AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJust wait till Barry’s on ballot
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you think there’s controversy over Mark McGwire’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame _ and he obviously isn’t going to get in anytime soon _ can you even begin to imagine six or seven years from now, when Barry Bonds’ cranium … er, when Barry Bonds becomes eligible for election to Cooperstown five years after he retires?
Oh, Lawd. Please let something happen between then and now to make the central issues of that debate more clear-cut. For I cannot bear to hear one side pontificate on how Bonds never tested positive and the other side talk about what a jerk he was and blah blah blah.
On an entirely unrelated matter (wink) perhaps they’ll soon have an accurate test for human growth hormone or THG (“The Clear”), not that I suspect any current baseball or NFL players are using (wink) anything like that.
Anyway, I’ve stated my view on Big Mac _ I have a Hall of Fame vote, but AJC and several other major papers have policies that prohibit beat writers (and at some papers, all writers) from voting _ and that is, I wouldn’t vote for him, certainly not in the first few years and probably not ever.
He was not a great all-around player, basically one-dimensional, with that one dimension enhanced by his admitted used of Androstenedione and god knows what else (not that many, many others weren’t using the same things, but they’re not up for the Hall, and didn’t make fools of themselves in front of a Congressional committee, or hit 70 homers in a season.)
And I’ve also stated my stance on Barry _ don’t like him, think he’s bad for baseball, don’t want him to break Hank’s record, but if I could use my Hall vote when he became eligible, I’d vote for him. And please don’t start telling me that’s hypocritical or inconsistent.
I’m convinced he used a variety of steroids and that his home-run records are fraudulent.
However, I’d vote for Barry because he already had Hall of Fame numbers BEFORE his biceps, chest and head grew alarmingly and significantly in a span of several months when he was closer to 40 years old than 30 (yeah, that’s normal, Bonds supporters keep telling yourselves that).
His career with Pittsburgh and at the beginning in San Francisco was phenomenal, back when he was under 190 pounds _ remember he actually hit leadoff early on with Pittsburgh _ and he was the game’s best all-around player in my view, a Gold Glover and a guy who could have gone 30-30 or even 40-40 for 10 years if he’d wanted to instead of deciding he needed to become the biggest (literally) power-hitter the game has seen.
By the same token, I’ve said for the 13 years I’ve covered baseball that Pete Rose absolutely belongs in the Hall. Not in the game of baseball, managing or whatever; I agree he should be banned for life for betting on the game.
But he belongs in the Hall of Fame, because the Hall is recognition of what a player did on the field during his playing career, not what he later did with bookies when he was a manager.
Seriously, if he robbed a bank and was sent to prison, long as it occurred after his playing career, I don’t think it should keep him out of the Hall. Put a line or an asterisk at the bottom of his plaque noting that he screwed up, gambled, broke the law, etc., but that doesn’t negate what he did ON THE FIELD, where he piled up more hits than anyone before or since and busted his butt at all times, the very definition of a scrappy, blue-collar, hard-nosed player.
OK, enough Hall talk. Now, about the Braves.
Haven’t done anything this week. Or the week before.
Folks, I think most of you are probably starting to believe this is basically the roster the Braves are taking to spring training. Me, too. It wouldn’t shock me if they made another move, but I’m not expecting it. Nothing major, at least.
And that’s a good thing, in my view, at least in terms of not trading Adam LaRoche.
If they could get, say, Chone Figgins from the Angels to bat leadoff and play second base, along with Angels 1B prospect Casey Kotchman and maybe even another arm for the bullpen, in exchange for LaRoche, I’d do it.
Otherwise, shouldn’t trade LaRoche to add a piece to the bullpen or to add just a guy to the lineup who’s not going to approach LaRoche’s likely 30-40 homers and 100-plus RBIs.
They’ve tested the waters, mission accomplished. The Braves now know there’s big demand for LaRoche, and know they can trade him for plenty next winter if he’s going to be too expensive to keep for 2008. Or if they were to fall out of the race this summer, trade him in July, though I don’t at all envision the Braves being out of contention in July.
I get the distinct impression the Braves want Kelly Johnson to nail down the second base/leadoff job this spring, after talking to Bobby Cox a couple nights ago. He didn’t say that specifically, but that’s what I took from the conversation.
And the fact that Baltimore is talking about a contract extension for 2B Brian Roberts is yet another indication that earlier talks between the O’s and Braves involving LaRoche and Roberts are probably dead altogether.
Also, with free agent Mark Loretta off the market, there’s really no experienced, affordable free-agent options available, not that the Braves were apparently ever looking seriously at going that route anyway (free agency, for now, seems a foreign concept to the budget-restrained Braves, notwithstanding the signing of reliever Tanyon Sturtze and INF Chris Woodward).
By the way, to reiterate, the Braves got Woodward to be a utility man, not a starter. Some don’t want to believe that, but it’s true. Johnson and Martin Prado would probably have to fall on their faces this spring for Woodward to get consideration for the 2B job, and Willy Aybar might also get consideration before Woodward, though the Braves continue to say Aybar is tentatively slated for backup 3B/2B work….
In other news, if you Atlanta-area blog denizens want to see some good, free live music, get thee to Ella Guru record store, in the Toco Hill (don’t know why they don’t use plural on that, drives me crazy) Shopping Center on Tuesday at 6 p.m. A really good band from Lexington called Scourge of the Sea is playing in-store at 6 p.m.
Good stuff. I got their CD last week after listening on one of those Paste Magazine listening stations. And if Ohio State beats Florida, please give Don, the Ella Guru store owner, lots of grief. He attended that football and diploma factory down in Gainesville…
Noticed a couple of outstanding shows coming up at Smith’s Olde Bar, including Five-Eight on Saturday and Ron Sexsmith, the stellar and criminally underappreciated Canadian singer-songwriter, on Jan. 20. If you guys go, try the Fox Bros. barbecue from the bar downstairs.
This week’s can’t-miss, clear-the-dust, long-lost, long-overlooked, guarantee-you’ll-love-it CD recommendation: John Hiatt’s “Bring The Family” from 1987. If you don’t own it, I beg of you to purchase it, download it, steal it from your old man, etc.
