent Braves history. Why on Earth would you bat free-swinging Francouer in front of free-swinging Andruw. Man, the pitcher must have loved that. All you need is breaking balls on the corner and it’s good night.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t sit Smoltz yet… he’ll have plenty of time in the offseason. I believe the last time we didn’t win the division (‘91), we didn’t sit any of our pitchers towards the end. We won the following year, so I’d keep the same formula. Besides, we still have about 6 more losses to play with… stranger things have happened.
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Oh my god. it’s happening all over again. The kid’s overthrowing. Long day…
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
When DOB stated this could be the most sweepable DH, I think he meant for the Mets. 1st pitch HR given up by KD, yeah, I’m giddy about his return.
It’s going to be a long one folks. Oh well, at least I still have my sanity. Barely, but it’s still there.
GB
By Rodger
September 6, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Jon, in 90 we didn’t have 39 yo, multiple repair job pitchers.
By rammerjammer
September 6, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
I’ll bet that clubhouse was damned quiet between games. This game was the one that really sealed the deal. We HAD to have it, and game two to boot. Ain’t no way now. No way. When your horse takes the mound against some journeyman, well, you’ve just got to win that game.
If we only had June to do over again…
By rammerjammer
September 6, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
The ‘90 team finished 32 games under .500. The rotation had five guys age 24 and younger, and they needed the work. Smoltz doesn’t need to prove anything, but this club desparately needs him in 2007. He should rest.
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, facing a 2-11 pitcher with a .712 ERA, I can see why no hits in the first two innings. He is left handed though, once again making me wonder why Braves can’t hit left handers.
Okay, I’m done for the day. I still love the Braves, win or lose.
Geaux Braves!!
By Lew
September 6, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Resting Smoltz and shutting Chipper down for the season sound like good ideas to me. I think it’s pretty obvious that making it to .500 and staying there will be enough of a challenge. I will say it one time only-Mets-Congratulations. The division is yours, at least for a year. Reyes and Wright are going to be great. You really need more pitching, though.
By Goat Horns
September 6, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
First Game horns to Frenchy & Andruw. (They have to get some hits off of a weak lefty)!
The kids and extra players are battling hard but what kind of contibution are the “big money” players making.
Andruw, Chipper, Smoltz, and Hudson take up about half of the payroll. Their contibutions in the last 10 days have been minimal. They need to produce in accordance with their paychecks!
The “Younger Braves” are doing their part.
Where are the “stars” when we need them?
By Meet the Mets
September 6, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
Hey, Lew — what we don’t have, we’ll buy!
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
“Bravo Nam - 8). NY Fans are pussies.”
FACE THE MUSIC?? Face the music for what? For losing one little game to your Triple-A team with delusions of grandeur? Ohhhh you make me laugh. The Mets could forfeit five in a row to you and it would have NO effect on them whatsoever. So, please forgive the Mets fans for not coming back to “FACE THE MUSIC” (ooooh, scary) because the Braves maanged to win a game. I just don’t think anyone noticed…..or cared. Also—really classy comment, Bravo. You’re aces. And did I mention that you make me LAUGH?
By Lew
September 6, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
MeetThe Mets-You better break out the checkbook.
By Scalp 'em Braves
September 6, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Here I was frosted over being stuck in the office and not being able to watch the games. Guess that saved me a lot of frustration from some of the “real time” comments I have read above. Getting ready to head to the local watering hole to try to catch the end of what sounds like another chapter of this season’s saga of disappointment.
Go Braves, now and forever!
By journalist jimmy smith
September 6, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
analysis: no team needs 9 baseball announcers. skip, pete, joe, don, chip, don, jeff, and you know, ron gant. too many announcers spoil the booth. the money saved on a few announcers might buy another journeyman for the bullpen. jimmy smith likes the idea of a 270 pound relief pitcher in each of the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings.
By Carolina Lady
September 6, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, that was an excellent opening post. The Wurlitzer has been appropriately given, without doubt.
By Scalp 'em Braves
September 6, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
By the way - to Mutts Fan, oops, I mean Mets Fan - funny how boastful you guys get after one good season. Guess your selective memory has wiped out the Mutts futility, angst, frustration and any other adjective describing how pitiful that team has been for the last 20 years I can think of. This, despite acquiring high (read over) priced free agents, all these years. You get to laugh and gloat this year. We’ll see ya in ‘07.
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
My god, somebody finally forced their pitcher to throw 9 pitches! Thanks, Renteria! Now perhaps thar Perez dude might not pitch in the 9th.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
Scalp ‘em -
1969 - World Series Champions, NY Mets 1986 - World Series Champions, NY Mets
How many times have the Atlanta Braves won the World Series? No, really…remind me.
Annnnnd….you can shut up now.
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Most of the brave fans have been very gracious with their congrats today. especially Lew and gbraves2000 ……Thanx. I can’t tell you how much greif and heartbreak the braves have caused me over the last 14 years. Finally the moves and money the Mets made in the offseason have paid off. Don’t count out the Mets in the playoffs either. I know the starting pitching isn’t the greatest but I think it’s good enough when you factor the teams other strengths.
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Geaux Braves!!! And take the Falcons with you!!!
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
Alright, Still in the dark here. Last I heard, 4-1 Mets game 1. And then Davies and his groin giving up long balls in game 2. Any final, or up-to-date scores yet?
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
Game 1 over: Mets 4 Braves 1 Game 2, bottom of the 5th: Mets 2 Braves 0
Strange things happening. A potential RBI by Laroche ended up being an unassisted double play.
What a day…
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
* Bravo-Nam*. did you get beat up by New Yorkers when you were a kid? Your vents carry a lot of hostility toward Met fans. You’re from Australia and living in Vietman? How many Met fans can you possibly come across that would make you so bitter?
By Metropolitan Man
September 6, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
LET THE DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP CONTINUE! GO BACK HOME WITH YOUR TAIL BETWEEN YOUR LEGS AND LET US SIGN SMOLTZ NEXT.
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
How did LaRoche get out twice in one play?
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
Good morning, again. DOB: ecellent blog; when reading that description of the sinkhole Mets fans live in, it’s easier to understand why they come on here to ridicule us. It illicits pity rather than anger. I wish you hadn’t put the Jefferson’s theme song in my head, though; it’ll be there ‘till Saturday. Most of those graffitti-painted “Auto shops” around the stadium are chop shops (ha ha) where they part-out or rebuild the cars to look like different ones that they steal from the stadium parking lots. Jimmy: “…too many announcers spoil the booth.” Good one. Adam Worth, the Falcons will be better than you think this year.
By JG
September 6, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
TNPAul, not looking too well this evening… not sure about other scores from around the NL. I’ve recently stopped tracking other games as the WildCard leader has held steady at an 83-85 win pace since the All-Star break (whether Cincy/LAD/SD). I think 84-78 is a safe estimate for the wildcard. We have 72 (well, 72 1/2) losses as of right now. I guess there’s still a chance until that number hits 79. If/when we hit that, I’ll start rooting for a high draft pick!
By Carlos Amato
September 6, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
Hard-hit liner to 1st, Aybar was there, had it gone through it would have been an RBI-double. Instead, it went straight to the 1st-baseman.
What a shame.
By The Fat Lady
September 6, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
Anybody know a good area in Atlanta where I can start warming up my vocal chords?
By journalist jimmy smith
September 6, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
ken griffey jr has dislocated a 36-year old toe. toes make the man in baseball. a discolored and dislocated number two toe makes cowards of us all. more toe news later - parontoe is coming intoe the game.
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
Grinch I guess there aren’t any bad areas in Atlanta huh??. I assure of this, New york is the financial capital of the world. Terrorist hit NY because of it. From the Empire State bldg to the Statue of Liberty we are the symbol of America. Oh and BTW, Mets 4 braves 0……
By nathan
September 6, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
Somebody go KICK the donkey in the dugout. He must’ve fallen asleep again!
Let me get this right. You have September callups on the roster. So “lack” of pitchers (quantity not quality), is NOT the issue. The 2nd portion of this equation is a pitcher who has been OUT since may (not much stamina, I’m guessing). 6th inning: base hit, base hit, WALK!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????
GET HIM OUT OF THERE!
Not that it really matters anymore. Hell, give LaRoche his wish. Let him pitch. He can’t possibly be any worse than the trash (not named Chuck James) that we keep throwing out there.
Should’ve traded Smoltz while we still had the chance. He’s OBVIOUSLY grown tired of the “situation” in Atlanta. And if he hasn’t, he should just shut his mouth. Was he actually dissing the offense today by making his “I made one bad pitch and we scored one run” comment?
John, don’t go away mad. Just go away. Or cheer up.
By CarolinaMike
September 6, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Grinch, you’ve just expressed what so annoys me about some Braves fans: a smug superiority that the Braves and everything about them are somehow “better” than the Mets. I’d be the first to argue there have been many problems with my franchise, but I also feel the current ownership/management team is taking some very positive steps.
I think it’s well documented that the Mets are building a new stadium and will be cleaning up the auto shops. Let’s put it this way (as a Southerner), I know more people that have been mugged at the Ted than at Shea.
By Metropolitan Man
September 6, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog DOB, take your whisker biscuit eating team team back to the ATL and lick them wounds. How nice to take the division from you and kill your wild card hopes in the same series, just priceless.
By Dandy Don Meredith
September 6, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this
The party’s over…
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
I also like how Grinch just generalizes that all the hard-working independent business owners in the area are criminals. Because, you know…there’s no crime in Atlanta. Or graffiti. Your comments are about as ignorant as saying that everyone in Atlanta is racist.
And, maybe the stadium is in an industrial area because…it’s a stadium. Do you really want one of those in your backyard?
By Train Wreck Bystander
September 6, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
With apologies to T.S. Eliot:
This is the way the run ends This is the way the run ends This is the way the run ends Not with a bang but a whimper.
By T.S.
September 6, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Mistah Cox he dead.
By T.S.
September 6, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
And in the Ted the women come and go, talking of the Georgia Bulldogs, oh.
By T.S.
September 6, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
Who’s T.S. Eliot? Is he some kind of NASCAR driver?
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
NYFAN: Come on here and talk sh!t if you must, but please, don’t brag about 9/11. That’s just… just don’t.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul - He’s not “bragging” about it. He’s simply stating that New York is a major American city, and was a target of terrorists because of its significance. For you to even SUGGEST that makes me, as a New Yorker who lived through it, want to slap you.
