Cramped, but baseball bliss. Let's do this. | Braves

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Cramped, but baseball bliss. Let’s do this.

By David O'Brien | Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 07:19 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Just when you’re about to complain about the obnoxiously overcrowded pressbox at this World Series in Fenway Park, you feel like a whiny idiot when your hear that Dave Justice lost his San Diego home in the wildfires.

So I’ll not complain about the pressbox. But I can’t type without bumping elbows with Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on my left and a Japanese reporter on my right, who I might add is using a very small laptop with “Bluetooth” capabilities, which I’m pretty sure is really high-tech. (But I bet he’s never heard George Jones’ “High-Tech Redneck,” so I do have that on my Asian seatmate … or at least it feels like he’s my seatmate — my God, this makes a coach seat on Delta feel spacious. But I’m not gonna complain.)

Besides, it’s a minor inconvenience. Nothing could spoil this day, this atmosphere.

I’m watching the Red Sox take batting practice, with the Prudential building and Boston skyline beyond right field, while folks who paid scalpers $1,500 for cheap seats are waiting for the gates to be opened so they can enter the stadium.

(Why do the Red Sox not open the gates in time for Red Sox Nation to watch their heroes take batting practice? Seems odd to me).

And I have a full belly after chowing on one of the best hamburgers I’ve had the pleasure of consuming. Thanks to the blogger here yesterday who recommended Uburger near Kenmore Station — the “Boom Burger” with fried jalapenos and cheddar was out of this world, and the fries stupendous.

Who says you’ve got to spend a fortune to eat well in Boston? Long as you don’t mind ordering at a counter and eating off a tray, you can get a mighty fine meal for under $10.

You cannot, however, get a sweatshirt for under $50. Not this week. Not with Red Sox on it.

I went to a souvenir shop on Yawkey Way across from Fenway Park, to get a sweatshirt for my girlfriend. And I was astounded to see the $75 price tag on seemingly ordinary Red Sox hooded sweatshirts. And $125 for “vintage” hoodies (hey, they’re cool, but not $125 cool).

I settled on the one that didn’t have the familiar swoosh logo and cost $25 less — a mere $50 for a sweatshirt!

And speaking of exorbitant costs, the scalpers out in Denver are getting $400 for those Rockpile seats in the funky section high above center field. The Rockies sell those seats for $4 during the regular season - and $65 during the World Series. Talk about gouging the customer.

Then again, would you rather pay $65 for a Rockpile seat (if you were fortunate enough to pay face value, rather than buy from a scalper), or $50 to pahk ya cah a quarter-mile or more from Fenway?

So will the Series be back in Boston next week? In other words, do you folks believe it’ll go more than five games?

I think we could know a lot more a few hours from now, because if the Rockies come out smokin’ hot against Josh Beckett, well, then I’ll take the Rockies in five games.

But I’m not expecting that, for two reasons: The Rockies have won 21 of 22 games, but they’ve not played in more than a week. And Beckett has been as close to unhittable this postseason as you’re going to get.

So if the Rockies come out flat against Beckett and lose tonight, does it really mean a lot? Probably not. We’ll know a lot more, in that case, after they face Curt Schilling in Game 2 on Thursday.

Because, as Schilling himself said in the interview room an hour ago, he ain’t what he used to be.

“I’m a different pitcher now,” said Schilling, in a moment of humility that we’re not accustomed to. “Whereas I used to be able to exploit with one pitch, now I’ve got to use different pitches to different spots.”

As for Beckett, Schilling said: “We’ve got the best pitcher in the planet going for us tonight.”

Tough to argue against that assessment, considering Beckett was the only 20-game winner in the majors this season, and has been even more dominant in the postseason. In three starts in these playoffs, Beckett is 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA, .160 opponents’ average, and a stunning 26 strikeouts with only one walk in 23 innings.

My old Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel colleague Gordon Edes, who now covers the Red Sox for the Boston Globe, wrote a story today that compared Beckett’s postseason to the great Bob Gibson’s three wins against the Red Sox in the 1967 World Series, when Gibson went 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA, with 26 strikeouts and five walks in 27 innings.

Of course, Gibson did that in one series/ Then again, he also did it off a raised mound. Different era, deeper lineups, so perhaps Beckett’s postseason is on a similar level as Gibson’s.

But I’ll reserve judgment until after this World Series.

There can be no disputing Beckett’s “big game” reputation, however, which is entirely deserved. He’s now 5-2 with a 1.78 ERA in nine career postseason games, including eight starts and one memorable four-inning, one-hit relief appearance against for Florida against the Cubs in Game 7 of the 2003 NLCS.

He got three wins in that NLCS, and just over a week later in the World Series, Beckett threw a five-hit shutout in the clinching Game 6 win against the Yankees.

I remember how John Smoltz sounded a bit perturbed when so many people raved about Beckett’s performance that offseason, like it had never been done in recent times or something, when in fact Smoltz had done similar work in several postseasons.

And Smoltz was right. It’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately society that always wants to make the most recent performance by so-and-so the best performance in history, where sports writers and ESPN guys always want to say this guy’s the best or that team was the best, discounting the person or team they’d said or written that about just a few years earlier.

But if Beckett has a great World Series, he will have certainly earned a spot in that pantheon of great postgame pitchers of the modern era, of the three-tiered playoff era, if he hasn’t already.

For Rockies fans, there’s plenty of reason to believe your boys can handle him. Because they have before. He was 4-0 with a 2.81 ERA in five starts against them for the Marlins from 2002 to 2005.

But with Boston, he faced them June 14 at Fenway and gave up six runs and 10 hits in five innings of a 7-1 loss to the Rockies. Matt Holliday is 6-for-14 against him, Todd Helton 4-for-12, and Garrett Atkins 6-for-10.

Then again, this is October, and Beckett’s been one tough cuss this time of year.

So I’m talking with one of the veteran ESPN guys in the Fenway Park pressbox a few minutes ago, and out of the blue he says he thinks the Braves could be playing in the World Series a year from now if a couple of things go their way.

(It wasn’t Jon Sciambi I was talking to, but I did see “Boog” just a while ago, as he was about to enter a radio booth. He’s doing pre- and post-game shows on ESPN’s radio broadcast. And he got a short haircut, looks ready for business.)

Anyway, this other ESPN guy, more a behind-the-scenes guy who does research and a lot of the real legwork for the broadcasters, mentions how much he likes the Braves’ rotation if they add Glavine and some other decent starter this winter.

He said he’s a bit concerned about Soriano in the closer role, but then I reminded him that Mike Gonzalez should be back by July, and that Soriano really looked great in the first third and last third of the season.

Then he agreed with me that getting Gonzalez back was huge, that his injury was a big blow last season. And I say, yes, and so was losing Hampton in the spring. And he says, “Oh yeah, they get Hampton back this season, too, don’t they?”

Well, I said, they hope they do. They’re paying him $15 mill, so they better get something out of him this season. Because I don’t know how much, if any, that insurance would pay if he were to miss a third consecutive season.

Then again, if Hampton can’t pitch again this season, Braves might be able to claim he had a career-ending injury last spring and perhaps get a settlement that covers part of his salary this season, too. I don’t know, honestly. I’ll have to ask about all that later, after we find out about Hampton this winter and/or in spring training, whether he’s going to be ready and all for the final season of his contract.

I asked Frank Wren about it today via an e-mail, whether he knew if Hampton had a winter-ball assignment yet, or if he knew anything more about his health than we knew at end of season, which really wasn’t much.

Here’s his e-mail reply, which I just received and am adding during the top half of the first inning: “Hampton is progressing and if all goes well, will try to pitch winter ball the second half starting in late November. We are working towards that.”

So there you have it. Straight from the GM to you, with me simply a relay man.

Wren digs “The Office”: I did, however, get a list of Frank’s five favorite shows, which I’d asked him about last week for the Gimme 5 thing we run on Page 2. Gotta like a man who’ll take a few minutes away from a very busy schedule to humor me with my request for his five favorite TV shows.

And gotta like him even more when you see the list.