“Your Dad Did,” by John Hiatt
Well the sun comes up and you stare your cup of coffee, yup/Right through the kitchen floor
You feel like hell so you might as well get out and sell/Your smart ass door to door
And the mrs. wears her robe slightly undone/As your daughter dumps her oatmeal on your son
And you keep it hid/Just like your did
So you go to work just to watch some jerk/Pick up the perks/You were in line to get
And the guy that hired you just got fired,/Your job’s expired/They just ain’t told you yet
So you go and buy a brand new set of wheels/To show your family just how great you feel
Acting like a kid/Just like your dad did
(Bridge)
You’re a chip off the old block/Why does it come as such a shock/That every road up which you rock/Your dad already did
Yeah you’ve seen the old man’s ghost/Come back as creamed chipped beef on toast/Now if you don’t get your slice of the roast/You’re gonna flip your lid
Just like your dad did… just like your dad did
Well the day was long now, supper’s on/The thrill is gone/But something’s taking place
Yeah the food is cold and your wife feels old/But all hands fold/As the two-year-old says grace
She says help the starving children to get well/But let my brother’s hamster burn in hell
You love your wife and kids/Just like your dad did
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By qtip
January 4, 2007 07:47 PM | Link to this
i’m first
By Troy
January 4, 2007 07:56 PM | Link to this
DOB- Do you think that maybe the Braves are possibly gearing up for a very busy offseason next year?
By not doing anything too dramatic or adding any substantial contracts this year, we might see a trade midseason or even next offseason (Hudson, Hampton, LaRoche, whoever) getting some young starters in return?
All this with the hopes of retaining A.J?
or maybe that is just wishful thinking
By Clayton
January 4, 2007 08:00 PM | Link to this
DOB, check this band out. I think you will enjoy their sound… http://www.bigcitysunrise.com/
By Troy
January 4, 2007 08:02 PM | Link to this
I know that the SP market is extremely inflated and the salaries that Hudson and Hampton are making aren’t too insane, but if both of those guys get off to a good start and are really pitching well around the trade deadline, would it make sense to try and trade one of those guys for some young starters to create more payroll flexibility?
If so who would you not mind seeing go?
By Tomahawkin
January 4, 2007 08:05 PM | Link to this
That was funny, D.O.B. Lets just say you’re better off not knowing…That stuff is complete garbage, not to mention Chris Brown..He sucks too…
I’m wit ya on the roster D.O.B. unless we pull some miracle deal in spring training for a leadoff hitter like we did in 95…Damn I’m reminiscing about the good dayz…
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
January 4, 2007 08:05 PM | Link to this
DOB, regarding Betemit, I meant that nobody saw him being traded to the Dodgers. At least I didn’t. Most reports I had read and heard had him going to either the Padres or Yankees. I just meant that JS tends to work in secret springs these deals from nowhere.
I was wondering if Escobar’s spring goes like his performance in the fall league do you think the Braves would still go ahead and send him back to Richmond?
By Jared
January 4, 2007 08:09 PM | Link to this
Schuerholz: I’m still talking to other teams and exploring options, but I’m comfortable with the team as it stands now.
Translation: I’m not going to do anything else unless some team gets desperate and blows me away with an offer.
By Josh C
January 4, 2007 08:10 PM | Link to this
The worst part of the Barry Bonds debate is that some people will insist on making it about race. That part won’t be any fun. For me personally the steroid issue is impossibly difficult. There is no question that steroids would help a player, especially with respect to maintaining strength over the long season. On the other side, however, is the fact that the player still has to have the skills- how many athletic specimens have failed miserably in the majors?- regardless of brute strength. Since a player can be voted in later but can’t be voted out (can he, DOB?) I guess I would vote no until there’s more info. This makes the players guilty until proven innocent but for me it seems the only way to go.
By Jared
January 4, 2007 08:15 PM | Link to this
Bill Shanks says the Braves signed Fernando Lunar. World Series win now a lock!
Seriously, Brayan Pena deserves to be the back up catcher.
By Tomahawkin
January 4, 2007 08:17 PM | Link to this
That whole race stuff is dumb…regardless of race Cheaters come in all races, so as death…It doesn’t give a shyt about your color…I think its those turds at ESPN that still bring up the race thing because it gives them ratings…
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
January 4, 2007 08:31 PM | Link to this
DOB, regarding Betemit, I meant that nobody saw him being traded to the Dodgers. At least I didn’t. Most reports I had read and heard had him going to either the Padres or Yankees. I just meant that JS tends to work in secret springs these deals from nowhere.
I was wondering if Escobar’s spring goes like his performance in the fall league do you think the Braves would still go ahead and send him back to Richmond?
By Tomahawkin
January 4, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this
Aight Yooz guys gotta head out and Watch the O.C. Check ya in a few…Be back 2morrow nite before I go out and get my party on….
By David O'Brien
January 4, 2007 08:38 PM | Link to this
Folks, Braves only signed Lunar to a minor league deal, just another catcher for depth and spring training. Pena needn’t worry about losing the backup job. That’s his.
Lunar hasn’t even played in the majors since two games in 2002. Was in an indy league last season. Not a factor for major league team Braves….
Robert, yes, you’re right about Dodgers part of Betemit deal. That was a surprise. I thought you just meant Betemit being traded, period.
And yes, Escobar likely back to Richmond because he still has options and so many middle infielders vying for jobs. Or he could be traded.
Braves could still pull off a trade for a 2B, too, not meaning to imply they can’t or won’t. I just think it’s less likely than ever now.
By Alan
January 4, 2007 09:02 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’m with you 100% regarding McGwire, Bonds and Rose. To call McGwire one-dimensional is to give him too much credit, IMO. I’m not convinced his numbers - what’s his lifetime BA, .275? - merit election, artificial enhancements or not. Bonds was a terrific player while with the Pirates. And to think the Braves nearly “stole” him before the ‘92 season. My son gave me JS’s book, “Built to Win,” for Christmas and I just read the section about JS’s negotiations with then-Pirates GM (and former Brave) Ted Simmons. As for Rose, he also was a terrific player and deserves election to the H of F as only that - a player. Speaking of McGwire, I saw on ESPN earlier this evening that a poll of 100 H of F voters showed only 26 would vote for McGwire. I hope he never gets in. Roger Maris deserves it much more than McGwire does. So, frankly, does Dale Murphy and that isn’t going to happen in our lifetime, I’m sure.