By Todd A
September 6, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
So…DOB,you still don’t think this roster needs to be blown up?Yeah.You’re probably right.Why would anyone want a roster stocked with great young talent across the board,and having such a bright future like the Marlins?Then again,with “homeboy upstairs” pulling the strings on deals,we’re better off with the status quo.
By nathan
September 6, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
Kyle Davies’ ERA is 7.20
I’ll repeat that……7.20!!!!!
Anybody out there still think he’s gonna even have a place in this rotation next year, much less anchor it?
This guy makes Jason Marquis look like Roger Clemens. What did he have, four good starts last year to start his career? Since then he looks like the Starting version of Dan Kolb…with worse control!
OH, what do you know? As I’m typing, four more runs on the board for the Mets.
THANK GOD FOOTBALL STARTS THIS WEEK!
Go Braves in 2007! Let’s hope he’s pitching for somebody else in the NL East next season. But I’m sure we wouldn’t get any hits off of him either. LOL!
By T.S.
September 6, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
And in the Ted the women come and go, talking of the Georgia Bulldogs, oh.
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
T paul why don’t you have any nothing to say about the comments made by your fellow brave fan Grinch??? Why aren’t asking him to stop with his bull??? I wasn’t talking any sh*%^@it. I was just trying to make a point. You could look at any city and see the good and the bad. Is Atlanta any different?
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
NYFAN, you’re the only one of the bunch I know even vaguely worth responding to, so here goes. Atlanta has several bad areas (hence our new control of the hip-hop scene), but they don’t encompass the ENTIRE CITY. Yes, Ney York is the finance capital (though Atlanta has the busiest airport for general buisness reasons). However, when saying things like “We’re the symbol of America” keep in mind you’re the symbol of ONE ASPECT of America. The kind nobody likes. I won’t go into that further without making smaller minded people on this blog (not you, actually) madder than they should be due to ignorance. I lived there 9 years (Nyack) and I can tell you the only thing up there worth bombing would be the restaurants. ONLY plus. Everything else already appears to have been bombed. However, bombing is a sensitive subject (and I DO get nervous about living around the CDC, knock on wood), so I’ll let it go. I understand there’s a charm to your city that attracts a lot of people, I just don’t know what it is. However, I respect your right to enjoy it. You dig on your sirens and gunshots, I’ll stick to my clean air and quiet (yes, I’m outside the city limits). To each his own. BTW, congrats on your season. Y’all haven’t seen me taunting on your blogs in the past, and you won’t next year when we’re back on top. Southern hospitallity, and all that. Cheers!
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
Grinch -
You couldn’t sound like a bigger idiot if you tried. But I kind of wish you would try. I honestly, sincerely ask you - are you drunk right now?
By Tony Almeida
September 6, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
This Bullpen ROCKS!!
By Todd A
September 6, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
Good to see we could help bring Shawn Green out of his slump before the playoffs start.
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
Carolina Mike, I was raised a southern gentleman as well as anyone I know. It seems, however, that we come from different generations of southerners. I was taught a southern gentleman has manners, but he also doesn’t take any crap. You apparently belong to the PC crowd. Suit yourself, and I have nothing against you and your kind (more peace can only be a good thing), but please don’t take on the face of the south and apologize for me. If it weren’t for people like me this area would still be unsettled. No, I’m not a racist, to diffuse that one before some moron even brings it up. Also, people on this blog have consistently been saying worse things about New York all season than I have, and nobody jumped on them. Where are you now, people? Gonna leave it to The Grinch to fight your battles when the heat gets turned up? I’m the man to do it, but y’all are pathetic.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
Grinch - you’re being left on your own for some simple reasons: what you’re saying is stupid, and no one agrees with you.
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
It’s Cool Grinch. I do love my city. The good and the bad you’ve got to accept it all. My Aunt and Uncle live in Nyack. Did you see that shot by Green?? Time to start thinking about your fantasy football roster cause your season is over.
By D Train
September 6, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Chip Caray just used a great word to describe the non-stop, nonsensical babbling of Bobby Cox when the Braves are at the plate.
Polyannish
It is ridiculous to think major leaguer hitters will get pumped up by his ceaseless cheerleadering.
Maybe if he did it during a crucial at-bat now and then it would have an impact. But every at-bat of every game? I’m sure the players tuned him out long ago.
Even more amazing is the Braves broadcast crew’s decision to place a microphone in the dugout and crank up Bobby’s hyperactive commentary. It occasionally drowns out the announcer’s comments.
Make no mistake about it. Someone is riding those audio controls to make sure none of Bobby’s infamous expletives make the air.
My favorite comment on this blog all season….
Bobby Cox is just a few years away from yelling at the TV in the assisted living center.
By NYFAN2
September 6, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Does a southern gentleman call people pathetic?
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
DOB’s blog essentially points out Shea and the surrounding area’s a cesspool. I say yeah, ha, ha, and elaborate a little bit and I get a half dozen people jumping down my throat acting like I’m trying to start a holy war. All I said was it’s a crappy looking, violent city which I believe can be echoed by looking it up in the encyclopedia. I also agreed Atlanta’s violent, only those areas are more compartmentalized and you don’t have it everywhere you turn. No real big deal, everyone. I dislike New York because I had an ugly time up there amongst what I consider to be a generally rude and unethical group of people. That’s a legitimate reason for me, and I don’t speak for others. I fail to see how that makes me an idiot.
By Marcus Giles
September 6, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
“We better get to work,” Marcus Giles cracked.
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this
A southern gentleman respects people with grit and disrespects people who throw rocks and then hide, so yes, NYFAN2. NYFAN, you represent the half-dozen or so decent people I did meet during that time. What’s Nyack like these days? I haven’t been since 1986. I’ve always kind of wanted to go back just to see, but I haven’t really felt it was worth it yet. I do admit to missing the pizza and kosher delis.
By John Rocker
September 6, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
I like the Grinch, he stands for everything I believe in.
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
I’ve been working on the fantasy football for the last three weeks by the way. Glad I didn’t pick Rothlisburger. And thanks for John Abraham.
By nathan
September 6, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
I will say this:
I will stand behind my belief that the Mets BOUGHT this division title. They have one of the best teams money can buy!
I don’t even have a problem with that. A GM’s job is to do what he has to do to put a winner on the field with the resources given to him.
But what I do find amusing, with the GREAT job that Omar Minaya has done, is how much of a ABSOLUTE JOKE that Steve Phillips was as a GM. That guy had the same resources and deep pocket book. But it seemed like he always overspent on the wrong guys! So it’s due to his utter incompitance as a GM, that I have to laugh every time I see him open his mouth on Baseball Tonight! He’s got ZERO BUSINESS talking about baseball IMO, what a moron!
By ByeByeBraves
September 6, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
Don’t you love these people that live somewhere for awhile and are experts of it? This fool lives in Nyack (which is in Long Island, NOT NYC by the way idiot) for 9 years (so he says) and here he is an expert. But you know what they sai If you can make it there…. and apparently Grinchypoo was too weak to handle it and ran back to the land of cocacola and peaches. But hey, congrats on the LL world series, at least there’s one good baseball team in georgia.
By Todd A
September 6, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
Can anyone give me a logical argument that this team will be playoff worthy next year?The Mets are clearly superior,and going no where in the for-see-able future.The Marlins are poised for a big move in the standings,especially if they make another “Pudge” type move to bolster their roster.If they add a big time free agent of that caliber,they could very well find themselves in the WS again.The Phillies have the best young hitter in baseball and a good young team around him.
The Braves are another matter.The rotation is in shambles.Chipper can’t stay healthy,and his contract is an albatross on the team.Andruw is Andruw.A 13 million $ enigma every year.The only few glimmers of hope on this team that I can see is McCann,LaRoche(can he follow up with another solid year?),Chuck James(soph jinx?),and who knows on Frenchy.he could have an mvp type year or become another Brad Kominsk.I could see Blaine Boyer being a big difference maker if he’s healthy.But where is the optimism for next year coming from?Is Hampton’s return going to make that big of a difference?Because,without any significant roster turnover,I just don’t see this team capable of making any noise in the division next year.
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
I have not said anything against minorities, I just said a milder version of what a dozen people have said on here this year. It’s a dirty, violent city, more so than most. That’s merely stating the obvious. However, since this obviously isn’t going to be an intellectual discussion or even a common argument (the people jumping on me now are people who won’t even identify themselves and are attempting to put words in my mouth: hey again, stinky), I’m going to drop it since I didn’t attempt to start anything anyway. I just don’t appreciate being jumped on because I’m the only one with the stones to fight back. That’s all most of you want, anyway; to see me lose my cool. Just like when I lived up there. I remember people up there honestly asking me if people down here rode horses to school, or if it was true everyone sat around barefoot on the front porch in overalls drinking moonshine from a mason jar. It’s a trip places are so polarized from each other in the age of information.
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
NYFAN: I can’t even read that sentence(s). It is missing way to many words.
MetsFan: As an American it makes me want to slap the fire out of him for bringing it up in his sh!t talking. That strike was against everyone in the states. Everyone. As if it ment less to me out here in LA… Unbelievable.
By ATLsucks
September 6, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
My God, it must suck being a Braves fan! Nice job making Dave Williams and Oliver Perez look like Steve Carlton and Warren Spahn, what a bunch of LOSERS!!!!
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
Last comment to bolster my authenticity. Nyack is in Rockland county directly across the Hudson from Tarrytown. I lived in Rivercrest apartments right next to Hook mountain and very close to the Tappan Zee bridge. If I was going to make up living in New York, why would I choose a place like that? And why would ANYONE make up having lived there at all? I didn’t leave because I couldn’t handle it, I left because I realized I had previously been in a place I greatly preffered. Once again, common sense.
By John Rocker
September 6, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
Me and Grinch go way back.
By nathan
September 6, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
You Mets fans are Frickin Morons!
TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!! TWO GOOD YEARS IN THE LAST 20!!!!!!!!
Last time I checked, you guys CHOKED THE LAST WORLD SERIES YOU WERE IN, DIDN’T YOU? Hell, you would’ve CHOKED THE 86 World Series too, had Bucknor not “stole the show” with the ultimate CHOKE JOB.
I’m not bitter about you guys winning. Hell, how’s the old saying go? “Sun’s gotta shine on a dog’s a*, once in a while, doesn’t it?”…..or somthing to that effect.
What I do have a problem with, is you guys acting like the Greatest thing since sliced bread. Take note, while you may have locked up the NL East. Maybe even the NL Pennant.
YOU STILL ARE NOT THE BEST TEAM IN YOUR OWN FRICKIN’ CITY!!!!!! NOW, THAT’S FUNNY!