He called it “Five shows I Tivo” and here they are: 24, The Office, House, SportsCenter, and The Today Show.

OK, so I’m not up to watch The Today Show, but I’ll assume it’s solid entertainment. The others on his list, I watch religiously (yes, even SportsCenter, I must admit, though I turn the channel quickly or mute sometimes when Stuart Scott is talking or Chris Berman does his painful “The Schwam” segment.

I don’t want to give away Frank’s lines about each shows, but since some of you won’t see the Gimme 5 list in the paper, I’ll share these two: of 24, he said, “We all need a cellphone like Jack Bauer.” And of The Office, he said, “Hope I’m a better leader than Michael.”

Couple quick items: Carl Yastrzemski is throwing out the first pitch tonight. You kiddies might not remember, but Yaz won the Triple Crown in 1967…. Composer/conductor John Williams leads the Boston Pops in The Star Spangled Banner” before tonight’s game, and Ashanti will do “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch. And how cool is this — James Taylor will do “Carolina In My Mind” before Game 2. Kidding. He’ll do the national anthem.

Ok, this is a mellow sort of soft-rock song, but I always liked it, and it’s the only song I know where the first two cities mentioned are Boston and Denver.

”PLEASE COME TO BOSTON” by Dave Loggins

Please come to Boston for the springtime

I’m stayin’ here with some friends and they’ve got lots of room

You can sell your paintings on the sidewalk

By a cafe where I hope to be workin’ soon

Please come to Boston

She said, “No, would you come home to me?”

And she said, “Hey ramblin’ boy now won’t cha settle down?

Boston ain’t your kinda town

There ain’t no gold and there ain’t nobody like me

I’m the number one fan of the man from Tennessee.”

Please come to Denver with the snowfall

We’ll move up into the mountains so far that we can’t be found

And throw “I love you” echoes down the canyon

And then lie awake at night till they come back around

Please come to Denver

She said, “No, Boy, would you come home to me?”

And she said, “Hey ramblin’ boy why don’t cha settle down

Denver ain’t your kinda town

There ain’t no gold and there ain’t nobody like me

‘Cause I’m the number one fan of the man from Tennessee.”

Now this drifter’s world goes ‘round and ‘round

And I doubt that it’s ever gonna stop

But of all the dreams I’ve lost or found

And all that I ain’t got

I still need to lean to

Somebody I can sing to

Please come to LA to live forever

California life alone is just too hard to build

I live in a house that looks out over the ocean

And there’s some stars that fell from the sky

Livin’ up on the hill

Please come to LA

She just said “no, Boy, won’t you come home to me?”

And she said, “Hey ramblin’ boy why don’t cha settle down

LA can’t be your kinda town

There ain’t no gold and there ain’t nobody like me

No, no, I’m the number one fan of the man from Tennessee.”

“I’m the number one fan of the man from Tennessee.”

Permalink | Comments (411) | Post your comment |

Comments

By Shaun

October 24, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

I like Boston in a sweep. But this is baseball so I wouldn’t be surprised if Colorado swept (okay, maybe a little).

By TennesseePaul

October 24, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES

By Bob, Journalist

October 24, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Most Honorable Southern … how goes it? I’ve lost your email address … how about an email when it’s convenient?

By Grandmaster Flash

October 24, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Rumor has it that The Message was playing on a certain radio station in Myrtle Beach today.

It’s like a jungle sometimes, It makes Ron wonder how Ron keeps from goin’ under, It’s like a jungle sometimes, It makes Ron wonder how Ron keeps from goin’ under

Broken glass everywhere, People pi$$in’ on the stairs, you know they just don’t care, I can’t take the smell, can’t take the noise, Got no money to move out, I guess I got no choice, Rats in the front room, roaches in the back, Junkies in the alley with a baseball bat, I tried to get away but I couldn’t get far ‘cuz a man with a tow truck, repossessed my car

Don’t push RON ‘cuz Ron’s close to the edge, Ron’s trying not to lose Ron’s head, Uh huh ha ha ha, It’s like a jungle sometimes, It makes Ron wonder how Ron keeps from goin’ under

Grandmaster Flash sez behave yoselves now y’all. No more shenanigans.

BH/WW

By Principle Phil/Paladin

October 24, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

I’ll be around ‘til one of you bullies picks on me, then I’ll take my blocks and go home. So there!

By ncscoots

October 24, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Certainly, Beckett is a pleasure to watch. Especially since I thought he would never tap all the potential he showed early on in his career. To me, he looked like the all-too-familiar flameout waiting to happen. But the boy can fling, and it’s fun to see him do it.

Though if Efrim is right about most teams (except the Braves, of course) having under-30 top-tier potentials, we’re in for a wave of pitching the likes of which the game has never seen, LOL. Braves are doomed.

By David-ATL14

October 24, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Solid job DOB. Rockies in 6.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

So Bud Selig and some others just completed a press conference down in the bowels of the stadium somewhere (we had it on the big-screen TVs in the pressbox) during which they announced that Buck O’Neil would be honored with some sort of honorary award and a life-size statue at Cooperstown at the Hall of Fame.

Folks, this is a classic case of covering your (butt).

The Hall and its Veterans Committee have repeatedly snubbed the iconic Negro League star, one of the great ambassadors of the game, by not putting him in the Hall where he belongs.

So to make up for it, they trot out Joe Morgan with Bud to announce that Buck will get a special award in his name that will be handed out to others no more than once ever three years, that in many ways this is better than merely having a plaque in the Hall.

That sound you heard was O’Neil rolling over in his grave.

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Ok, I have “dropped” the Principle Phil thing and I’m going to say this. It won’t make me any “friends”. I don’t care what RR’s “address” is. Further, I don’t care what jjs’, SJA’s, Boss Lady’s, ad infintum’s is. Nor, do I trust many, if any, of you to know mine. I’ll just settle for what goes on in the 4 inches, give or take, of the type above. This is a blog and anonymity is part of it. If you can’t handle that don’t blog. Or, like I indicated in my other post, take your blocks and go home.

OK, let’s talk some baseball or trash, or whatever you have in mind. That, like it or not, is the rule(s) of this road!

By journalist jimmy smith

October 24, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! baseball season will soon be over. must enjoy these 5 or 6 or 7 games. no one can do it in 4, right?

now, recent controversy must be limited to the last blog. no time for sissies during this in-game blog.

what is everyone enjoying for in-game snack?

and heavy rains are expected on the $1,500 cheap seats tonight. no justice for the working man. (journalist is taking on union stance in honor of soon-to-be new braves pitcher).

and will there be harmony on the blog tonight? and has jimmy smith lost credibility as a journalist with the recent revelation?

and raisins was here earlier. hello, raisins.

and isn’t a big poppy illegal? and dob, sitting next to a japanese journalist? use the universal greeting of all journalists and make friends: “care for some of this cheese?”

and now, baseball …

By ncscoots

October 24, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

That sound you heard was O�Neil rolling over in his grave

…followed by the sound of real baseball fans spitting in disgust. Somebody call Grinch, douchebaggery just got a world-champeen level.

By Coco Crispy

October 24, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz is always perturbed about something. In his tortured mind, he is the most under-rated, under appreciated pitcher in baseball history.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 24, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Oh my goodness! You can tell there are about 5 Rockies fans at Fenway this evening.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 24, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

like saying, instead of the wurlitzer we are awarding you the wrapper it came in (sorry, scribe).

all the blog ladies, please come back. no one is going to be mean to you now.

sure wish this journalist had some cake for the game. nothing arrived from florida today.

and who remembers tito francona as a brave? remember tito’s nickname? prize to winner.

By joebrave

October 24, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

I think,I wonder.no wait,I hope trhe Rockies SWEEP!!!!!!!!

By Savannah Guy

October 24, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Nor, do I trust many, if any, of you to know mine.

Well Mister, some of us know your address and your roommates. We also know your nurse. I’m glad Chief didn’t take that pillow to you…

Missed you around these parts you old jet flyin’ huckleberry. B+?