By snowball's chance
January 4, 2007 09:14 PM | Link to this
Is Steve Carlton in the hall of fame? I guess I could look it up but my point is that when a ballplayer hates the press it can come back to haunt him. When I remember Barry it is that pathetic attempt on noted speed merchant Sid Bream. How many left fielders are in the hall? Someone has to play there and it is usually the least talented outfielder.
“Bring the Family” includes one of my favorite Hiatt songs, “Liptick Sunset”.A great live album is “Hiatt comes alive at Budokan? ”
By Pete
January 4, 2007 09:14 PM | Link to this
DOB-Ripple Flashback… Must agree with you on your Mac & Rose opinions. Bonds no way.
By The Grinch
January 4, 2007 09:14 PM | Link to this
Y’all, I agree Big Mac was a liar and a cheater. He was definitely one-dimensional. But he was also one of the very, very few players I’ve ever watched that kept me absolutely riveted to every second of one of his at-bats. If he kept fouling off pitches, I’d let food burn on the stove before I’d turn away. And when he cranked one…there are home runs and there are home runs. Dude was a force of nature. That’s got to count for something.
By Lew
January 4, 2007 09:17 PM | Link to this
DOB-Just got my tickets to see Johnny Winter on the 26th in Burlington. I haven’t seen him since the 90’s. Has he put anything out the past couple of years that you know of? Troy-If Hudson and Hampton get off to a good start by July, the Braves will definitely be somewhere near the top of the division and would be unlikely to WANT to trade them.
By Dale Murphy's Oil Soap
January 4, 2007 09:21 PM | Link to this
just one simple question: Is Kelly Johnson fast? I know not all good leadoff hitters need to be capable of stealing 50 bases but I haven’t seen enough of him to even know what kind of baserunner he is. Just curious.
By MizzouGuru
January 4, 2007 09:29 PM | Link to this
DOB: I feel pretty good about what the Braves have in personnel right now. However, that would be a lot of pressure on Kelly Johnson by simultaneously - (1) learning a new position, (2) batting lead off and (3) learning to hit at the major league level which he previously hasn’t done. Maybe a platoon of KJ and Aybar at second with KJ going against righties and Aybar going against lefties would be a good route.
By Stinky
January 4, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this
What part of banned for life’ doesn’t DOB understand? Rose knew the stakes every time he placed a bet. As a major league manager, he should have known better. His betting on baseball introduced an element that destroyed the integrity of every game he managed.
He only bet on his team, DOB might say. Does that mean he held pitchers out of games that he didn’t bet on to use in games he did bet on? Does that mean he gave guys days off before games he bet on? Did bookies and their ilk gain an advantage by knowing when Rose placed his bets?
DOB doesn’t care. He thinks that Pete Rose should be honored even though he gambled on baseball while wearing a Cincinatti Reds uniform.
Rose has his reward. He got to play and manage in major league baseball for 27 years, made millions of dollars and crapped all over the game and himself. End of story.
By brian
January 4, 2007 09:54 PM | Link to this
DOB - the reason a lot of us keep talking about Andruw Jones being traded is because with all our wisdom (as compared to a Hall Of Fame GM) we disagree with keeping Andruw through his walk year and letting him walk with no compensation except possible draft picks. If our “budget” makes us act like a mid-level franchise, then we need to act like one - when a star player is going to walk you trade him to reload both now and the future. Most of it is probably wishful thinking.
My wishful thinking is AJ resigns with the Braves to a deal that will not cripple the Braves’ payroll in the future. I believe that this is more fantasy than Andruw being traded by the end of the year. Unless the Braves are well out in front - bullpen as good as expected, no drop in offense, and SP doing great (James and Smoltz picking up where they left off last year. Hudson and Hampton rebounding with strong seasons. Davies pitching to his potential)- the Braves should deal Andruw IF they can get a package to improve the team now and for years to come.
Any chance the package the Yankees got from the DBacks makes them more likely to deal Proctor with Cabrera in the possible 3 way trade that has largely died? I still do not know if I would do that trade anyway
By MBATL
January 4, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, been out eating some Chinese (they tried to resist but we ate them anyway).
Congrats on the new blog! I don’t agree on Bonds, but won’t bore you or the group with my reasoning. If they give me a vote (for some reason), it’s no. But, that probably won’t happen.
Great work, as always.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
January 4, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this
John Hiatt’s version of “Angel Eyes,” which he wrote, is fantastic, especially on the live CD “Hiatt Comes Alive atBudokan.”
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
January 4, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this
You know, I think race still plays a big part in some of the dealings of this society but where Barry Bonds is concerned race has nothing to do with it. Of course, some people don’t want Bonds to break the record simply because he is Black and they don’t like that Hank has the record. But, most people who don’t want Bonds to break the record don’t want him to do it because he is Black but because they simply don’t like him. Period!!!!!!! Bonds is not the most personable guy and has a tendency to rub people the wrong way. While I don’t necessarily have a problem with the man, he is arrogant and moody and just an all around jerk to those he doesn’t like or doesn’t know. The man is an a** pure and simple. AGAIN, Bonds isn’t hated because of his color. He is hated because he can be a hateful and arrogant person. I actually read today that part of the holdup with signing of the contract is that the Giants want him to act with more professionalism with him approaching the home run record. I will assume that Bonds isn’t so hot on the idea.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
January 4, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Robert,
I don’t completely disagree with you about the “race problem,” but find me an African American he will say Bonds did ‘rhoids and O.J. did it and I’ll sell you some ocean front property in Arizona.
By Alan
January 4, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Oil Soap, I get the feeling that KJ has average speed. He has a good eye and Bobby Cox loves his swing (see current issue of “ChopTalk”). KJ himself says he likes to hit at the top of the order, which sounds like a bit of a slam at Marcus Giles. Whether or not he can do the job remains to be seen, of course. Speaking of “CT”, the Dec. issue lists the Top 30 Braves prospects and not included is perhaps the organization’s fastest runner, Gregor Blanco, who is on the 40-man roster and supposedly has a good shot at the LF job and, presumably, the leadoff spot. I have to doubt that, based on the prospect rankings. Any comments on Blanco, DOB?