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
Enough with the non-baseball bullcrap. Grinch, let it go. As for Nyack. it probably hasn’t changed much. It always looks the same to me. I must say I’m giddy about the Mets. I’ve stood by them through the tuff times. I won’t lie, it was nice taking both games of the double header and showing brave fans there’s more to the Mets pitching than just Pefro and Glavine.
By nathan
September 6, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
NYFAN You better HOPE there’s more to your guys’ pitching than Pedro and Glavine. With there health and age, I’d be REAL nervous about them come October.
But if healthy, they definitely would make a dynamic duo! Maybe not as “dominant” as say 1995, but OBVIOUSLY far superior to ANYTHING the Braves have on their roster.
By Knockahoma
September 6, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
Our season is as dead as this blog. DOB did a great job running things but I doubt it will get much activity between now and October given the Braves performance and football. Thanks Dave for making a terrible season somewhat interesting.
By KC
September 6, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
It’s officially “next year” time.
Mets fans… How should we cope? We don’t know how to handle something like this. You guys are experienced at losing… what do we make it through? Help us understand.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 6, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
the grinch is suffering the slings and arrows of the blog (it’s stinky with more than one name, grinch). it is sad that the fans are taking the losses so hard. of course, for some of the players hunting season begins a week early this year. journalist dob caught chipper playing old maid in the clubhouse. in the interest of clubhouse sanctity dob could not name the game. journalist jimmy smith has never won a wurlitzer and is quick to name the old maid playing wuss. chipper the met killer sat while the braves scored only one run today. oh, the humanity!
now, a giant panda has been born at atlanta zoo. when did wicky get in town?
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
Sorry, dude, I kept on because people have kept on goading me. However, you’re right; not worth it. And as I said before, nothing wrong with being giddy. I felt that way in ‘91 after being one of the 5,000 or so nightly fans in the stadium watching the Braves suck in previous years. I have almost as much contempt for fair weather fans as I do people blaming Al-Queda on me for pointing out their graffitti. That’s one reason I’m giddy about the Falcons now. Man, what a franchise to be stuck with over the years! Just good enough to make you think they have a chance, then they blow chunks when it counts. Never shelved the t-shirts and hats, though, and now I’m glad (though as a true fan I have to keep history in mind and be cautious). I empathize.
By Head Coach
September 6, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
I am totally wasted and totally at a loss for words , lol. 18 innings 1 run ? O my head hurts , gonna go sober up be back in a few hours.
By Tomahawkin
September 6, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this
I Ga—wwd Damn run over 18 innings, I can’t believe we went out like some Suckas today…
Make the excuses that its 3 doubleheaders over a week, wrong, This offense is too one dimensional, and furthermore we suck, I give props to da Mutts
Season Over…
By We've Lived So Well So Long
September 6, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered,
I don’t have a friend who feels at ease.
I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered
Or driven to its knees.
Oh, but it’s all right,
It’s all right,
For we’ve lived so well so long.
Still, when I think of the road we’re traveling on,
I wonder what’s gone wrong.
I can’t help but wonder what’s gone wrong.
By Tomahawkin
September 6, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
I know Headcoach threw about 12 empty beer cans at the tube today, I guess thats the only humor I can find after watching 6 hours of shytty baseball
Cheesewhiz, our offense looked like an AAA team today…
By NYFAN
September 6, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
Now that the Mets have seemingly buried the braves. I will say this ONE & ONLY time about your 14 year run F*******&#$^ING AMAZING. But I’m glad it’s *finaly in the past……Lets Go Mets!!!!
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
What’s up, T’hawkin? Looks like bar time again tonight, huh? These Braves drive one to drink (like we need any encouragement). Jimmy, did Chipper injure himself playing old maid? He pulled the oblique making the discard motion? Hit his toe shifting his foot under the table? DOB’s really getting us the inside scoop now…
By The Grinch
September 6, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Gotta run. I hope everyone else has enjoyed their afternoon as much as I have. Not.
By ByeByeBraves
September 6, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this
KC, pretend it’s the first round of the playoffs. Remember how it feels to be a loser now??
By Tomahawkin
September 6, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
Whad-up Crinch, No Shyt, This team is boring and Depressing, Need I say more why the flamboyant Mutts Kicked our a-s-s-es
Its margarita nite at da bar, I’ll be on it…
By Goat Horns
September 6, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
Horns for Kyle (again), Andruw (again),and Frenchy (again).
Andruw and Frenchy twice in one day. I don’t think that Hudson has accomplished that trick yet.
We have no leadership from the veterans except maybe Wick.
Time to play the kids. Anyone of them could have contibuted as much as Andruw or Chipper this series.
By Patrick
September 6, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I just don’t see what all the hype was about Davies. He has had one started that met up to his hype and since then he’s looked mediocre at best. He has no control and all of his pitches are up. I don’t know how he projects into a future “ace”
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 6, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
and just think about it…this is just the first season of many many years to come of Braves mediocrity…I live for this!!!…GO ERIN ANDREWS!!!…
By Zimmerman
September 6, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
I’m gettin’ out of New York City; I do believe I’ve had enough.
By ByeByeBraves
September 6, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
I’m gettin’ out of New York City; I do believe I’ve had enough.
Seeya! Don’t let the door hit ya where many men have split ya! LOL
By Jon
September 6, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Nice hatchet job DOB. What was the purpose of this article? Was it to cause more divide between people from the North, and people from the South? Why did you have to insult everyone from NYC with this piece of trash? Is this the type of garbage that sells papers in Atlanta? It’s a shame when you have to drag others down to raise yourself up. And that’s exactly what you did. You don’t mention Manhattan, and all there is to do there. You don’t mention the beautiful skyline of NY. I doubt that you have the class to paint the entire picture. But it’s people like you that are the reason we still have so much hatred in this world. And a good chunk of it due to selling papers. You should be ashamed.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul - You’re right, the attacks were on all of us. But unless you’re a New Yorker who knows people who died in those buildings, and walked through the rubble in the weeks afterward, and saw the smoke rising into the sky from your house, don’t you dare tell me it affected you the same way.
By Tomahawkin
September 6, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Aight, U guys, Time to go and grill out, and get tuned up 4 margarita nite, check ya later peeps, on an otherwise dismal day 4 braves fans as da Mutts Finished us off…
By robdawg06
September 6, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
I guess the Braves have given up ? Swept in a double-header with their playoff lives on the line. 8-0 laugher in the second game too. Who do we blame ? There’s enough blame to go WAY around. Blame JS for not getting a bonafide closer soon enough and relying on Reitsma & Ray who blew at least 20 saves between them. Blame Bobby for not sticking with Betemit & Diaz as starters,leaving starters in too long,and even summoning Reitsma & Remlinger to pitch at all.. Blame Chipper for staying injured. Blame Francoeur for not taking pitches in his at-bats hence making so many outs. Blame Andruw for disappearing for 40 at bats between offensive outbursts. But if you really want to place the blame where it truly belongs you blame two things. You blame the Braves ownership for keeping the finances tight and you blame the Mets for BUYING this division title. The Mets added Billy Wagner,Carlos Delgado,Carlos Beltran,Pedro Martinez,Shawn Green,Paul LoDuca,Tom Glavine,and others to finally be good enough to take the East. They remind me of the Yankees and Red Sox in how they’ve bought this title instead of grew the players themselves and earned it. LaRoche,Smoltz,Francoeur,McCann,Andruw,Chipper,Langerhans,Davies,C.James were ALL developed in the Braves minor league system. I think the Mets have Jose Reyes & David Wright that they developed.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Gosh allmighty, Grinchy and DOB have insulted the New Jerkers. Doesn’t everyone know you’re supposed to like these arrogant c-suckers?
If you clowns don’t like it, MOVE BACK TO NEW JERK. Quit stinking up my beloved SOUTH.
Oh, everyone in the United States bent over a*-backwards for New York after Sept 11. Enough with the messiah complex.
By dadgum
September 6, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
After being embarrased today I don’t even want to see the final standings. The Braves can’t even score but 1 run for Smoltz and ZERO for Davies against two average at best pitchers. I understand that it was a makeshift lineup but seriously what the hell is 1 RUN in TWO games all about. SAD SAD SAD.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Well, if your ownership wasn’t so cheap. maybe you could get some decent free agents, and not been the laughing stock with 1 title in 14 chances. There are no awards for buiulding a team through your farm system. They only give them for winning.
By robdawg06
September 6, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this
Hey Jon, what part about what DOB said was a lie ? Its common knowledge that New York is a haven for gangs and thug life in the inner city. True, there are some of the greatest Americans who ever lived living there in New York keeping the economy going just like everywhere else. I really can’t understand someone settling for riding a degraded subway to work for 30 years of their life. There are many roads that lead to many new places. places where you can breathe clean air and where strangers are like family. And I’m not referring to Atlanta or any other metro cities in the U.S. either.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
Listen a*******holoe. This country is as much mine as it is yours. You should be embarassed trying to call yourself an American talking about “your South”. this is my country, all of it, as well as yours. Enough of my families blood has been spilled defending her, and I’ll be damned if some wise a* idiot is going to tell me where I can go, and where I should live. So you know where you can stick that “my South” s**.
By Andy
September 6, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
Dave, during the mets broadcast the announcers kept saying things like revenge is sweet—best served cold—that kind of thing. They did this a couple times—then two more different time they brought up how the mets killed atlanta division hopes with a sweep and today they could effectly end atlanta hopes for a playoff run—“a double wammay!” I don’t remember the atlanta broadcasters being so vocal about not only beating a team but reveling in it. Are most of the media really excieted to see atlanta lose the way the mets anoncers are?
By Grinch is Our B!tch
September 6, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
Hey, Grich, you started it, and we New Yorkers finished it! Run, you scared b!tch!
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
Too bad assclown Jon, you can move down here, but you’re still a f-ing yankee c-sucker. Always will be.
By robdawg06
September 6, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
When you buy a championship its different than earning a championship. The minor league systems are designed to develop talent WITHIN your organization to be future MLB players. The Yankees,Red Sox,and Mets take the easy way out and just BUY other team’s stars. The Marlins did this several years back with Sheffield,K.Brown,Bonilla,etc. then became a minor league team at the major league level after they all left as free agents. The Mets have the money to keep the good players and even get more free agents. This is great for the Mets but a dagger in the heart for the small market teams like the Royals,Pirates,and Reds who develop then lose those stars.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Andy, in all fairness, the METS broadcasters have also said such things about the Braves when they were winning.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
JJMB: “Oh, everyone in the United States bent over a*-backwards for New York after Sept 11. Enough with the messiah complex”
WOW….just wow. Yeah, we really had a little pity party in New York, didn’t we? I’ll go tell that to the three different kids I know who don’t have fathers anymore. I’ll tell them JJMB said enough is enough! Get over it!