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

ncscoots I think we are in agreement, but regardless. I think this “political correctness” is ridiculous. If you feel someone should be in the HOF, nominate them. If they get in(under the rules for everyone else)then fine. If they don’t, well there are a lot that should have that didn’t, and some that did that shouldn’t have. That’s life.

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Journalist, that is a trick question. “Tito” is his nickname.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 24, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if anyone knows this or has mentioned it…but Joe Buck was on Conan O’Brien a few days ago and Conan told Joe that if he said “Jub-Jub” somewhere in the broadcast, then he would donate a bunch of money to a charity. So listen out for it…It’s like Where’s Waldo…except it’s Where’s Jub-Jub.

By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]

October 24, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

I have friends, real non-internet buds…but…none of them like Baseball! World Series??? who cares???:( But, there is this forum, so I can talk baseball with people who, you know, like baseball! Who will watch the WS! :)

Anyone else without baseball friends, or family????

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

SG See! You’re pickin’ at me already. :>) Have a good din din? And how’s the Lady? Good I hope!

By nfieldr

October 24, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Bud and his cronies just continue to make a farce out of MLB. IMO, only Gary “Where’s the NHL” Bettman saves him from being the most moronic of Commissioners.

By aaaetc

October 24, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

My head says Sox in 6. My heart says Rox in 7. My stomach says Braves in the Series next year, but it growls a lot, so who knows?

By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]

October 24, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Oh man….Rockies look rusty, don’t they? That, and the ump has a wide strikezone….I hope the Rockies pitcher gets it as well….

By JJMB

October 24, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Rocks in 6.

Die Boston DIE.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

OK, folks, Frank just sent me an e-mail reply about the Hampton question. I asked him whether Hampton’s status had changed at all, whether he’s going to pitch winter ball and if so, did he know where.

He replied, just now during the top of the first inning: “Hampton is progressing and if all goes well, will try to pitch winter ball the second half starting in late November. We are working towards that.”

Meanwhile, how ‘bout that first inning by Beckett? This kid looks like a keeper. Anyone know anything about him?

By Tyler

October 24, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Baseball questions-

What players do you think will be called up by the end of next year?

My guesses: Lillbridge, Shafer, and Medlen.

Any others?

By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]

October 24, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

aaaetc,

Good post! I say that, because I was thinking the very same thing! Well, the very same thing except…My stomach says Braves in the Series next year, but it growls a lot, so who knows?

Pretty funny though!

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Uh, the Rockies would like a Mulligan. Is that possible? No? OK, continue.

Wow, Pedroia has two homers, a double and six RBIs in his past three at-bats. Little dude’s trying to be David Eckstein, but with power.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Who would have thought in 1997 that a decade later Nomar would not be the Georgia Tech alumnus who had become the captain, World Series champion, and heart and soul of the Boston Red Sox?

That was one helluva talented Georgia Tech baseball team in those days though with Varitek, Nomar, and Jay Payton.

How about this pathetic trade deadline deal from July 1997? Varitek and Derek Lowe for Heathcliff Slocumb. Man, oh man, that is a horrific trade. The Mariners got destroyed in that trade. Heathcliff sucked. And the Red Sox got the pitcher who won the World Series clinching Game 4 in 2004 and the heart and soul and captain of their teams for the next decade.

Oh, this is about to get FUGLY! Beckett mowing ‘em down, Pedroia going deep, Youk getting a double. This is getting fugly. Break out the brooms boys. This is gonna be a sweep. The Rockies fans are getting payback for brining all those brooms to the stadium when they swept that last series.

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

aaaetc And the foot-bone is connected to the ankle-bone…what do they say? :>) Actually, some of the people on this blog have the foot-bone inserted in the jaw-bone. But, that’s another story. Go Braves in 2008!

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Pedroia the 18th player to lead off a World Series game with a homer. And the last? Johnny Damon in Game 4 of the 2004 Series for the Sawx.

In other words, two World Series games in a row for Boston leadoff men going yard.

By TennesseePaul

October 24, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Ouch. This game couldn’t start any worse for the Rockies than it did. 3 straight K’s than a lead off HR. Talk about a wake up call. To bad the Rockies are trying to tame the Red Sox with the likes of Francis and Fogg.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Dave Justice, Manny just tied him for second in all-time postseason RBIs with 63.

Are they saying all this on TV? If I’m repeating anything you’re hearing, sorry, but we’re getting it in the pressbox with announcements.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Yaz just had a little press conference as the game was beginning, and someone asked him how he hit so many homers when he was about the same size as Coco Crisp:

“Swung hard,” Yaz said.

By Niekro35

October 24, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Living in Boston, I’ve had enough of the obnoxiousness of Red Sox Nation. But considering that the Rockies have a policy of making Christian fundamentalists their preferred hires, I’ll be rooting for the Sox.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

So Lew you didn’t like the Bugs Bunny silly reference, huh? You thought Andruw trying to hit looked more like Wil E. Coyote trying to get after the Roadrunner? Maybe you are right. Or maybe Andruw trying to hit this year was like Charlie Brown always trying to kick the football and always having Lucy pull it out from under him. That always made me really angry when I was kid. Lucy was a sadistic little woman. Those pitchers were pretty sadistic to Andruw this year too. Or was Andruw merely sadistic to himself being a foolish freeswinging overswinger?

It’s getting FUGLY fast tonight my friends. 3-0 SOX OVER ROCKS!

By Paula D

October 24, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Well, Jawl, journalist jimmy smith himself asked what we were eatin for tonight’s series. How can I resist, jawl?

Fish tacos, jawl. Breaded white fish (flounder, cod, talapia), jawl. Cooked in the fryin pan with olive oil, jawl. Now, toast tortilla’s of you choice. I like a heavy wheat tortilla, jawl. On that tortilla, spread a little sour cream, then some cabbage on that y’all. Some salsa on that, and lay the fish on top of that, jawl. Wrap it up, then hit it with the hot sauce before every bite, jawl. Now, that’s good eatin, jawl. Feel free to sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on it too, jawl.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 24, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

DOB When did he tie Justice?

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

“Heathcliff Slocumb” now there’s a name. In any pick-up game, I’d choose him. No body could be tougher except maybe a boy named Sue.

By Tomahawkin' Again

October 24, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

This is really the best team in the NL? As the playoffs have gone on, I have gotten more and more ticked off that the Braves couldn’t figure out a way to either win the East or slip in as the wildcard. The NL was so ripe for the picking this year. Colorado looks like a double A team compared to the Sox. Is it time yet for pitchers and catchers to report to Dark Star yet?

By Yars

October 24, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Was that the Pixies that fox was playing going into commercial break after the top of the 1st inning? DOB….drink an Irish Car Bomb. It’s a glass of Guinness beer with a shot glass of half Baileys Irish Cream, & half Irish Whiskey. The shot glass of Cream/Whiskey is put into the glass of Guinness, & you guzzle it. Delicious!

By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]

October 24, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Man, I really hope this isn’t the start of a 4 game rockies sweep…I get tired of hearing how the AL is so much better than the NL. I know the NL is the weaker league, but for a team with a 60% effort guy like Manny Ramirez, who can’t even get past 2nd on a ball he hits off the top of the wall, to just walk all over the NL team…well, it just sucks. Go Rockies!!!!!!!!!

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t like Wren’s answer to that Hampton question at all. How about let’s put him on the Gonzo timetable and just say see ya next July? It’s gonna be agonizing for the next 6 months obsessing over whether Hampton can give it a go or not.

I have always wondered why ESPN does not broadcast winter league games like the Dominican League games during the winter. They sound like they are fun, have stars playing in them, and surely would be more interesting if broadcasted during the day than anything else ESPN puts on the air during the day.

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

DOB�.drink an Irish Car Bomb. It�s a glass of Guinness beer with a shot glass of half Baileys Irish Cream, & half Irish Whiskey. The shot glass of Cream/Whiskey is put into the glass of Guinness

Why the hell would you mess up 3 good drinks?

By Efrim

October 24, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Francis looks shell shocked.

NcScoots

Say what you will, but other teams have studs that I haven’t seen the Braves produce since Kevin Millwood. So when I hear how good Hanson, Rohrbough and Locke are, I get excited that we may have a Cole Hamels on our hands.