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
January 4, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
“who will say” not “he will say”
By berigan
January 4, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Hey!!! No one told me there was a new blog!!! I thought for sure David said there would be no new blogs! ;) Well, here were my last 2 fascinating posts…..
By berigan January 4, 2007 09:17 PM | Link to this
Shaun, at 4:24 you said Nolan Ryan never won 20 games in a season. Actually, he won 20 games in back to back seasons, 1973 and 74. (21 and 22 wins respectively)15 short years later, in 1989, a 42 year old Ryan won 16 games, pitched 236 innings(More innings than all but one pitcher in 2006) He also struck out 301 batters that same season. 56 more than the ML leader last year. Careerwise, he also has 1100 more strikeouts than the next on the list(Roger Clemens) His 5386 career innings pitched are the 5th highest in the history of the game. Phil Neikro pitched in 18 more innings. the other 3? All retired 80 or more years ago. Ryan’s 61 career Shutouts are 7th most in the history of the game. He’s not overrated in my book.
By berigan
January 4, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this
And did I actually hear folks talking up Richie, umm, I mean Dick Allen for the HOF? Didn’t Harry Carey say once about him that his was a million dollar talent with a 10 cent brain?(this was the 70’s) Didn’t he suffer Mickey Rivers/JD. Drew/Fred Lynn-its? Missed every 5th game, didn’t he???
Now Jim Rice, he should be in the hall, 8 100+ RBI seasons (Compared to Allen’s 3 seasons) Andre Dawson had 1591 RBI’s, about 480 more than Dick Allen, good for 29th all time. and he had to play most of his career on terrible knees and on that harder than concrete turf in Montreal. Not saying Dick Allen wasn’t talented…..
By The Grinch
January 4, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
GHF, ask Robert(JTIB). I bet he wouldn’t mind weighing in. And don’t tell me you think OJ did it? He was’t proven guilty! Ohh, I tried to type that with a straight face, but there have been chuckleheads on here before who use the same reasoning about Bonds and steroids. Who was that a month or so ago who kept calling everyone else an idiot because we weren’t actually in the training room standing next to him while he was shooting up so we couldn’t possibly know? I didn’t actually hear the 15 minutes edited off the Watergate tapes either; guess ol’ Tricky Dick must’ve been telling the truth, too. Anyhoo, even though McGwire and Bonds are both liars and cheats, at least McGwire voluntarily walked away from his excessive contract (with two years left on it) because he felt he wasn’t performing up to his standards anymore and didn’t want to rip anyone off. Does that sound anything like Bonds? He’s not much better a player now than I am and he’s still holding out for more and more. At least McGwire had a little integrity, albeit a very little. And for all y’all railing aginst these guys for juicing up to put on a show for you, why not try to get wrestling banned. How bloody gawd-awful would that sport be if they tested for roids? I hate it anyway, personally, but I bet there are literally millions in America who watch and cheer on that crap religiously at the same time they preach against Baseball players. Oh, the hypocrisy!
By RightOnPeachtree
January 4, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, by your logic, you should be treating Big Mac a little better. Yes, Barry had great numbers pre-juicing. But keep in mind that McGwire hit 48 homers as a skinny rookie. He always had the power and was stupid to juice later on — but he was a prolific power hitter even before he started ballooning in size.
By dcarp23
January 4, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Here are two rebuttals to DOB’s McGwire position. Personally, I side with these opinions, but one of the beauties of the Hall of Fame is its democratic nature. Simmons article looks at it from a moral standpoint (I personally loved the ridiculousness of Ann Killion’s quote), and Neyer’s is obviously from a statistical perspective.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070103
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/hof07/insider/columns/story?columnist=neyer_rob&id=2719720
One thing that I found interesting is the lack of great first basemen all time. After Gehrig and Foxx, who would you really say is the third best 1B of all-time? The argument could be made easily for Bagwell, but just as strongly for McGwire, Murray and McCovey, and Dick Allen (whom I know nothing about) is rated highly as well.
By SouthernObserver
January 4, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Stinky didn’t want to be banned for life from the DOB/ATLBRAVES/MIB/BlOG so he caved in like a house of cards. What part of Banned for Life did Stinky think was unjust? Two-faced whiny jerk.
By dayf
January 4, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Wait, what? You are eligible to vote for the Hall of Fame but AJC won’t allow it?? You must really love your job… I’d be going all Early Cuyler on them over that.
By Stinky
January 4, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
SouthernObserver, I know you are, but what am I?
By John Adcox
January 4, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Thank you, iTunes store. Just bought Bring the Family and a bunch of Sexsmith. Can’t wait to give it a listen. Tomorrow.
Anyone going to the Eaglesmith show at Eddie’s?
By flange1
January 4, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew,
Enjoy johnny Winter! I saw him in Atlanta last time around and have purchased his last couple of CD’s. HE IS NOT THE SAME AS HE USED TO BE. He used to be a real fast powerful guitar player. Now, he is much slower and more deliberate, and as my man Keith says knows when to be quiet…..
It will be a different show, but still a good one. Just don’t expect the old JW…..
By David O'Brien
January 4, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Need to see Blanco play and hear what Cox and others have to say about him before I can tell you if he has any shot of making the team. His name just doesn’t come up in conversations I’ve had this winter with Braves people….
Someone asked about Kelly J’s speed. It’s not bad at all, pretty good really. Just got off phone with Glenn Hubbard tonight, talking about Kelly’s progress at 2B. Hubby’s really has been impressed with how hard he’s worked, how much progress he’s made, etc), and also pointed out, when we were discussing the leadoff possibility, pointed out that Kelly is aggressive and will steal a base when he gets the green light, not like some who need to be cattle-prodded….
Lew, don’t know of anything new Winter’s put out, but the man still tours and tours. I’m sure he still puts on a great show.
RIGHTONPEACHTREE, Mac had 49 homers as a rookie, then more than 33 only twice in the next eight years. Had 274 homers in his first 10 seasons, then 245 over the NEXT FOUR SEASONS, then broke down, playing 89 and 97 games the next two seasons before hanging it up. Humm….