You, sir, are what is generally called an a**.
By robdawg06
September 6, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
Jon, you have to resort to cursing and name-calling ? I won’t sink to your level. There are tons of places in New York just as rural and laid back as where I live. Have a good life there buddy…
By Jon
September 6, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
And you are an ignorant bigot. Live with that.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
robdawg06 - so what are/were Hudson, Hampton, Wickman, McGriff, Sheffield, and a dozen others I could name? Volunteers? Honorary Citizens of Atlanta? Free agents and trades are a part of baseball. For a long time, your team made really good deals. Lately, they’ve sucked. Deal with it. No one buys a championship—everyone still has to play the game.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, but when some jerk tells me that a part of my country isn’t mine, I get a little p** off. BTW, I live in a rural area, and not all of NY is subject to gang rule, and the like. That just the image that people like DOB, and JJMB portray it as. this article had one purpose, and one purpose only, and that was to drag down all NYers. And that is sad.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
And you’re an ignorant, arrogant a-hole. Why would you be living in the South, posting on a Braves blog, and not supporting the Braves? New Jerk is such a great place? You love the Mets? Yankees? Why in the fvck waste your time in the South? GO HOME
By robdawg06
September 6, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
The Braves add one or two guys per year and the Mets get an entire new roster every 2 years. Jon, you got that right dude. I will live what I call the normal life where I can hunt and fish,not worry about crime,worship God freely,and breathe clean air. If that makes me a bigot then so be it.
By robdawg06
September 6, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
Jon, you would be welcomed here by me in Georgia. I love all Americans that work hard.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
I’ll go where I want, and post where I want. Do something about it. I came here to read the articles, like I do everyday, in many papers that cover the teams from the NL east. I’m not in the South. I love the South. But unfortunately people like you mar the image of what is a great place to spend time.
By cmk
September 6, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
This is an idiotic conversation….on both sides of the argument. There are 18 million people in the NY area - obviously there are people who find something worthwhile about living there. There are plenty of other people for whom it holds no attraction at all. People like different things.
By pepe
September 6, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
do you alos liky teh mexican workeres who are heer? we worke verry hard in our new contry. all men are brothers.
By dadgum
September 6, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
“To do it in the year where you beat the Braves is another. To be able to do it and end their run at the same time, it means something special.”
Is the above quote from Glavine really indicative of the type person you want back on the Braves?
By Jon
September 6, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
robdawg, i didn’t call you a bigot. I support hunters and anglers. I worship God freely, and I’d do it in NY too. And I thank you for welcoming me. I’ve only ever driven through Georgia. But from what I’ve seen, and the people I’ve talked to, it’s a beautiful place. Everyone that I’ve come in contact with in Georgia, save for JJ, has treated me with complete respect, and kindness. I hope all stays that way.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
I think JJMB has some serious apologizing to do over his “messiah complex” comment.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
So Jon, you don’t live the South. Thats good, great, if fact. That just makes you a NY jerk posting on a Braves blog. Not uncommon. Did expect to welcomed with open arms?
PS (Stay up there)
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
Apoligize? Hell no I won’t. I stand by my words.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
JJMB - I thought as much. I expected nothing less from a classless jerk such as you. Notice how no one on this board has rushed to your defense about anything? Even Atlanta fans think you’re an idiot.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this
I stand by my words as well, especially when i say that you are a idiot, and a bigot.
P.S.- I’m not in NY a-hole.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
New Jerkers, I don’t require support from anyone to relay what the truth is. This is a Braves blog, and you’ve come to gloat. Don’t expect me to love you. Similarly, don’t expect me to love you when you move down here. I know how the north views the South. The problem (and greatness) of Southern culture is that we’re too polite.
By BravesRule2002
September 6, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with the NY fans, JJMB is acting like a jerk. They are right, you show no class. Support the Braves with class, is that too much to ask?
By Lew
September 6, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
Everybody just grow up. You’re all baseball fans.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Thank you, BravesRule2002…I’m happy to discuss baseball with reasonable people such as you anyday. JJMB - take that as your cue to go away.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
BravesRule2002, have you lived outside the South? How old are you?
By tyyosh
September 6, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
Wow, on the road in FLA and just caught their Marlins TV network game. No-hitter by Anibal Sanchez, who started the season in AA. Their season just keeps getting better. How humbling to see that team, how they have drafted and traded so smartly, and how they now have a dominant pitching staff that is mostly rookies. Supposedly their minors are also loaded with pitching everywhere also. How sad that our streak ends because of the collapse of pitching.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
OH a METS FAN is going to shoo me away. And I was just going to shut down.
By BravesRule2002
September 6, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
I have lived north and south, and my age is not the issue, otherwise I would bring yours into question. This is why I don’t post on this blog. The majority of the people here are so quick to “put people in there place”. This is baseball, a game. If your team wins, be proud. If your team loses, tip your hat to the opponent. We are the spectators, just enjoy the game and be classy, win or lose. Relax and enjoy the ride.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
Actually, JJMB, I think an Atlanta fan just shooed you away. But I think you might have discovered the one thing Mets and Braves fans can agree on—you’re a jerk.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
So you’re a yankee, big surprize! So you agree with the NY’ers. Another big surprize.
By Metropolitan Man
September 6, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Has anyone looked at the Underground lately, it looks like NY’s Time Square in the 80’s. Panhandlers everywhere, dirty shady people standing around, open prostitution …..neeed I go on. And go on down to Bckhead….then you will see why all bars have to be closed by 2am. You guys are so holier than thou and it was reported 2 years ago that the Alanta crime rate was low because it was mis recorded and not reported courtesy of S. Franklin. Now before you continue to rip the greatrest city in the world, try to fix your unrealiable, p** smelling transit system which is a complete joke.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
MetsFan, do you live in Atlanta?
By ncscoots
September 6, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
well, this has been a fairly depressing blog today. To see it degenerate into schoolyard name-calling, you-are-am-not smack, 9/11 references, and worse, has just made me ill. Even during the weeks when the blog was littered with vicious player-bashing, illogical trade scenarios, and posts completely lacking any knowledge of baseball/music/pies/toes/Virginia Madsen, I always found something enjoyable about it (if only the often unintentional humor). But today…civility took flight and left baseness to hold the ground. I haven’t been around for the entire history of this blog, but I would lay money that there haven’t too many days in which the content has been more odiferous. And I’m not speaking from some high moral ground here, I’ve spat my own share of venom on the blog at times. But never have I seen its tone so virulent.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
JJMB, did you graduate high school?
By BravesRule2002
September 6, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
The only thing I agree with is the lack of class you are showing right now. Like I said, it’s A GAME. Not everybody will agree with you, RELAX. I respect the Mets as much as I do the Braves. I respect the Royals as much as I respect the Yankees. Don’t get so upset over things typed on a computer. Life’s too short. Enjoy the ride baby, it’s a short one.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this
So, MutFan, you live in Atlanta. You clog up our roads and freeways, crap in our sewer systems, Breathe our air, crowd our schools, annoy the hell out of all decent Southerners… and yet you could MOVE the FVCK BACK to NY and worship your sport teams there. You flat out suck.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
ncscoots - you’re absolutely right, and I apologize for the part I played in getting the board off the topic of baseball. However, if you look at some of the comments made by JJMB, he said some things that really needed to be responded to. I really hope he doesn’t represent the general attitudes of the people on this board.
By berigan
September 6, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Marlins rookie Anibal Sanchez throws a No-No! First since Randy Johnson did it to us in may of 2004. Damn, wish we had their starting pitchers. This is going to be our toughest competition for many years to come. Perhaps there will be talk of contraction again, one way to do away with them!
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
JJMB - I don’t live in Atlanta, and I don’t argue with crazy people. Now go ask your nurse to feed you.
By Metropolitan Man
September 6, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
Well the last time I checked Atlanta was the place to be, the surrounding areas would be like living on the Little house on the prarie. Anyway NY, NY its a heck of a town, how many altanta songs are there that dont mention whistling dixie????
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
MutFan, where do you live?
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
JJMB - Why? Do you want to think some more about where I crap? You are a disturbing individual.
By Tom A. Hawk
September 6, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
You’re wrong about on thing, MetsFan — NOTHING that JJMB has said merited a response. He gets his kicks by provoking others and keeping it going. Ignore him and he’ll get bored like the juvenile he is.
By MetsFan
September 6, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Tom…that’s good to know. I think I’ll take your advice.
By BravesFan2002
September 6, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this
After hearing about the Marlins rookie pitching the no no, I’m all for the Marlins taking the wild card spot. Could be some fun baseball in October.
By JJMB
September 6, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
MutFan, if you live in South, go home. If you live in the North, stay home.
Tommyhawk, GTH.
By Metropolitan Man
September 6, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Empires come and go, but the braves should just stay gone.
By MEB
September 6, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
Wow, the blog has a particularly foul odor this evening. The Braves performance this afternoon didn’t smell this bad. I think I will come back when the talk turns to baseball, music, pies, toes, and Virginia Madsen, just like ncscoots said. Throw in some red sliders, hartebeasts, blue worms, and a good BBQ sandwich.
By Metropolitan Man
September 6, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
I live in the south to spread northern baseball propaganda! LETS GO METS!
By dadgum
September 6, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
That need for starting pitching just got intensified. Sanchez just pitched a no hitter for the Marlins. They of the 15 mil payroll. We can’t beat the Mets worst pitchers. Not sure we have a leg up on Philly or Nats for that matter. Maybe the Nats. Maybe. The Braves should go after a #1 starter to be competitive. I would feel better with Smoltz as our #2, Hudson #3, James #4, Hampton #5 (assuming he rebounds well). Smoltz’ age worries me too much to have him as our #1 going forward. Time to take a little of the pressure off him. Don’t be surprised by major eye opening trades leading up to the winter meetings. I look for JS to really assert himself as I have to believe he is getting more peeved by the game especially if Smoltz keeps making stupid comments.
By Metropolitan Man
September 6, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
It was so funny to hear bobby so vocal to his players in the victory. But you could have covered him with dirt and put him six feet under and wouldn’t know the difference during that doubleheader sweep. Guess he can only be a motivational speaker when things are only going good.