By keylargo25

October 24, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Great suggestion Braveheart. And they can dump poker. Who designated poker as a sport?

By JJMB

October 24, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Man, I hate that stupid green monster. That and the short right porch at yankee stadium.

By Yars

October 24, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Braveheart….yeah man that would be cool if espn or even fox sports channel started broadcasting winter league games. How many times can they keep showing World Series of Poker, Sportscenter 9 times in a row, The Contender, or some lame made by espn movie?

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, are you serious dude? You really want a SPORTS network to broadcast sports-based programs? Who would want to watch a bunch of stars and future stars play baseball over watching, say, a spelling bee??

Next thing you’re going to ask for is for MTV to show actual music videos or something else similarly ridiculous!

By keylargo25

October 24, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Or ESPN could cut out all shows with Tony Kornheiser. If there ever were a face for radio……………

Getting ugly; Go Rockies

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Besides being imposing physical specimens who are beloved in the city of Boston, David Ortiz and I also share a birthday — Nov. 18.

Only he was born 12 years after me.

OK, and I’m not as beloved in the city of Boston. But the Irish are still held in high esteem in this fair city.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Baseball Fanatic, sorry about that: Meant to say MANNY tied Justice.

Just Notorious being Notorious, I guess.

By mike

October 24, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

DOBFranks got great taste. 24 is the best show on television. Even better when Tony Almeida returns this season. I agree with your friends assessment in that the braves only need to tweak a few things to be a powerhouse again. They need 3 things as I see it: A reliable veteran in the starting rotation besides Smoltz and Hudson (probably Glavine), a young reliable arm (Snell, Blanton, Cain), and a decent center fielder (not necessarily a star, just someone who can play the position well and not be an automatic out)

By journalist jimmy smith

October 24, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

tito’s real name: patsy

chrisklob wins the prize. dob, please forward a blog tee shirt to chrisklob when the blog tee shirts are ready.

20 slices of cheese? 20 slices of cheese? journalist thought jimmy smith heard the baseball announcers talking cheese just now.

“when the runner gets to third base the next stop is home.” tim mccarver

soon, the ice will be broken with dob and the japanese journalist and the two of them will be singing kumbaya.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Paladin, I agree. What the hell kind of name is Heathcliff? And why did he go his entire life without having it shortened to either Heath or Cliff?

Oh, that’s gross. Ellsbury jogging way too hard back to the dugout after striking out. Not even a dorky 8 year old would do that.

But, now back to Heathcliff. Has anyone ever figured out why they made Heathcliff to look exactly like Garfield?

Imagine how good Francis is gonna be when he gets to puberty.

How come I always think Manny Ramirez is 6’ 4” when he is really only 6’0” but I always think Chipper is 6’0” when he is really 6’4”?

Great hustle by Youk on that Papi double!

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

By the way, Bernie Williams is the all-time leader in postseason RBIs with 80. He played 121 postseason games, hitting .275 with 22 homers….

Manny hit .270 with 24 homers in 91 postseason games before tonight.

Justice only hit .224 in 112 postseason games, with 14 homers and 63 RBIs. But a couple of them were pretty big for the Bravos, weren’t they?

By Sean Hannity

October 24, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Man, I hate that stupid green monster.

JJMB You are not a true American. That is about the most unAmerican thing I have ever heard. What’s the matter with you? Where’s your patriotism? No seriously. Hating the green monster and calling it stupid really is about the most unamerican thing I have ever freaking heard in my life.

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

jjs, I think I have as much chance at receiving that blog t-shirt as I do of receiving red velvet cake from our friend in Florida!

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

jjs Is your first choice Patsy? I’ll still take Heathcliff.

By JJMB

October 24, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Or ESPN could cut out all shows with Tony Kornheiser. If there ever were a face for radio��

Amen, brother, amen.

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

DOB Don’t get too juiced on pressbox goodies and forget where you pocked the kar.

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

I JUST HEARD JUB-JUB!

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, Manny really is only about 6 foot. And Chipper really is about 6-3 or 6-4. I think it’s because Chipper’s narrow across the back, whereas Manny’s rather thick and wears that billowy uni that makes him look even thicker….

Speaking of postseason RBIs, for those interested in the Jones Boys (we’ll soon retire that name, which is probably good since it’s kinda gotten old) in the postseason, here it is:

Chipper’s hit .288 with 13 homers, 47 RBIs and an .870 OPS in 92 postseason games, and Andruw’s hit .273 with 10 homers, 33 RBIs and a .798 OPS in 75 postseason games (with 50 strikeouts in 238 at-bats).

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 24, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

I think the members of the blog need to develop a scouting network. Not just Braves’ farm clubs but also the minor league players from other clubs.

Many of the blog denizens live away from Atlanta but close to affiliates. It would be interesting to have an idea of who is up and coming and who does not have a shot.

DOB I have the mute button on so I can enjoy the game, any information is appreciated.

As for the game tonight, I am not giving up on the Rockies quite yet. It is only the third inning.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, you should know that the Japanese journalist and me have found some middle ground, an unspoken bond: Coffee. He drinks copious amounts, almost as much as me from what I can tell. I’ve had three cups since the game began, and I believe he’s on his third.

But he takes cream. Mine is black, no sweetener.

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

The more I think about it, I think I will change my blog moniker to Heathcliff. ‘Course to satisfy the blog purists, I’ll have to legally change my name. Oh hell, Paladin Heathcliff or Heathcliff Paladin. Both have a good ring to ‘em.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 24, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

I think this blog is bad for my health. I am a baseball junkie. I think I should start a group called Baseballoholics Anonymous.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

It’s raining pretty steady now, and it’s raw out there, about 50 degrees or lower by now.

But they don’t allow umbrellas at these old ballparks, probably a good things since folks are crammed in here too tight to put up an umbrella anyway.

You know where else they don’t allow umbrellas? Freakin’ Dolphin Stadium for baseball games. I mean, all 8,000 fans in that 75,000-seat ballpark could put up a pup tent during a rainy Marlins game and not interfere with anyone else, yet they don’t allow umbrellas. Brilliant.

By Choppinmama

October 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

DOB: Do keep up the informative reports, especially with the live and local observations. Maybe they will hold my attention and help deaden the incessant drone from McCarver.

In the tight pressbox confines, sounds like you’ll be even better friends with Tom and Reporter-san when Game 1 is over.

“Please Come To Boston” - now there’s a song I know and love. Good when you’re in a bittersweet mood.

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

if the rockies are truly blessed they will get the rainout tonight.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

No seriously, hating the Green Monster and calling it stupid is just, uh, uh, uh, words can’t describe what I’m thinking. If I was told I could play only one baseball game for the rest of my life, I would chose Fenway so that I could look up at that monster and try to hit ball off of it. I can’t tell you how many games of Wiffleball and Stickball my friends and I would play using certain areas of the street, park, or backyard as a pseudo Green Monster.

Way to go Fox…. A pointless interview with Francona and they miss play by play on the double by Helton. What’s the point of those in game manager interviews? Do we ever learn anything from them?

By TennesseePaul

October 24, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Bernie Williams. I hear rumors that he is looking at coming back to the game with any team willing. Any team. Alas it is merely a rumor.

Paladin: Why mess up 3 good drinks? This is America. If you don’t like it, throw it away and order them seperate. There’s plenty more where it came from.

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Bend It Like Beckett. Josh has a good hook working tonight.

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 24, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Well now, ain’t this a cozy bunch…hello joebrave…

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

One good thing about the Rockies possibly losing two games here? Maybe it would convince them to finally put aside the Star Trek black unis and wear something resembling a real baseball uniform for the games back in Denver….

It is a shame that Kornheiser, with that mug, is on TV, while I’m here blogging, isn’t it?…

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

“Bend it like Beckett.” Very good, Chrisklob….

Hey Coco Crispy, you mentioned that Smoltz is always perturbed about something. You know who’s seriously always perturbed about something (well, besides me), I’ll tell you: DeAngelo Hall.

What is UP with that dude?