As I said, he was one-dimensional offensively, though a better fielder than people gave him credit. Still, his numbers before the 52-58-70-64 homer explosion over four seasons (1996-99) would never have warranted Hall consideration, and he was HUGE by then, freakishly huge in the shoulders and arms. I remember seeing him with a sleeveless T in the Cardinals locker room one time and just being astounded by how big his shoulders and biceps/triceps were. And batting practice … just silly. Fun, though. Great fun and exciting watching him.
Just wouldn’t vote for him. The man had way more than twice as many homers (583) as doubles (252).
By The Grinch
January 4, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Oops, I posted that last and just now realized y’all were already talking to each other. I feel like an idiot. Berigan, you’re still on my $%#@ list. :-)
Dcarp23, I started to link to those earlier too. I never miss Simmons; he’s hilarious (and almost always right). Y’all still need to check out his reviews of all six “Rocky” movies.
By David O'Brien
January 4, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Adcox, you gotta let the folks know if I’m lying on Hyatt, soon as you listen. And Snowball’s right _ “Lipstick Sunset” is probably even better than “Like Your Dad Did.” So many great songs on that album, including “Memphis in the Meantime,” “Thank You Girl,” “Learning How to Love You,” on and on….
Stinky, I have no problem with banning him for life. I agree he should stay banned _ from baseball. From being part of the game. From being in dugouts, working for teams, etc, etc. But I personally don’t feel that has anything to do with being in the Hall of Fame. As I stated, he belongs in the Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a player. Has nothing to do with what he did after his playing career.
And I didn’t say anything about who he bet on, for or against his team, etc. Doesn’t matter to me, long as there’s been no allegations or evidence that he bet as a player. If he’d done that, I’d say no question, banned from the game and from the Hall of Fame.
They don’t take players’ busts out of the Hall if they get arrested later in life or if we find out later that a player beat up a guy in a wheelchair or was an inveterate racist or whatever, and I don’t think they should keep Rose out of the Hall. Just my opinion.
Relax. I’m not voting anyway. And he’s not on the ballot anymore.
By David O'Brien
January 4, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
dayf, yeah, I do like my job. and i like paying my mortgage and my 401K more than I value voting for the Hall of Fame. call me crazy.
By Ace
January 4, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, for the sake of discussion…. would you vote for Shoeless Joe? Look at his stats in that Series, man.
Who have we not heard much about this off-season that could make a splash in spring?
By The Grinch
January 4, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Dave, they don’t let racists into the hall of fame. 401K: isn’t that like a marathon or something? I’ve heard about job security; just never had the pleasure. What’s it like? I’ve always had to live off my wit, so as you can imagine I have a poor diet. :-)
By Tommy
January 4, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
My oh my… the fans are ready to speak on steroids in 2007
http://www.756myasterisk.com/
By Coloradobravesfan
January 4, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Check it out… Jake Peavy areested by Airport Cops. MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Thursday at Mobile Regional Airport.
The 25-year-old Mobile native was taken to the Mobile County Metro Jail shortly before 7 a.m. and was released on a $350 bond, according to the jail log. Airport Police Chief James Kincaid would not say what led to Peavy’s arrest, but told the Press-Register newspaper that “a situation presented itself and the officers involved felt like they had a situation to deal with.”
Padres general manager Kevin Towers told The Associated Press he was told that Peavy was headed for a goodwill tour of the Dominican Republic with other major league players when he double-parked to drop off his bags and was told by airport police to move his car.
“The airport police told him he couldn’t park his car there and he said, ‘Write me up a ticket and I’ll pay for it,”’ Towers said. “He was arrested.”
A message left on Peavy’s cell phone wasn’t immediately returned. Peavy’s agent, Barry Axelrod, didn’t respond to an e-mail and a call to his cell phone.
Kincaid said the incident occurred around 5:20 a.m. just outside the terminal building.
Peavy has a career record of 57-45, all with the Padres. He was 11-14 with a 4.09 ERA last season.
By dayf
January 5, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
I understand about the mortgage and all, I’m working the overnight shift right now to pay for that myself, and I’m sure you’d be baffled by some of the stuff I put up with from my corporate overlords. I’m just sayin… there’s only 520 or so of those things mailed out every year. I love your articles and this blog so I’ll bite my tongue, but just… wow. :(
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
dayf, you don’t have to bite your tongue on account of me. Say whatever you feel like saying. It’s not my policy, and I don’t necessarily agree with it. But you know what? I’m an employee, and I’m treated well by my bosses, and I like my job. So I do what I’m told.
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Cue the theme to “Greatest American Hero.” :-)
By dayf
January 5, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
-ouch- sorry, the tongue is already bit -ouch- I shouldn’t have -ouch- bit so hard -ouch- anyone got any ice?
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
OhhhKaaaa, on that strange note…
Anybody see My Name is Earl “Cops” episode and The Office tonight? Taped ‘em and just watched. Freakin’ hilarious, both shows.
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
“…who could it be…believe it or not, DOB..”
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Thank you, thank you. I’ll be here all week. God, I hope nobody remembers that tv show and theme song; otherwise there are people at least as pathetic as myself floating around. I’m suddenly in the mood for a Wings Hauser marathon. Help! The 80’s are drawing me back in!
By mr baseball
January 5, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
DOB: In complete aggrement regarding Bonds and McGwire. Bonds was a Hall of Famer before his body shape altered, McGwire was not. As for Rose, give him a little section in Cooperstown with his records but keep him out. I saw him play in the minors when he was with Macon and he was a jerk already. Don’t give him the satisfaction of enshrining him. He put up some impressive numbers, but was only about the 4th best player on the Big Red Machine glory teams.
It’s obvious that Ripken & Gwynn are going in, but voters need to take a closer look at Gwynn’s numbers. For all the hits he amassed, he neither scored runs nor drove them in at anywhere near a Hall of Fame standard. Not sure how he managed that.
Rice should have been elected already simply off his numbers, but he is one of the more obvious examples of how an unpleasant personality and media grudges impact voting. It’s doubtful that Belle will get more than a handful of votes, but he was arguably the best offensive player of the ’90s and the numbers for his 10 full seasons are staggering.