By Ptown Bravo
September 6, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
DOB: Best blog of the season. Miserable f’n day, but truly a Wurlitzer-worthy blog entry. Enjoy the off day, amigo.
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Hey fans, the Braves organization turned a hat trick today. The South Atlantic League Rome Braves lost to the Augusta Green Jackets to complement the big league effort of their parent clube. Wow. What a trifecta. And, oh, michaelangelo, don’t the Big Braves own that franchise as well, you know? It’s all in the family. Because the organitzation that loses in the playoffs together reaks together.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 6, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
it is a good night to let stinky blog with stinky. g’night from this journalist.
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith, don’t cry. The braves suck and so do you. The two of you were made for each other. In ten years when the Braves have been contracted out of MLB after losing 1000 games and you go to the TED to see your Atlanta Crackers, you can think about Bobby Boogers and Stinky Jones and the good old days.
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Smith the moron who fakes kidnappings, talks about pie and pudding, has unnatural relations with worms, and keeps saying “Oh the humanity” like a moron. You must be retarded. Go back to kindergarten, learn a thing or two.
By Jon
September 6, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
Adam worth, what a moron. Maybe you should learn how to spell first before trying to put someone or something down, makes you look stupid. But then again, your are a Mets fan, so that says it all.
By Adam W0rth
September 6, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
I know, I am dumm. Please forgeve me.
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
I thought you were going to bed jimmy.
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
MetsFan: It did directly affect me and people I knew, loved, and worked with. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. No excuse for any of that MetsFan. No excuse.
By David O'Brien
September 6, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
Jon, last I checked the Mets play in Queens, in Flushing. So if I’m trying to give a glimpse of the area where the Mets play, why would I describe Manhattan?
I didn’t mean to insult anyone. But if you took it that way, sorry you’re so sensitive. But that just tells me you’re not from N.Y. anyway, because the folks here (I’m still up here) are far too tough and have too much going on to give a crap what some writer in the Braves and Man in Black blog writes about Queens.
So quit acting like you’re from N.Y. We know you’re e-mailing from St. Louis or Salina, Ks., or some such place.
Oh, and just curious: What part of my description of a 7 Train and a walk to the stadium and through the clubhouse wasn’t accurate?
Poor little fella. You gonna be OK?
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Careful DOB. The last man associated with the Braves to talk about the train got mouthed right out of town… he actually ended up in NY for a brief stint.
DOB: Have you ever listened to the Mars Volta or at least At the Drive-in? I’ve seen those guys so many times, but more recently with the Chili Peppers. What a show that was.
By Tom A. Hawk
September 6, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Thank God you’re here, Dave! Please write something about baseball or music and get some semi-intelligent discussion going again! This blog has degenerated into the cyberspace equivalent of Flushing, N.Y.
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this
Jon, are you gonna take that from DOB. He just called you out. Come on man, represent.
By David O'Brien
September 6, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Just one question after perusing the posts: What’s a “whisker biscuit eating team?” Am I missing something.
We do love our biscuits. But whisker biscuits?
By TennesseePaul
September 6, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
HolyCrap! Just saw Anibal Sanchez threw a No Hitter tonight! Way to go for that guy! I tell ya, that team is just amazing. They’re so frickin young. If they win the wild card, history has it, they’ll win it all. Wouldn’t that be something?!
By Adam Worth
September 6, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
There are the Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League. Perhaps the players who don’t shave are “whisker bicuits”?
By geauxbraves2000
September 6, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this
Cool user name Tom, that put a smile on my face on an otherwise miserable baseball day. And I agree with you.
I don’t know if you have tomorrow “off” DOB, if you do, enjoy it. It’s been a tough road trip.
Nite all. I still haven’t given up yet, but I hear some humming in the background. Oh well, at least it’s not 1990 again. Or is it?
Geaux Braves!!
By Karl Childers
September 6, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
I reckon I like them mustard and biscuits mmmm hmmmm
Karl - Sling Blade
By Tom A. Hawk
September 6, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this
Well, there’s the Montgomery Biscuits.
By David O'Brien
September 6, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, I got the “At The Drive-In” album, which rocked very hard and very well. Good band. Wish they hadn’t broken up. Mars Volta also good, but a bit more experimental, no?
Anybody got the new Audioslave CD? I heard good stuff about it.
There’s a really good station here at Fordham U. that I’ve been able to pick up out by LaGuardia.
My man Don at Ella Gura records is giving away a couple of backstage passes for Flaming Lips show, by the way. Stop by and see him, in Toco Hill shopping center. He’s a good dude. Middle-aged, scraggly goatee, probably have a damn UF Gators shirt on (we’re going to Vegas in November so we can watch my Jayhawks kick UF’s tail in hoops out there in preseason tourney).
Oh, about today: Worst day in Braves recent history, obviously. Just horrid. Looked worn out, whether from three doubleheaders in five days are just realization it’s over.
Like I said it’d be, most sweepable DH ever! And it was a sweep, folks.
By Tom A. Hawk
September 7, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this
Sorry. I was beaten to that observation by about 11 minutes.
gb2000, it’s a tribute to your resilience that you can smile again so soon. Today’s events weren’t a gut-wrencher like, say, the Leyritz homer was, but it hurt. It was more like standing and watching and weeping while Atlanta Stadium was imploded — the end of an era.
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this
This is one night when I think the pathetically small crowds in Florida helped out that young kid. Only about 6,000 actually in the seats, makes it a lot less pressured than 40,000, no doubt.
That kid can flat-out deal, just like the other two young studs, the Marlins have, actually three others: Olsen, Nolasco and Johnson. Can you believe Willis is actually the weak link this season? Wow. Unbelievable.
I covered the first three Marlins no-hitters: Al Leiter vs. Colorado, Kevin Brown at Candlestick, and A.J. Burnett at Qualcomm (old Jack Murphy) Stadium in S. Diego. Can’t believe they’ve already had four no-no’s.
By geauxbraves2000
September 7, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this
I knew this era would end one day, I just hoped if wouldn’t end like this. It’s tough watching this team this year, to get up and only to be let down for another bullpen implosion. I am a huge Braves fan, a pyscho Braves fan if you will and my emotional life hinges on whether they win or lose for that day. For 14 years I’ve hung on, looked over my shoulder in the Braves standings, wondered if this was finally the year or would it be another 1st round see ya later. This year was no different until June.
Now I realize, this is only a ball club and it’s only a ball game. I look at my wife and kids and I realize what truly matters.
Geaux Braves!!
By Tom A. Hawk
September 7, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this
And the only baseball-related news this week that truly matters is that Marcus Giles has a healthy heart.
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 7, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
You southerners are all about love man!!!…Y’all love your cousins, your aunts, your sisters, and sometimes your mothers and your ol’ grannies…keep it all in the family baby,,,Oh, the Humanity!!!…GO PACKERS!!!…
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
Man, it’s late and I’m making typos everywhere. Should’ve been Ella Guru records, not Ella Gura. And “or just realization it’s over,” not “are just realization it’s over.”
All those whisker biscuits are dulling my edge.
Selah, and g’night.
By Ptown Bravo
September 7, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
Two-for-two in the WS and four no-no’s in 13 full seasons of existence. Combine that with Atlanta winning the NL East every year during that span since moving from the West (excepting strike year) and it’s no wonder the fans in Philly & Queens are so hardboiled.
I would love to see these $15 million Marlins square off against NY in the NLCS. And one-thru-five, I think I’d take my chances with the Fish.
By Lew
September 7, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
Why do I feel that quoting lyrics from West Side Story would be appropriate? There’s a lot of people here tonight that defintely need to learn about abiding. When you’re a Jet……
By geauxbraves2000
September 7, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this
Are you ready for some football? Hey football fans, get ready for opening night as my Dolphins face that team from, uh, somewhere in PA, you know, the team that won it all last year. The name escapes me.
Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers, let’s get this party started!
Geaux Dolphins!!
Okay, I said g’nite earlier, this time I mean it. Must sleep now, must get up early. Nite all.
By Head Coach
September 7, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this
Dave Williams ? Oliver Perez ? Eighteen innings , ONE FREAKING RUN ? Are you kidding me ! Did I actually watch this meltdown ? Sorry to say , yes I did and thankfully two six packs later , eight hours of sleep and some serious drugs for my head pounding hangover have left me sitting here seething…….. lol. No really , if you had any doubts( and I dont ) as to the mediocrity of this 2006 Braves baseball team , you can all put them to rest. This team is the poster child for lost causes. I knew September would be tough on them , but this is just rediculous. I’m not one to tell Cox how to run his baseballl team , but when is enough………enough ? Bobby please bench the vets , let the rookies play and use the last 23 games to start evaluating who will be apart of the 2007 team. Please dont waste the last 23 games futily chasing the wildcard , swallow your pride and put these last few games to good use.
By Jon
September 7, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this
DOB, If you bothered reading, I clearly stated that I don’t live in NY. And given you response in total, i don’t think that you are sorry one bit. The picture you are trying to paint is not complete, and we all know about the prejudices that Southerners have of Northerns, and vice versa. Little fella? Are ya sure? Too sensitive? Possibly. Or maybe just sick and tired of prejudice. I read your work almost daily, and I do see the little jabs you take at NY, and your obvious bias in favor of your Braves. I thought journalists were supposed to be impartial. To egg on a rivalry is onr thing. But this blog was Rockeresqe, just more polite. The intent was obvious. You made it sound as if the enire place is one big ghetto, and not worth while. And to you, maybe it’s not. But all of NY, including Flushing, Queens is beautiful in it’s own way. It’s not the place for me to live anymore, but I’ll defend it from you the same as I would defend southern culture to NYers who have their own prejudices against the South. Being the product of a fahter from the South, and a Mother from the North, I’ve seen the best and worst of both. But I can see, in part, why the 2 cultures clash. And stuff like this is more the cause than the cure.