By keylargo25

October 24, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Here’s something to get you guys fired up for next year. I saw the top 10 catches for the year today and none compared to my all time favorite of Otis Nixon taking away a home run from Andy Van Slyke. Keep in mind the outfield wall was 10 feet and Otis Nixon’s head is over ithttp://youtube.com/results?search_query=otis+nixon+catch when he makes the catch.

By TennesseePaul

October 24, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

See That !?!! Two hands Tulo! No show boating with the fielding. Does it right and makes the play.

By Paladin

October 24, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul Do we wear blocks of Limburger cheese on our heads while we drink them? BRILLIANT!!!

By Choppinmama

October 24, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

So, NOW Selig and the HOF want to honor Mr. O’Neil. They couldn’t have done it DURING his lifetime, which was dedicated to this grand game and the futherance thereof. An unflagging supporter of the Negro League players, he would have been SO happy to have the HOF status awarded to him in person, and SO proud to have the every-third year award awarded in his name.

But Nooooooooooo…………Posthumous Awards are nothing but Too Late Awards.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

If I were you, Paladin, I’d go with Paladin Heathcliff.

Or better yet, and this one’s really strong: Francis Fogg.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

I actually like Tony Kornheiser. I think he and Wilbon have great chemistry. Out of all the ESPN shows, I like PTI the best. But I do admit Kornheiser is FUGLY. I actually don’t watch PTI much anymore - just listen to the podcasts of it on my IPOD. The show translates well to a radio show without changing anything about the television show.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 24, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

“Wishi to try this cheesi?”

“Uh, sure. thanks.”

sure to be banned. sure.

By JJMB

October 24, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Sean Hannity, My love of things stops at the Mason-Dixon line. Except for that NJ cutie Martha MacCallum.

By Choppinmama

October 24, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Esteemed jjs: I clicked, page opened, and THERE IT WAS! Just as you said.

Apology to you is warranted - and overdue.

Now, to cheese. Do they put cheese in sushi? What is Japanese cheese?

By TennesseePaul

October 24, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Paladin: uh, you can wear what ever you want, I’ll be here in the LBC tossing back a premium red Zin and puffing on a nice, smooth, hand rolled…. …. … stogie.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Derek Jeter never seems 6’3” either on television. But Chipper and Jeter are built more like basketball players or wide receivers. Hey, I think Joe Buck and McCarver are reading the blog while doing the game. They commented just now that Tulowitzki does not look to be the same height as Cal Ripken although he is.

By Francis Fogg

October 24, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

BRILLIANT!!

By Lew

October 24, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Well, I’ll never complain again about paying $155 to sit right above the dugout in Fenway again. Well, actually I probably will, because I like to complain, but my wife checked Stub Hub and the seats where we sat for the Braves in May were going for $3500. Damn-That’s almost a year’s discretionary spending. I don’t even spend that much on music, books and comics. Well, maybe I do, but certainly not two tickets worth-without a bag of peanuts.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 24, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Heathcliff What are you doing up so late? I thought you went to bed around 8PM.

By AdirondackDave

October 24, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

I’m sitting here watching the game and McCarver and the other guy seem to say only dumb things or wrong things. Now and then they say dumb AND wrong things.

Example: Ripkin being the first big guy who played shortstop. Actually many big guys preceeded Ripkin at short. Marty Marion of the Cards was 6’6” and played great shortstop in the 40s and 50s.

By Savannah Guy

October 24, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Paladin Just joshin’ ya pal but you knew that. Been too long…had to lob a softball your way for old times sake. The Lady is doing very well, thanks for asking.

By Francis Fogg

October 24, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

How about some sushi with that cheesi? If that doesn’t get banned, we’re off and runnin’.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, you’re right: Kornheiser and Wilbon are outstanding on PTI. When any others including my boy Dan LeBatard are subbing for one of them — I say my boy because Lebee and I and go way back, to when neither of us was making any money and we were covering the Univ. of Miami baseball games and such; now Lebee’s making a LOT of money and I’m… well, eating at Uburger — it’s not nearly as good a show as when Tony and Wilbon are on there.

Hey, imagine if Stuart Scott and Chris Berman hosted PTI — that’d be some seventh-circle-of-hell television, wouldn’t it?

By Choppinmama

October 24, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

If Manny would strap on that batting helmet, or do away with the do-rag on the flowing braids so he wouldn’t have to hang on to his helmet and run, he’d be at least a couple of steps faster.

Also, losing your helmet and sliding head first can prove hazardous to your health. But that just must be Manny Being Manny.

One more Reds comment - I sure wouldn’t have wanted to have had to block the plate on Youklis chugging home from first. Yikes!

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Coco Crispy, you mentioned that Smoltz is always perturbed about something. You know who�s seriously always perturbed about something (well, besides me), I�ll tell you: DeAngelo Hall. What is UP with that dude?

Oh, please don’t get me started on that twerp. Too many losers gassed his head and made him think he was the next Prime Time for who knows what reason. That guy is absolutely garbage and never shuts his mouth. Oh, I’m gonna stop now. I could end up having a meltdown if you get me started on MeAngelo Hall. Please, King Arthur, no more Hokies.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 24, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Gil I got the Chief confused with all of these names. He has already smothered two other guys. Meanwhile, me and TNPaul are having us some stoogies and spirits and watching some baseball. GO…who’s playing?

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

looks like chuck-n-duck flew out to colorado during the rockies eight day layoff and installed some windows at the francis residence. during the visit chuck-n-duck explained the finer points of just throwing two pitches and constanly getting behind hitters.

By rmf

October 24, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Maybe I missed it late on the old blog: DOB did you have review of the new Neil Young album?

I used to think the Sox would regret trading Hanley Ramirez etc for Beckett — no more. They gave up a lot to be sure, but they got a lot in return.

Second question: When does McCarver hit mandatory retirement. I used to like him. Now I can’t stand listening to him. How does he keep getting this gig?

By Choppinmama

October 24, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Lew: I missed out on the pony express red velvet cake delivery route, but if you do a coveted wurlitzer for Justice, I will volunteer to make the delivery.

No, really, it’s no trouble at all. I’ll deliver it to him the next time he’s in ATL, or make a special trip out for a special Choppinmama-to-Mr. Justice personal delivery. Hey, maybe the Braves need me to deliver the replacement BHOF award too? I’m a go-to kinda gal.

Now, if I have to take care of those awards up in my Braves room for a few…..er, months, that will be ok. After all, it will take Mr. and Mrs. DJ a while to rebuild.

Just let me know if I can help!

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

DOB,

time to ask your seat-mate for a sake bomb.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 24, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

yes, choppinmama, there it was. jimmy smith meant no harm to rr. only followed rr’s request to google rr and mb. could have been rr in astronaut tryouts or maybe curing some childhood disease but instead it was calabash seafood. why would rr be so touchy about such a subject? would choppinmama do something for all the bloggers? something jimmy smith cannot do without criticism at this curious juncture. would choppinmama check that seafood restaurant’s menu and see if shrimp is served there? journalist will wait with anxiety as will many bloggers here.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Well, six runs and 10 hits yielded in four innings by Jeff Francis.

Good thing he’s not the best starting pitcher the Rockies will run out there in this series.

What’s that? Oh, nevermind.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 24, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I would have thought that DeAngelo would have been relieved to hear that they had cut Jackson since they were thinking about giving Gravy a try at corner.

By joebrave

October 24, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Top of the Evening SJA…. Looks like a reverse Sweep,Dirty Sox in 4!!! Damn the humanity!!!

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

I used to like LeBatard when he used to do the Sunday morning radio show on ESPN radio. I think The Sports Reporters would be much better if they gave Lupica the boot already and let LeBatard take his spot.