At least 2 of the eligible pitchers deserve induction, but don’t bet on either one. Morris was one of the game’s elite pitchers for maybe 15 seasons and was the best of his era in big games. Lee Smith will never get voted in, but he was a consistently excellent closer for a long time for a lot of teams, and never got anywhere near the credit he deserved. Gossage will probably get more votes but compare the 2.
Sorry faithful Braves fans from the ’80s, but Murphy doesn’t quite make the cut. He was a terrific player for six or seven years, but you have to be a Sandy Koufax to make the Hall with that short a stay at the top.
A tip of the cap to whoever it was that referred to Procol Harum a day or two ago. Their Best of album is a remarkable compilation from one of the most eclectic and talented groups of their era, but like a lot of great bands and solo artists from that time, they are pretty much just a fading footnote.
Anybody else remember Rory Gallagher?
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
I’ve actually not been watching much network TV. I usually stick to the multitude of Discovery/History/Science channels, other than Law & Order and X-Files re-runs. I only check out new shows that I’ve accidentally caught and enjoyed while high…uh, I mean on life, and all. I dig “House, M.D.,” and “24.” I can honestly say I haven’t seen 90% of the other network comedies and dramas in the past couple of years. What would you recommend? I have a pretty wide range of tastes; it can’t be too violent or shocking for me, nor too funny. It can, however, be too slick, contrived, p.c. and re-hashed (no pun intended).
By Ron
January 5, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Dude wrestling and baseball are two totally different things. We are talking about Baseball records at stake, In Wrestling there are no records, there just wrestling, probably about 40 percent of baseball players use some type of steroid. And about 80 percent of wrestlers use some type of steroid. Bye the way I am a wrestling fan. And I dont like Baseball players using steroids BECAUSE of the previous records, it tants the game. You know Hank and Gerig and all of them never used steroids to accomplish success but you dont know about anybody now a days. In Wrestling there are no records, so it does not matter to the FANS if they use steroids or not, at least it does not matter to me. The people that uses steroids dont care what the effects are so why should I care.
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
Grinch - Actually, I used to love that show when I was a kid. William Katt flying around in a red suit…remember thinking it was hilarious.
Anyone remember these two long-forgotten 80’s shows?
Automan - “Cursor!! I need the car!”
Manimal - Any dude who could change into a panther or hawk would have my undivided 10-year-old attention back then.
By mr baseball
January 5, 2007 01:02 AM | Link to this
While we’re on the topic of steroids, why is it that no one ever points out that more pitchers have tested dirty than hitters? For those who want to put an asterisk on the HR numbers of McGwire, Sosa & Bonds, do they get any extra credit if some of their bombs were hit off juiced pitchers? I understand how steroids can enable a power hitter to boost his HR numbers, but in Bonds’ case, how did they help him become a better hitter as he aged? Is there a steroid that improves hand/eye coordination? Just wondering.
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 01:08 AM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball, Rory Gallagher _ now there’s a bada*# Irishman, not far behind Shane MacGowan and Van the Man in my book. Dude could absolutely blister the guitar….
As for baseball, you wrote: “Rice should have been elected already simply off his numbers, but he is one of the more obvious examples of how an unpleasant personality and media grudges impact voting.”
But you also wrote: “As for Rose, give him a little section in Cooperstown with his records but keep him out. I saw him play in the minors when he was with Macon and he was a jerk already. Don’t give him the satisfaction of enshrining him.”
Grinch, you’ve cultivated this image, or at least I have this visual, of you living at the end of some dirt road, with a rabbit-ears antennae on the roof and an eight-track player connected to massive speakers. I know it can’t be accurate, but my god, man _ reruns of “X-Files”? Dude, how many times can you watch those. I used to love that show, but I think I saw them all 2-3 times.
Anyway, since they stopped making that series, there’ve been, oh, 10 amazing series come and go, and some still at their peaks. I’d strongly recommend a few on HBO, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me you don’t have HBO. If you do, then “The Wire,” “Entourage” and “The Sopranos.” “Six Feet Under” was great, but it had a nice run and is done (all since end of X-Files).
On basic (free) cable, FX has some great shows, topped by “The Shield) and “Rescue Me,” which was created and stars Dennis Leary as a NYC firefighter and ballbuster in a firehouse filled with dudes struggling with divorces, alcoholism, etc. Great stuff, raw as hell (FX shows get away with tons more salty language and some nudity, compared to big-four networks).
I, too, really dig House (I’m pretty certain it’s just House, not House, M.D.) And Law & Order Criminal Intent is as good as the original, to me. And Friday Night Lights is damn good. And CSI. And those Thursday night sitcoms on NBC (My Name is Earl, The Office, Scrubs, 30 Rock) are best comedy lineup in years.
Oh, and of course “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on HBO.
Plus, there’s always X-Files reruns (kidding, dude, don’t snap at me again, please).
By Jay
January 5, 2007 01:11 AM | Link to this
“And please don’t start telling me that’s hypocritical or inconsistent. “
…because I dont want to hear the truth
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 01:13 AM | Link to this
Mr Baseball, there was a very good article in Sports Illustrated recently about the brilliant evil-genius doctor who’s coming up with all the cutting-edge ‘roids like The Clear (THG) and others, the dude that supplied the stuff to Conte and Balco. This guy said he gets so tired of refuting all the myths and mistatments about ‘roids, including the notion that ‘roids can’t increase your batting average. As he said, taking testosterone (in ‘roids) can greatly increase your focus, allowing you to block out all the stuff around you and focus on the pitch. He said they clearly can help a batter not just increase his power, but his average. First time I’ve heard an expert talk about that aspect of it.
Oh, and who said there were going to be asterisks? Every baseball person I know has pretty much agreed it would be impractical and impossible to put asterisks on everyone’s records who may or may not have taken ‘roids. It’s not going to happen, for hitters or pitchers.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
January 5, 2007 01:16 AM | Link to this
Hey,Glass Half Full, how much are you selling that property for. I’m actually African-American and believes that Bonds did do steroids. Now, OJ, I’m not so sure. I think one person nobody ever mentions is OJ’s son, Jason. I personally think Jason could have done with it which would explain why the DNA was similar but not a perfect match. But, anyway, you really shouldn’t classify all African-Americans in the same category. Have you talked to enough of us to make an informed opinion or only going on what you heard or see on television?