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this
Well, to whoever said I was their b*** earlier because I ran away, allow me to explain my absence by saying I had something better to do…something you’ll never likely to be able to say with conviction. I’m here now. Also, let it be known that after going back over these posts I noticed that “ChopThis” has taken his personal psychosis beyond just multiple personality disorder; he’s actually lowered himself to arguing his own personalities against each other to make himself look more realistic. How truly, truly sad. There actually were only three out of twelve rabid New Yorkers today who actually lived in New York and actually were offended (and who mostly recanted after reasonable conversation); Zimmerman/stinky constituted the rest of the morons who pulled others in to a losing battle all evening for his pleasure as if he were a Roman emperor. I admit I was fooled at first (I should have caught the Prufrok reference earlier), and I’m only posting this to inform people that he’s far more dangerous than originally supposed. Not to us, mind you, but to society at large. Anybody with the skills to immediately recognize and quote fairly complex writing (both scholarly and in relation to pop-culture song lyrics) and then extemporaneously compose his own lyrics in the same metre to p** off Braves fans (when he’s not even from New York) just to be doing it is one thing. Which is of course, sad. But to add someone who takes on every negative possible facet of a conversation among other people and immediately create his own characters who even hate each other to create dissent and dissolution amongst the entire eastern seaboard where only a baseball discussion began…well, that takes a special kind of wack-o. Congradulations, Anonymous; you are no longer a rival. You just simply need help. If I were the physician on scene, the help would be mortal. Not because I don’t like you, but because it would be better for society in general if you didn’t exist. I’m pretty sure you know that, or your bitter a* would be doing something more productive with your time that spendin 20 out of 24 hours a day on a Braves blog trying to figure out how best to make others as unhappy as you are. I would suggest you try to go out and make some friends or get laid, but if you could do either i expect you wouldn’t haunt this place as much as you do. Write a song about that, you pathetic b***. And yes, I expect you actually will after I hit the sack. Poor man.
By Slouching Toward Turner Field
September 7, 2006 03:01 AM | Link to this
Why should I let the toad Braves
Squat on my life?
Can’t I use my wit as a pitchfork
And drive the brute off?
Six months of the year it soils
With its sickening poison —
Just for winning it all once!
That’s out of proportion.
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 03:20 AM | Link to this
I actually just checked back in to see if he was making it as easy as I thought he would. Hello. Case closed. Of course, those of you who haven’t caught on yet probably never will. The same people who believe Iraq is responsible for 9/11 will likely never make the connection on this blog. Or if they do, they won’t care (which is why we continue to suffer as a country: only the morons vote). Jesus. Can any people be further along in a state of denial, including this blog? I’m ashamed to call you my countrymen. The same people that continue to pacify this moron’s whims (that includes you, DOB) are the same people that have made the greatest country the world has ever seen look suspect in the eyes of the rest of the world, due to irrational and generally unconsidered thought. Buy some more video games and high priced gas, and continue to not notice Zimmerman’s b******. All of you are heading toward the apocalypse, and I as an agnostic will avoid it. Not because you are Christian, but because you all were so stupid you couldn’t even figure out a moron when he announces himself in front of everyone several times after he’s been called out. You STILL won’t do anything. You all deserve Zimmerman and George Bush for exactly the same reason. THEY EVEN TOLD YOU SO, AND YOU’RE TO STUPID TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. Poor people.
By Tomahwakin
September 7, 2006 03:23 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Wazzup!!! I didn’t think you’d come back… I’m f—c-k-ed up, I think my boyz R done don’t you…? I’d better see some retrubitution to the last 14 straight… or I’m gonna be pi——ssed offf…. Hoow about you…?
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 03:24 AM | Link to this
“Too,” excuse me. And it doesn’t matter, as nothing else does. F*** morons.
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 03:28 AM | Link to this
Ya, dude, retribution is in order. Not sure we got the hosses this year, but I think we will next. Rest easy. We’ll get it done. I’ve seen things in this team that make me reasonably confident for next year. We’ll get r’ done. What was the scene like? I hung out with three untoward women earlier tonight, and we didn’t travel.
By Tomahwakin
September 7, 2006 03:35 AM | Link to this
D.O.B. Don’t let these cats pi—-ss you off sbout how it is in Queens, I have never been to New Yawk, But from seeing the old L.L. Cool J videos , Mobb Deep, and Da Wu Tang Clan Videos, The “A” (Atlanta) is where I’d want to live instead of nasty New Yawk….I Hate bandwagon Mutts/Yankees fans.
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 03:37 AM | Link to this
And no, it didn’t amout to anything, for those who consider me a braggart. Since I haven’t heard back from Zimm, I assume he’ll continue to follow his own M.O. and avoid me, since he’s already embraced his tag as a coward. Never seen anyone so happy to be labeled so, but Y’all still seem to be mystified and DOB still acts like he’s in denial. As long as you do so, he will exist. Yay, to the disabled ward, Zimm, you’ll all get an extra ration of cookies tonight for your victory. Poor man. Night all. Expect a poem or song long after I’m reasoned to be in bed just like you just got…Hyena to Lion redux. Poor man.
By Tomahwakin
September 7, 2006 03:38 AM | Link to this
Grinch, U’s a Wild Boy, Lol, Damn, I wish I’d still lived in da “A”…. D.O.B. U have to hang out in Buckhead, and check out some of dem ATL Broads, lol….
By Tomahwakin
September 7, 2006 03:40 AM | Link to this
Headcoach, Where U at baby…? Ur a-s-s has to B sobered up by now….?
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 04:09 AM | Link to this
Nice try, B***, at pretending to be one of the decent ones. Just noticed the misspelling. Doubt anyone else will. I’d love to play poker with you morons (not you Zimm, you’d actually be a worthy opponent, in that arena. Though I’m sure you wouldn’t show your face without sunglasses). Gawd, you’re pathetic. Night. Any other postings this evening under my name will not be me.
By Head Coach
September 7, 2006 04:18 AM | Link to this
Look up the blog , Tomahwakin. I already posted my thoughts.
By ncscoots
September 7, 2006 06:26 AM | Link to this
a pot of Kona brewing and thoughts on the overnites…none, I didn’t read any more of the posts after 10 last night, and haven’t wanted to this morning…Florida pitching is pretty good, yes, but percentages say that in the coming years one of those guys will have major arm trouble, one won’t be able to sustain excellence, and one will be traded. So I don’t think we have to size the Marlins for any dynasty caps just yet. Projecting a young pitcher’s future off 35 starts is problematic at best…I hope the people clamoring for the Braves to “play the kids” for the rest of the season aren’t the same folks who revile the team after a loss. Be kinda hard to reconcile those points of view, since the “kids” would probably play like, well, kids…it will certainly be interesting to see the character displayed by the team these last 20 games. I’m sure the finality of not making the playoffs this year is sinking in among even the most optimistic player. let’s hope they keep their heads up instead of up their, well, you know…I expect the sun to be up in a few, and the day will dawn on a new blog, thank goodness. Let this edition of it RIP, and good riddance.
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 06:28 AM | Link to this
Jon, relax. Seriously. NY doesn’t need defending by the likes of you. It’s doing quite fine as a city, in case you haven’t been in a while (or ever).
And maybe you’ve never taken the 7 Train to Shea. How was it even remotely comparable to Rocker to make a physical description of the structures and landscape along the route? Not one disparaging word was said about any person, ethnic group or New Yorkers in general. Read the blog. Better yet, don’t read it. Move on to something a little more to your tastes. This is the real world. It’s a run-down area surrounding most of the route along the 7 to Shea. No big deal. I wasn’t describing Central Park or Brooklyn Heights or Chelsea or anywhere else, because they weren’t visible from the 7 Train as I took the ride to the ballpark, which was the point of the travelogue in the first place. A day going to Shea.
Sorry, don’t have time to explain it to you any more clearly. You’re struggling to grasp the concept of describing a trip, I see. But I’ve gotta catch a flight.
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 06:35 AM | Link to this
Ncscoots, good point about playing the kids. Can you imagine the level of disgust some unnamed posters would have if the kids played and got hammered 12-1 on a regular basis?
OK, shutting laptop now. Going to LaGuardia. May check again from airport.
By ssiscribe
September 7, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this
Off to the editing gig I go, with the realization that going to the ballpark this weekend is going to be all in fun …
We’re done, folks. Absolutely, positively done. I haven’t even checked how the Pads did last night, but does it matter? Smoltz and Davies against Dave Williams and Oliver Perez, and the Bravos get swept?
Sigh. It was fun while it lasted, 14 years of playing into the first weekend in October, five pennants and one World Series title. But, alas, it’s time to buy Thrashers tickets and start thinking about Lake Buena Vista, cigars while cruising along U.S. 192, the green grass and warm sunshine of spring training.
Of course, there’s several months of winter to get through first … damnit. And I’ll be buying tickets next spring instead of showing a credential, but that’s OK. My boys will be old enough for a few days of Bravos at the Evil Empire aka Disney.
Finally, gotta really get outta here and get on the road, but I pose this question: Yesterday, during the second game, Pete and Skip were talking on the broadcast about what song would they want played if they were walking to the plate (since every stadium and every player now has a song played for them when they stride from the on-deck circle to the batter’s box).
DOB, we know how much you love your tunes. So, you’re walking toward the box with a Louisville Slugger in hand. What song do you have played as you stroll to the dish?
Me? To fit today’s mood, I say key up some TP and the Heartbreakers, “Last Dance With Mary Jane.” Think I’ll spin that disc on the way to the east side this morning, actually.
Everybody have a great day. I’m rooting for those kids in FLA to get there. I saw them in early May in Miami and, while they still were struggling, you could see the talent was there. Didn’t think they’d get there this quickly, but I hope they win the wild card.
Enjoy the day, and safe travels to all.
—30—
By Jon
September 7, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this
DOB, Sorry if I missjudges your intent. Yes, what you descibed about the area along the 7 train is accurate. But I come from a differnt perspective on the subject. I have people in my own family that hate NY, and it’s people, and have never been 100 miles from it.
Have the new trains really become that rickety? Or did they have one of the old red cars running? Once you came out of the tunnel, where the 7 seesntially becomes an “L”, you’re in Queens. And you were actually leaving the “east side”. The east side in the song is talking about the east side of Manhattan.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed your flight more than your trip to NY. Wish you luck in the future, and to the Braves.
By dadgum
September 7, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this
Well Cox will probably still play the regulars to a point. I mean something about them getting paid millions warrants their playing right? That being said if Cox was resting McCann every 5th game or so I suspect we will see more rest out of him especially since there is no chance for the batting crown still left.
It would not hurt to rest Smoltz more either. The September innings start to feel like they are multiplied and with Smoltz still big in the plans for ‘07 I would start cutting him back so he will be fresher to start pre season. Chipper is already on the shelf and I am sure many others have injuries that could warrant extra rest.
Someone pointed out the Marlins had 6,000 or so in attendance for the no-hitter. Pathetic given their resurgence. Gotta believe Vegas or San Antonio is calling them for certain. South Florida ain’t baseball country anyway. Jacksonville would even be a better spot for the Marlins. Memphis would be excellent as they have only one pro team to compete with for dollars. For 82 home games Miami ain’t the place to play. Not sure if they have plans for a new stadium or how that went. I would move that franchise in ‘08. The Marlins are embarrased every time they are shown on TV and the scraggly crowd is shown.