It’s just unfair to expect anyone to have the chemistry Wilbon and Kornheiser have together. Those two are like brothers with the way they talk and fight with each other. There really seems to be alot of trust, love, and respect between those two. I don’t understand why if they were gonna put Kornheiser in the MNF booth why they didn’t just go and put Wilbon in there with him. It’s like they set Kornheiser up to fail. It would be much more fun listening to Kornheiser and Wilbon sitting there like old friends just shooting the you know what about what is going on in the game. But instead they put Jaws and Theisman in there with him. It’s like they had a great idea but then stopped halfway in the execution of the idea. Estupido.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Well, my Japanese seatmate has faded like Jeff Francis. While I’m now well into my fourth cup of coffee, his third cup is getting cold, untouched for the last 15 minutes….

Speaking of technology, the only thing more high-tech than his bluetooth-capable computer is the DirecTV blimp that’s been flying over Fenway Park all night, with a — I kid you not — high-def TV on the side of it.

I feel like I’m in a futuristic movie or something, this blimp flying overhead with a very large TV showing a very clear picture with baseball highlights.

Haudricourt, who’s a pretty funny guy, said, “The sad thing is that that TV on the blimp has a better picture from 1,000 feet away than the TV in my apartment.”

By joebrave

October 24, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

damn that Youkilis!!I can’t stand him!!!

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

DOB: How badly do you wish you had a DeAngelo Hall on the Braves? I’m betting he would make your job very easy with his stupidity. I could see DOB sitting there with writer’s block and saying lemme give DeAngelo a call - I’ll get a week’s worth of material from that idiot.

OH, this game is getting so ugly.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Is it unfair to say Manny Ramirez is the hitter we all thought Andruw could have been?

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 24, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Hey nephew, “Heathcliff” would be a great name for Braveheart’s manor house. ‘Course it is a little pretentious for a 2-room walkup. :>)

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

time to ask your seatmate for a sake-bomb … man, the postseason brings out some genuinely clever lines from the denizens.

at this point I think it’d be a good time to invite some others out there in our corner of the blogosphere, some who are reading but not sure whether to post, to jump on into the fray and post a comment.

Come on, do it. In the immortal words of John Blutarsky: “Don’t cost nothin’.”

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, Manny is a hitting savant, man. That dude can flat-out rake. If Andruw had half his understanding of the strike zone, his ability to recognize pitches, his ability to go the other way … well, Andruw would be a .300-40-140 guy.

And he’s far, far from that.

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

dob,

you better ask for mutiple sake bombs from mr. myagi especially if he keeps drinking a cup of coffee an inning. well so much for the we wont be rusty thought.

DOB, have there ever been three consevutive sweeps in the WORLD SERIES?

By Jared

October 24, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Jeff Francis doesn’t look like a very good staff ace. His ERA was well over four this year if I remember correctly.

There are teams with worse, like the Royals in 2006 with Mark Redman. But even some of this year’s bottom-dwellers like the Pirates (Snell), Reds (Harang) and the Devil Rays (Kazmir) have a better #1 starter than the Rockies.

By TennesseePaul

October 24, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

This game blows

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Hey, imagine if Stuart Scott and Chris Berman hosted PTI � that�d be some seventh-circle-of-hell television, wouldn�t it?

LOL! Just sitting here and imagining it. They would need a half hour alone to get through their schtick. They would never get around to talking about anything. That would be horrible television.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Joebrave, Youklis can undoubtedly play some ball, but that’s a rather, uh, cute batting stance he has, isn’t it? For a big, strong guy with a nasty beard, he sure does some odd stuff when he’s standing in the box.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, we used to have something of a DeAngelo Hall. His name was Sheffield.

But at least Sheff didn’t say stuff that fractured a clubhouse/locker room the way DeAngelo seems intent on doing. (Well, except for the time with the 1998 fire-sale Marlins when Sheff told us reporters it was like playing with the Bad News Bears.)

Sheff just got frustrated whenever his contract was running out with no extension in the offing, and/or his team wasn’t winning. Mostly when his contract was running out.

By Betty Lonely

October 24, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

This game sucks big wind.

By UVABrave

October 24, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

You’re killing us over here…between your PTI suggestion from hell (I can already hear the “Back-Back-Back-Back-Booya!”), your Beckett comment (seriously, who is this kid? do you think the Braves can get him?), and everything else…you’re definitely on tonight.

Keep it coming.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Wow, this is some game.

Did I ever tell you guys the one about the priest and the pitcher who walked into a bar….

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

at this point I think it�d be a good time to invite some others out there in our corner of the blogosphere, some who are reading but not sure whether to post, to jump on into the fray and post a comment.

Okay lurkers, the Notorious DOB/Man in Black is looking for some help from you. The regulars can’t do all the posting during this Series. He needs some help from y’all to get the number of posts up to a much higher than average level in order to justify to the ajc.com brass this trip.

DOB provides all of us with tons of inside information, insight, and entertainment throughout the year. It’s time we ALL step it up a bit and make a few extra posts. Come on y’all, it don’t cost nuthin’ extra! Let’s hear from you!

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 24, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

OK, I’m next in line for the pottychair and then Chief will give me my “sleeping pill”. As Groucho said, “I have had a wonderful evening. But, this wasn’t it.” Nite all.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 24, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

When I was in high school, my friend taught me how to dance. He said to just spell my name in cursive with my butt. Well I believe Youkilis is spelling his name with his butt…at least that’s what it reminds me of.

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

JOHN BLUTARSKY has no grade point average all classes incomplete.

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, can you see the Rox dugout from your seat? Any insight from the “body language” for those guys? Should we commission “The Fly” to buzz down there for a little look-see?

By Savannah Guy

October 24, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Now Beckett comes out in the 6th inning after a 9 day rest. Should even things up.

Rox have the Sox right where they want them. BoSox are playing right into the trap. They will run and run and run and hit and hit and run and slide and run and hit until they are so tired they can’t play tomorrow night.

The Jake LaMotta tactic.

By Julia

October 24, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Well, thank you, DOB. I am a little shy and don’t often venture here but I am happy to accept your invitation.

I’d like to blog a little baseball tonight but the game is so out of hand that I believe I will blog instead about my favorite SHRIMP SAMMICHES.

Some people are *C-R-A-Z-Y about eating greasy ol’ SHRIMP SAMMICHES.*

Some people are just C-R-A-Z-Y with a POOCH.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob, yes, I can see the Rockies dugout. If I’m not mistaken, Hurdle is pounding his head against a railing and Francis is working on a fifth of Jack Daniels.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

I think it�s because Chipper�s narrow across the back, whereas Manny�s rather thick and wears that billowy uni that makes him look even thicker�.

In other words, DOB said that Chipper does not have junk in that trunk and as to Manny, Baby’s Got Back.

By Savannah Guy

October 24, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Heathcliff Paladin Keep one eye open. Chief is still wandering around.

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

speaking of the bad news bears how much fun would it been to cover that team? obviously tanner or englbert would of been the easy soundbite. but if you ask SHAUN i think he was quite smiiten with ogelvie

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

But seriously, that 13-1 score is misleading. The Red Sox only lead by a 16-5 margin in hits….

By AdirondackDave

October 24, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Hmm… Andruw with Manny’s eye.. Well, he wouldn’t be Andruw then, but if he did, he’d be the best all-round outfielder of all time. Also, the best all-around outfield of all time.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 24, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

I really wish someone would just steal a base already. Poor college students need free food…

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Yes, Braveheart, precisely….

OK, Rockies fans, you want a reason to feel a little better about tonight’s result? Here it is:

If the score stands (and it won’t), the 13-1 final would be the most one-sided Game 1 score since 1996, when a team called the Braves beat the Yankees 12-1 at Yankee Stadium.

Those Braves, in fact, won the first two games of that series by a combined score of 16-1 — and, again, I remind you those games were in New York.

Well, as some on this blog might have heard, the rest of that series didn’t go as planned for our Bravos.

The series shifted to Atlanta for Games 3-5, and the Damn Yankees won all of them. Then the Yankees won Game 6 back in the Bronx to take the series.

So there you have it. Reason to believe in your Rox.

However, I didn’t see anyone named Leyritz on your 25-man roster.

Or a Wohlers on the Boston roster.

By Chop Chop

October 24, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

If a team sets a single-game World Series record for extra-base hits by the bottom of the fifth inning, you might be a redneck. Wait. I mean that the game might be a blowout.