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 01:18 AM | Link to this
Oregon_Braves, I don’t remember “Automan,” but I do remember “Manimal.” My lord, the stuff that used to pass as entertainment. I’m going out on a limb here, but remember Stephen J. Cannell as a producer? He did the “A-Team,” “Riptide,” “Hunter,” “Wiseguy,” etc. (he also did “Baretta” and “Rockford Files” back in the 70’s)…the dude was King of 80’s cheese. Sit Ubu sit…good dog.” Ha! Bet I got a few of y’all on that one.
Ron, I don’t care either. Baseball has traditionally been a sport of alcohol abuse, speed, cocaine, now steroids…who cares? The game is the game and it jams no matter what. I can’t go after anyone in the sport for doing that sort of thing…I’ve been getting messed up for years and I can’t hit 50 homers in a season, so who am I to judge?
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 01:20 AM | Link to this
Oh, and Grinch, took your advice and got Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridien.” Just started reading it _ stellar, dude. Out west, but an entirely different era than “No Country for Old Men.” For some reason I was expecting all his western books to be from same era.
Anyway, great book. You’ve read his latest, no? How good is that one?
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 01:40 AM | Link to this
Dave, when you’ve done to your brain what I have, doesn’t matter how many times you see the same episodes of the X-files…they’re always fresh. And why the hell would I jump on you for that? I know I’m a dinosaur; I set myself up for that. Just don’t like being told I’m tasteless. I may be behind the times, but I’m not tasteless (though I spend an awful lot of time observing and making fun of tasteless things…hmm. More complicated than I thought). Really, though, I haven’t watched any of the shows that you just mentioned save “The Sopranos,” though all have been recommended to me. I’m one of those people that can’t read a series out of order, neither can I watch a show out of order. If I miss the premiere, I have to wait for the whole season to come out on DVD (I didn’t start catching up on the Sopranos ‘till after season three). So I’ve got all those to look forward to, including “Deadwood” (still haven’t seen episode one, even though I’m the acknowledged “Western King” of all my compadres). I am an antinomian. I also should’ve said L&O: SVU and CI; I really don’t watch the original re-runs anymore after Jerry orbach died. I’m sure this is way more than you wanted to know about my viewing habits. :-)
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 01:41 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, Cannell was extremely prolific back then, wasn’t he? Always liked the A-Team, but never loved it. Another one of his I remember was Hardcastle & McCormick. Cool red car in that one.
This wasn’t Cannell, but I remember watching Airwolf back then, also. Sure, it was a ripoff of the Blue Thunder movie, but Jan-Michael Vincent was the man in that show.
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 01:45 AM | Link to this
Dave - I see that you mentioned No Country for Old Men. Since you seem to be a cinemaphile as well, did you know that will be the next film from the Coen Brothers? It’s in post-production, so it should be a late 2007 release. Expect a home run.
By Rex Boaz
January 5, 2007 01:49 AM | Link to this
Neither of the three (lets don’t talk about the past),(No understand english)and (I never took anything) clowns should ever get into the hall. Rummer has it that one of the clowns is making a comeback. It is said he is swinging a 72 oz bat but has no ——-. A hundred home runs in 07. Love you blog DOB.
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 01:51 AM | Link to this
I stand corrected _ It’s either House or House, M.D. Been called both.
But Grinch, I’m sure glad that the powers that be in baseball, not to mention reporters and a great deal of current players and all the old-timers, don’t agree with you on your anything-goes stance regarding drugs in baseball. Ludicrous to think what the game would become and how distorted all statistical references and comparisons would be if players were permitted to simply buy the best performance-enhancers they could afford, design the best year-round steroid programs with the best doctors, and get bigger, stronger and faster with each new drug that would be developed if there were no restrictions. Sorry, but I’m not interested in covering a freak show and I don’t think most people are interested in watching a sport where every decent power hitter can hit 40-50 homers and the top guys would hit 75-90, and pitchers would put up amazing numbers until their arms fell off, which is where the sport would be headed if there were no restrictions on drug usage and nobody cared what anybody was doing to get an edge.
That’s why wrestling is a staged exhibition with black hats vs white knights, all a show with no real competition involved. Or do you not want today’s game of baseball to have any reference point or any real direct link to the game played by Ruth, DiMaggio, Robinson, Mantle, etc?
At the risk of sounding too romantic _ and you are certainly the one that’ll let me know I am _ It’s one thing that separates baseball from other sports, how the essence of the game hasn’t really changed much. I mean, football linemen from the 50s couldn’t compete in today’s game, and most backs and wide receivers from the past couldn’t either. But Joe D and Ted Williams and the Mick and Clemente would be stars today, much as they were then. Maybe not quite as dominant, but absolutely they’d be stars.
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 01:55 AM | Link to this
Rex, I felt like I was in the CIA trying to decipher your post. But I got it after a couple of reads. Interesting, especially about _ uh-hum _ Slammin’ Sammy.
Oregon Brave, no I had not heard about Coen Bros doing No Country For Old Men. That should be outrageously good. are they using any of their usual actors _ Goodman, Turturro, those guys?
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 02:00 AM | Link to this
Stringfellow Hawk! Who the hell could come up with anything like that in any other era but the 80’s? And yeah. it was a ripoff of BT with Roy schieder, but no-one cared about realism then. And the car was the only part of H&C worth watching (the “Coyote”); yet we watched it anyway. Dang, dude; you must be a lot like me. Doesn’t speak much for your character. :-)
Dave, the more McCarthy I read, the more I’m convinced he’s America’s greatest living novelist. Being a critic and thus given to critisism by nature, that is very high praise. Still reading his newest one (besides the play I referenced earlier); I’m just coming back to it ‘cause I had to take a holiday break (he isn’t exactly the jolliest fellow); I’ll fill you in when I’m done. Blistering so far (pun intended; it’s post-nuclear holocaust setting).