By dadgum
September 7, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this
make it 81 home games
By metsfanforlife
September 7, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
Mets fan in Atlanta. Great run Braves….but it’s the Mets turn now! We’ve got the best record in baseball and it’s our time to win the world series. Lets go Mets!!!
By metsfanforlife
September 7, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
Mets fan in Atlanta. Great run Braves….but it’s the Mets turn now! We’ve got the best record in baseball and it’s our time to win the world series. Lets go Mets!!!
By dadgum
September 7, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this
I will have to congratulate the Mets and I won’t say that they bought the title either simply because the Braves bought the title as well back in the days of Maddux, McGriff, etc. That being said I feel their pitching will hurt them in the playoffs. Maybe not we’ll see.
By KC
September 7, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
dadgum:
The Braves were in the top 25% of payroll in the mid 90’s, but back then there wasn’t nearly as great a desparigy between team payrolls in 95’ as there is today. I don’t think it’s accurate at all to say that the Braves “bought” a title.
By Tony Almeida
September 7, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
Yo DOBber, why do they almost always schedule make up games in September? Because of the 40 man roster? You would think they would try to get them played earlier in the season to prevent things like playing 3 doubleheaders in five days. When we play teams like the Phillies/Marlins/Mets as often as we do, you would think that wouldn’t be a problem.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 7, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith was also impressed that a pitcher named annabelle could throw a no-hitter. girl pitcher? probably not. just a boy named sue. sorta like the jackass and her many names. adamworth was a yankee deserter and later a ny pickpocket. used aliases just like the ja. still, merely a simpleton except in one area -kinda like our own lovable savant ja. now, baseball … it will be hard not to pull for a team with uggla and annabelle. and how is ken griffey’s dislocated toe today? report later.
By Lew
September 7, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
I would love to see the Marlins win the NL championship. Now that the Braves are done (forks inserted, music over and lights turned out), poetic justice would be well served by a Marlins title. Maybe it would shut up a good many of the discontented children running rampant while their parents were sleeping last night.
By KC
September 7, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
Mets fans gloat! You’ve finally done it! Congratulations. But just for kicks… let’s put the Mets in the same situations as the Braves. Actually, let’s put the shoe on the other foot.
The Braves lost Mike Hampton for the season before it ever began. Let’s say the Braves didn’t lose Hampton, but instead the Mets had lost Glavine for this entire season.
Now let’s say that Braves didn’t lose Blaine Boyer and John Foster, but instead the Mets lost two of their most productive relievers for the entire season, before it ever began. Let’s say… Heilman and Feliciano.
And, let’s give the Braves a 100 mill payroll, and the Mets and 80 mill payroll. Now the Braves have an extra 20 mill to sign Billy Wagner and Chad Bradford as free agents before the season. The Mets certainly couldn’t have afforded to sign Wagner… not with an 80 mill payroll. They also could have resigned Kyle Farnsworth as the setup man.
Put the shoe on the other foot, and you have a Mets team without: Glavine, Wagner, Heilman, Feliciano, or Bradford.
The Braves without the injury decimation could have had Mike Hampton in the rotation, and a bullpen of: Wagner, Farnsworth, Bradford, Boyer, Foster, McBride, and Paronto.
Sure sounds like the difference between 1st and 4th place to me. It’s amazing what a little luck and an extra 20 million dollars will do.
By No Talent journalist jimmy smith
September 7, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Oh the humanity!
By KC
September 7, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
Lew, I also would like to see the Marlins win it.
By Adam Worth
September 7, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
Grinch, you sound a bit paranoid. But let me get this straight: People who post negative comments about the Braves are responsible for the downfall of western civilization. At least that’s what this simpleton got out of your (hopefully) drunken rants last night.
Jimmy Sue, I hope you’re up for a little fun later on. Sharpen up your quills and loosen up your typing fingers. LETS GET READY TO RRRRRUUUUUMMMMMBBBBLLLLLLLE!!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
September 7, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
the 36-year old ken griffey toe remains swollen and tender. attempts are being made to find griffey jr. a pair of shoes that don’t flex quite as much to alleviate some of the pressure on the tender toe. toes make the ballplayer. the toe is not to be trifled with.
and who was the loser of the old maid card game played yesterday in the braves clubhouse? uh, that will be reported later.
and dob, this is a family blog. you have been deceived by the stinky blogger. no more biscuit talk if you know what journalist means. baby seal is reading.
now, pie. it is alright to drown one’s babseball sorrows in pie. note to dob, if you ask for pie in chicago you will be served pizza. they call it pie. you must specify sweet potato pie and hope you do not get a sweet potato pizza. more pie news: felix pie was not added to the cubs 40 man roster. hope this does not spoil felix pie.
By Voice of Reason
September 7, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Congrats Mets… It’s been a good run, but the party’s over. As painful as it will be to go into post-season with no vested interest, I suppose I can deal with it once in 15 years. Being the eternal optimist, I certainly believe Los Bravos will be right back in the hunt in 2007. I would love to see the WS winner come from the NL East; it will make next year’s chase all that much more sweet. So, GO Me…no, can’t do it. GO Mar…nope, can’t do that either. Man, it’s gonna be a long off-season…
By Lou
September 7, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Apparently you took the wrong train from Atlanta’s slum section. That’s not what I see when I take the number 7.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 7, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
yes, ja, get some rest before you tangle with this journalist. take a nap. eat some brain food. and most importantly, go get someone to help you. now, journalist will not be lured into a stinky trap - first indication of journalist’s superiority. stinky may blog with stinky.
By Lew
September 7, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Well, It appears that the inmates are attempting another asylum take over. Later y’all. Stinky-It’s all yours. Hope you enjoy arguing with yourself. I wonder what your shrink would say about that. Bye.
By TennesseePaul
September 7, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
DOB: Yes, they are experimental. Their song the widow is amazing. And they put on the craziest of shows. When they were still together as at the drive-in it was just out of control. Sparta is the other half of that group. They have the more melodic/radio friendly style of writing. But the chaos that is the Mars Volta fascinates me.
I think, along with the Braves, I’ll be cheering for the Marlins this September and late, late into October. I wanna see them do it. Their pitching is incredible. If they can pull it off, it’ll be the best act of Market Correction I’ve ever seen. They’re exciting to watch.
Yesterday was disgusting. But, they still have a shot at .500+ and that’s what I want out of this team. That isn’t going to cut it for the playoffs, but at least they’d finish with a winning record.
By TennesseePaul
September 7, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Oh, Plus, it would be sweet justice I suppose, for the Mets to take the title and the Marlins to claim the Ring via the wild card.
By Lew
September 7, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
TenPaul-Amen and Selah. Yesterday was definitely disgusting-and not just the Braves’ games.
By Dog the Bounty Hunter
September 7, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
I hope they end up in last place. Maybe then they will show up to spring training in shape and ready to get to business, because they haven’t shown up at all this season. And don’t get me started on Chipper “Mr I can only play every 2 weeks” Jones.
By Voice of Reason
September 7, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
Being more of a baseball purist, I have never really liked the wild-card. That being said, I must admit that until recently, of course, the dangling of the wild-card carrot did make the last few weeks a little more interesting. Los Bravos were out of the division race so early that without the wild-card possibility, this could have been a torturous summer. This has been the main argument for having the wild-card. (Of course, the real motivation is all of the additional money MLB makes from having an additional layer of playoff games.)
I still believe, though, that there is something fundamentaly wrong with a team claiming “World Champion” status when they weren’t even the best in their division. But, if we gotta have it, how about making the road a little harder on the runners-up? First, if you’re gonna have the additional layer of playoff games, go ahead and make it a 7 game series. If 7 is required to determine a LCS and WS champion, why isn’t it necessary to determine the “division” champion? And if they are gonna represent their division in the LCS, make ‘em fight their way through the real division winner with a real 7 game division series. Still, though, you gotta handicap ‘em in some way since they were runners-up over 162. Say, 1 home game in 7… that might do it. Then, if the Marlins, for instance, can knock off the Mets in a 7 gamer, with 6 games in Shea, then they are at least semi-worthy of a LCS appearance.
Isn’t it sad the things you begin to blog about once your team is done?
By Adam Worth
September 7, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
Jimmy, really and truly, I was just kidding about rumbling. I bear no ill will towards you, except maybe when you write in a manner that I consider to be a little too cute. But, that’s my issue.
Also, I like a fair amount of the double entendre truthinesses that you bring up in your posts. Not all, but certainly a higher percentage than a certain rightfielder’s OBP.
So in closing, I apologize for making our exchanges too (fill in the blank).
Your Friend, Adam Worth
By Adam Worth
September 7, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
What was I thinking? Nevermind…LETS GET IT ON!!!!
By Carolina Lady
September 7, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
I once read that if the world needed an enema, NY is where they’d stick the tube. I now understand that statement.
By Adam Worth
September 7, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
Fish Head.
By Grippin' Grinch
September 7, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Why should I let the toad Zimm
Squat on my life?
By Bouthern Bellicose
September 7, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this
Doubleheader sweeps apparently cause Carolina Lady to come on a little crude.
By The GM
September 7, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
Heckuva run Bravos. Congrats to Mets. I hope at least some of your fan base is decent and recognizes the unmatchable run the Braves pulled off.
All I can say about the Marlins is WOW! The Braves should take notice and dump salary while they can!!! Keep Smoltz and Chipper. Let them retire as Braves seeing as how they’re the face of the organization. But Andruw should be traded along with Huddy, H. Ramirez, Giles, Renteria, and half of the no talent hacks in the bullpen. Get some awesome young pitching talent in return and get back to the series in a few years. The Braves need to stay out of the playoffs for a year or two while they reload for the next 14 year run!!!
By MetsWin
September 7, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
Quotes today from John Smoltz about the Mets:
“I believe they’re going to the World Series, but that’s just one man’s opinion.”
and
“We know,” Smoltz said, “they’re better.”
By geauxbraves2000
September 7, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
If Pedro & Glavine stay healthy, then I think the Mets could make it to the WS. But as far as the WS goes, well, even if the NL sent it’s all star team to the WS I don’t think it would matter. I wouldn’t doubt another AL sweep.
But, that’s why the play the games, anything could happen.
This night off is good. I used to not like nights w/o Braves baseball, but they have become a blessing this year.