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Julia, if memory serves me correctly, Captain Benjamin’s Original Calabash Seafood Restaurant has a HUUUUGE all-you-can-eat buffet. You can make your own S-H-I-M-P sandwich with as many of those crispy little critters you can shove into a sandwich roll with plenty of tartar sauce to help it go down.

Not too good for the pooch, but no one going to a buffet-style restaurant is concerned about that anyway!

Francis is working on a fifth of Jack Daniels.

Amateur!

By Louie the Crab

October 24, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Louie the Crab welcomes you to,,,Original Benjamin’s Incredible 170 Item Calabash Seafood Buffet including of course our fried, broiled, or steamed shrimp,,,steamed for the esteemed journalists!

By Elements

October 24, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Not lurking, slowly stepping into blogwater.

I hope the Rockies can win the series only b/c I want to hear the Red Sox fans moan about losing to the Rockies.

Wonder how much scalpers are going to charge for world series tickets in Denver?

By StingerSplash

October 24, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

For crying out loud, could Walton or Kell give the Sox a better game? DOB, there’s a couple of good places in the North End for Italian food. My cousin’s husband used to have a little place that was good, but alas, they sold it. And I’ll never forget LeBatard’s terrific piece on the Cowboys and their White House and all the shenanigans that NFL guys got/get into. Great work. Read that one day while down in spring training and thought to myself, this is journalism.

By Braveheart

October 24, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Why the hell is Beckett still pitching if they might need him for Game 4?

By Jared

October 24, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Papelbon=Wholers?

By Louie the Crab

October 24, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Louie the Crab forget to say that we’re located here in South CACKALACKY!

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Elements, a guy at StubHub told the Boston Globe that average resale price for tix to the games in Colorado was $781.

Of course, that was before this ghastly affair tonight.

By StingerSplash

October 24, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, Wohlers (from Holyoke, Mass.) on the Sox? No. Gagne? Yes. A nuclear holocaust of pitching waiting to happen. Don’t put Gagne near an open flame or in open container. Is known to spontaneously combust.

By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)

October 24, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Should we commission �The Fly� to buzz down there for a little look-see?

Thank you Mr. Klobber, but I won’t be in Boston until tomorrow night. Still in JS’s office being interviewed by Mr. Burns. Methinks David may be too crowded in his pressbox for even Fly, though me could translate Japanese for him. DOB should have telescope anyway. He invented an amatuer telescope afterall. True. Could see astroids…or dugouts.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Stinger, there’s a LOT of great Italian joints in the North End. Just wish we didn’t have to be out here until after midnight today and tomorrow, or I’d go to one.

That’s a long way out of the way to go for lunch when you’re taking the rails from west of town like I am.

Oh, well….

And did you know, by the way, that the North End used to be all Irish, before it became the heavily Italian section?

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, dont know if you ever saw the movie HIGH FIDELITY, but the character john cusack played in the movie is somewhat what i picture you to be like. dont know i he liked baseball though.

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

BRAVEHEART,

i think francona is just trying to even out the odds.

By Lefty Mahay

October 24, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

DOB: Just wondering if that missile Wily Mo launched off Macay back in May ever landed within the Boston city limits.

Have fun spending the next week with Mark “my pitches are poor because my toenail is sore” Redman.

By chrisklob

October 24, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Nice to see Fox throw a little love to Elvis Costello tonight…..

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

That’s 35 strikeouts and two walks for Beckett in 30 innings this postseason. And he’s 4-0 with a 1.20 ERA in four starts….

UGA-Brave, love that movie. Cusack was great in that part. And yes, if I didn’t need to pay a mortgage and didn’t care about owning things or having a 401K, I’d definitely be working in a used-record store. Alas, I like owning things.

He’s one of my favorite actors. Being John Malkovich, Grosse Point Blank, Thin Red Line, The Grifters, and of course Say Anything (gotta like Lloyd Dobler)… he’s been in a lot of good movies.

By Elements

October 24, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

$781.00 is better than I thought, I was expecting $1500.00.

I’m trying to convince a few friends to take in a game in Colorado. Looks like I should plan for the 10/28 game or sooner b/c the Red Sox may sweep.

Go Rockies.

By Louie the Crab

October 24, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Louie the Crab say looks like the DOB experiment “blogging from the WS” has tanked. Louie can say tanked right?

By StingerSplash

October 24, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Yeah, I know about the North End. figured you did too. just wanted to make sure. Is it cheaper west of town or just easier to get to the park (which I know is a silly question, given Boston roads, traffic and drivers in any and all directions). We used to go to the No Name for seafood. Haven’t been there in a long time.

By uga-brave

October 24, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

well i imagine the sports page in the globe will read tommorow ” pats or sox or even boston college we are the center of the sports universe” what a great time to be a sports fan in new england.

well you know what they say about worlds colliding. prediction, va. tech beats boston college and the rockies beat the sox tmmrw. as for the pats i think they just might go 16-0.

By David O'Brien

October 24, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Good point, Stinger, about Gagne. Only difference: He won’t touch the ball in such a critical moment. Not unless Papelbon and a couple others are abducted during the series….

Amazing, but I don’t think 1,000 people have left the ballpark yet on this raw, wet night. Maybe they just wanted to see Sweet Caroline in the eighth inning, because I see some leaving now that that’s over….

Mahay, you’re right — that was an absolute MISSILE that Wily Mo hit. I think it landed on the MassPike.

Are the Braves not going to re-sign you, that what you’re breaking on the blog here tonight?

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

well, this in-game blog from the world series appears to be going well for dob. if anyone should run into anne cox chambers (say after the game) remember to put in a good word for the job that is being done here tonight by dob.

and what size tee shirt for acc? and when acc is wearing the red sox tee shirt where does the red sox logo fall?

oh, the humanity! that is an ugly, ugly, thought.

too bad grinch is not here to develop that thought further.

disgraced journalist (mis-information, broken sentences, and no journalistic integrity) must go now.

sure to be banned. sure to be banned.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Tanked? How’s it tanked, Louie? We’ve got a lot of posts, we’ve had some nice discourse (I can say that here, right?)

Now I’m gonna pack up the bag so I can beat the crush to the T station. They’re only running the trains up to 20 minutes after the game ends, and I don’t want to stick the paper with a $50 cab ride.

We’ve had some fun, no? A little song, a little dance, a liittle seltzer in my pants.

I’ll check back in after I get to the hotel. Later, kids.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

4 hours later it is over.

By BandwagonFans

October 25, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Congrats Massholes !!!

You fielded the best team money can buy. You can not say another word about the Yankees payroll.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Tonights game: Rox had rust. Added to that, a massive Beckett salt water sunami. Strange having my old AL fave BoSox playing the amazing Rox, whom I’d love to see win it all this year. Win win situation all in all…just hope the games are closer than tonight’s.

Been fun. Good to see the baseball faithful and the good denizens as usual. Hope the host got the “hits” desired tonight.

G’nite.

By uga-brave

October 25, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

is anyone up there questioning the timing of the paul byrd hgh thing? considering the sox were down 3-2 in the series and george mitchell works for the red sox hard to believe it was a coincidence. if i were the indians i would put a full court press on that one.

By Bravo Nam

October 25, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

DOB

I can’t think of too many more painful memories in my following of all my favourite sports teams than that 1996 World Series against the Yanks. What a post-season of highs and lows that was- completely down and out against the Cards and then an incredible turnaround, which carried over into the first two games of the WS- and then disaster. The mere mention of that WS has me curl up into the fetal position and cry like a baby.

By flbravesgirl

October 25, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Aha! I knew we had someone in northern Florida. Choppinmama, you are very welcome to join the cake delivery route. I can trust you not to abscond with the Red Velvet cake, right?

One thing that the Red Sox do a great job of is honoring their history. How cool was it to have Yaz & the rest of the ‘67 Impossible Dream team there? My dad (whose heart is divided between Braves/Red Sox) got to be a little boy watching his heroes again for a moment there.

By Bravo Nam

October 25, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

DOB

PS Throw me my dummy.