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 02:04 AM | Link to this
Grinch, just read your post about what you’ve done to your brain, and had to smile. I’m sure you’ve got great stories. But it’d be like that scene in Jaws if you and I were exchanging those stories, something I could never and would never do here. Suffice to say, I feel quite fortunate to have come out of my years of, uh, good times with faculties intact. Remember, I’m a bit older than you, so I already did that battle-filled stretch from about 18 to 35, and have had quite a bit of time since then to shake my head in amazement. All I can say is that the brain, like the body in general, has amazing recuperative powers.
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 02:06 AM | Link to this
No, those guys tend to show up in the Coen’s comedies (Arizona, Lebowski, O Brother). Here are the principles:
Moss - Josh Brolin Bell - Tommy Lee Jones Wells - Woody Harrelson (yes, I know…out of the box, huh?) Chigurh - Javier Bardem (an absolutely stellar Spanish actor - will own this movie)
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 02:12 AM | Link to this
The Coyote, yes, now I remember. To tell the truth, that’s really all I do remember about the show, other than that I remember enjoying it. We’re probably around the same age, then. I’m 33 and grew up on tv and my parent’s top-loader VCR that was as big as a Samsonite suitcase.
By futurebravesgm2413
January 5, 2007 02:12 AM | Link to this
I’m glad to hear that the Braves want Kelly Johnson to win teh 2nd base job. I have always loved him and his playing style. Is it just me assuming Johnson wins the 2nd base job and Thorman starts in left that our 5 bench guys will be Pena,Woodward,Aybar,Langerhans, and Diaz? Looks like a strong bench.
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 02:19 AM | Link to this
Yeah, dude; I got ya. “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” :-)
Your 1:51 post makes me feel like an A-hole, even more so than usual. Believe it or not, I’m about as romantic as anyone (I still cry during Disney movies). I didn’t envision that horrifying world you painted when I made that generalization. Yowch. I didn’t mean baseball should be totally unregulated, I just meant people have been beating the system for years and we don’t always know who’s who. No, I don’t want it to degenerate into a freakshow; good lord. I suppose I ought to think about what I say before I say it. Funny, people have told me for an awful long time that would improve the quality of my life considerably…:-)
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 02:34 AM | Link to this
Oregon, I’m 33 too. Aug 18, 1973. Parents had a top-loading Panasonic VHS; I later got a top-loading Sony Betamax. Still got a bunch of those tapes, too. Better quality, but never caught on. Those machines pop a video tape out like a cassette (I should say like a cassette used to…fast and hard); scares the crap out of you if you’re not ready. Man; I feel old. But not as old as DOB. :-)
By David O'Brien
January 5, 2007 02:42 AM | Link to this
Orgeon Brave, now that you mention the dude playing the Chigurh character, I do remember hearing about that movie being made. That guy Barden is also going to play Pablo Escobar in the movie “Killing Pablo” coming out in a year or so.
Yeah, Goodman’s in their comedies. Turturro was in Miller’s Crossing, though. Both were in Barton Fink, a comedy, albeit a rather bloody, grisly one.
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 02:44 AM | Link to this
Actually, I remember trying to tote that Panasonic from one room to another…I got selected to do that job because I was strong as an ape. It must’ve weighed 50 pounds. Now I’ve got VCR/DVD combos cannibalized and littered all over my living spaces. Go figure. I bet I’ve got more tuner/amplifier/base units than anyone here. From the nineteen-teens to the 20’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and brand spanking new. Not all high-end stuff, mind you, but representative samples nonetheless. You can’t walk 15 feet in my house without tripping over A/V equipment. I feel like the little dude at the beginning of “Blade Runner.”
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 02:57 AM | Link to this
Miller’s Crossing is my favorite Coen film, so it’s always nice for someone to mention it. One of Gabriel Byrne’s best roles. I think it is criminally overlooked. Too bad their version of To the White Sea was shelved. Would have been spectacular.
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 03:06 AM | Link to this
Grinch - Those were heavy lifting back then, but so were the VHS tapes. Found some old ones a while back and was amazed at how much heavier and thicker the old tape was than the later versions. Of course, they both are riding the Streetcar Named Oblivion now, aren’t they?
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 03:09 AM | Link to this
Good call. Miller’s Crossing is definitely underrated. Don’t forget Alec Guiness. Brilliant!. Watch Guiness responsibly. Sorry; had to do that. I’m now going to slip off into an Iron Maiden abyss.
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 03:14 AM | Link to this
Run to the hills, Grinch. Run to the hills.
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 03:22 AM | Link to this
That may be the most bizarre thing ever. I went through Churchill’s speech, Ace’s High, Number of the Beast, and started to hit Revalations, but decided on Flight of Icarus followed by Run to the Hills as my next choices. “White man came/across the sea/ he brought us pain, and misery/…” Do I know you? :-)
By Oregon_Braves
January 5, 2007 03:35 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I’m your evil twin.
As cool as Maiden was to metal freaks back in the 80’s, they made some absolutely atrocious videos. “Hills” was probably the worst of the bunch. Good song, though.
By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 04:04 AM | Link to this
No doubt, going back through the videos definitely decreases the impact of the music…I avoid it as much as possible. Just like I don’t wear parachute pants or acid-washed jeans anymore. Most movies from that time are horribly dated as well. Remember “Rad?” If you do, you shouldn’t admit it. Time to snooze. Will resume later. Peace.
By berigan
January 5, 2007 06:22 AM | Link to this
**By The Grinch
January 5, 2007 01:18 AM | Link to this
Oregon_Braves, I don’t remember “Automan,” but I do remember “Manimal.” My lord, the stuff that used to pass as entertainment. I’m going out on a limb here, but remember Stephen J. Cannell as a producer? He did the “A-Team,” “Riptide,” “Hunter,” “Wiseguy,” etc. (he also did “Baretta” and “Rockford Files” back in the 70’s)…the dude was King of 80’s cheese. Sit Ubu sit…good dog.” Ha! Bet I got a few of y’all on that one.**
Grinch, you are kidding us, right? To paraphase Homer J. Simpson, I hope you didn’t brain your damage! ;)
Stephen J. Cannell shows ended with him typing on an old typewriter, ripping the said piece of paper out and tossing it, which turned into the letter C.
And everyone knows that producer Gary David Goldberg is the guy saying sit Ubu, Sit.
*UBU Productions, Inc., is a production company founded by producer Gary David Goldberg. Its notable productions include Family Ties (198