Nonetheless, as I said earlier, I still love the Braves, win or lose.
Geaux Braves.
ps - Any football fans out there? Anyone excited about tonights NLF Kickoff?
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
I was going to come on and apologize to three or four people who I didn’t intend to offend last night, but I can see that there’s only a half-dozen people here and they’re all Zimmerman. Morning, anonymous blogger! Give us a tip as to when the halidol is coming around to your wing of the hospital so that we know when to get three or four hours of blog time in. Cheers! Gotta go get some work done.
By Darrell Chaney
September 7, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Jeff Torborg’s .214 lifetime BA is lower than my .217. Let me back in the booth, man.
By The Grinch
September 7, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Didn’t see you there, Geaux. Yeah, that’s why I’m working so much today; got a 12-pack of red stripe ready for game time. Several of them (games) look good this wekend. Later.
By Miss Manners
September 7, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
I hold my baby brother, all powdered, sweet, and pink but when he makes a funny face, his diaper starts to stink. And that’s when I remember, the stinky baby rule: someday he’ll grow older and be a stinky blogger fool.
With Apologies to Lorena
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Jon, of course I know the song means moving up to the East Side. I merely made the comment about the song because the opening of the show, when the song is playing, features the exact same scenes you see on the 7. I watched the show as a kid, my man. You’d have to be an idiot to watch the show and not understand it’s about the Jeffersons advancing to another socioeconomic level, i.e. moving up to the East Side.
Of course, some of the more thinthetive types here might also take that as a slap in the face of those hard-working folks the Jeffersons are leaving behind, right? Why do they show those ghetto scenes on the opening credits of the show, damn them. They should show the pretty parks and beautiful people on 5th Ave, give an accurate portrayal of all that is New York, not just show the ugly part…
(I’m kidding, by the way. Just thought I should say so, since you seem to take things a bit too literally.)
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
By the way, I totally screwed up a line in the game story today. Apparently I was near brain-dead after that week from travel hell (doubleheaders, rain, cancelled flights, rain, changed reservations, rain, extra nights in hotels, rain, etc).
Anyway, I wrote that Aybar had five of the seven Braves hits in the doubleheader. What? Hey Dave, dumba*$, he had four of the team’s 12 hits. But I was close, right? Yikes….
By Tony Almeida
September 7, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
I forgive you Davie.
By Rodger
September 7, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
I have to admit I’m embarrassed by some of the commentary here last night/today. I’ve often taken exception to the NY fans who come on to be rude & derogatory, but this is way out of hand!
Grinch, I hope your diatribe was due to being drunk, drugged or frustrated, but was unnecessary. Usually I appreciate your opinions, but dude…
Probably won’t be spending much more time on here-nothing much of interest left. Just want to say I’ve enjoyed discussions with most of you-seems like I know some of you a bit. DOB-thanks for giving us a forum for a variety of discussions, and I really appreciate the insight and input you give us!
ROCK ON!!!
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
JUST ONE MORE THING, because I think a lot of the cool, engaging, witty folks here are kind of scratching their heads and wondering about the unwelcome intrusion of Mets fans in the past few days to a blog essentially devoted to the Braves, BBQ, Sweet Tea, Pie and, of course, the Man in Black (that’s Mr. Johnny Cash, to you J-Lo loving types who might not know excellence in music), I’ve gotta say this:
The guy who’ll go unnamed (you know who you are) and a few others who keep peacocking around and stating the most obvious things imaginable about the Mets (stuff you might here a drunk barely-a-fan type at a bar say), we all acknowledge (at least I thnk most of us do) they’re the best team in the NL). Clearly better than the Braves this season. Far better.
Nevertheless _ and we’ll try to go slow here, lay this out clearly _ this is a Braves blog, posted on the Braves page of the sports site of an ATLANTA newspaper, and most folks just want to blog about stuff other than the Mets here. Nothing personal, most just don’t care about the Mets, who are farther away and much less lovable than, say, the $15 million rookie-laden Marlins
I’m certain there’s a lot of good Mets blogs out there, right? I mean, there must be. Or, and this is a theory a few of us were discussing in the pressbox: do you very few Mets stragglers here _ the tech people tell me it’s only a few going by a bunch of rather clumsy and uncreative screen names _ not feel comfortable getting into truly in-depth discussions about your team?
Because I think that might be the case. Your stuff here, the stuff you bring to the table about the Mets, is the kind that the most casual of fans would discuss, nothing of any depth, no stats, nothing about prospects, nothing about history, nothing. Not the kind of stuff I hear guys talking about in a New York bar. Real fans.
Not that most folks here care about any of that Mets minutia, don’t get me wrong. They don’t want to hear it, even if you knew any of it. But that’s the kind of deeper discussions _ prospects, payroll decisions, offensive philosophies, OPS and average w/RISP, etc _ that we get into a lot of times here regarding the Braves, when we’re not discussing BBQ, banana pudding, sweet tea, and great artists like Johnny Cash, Billie Holliday, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Led Zep, and Skynyrd.
The type of discourse that the vast majority of fans here want to have about the Braves, that’s the kind of stuff you could find on a Mets blog, rather than sounding like mere Mets bandwagon fans who want to do nothing but talk trash about THIS SEASON and how the Mets are the best team in the league and blah blah blah. That’s just so gauche, by the standards of long-time Mets fans with perspective.
It’s all so obvious, so basic, shallow and, well, just boring. Sorry, but it just is. So go to the Mets blog _ don’t be afraid, you don’t have to post until you’re comfortable there _ and let some hardcore Mets fans tell you a thing or two about the team that you might not know (which, again, judging from your elemental comments about the Mets, there’s really not a vast amount of Mets history and past/present stats in evidence with you Mets fans stuck on the Braves blog).
So thanks for stopping by, thanks for agreeing with us that the Mets are the better team this year, and good luck in the postseason. Now please, just let us get back to our friendly and/or interesting discussions about the Braves and the finer points of life.
By Tony Almeida
September 7, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Dave, you left off Tim McGraw on your list of great artists, just letting you know.
By MetsWin
September 7, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
So, DOB, you’re saying you want us to discuss things on the level of the Braves fans here, and propose ridiculous trades? Okay…hmn. How about you trade Giles and Aybar for Pujols, Hudson for Oswalt, and of course, no Braves trade proposition here would be complete without throwing in “Salty” for, let’s say, the 2005 American League All-Star team.
Do I fit in now? Because that’s pretty much the depth of baseball discussion here.
By Head Coach
September 7, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
The Memphis Marlins ? It has sort of a nice ring to it. Marlins vs. Yankees in the World Series , David vs. Goliath. Is it to much to hope for ?
By Lew
September 7, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
DOB-You forgot Tull, too. In case some of you less intelligent people didn’t understand David’s well written response and apparently MetsWin didn’t-If you don’t like the topics under dicussion, propose something else reasonable and maybe we will discuss it. If not, find a site that talks about something that interests you. You are not chained to this site. But I’ll tell you this. You are really in need of pie, dude. Learn to abide. It will serve you well in life.
By DonCoburleone
September 7, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a total walkover the Braves were in that doubleheader yesterday. 1 RUN! That’s all we got, 1 Gawd D*MN RUN!!!
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
HEY, since the blog’s getting bogged down, I just modified that previous post and put it up as a new blog. So you can move on over there, but only if you’re funny or interesting. Others, stay here and talk amongst yourselves.
MetsWin (nice screen name, by the way. Veeery clever). Yes, we’d prefer you propose nonsensical trades. But try to add some humor. That’s the thing that’s most depressing about the input we’ve got from you fine folks _ thd dearth of humor. We’ve got some very witty, irreverent, just plain funny people here (and a lot who aren’t, I’ll concede), but the bitter bile that you’ve been tossing back and forth the past couple days is just so ininteresting.
And how tough can anybody be typing from their basement or office cubicle, etc. It’s not like the worst threat you can make actually carries any weight, like you really intend to do anything about it. So just stop. Ninth grade’s over. We’re moving into the big building now, the high school. Time to grow up. That, or at least be funny. Pleeease try to be funny. God, it’s getting so tiresome. Makes me want to stay away like a few others have been lately.
By David O'Brien
September 7, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
Lew, suffice to say, they know NOTHING about abiding. These are not the kind of folks who enjoy The Big Lebowski. Far too cool a movie.
By Bravo Nam
September 7, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
Mets Fan, NYFan, Metropolitan, Metrosexual and all Mutts fans who feel shunned by their own website and have to come and whistle dixie on ours: Guys/Gals- step right up! I couldn’t care less about NY City or your Mets…that’s why I don’t go to your blog. I now understand why you come over to us…you need some love…enter our cocoon of dixie…we’ll caress, cuddle and whisper sweet nothings to you…we’ll sing lullabies, protect you and tell you it’ll all be OK…and then spew you out of our mouths right back to NY!
It brings a smile to my face whenever I read blogs from Mutts and Braves fans alike who downplay the 14 division titles and diss the 1 WS…maybe the lack of WS is a black mark, but no team, NO TEAM, has even come close to matching the 14…you’re either ungrateful or moronic wenches.
By Head Coach
September 7, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Metswin , my grand daddy told me a story one time. You see he was tending to his cows out in the pasture and was on horseback. He was concerned that some of the feed he was putting out for his livestock wasnt getting to them. He went out investigating and came across this pack of wild dogs who had been eating his feed. He picked up a great big rock , chased that pack of wild dogs down and heaved the rock right in the middle of them. Now , they all scattered except for this one wild dog who jumped up howling in pain from getting hit by that great big rock ……….. David O’Brien threw a great big rock just now in this blog and metswin jumped up howling in pain like the wild dog he is. Metwin , stop howling we all know you just got beaned in the head , lol.
By TennesseePaul
September 7, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
DOB: Well put, well said.
Head Coach: Moving the Marlins to Memphis would be an idea. But I think they’d have to change their name to the Blues. The Memphis Blues. They’d already be better than the Saint Louis Browns and they’d be able to get rid of the teal from the uniform.
By Kingofqueens
September 7, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Ouch DOB! No love for my home borough of Queens?
By Jon
September 7, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Dave, I hope you are. i can’t tell your emotion from a written statement, unless the language you use makes it clear. The difference between making the same statement verbally, and written is massive. I have written some of the most harmless things, IMO, and it’s been taken completely out of context. With the same statement expressed verbally, the emotion is clear. But I’m sure you already know this. I mean, you seem to know everything else. (just kidding, lol.)
By Ron Roberts
September 11, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
I’m ignert as cat$hit…and i like little boys