NO!!! Not Robert or Stinky. Just something to put in my mouth.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

I forgot about Mark Redman. Is he on the roster, is he there? Will there be an interview with him to cover the needed Braves-angle of the World Series.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

I forgot about Mark Redman. Is he on the roster, is he there? Will there be an interview with him to cover the needed Braves-angle of the World Series?

By Chop Chop

October 25, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

flbravesgirl, my dad became a Sox fan in ‘67. He enjoyed seeing Yaz and the rest of the bunch as well. My dad doesn’t give a damn about the Braves, though. He grew up in College Park, but he never caught the Atlanta pro sports fan bug. I think the only teams he likes are the Hawks and Thrashers. It’s a good thing for his health that he isn’t a Falcon fan. Someday, I’ll have to pay the price for cheering that bunch on.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Alright, FOX closed out the game with Chubb Rock’s Treat ‘Em Right. Chubb Rock was pretty underrated in his day. Treat ‘Em Right and Lost in the Storm are my two favorites of his.

I walk down the street, yo pick any one, I see a little ruffneck kid with a gun, I said, Little homeboy what’s up with the glock 19?, He said a damn crack fiend just went and took his mama’s life, And now the kid’s over there smoking the pipe, I said, Guilt will let him know what he did, and you don’t need to go to jail, you’re just a kid.

Give me the gun little G, just cool it down. You’ve got a lot to live for you’re college bound. And so he screams and cries, we start huggin, On the corner in Ft. Greene, we’re buggin, Tears drip as we walk to the crib, And I’ma try to be there to comfort the kid, I woke up it’s a brand new day, Little man blew himself away, And I’m scorned, an emotional thorn, And I’m lost in the storm,

Well back in the hood, understood, I mean understand, The conspiracy upon the first man, Death to the Klan pump the fists that’s connected, To the elbow joined by cartilage to the dark hand, And the plan to conserve this confused violent land, Different races, faces share the same spaces, Sewed by arrogant laces, Taste this peace is real sweet, Extra reasoning seasoning to the weak, Will be done before the sun starts to nova, Or we’ll be over, Reveal the passion button now hit it, Cause no one is born a bigot, Delete what you have engraved in your mind, And throw up the peace sign, And maybe be reborn or be lost in the storm,

Well it’s ninety-two we will make it to ninety-three?, With no P-E-A-C-E, It won’t happen so stop your damn finger tappin, Find the music of peace and start rappin, The answer lies in your hearts then your minds, And maybe then we can save human kind, Put away the guns and have fun was a strong motto in ninety-one, But a Woodstock ninety-two the many join the few to delete the racist crew, Without death cause that will be illogical, Peace will cover every newspaper article, So now then, where do we start, Everybody knows they have to play a part, Open your minds and clear your minds, And throw up the peace signs, Cause to scorn, be reborn, everybody let’s be reborn, Or be lost in the storm

By Chop Chop

October 25, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Time to go pass out.

Boston’s a cool place, DOB. If I ever get the chance, I’ll move back up to that area.

By Drummerdad

October 25, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

DOB, What was your life up to when Dave Loggins came out with that song? It came out 33 years ago my friend. I was based out of Asheville touring with a jazz group back then.

Here’s one for the Irish: God gave the whiskey to keep the Irish from ruling the world.

By Tom Robinson

October 25, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

talk about buying the series: The Red Sux have a 150-160 million payroll

By Wayne in Utah

October 25, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Although rarely seen or heard, the Utah connection is ever lerking in the “blog shadows”!

I had to listen to ESPN radio tonight for the first few minutes of the game. If I have to listen to much more Joe Morgan, I think I will need to get a barf bag for my rig.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

Bandwagon, there was a front-page essay in the Boston Globe today about exactly that topic, this longtime Braves fan/Globe writer bemoaning the fact that the Sox were no longer the underdog, the luckless losers, that they no longer had angst as their security blanket, because now they were just another free-spending big-market winner….

Drummerdad, I was 10 when Please Come to Boston came out in 1974. So I was probably listening to top-40 radio, back when that was a pretty cool, eclectic format (though I didn’t know it at the time, obviously).

Remember when you could listen to a top-40 station and hear Stevie Wonder or the Carpenters one minute and Led Zeppelin or the Stones the next?

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

Jared, no, Redman’s not on the Rockies roster. That would’ve been too easy an off-day story to do.

By uga-brave

October 25, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

looked exactly like it was, a team that was used to the big stage and a team wondering if they deserved to be there.

not a lot for hurdle to say after this one and you gotta wonder if even the rockies do win tmmrw. night what jeff francis psyche would be like in game five. the sox leftys lit him up like the 4th of july. dont see this one going more than 5.

By uga-brave

October 25, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this

DOB,

cusack actually wrote the screenplay for high fidelity and i am with you on grosse pointe blank great soundtrack to boot.

any star sightings tonight in fenway i know stephen king is always there?

the dh thing is such a huge advantage during the series for american league teams. any thought to where youklis will play when the series shifts to colo. or will he be on the bench? hard to believe as hot as he has been he will not be in the lineup.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 2:16 AM | Link to this

uga-brave, Youklis might play some 3B in Denver, in which case Lowell would go to the bench.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 25, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

Morning Denizens. Was Beckett money or was he money ? I have to be honest , I watched the Bionic Woman after the first two innings and flipped back and forth between commercial breaks until the fifth when Boston blew the game wide open. Then it was pretty much over. I’m not at all surprised by the performance of Josh Beckett , but this game was ugly for the Rockies , the layoff might have been a factor. I caught up with the debate from the last blog and if I had to choose between Coco Crisp and Mike Cameron , Crisp wins out. My reasoning is simple , Crisp will be 28 next season and is already under contract at a reasonable rate through 2009 or 2010. Cameron will be 35 and would probably cost more (he made 7 million in 2007). Crisp is of course a switch hitter , Cameron is not. Crisp is the faster of the two and is a better base runner. Check his put outs on defense , 408 in 144 games. Compared to Cameron’s 365 put outs in 150 games played. Cameron like Andruw , has lost a step. Crisp doesn’t have to lead off even though he can , he can bat eighth and play defense while providing some much needed speed and another veteran bat in the line up. Don’t get me wrong , I believe that Mike Cameron is a fine player in his own right (three gold gloves) , but he will be 35 and probably cost the Braves 6-8 million a season compared to the 4.75 million that Crisp will make in 2008. Crisp is younger by seven years and cheaper , already under contract and has the versatility of being a switch hitter. Cameron has more power , but the Braves will have to compete for his services. Where as Crisp will probably cost the Braves a bullpen arm and a minor leaguer at most.

By MikeS

October 25, 2007 4:04 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the great in-game blogging. I had a late softball game tonight so I had to miss most of it and just got back to my PC and caught up on everything now. Sounds like you guys had a good time. I’m definitely going to try to be around for game 2.

Question for you though. What’s been the buzz around there about Millar throwing out the first pitch in game 7 of the ALCS and rousing up the Fenway crowd (while still a member of the division-rival Orioles)? I haven’t heard too much backlash about it, but I was curious what the reaction was like there, especially since there are so many press folks from various parts of the country around. Were people even talking about it or was it a total non-issue? Your thoughts?

Thanks again for all the active blogging. I really appreciate it, even if I’m not always able to post regularly. It’s always nice to check back in and see so many of your posts. Thanks, and enjoy Beantown!

By Yaz

October 25, 2007 5:26 AM | Link to this

The Sox were more fun to watch when they were lovable chokers.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

I just scrolled through all the in-game blogging. Man, you guys had a blast! I enjoyed everything - except DOB bringing up the painful 1996 WS. I hope to join everyone tonight.

By ssiscribe

October 25, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens, on this chilly October morning on the southern rim of the capital city. Important stuff, such as research (and filing my invoice) awaits, but first …

Baseball (noted transition from the Scribe): What a butt kicking of the highest regard on the grandest stage of all last night. Like I told a buddy of mine in South Georgia yesterday afternoon, I picked up just enough of the “wow” factor in the Rockies — from listening to the press conferences and watching tape of their off-day workout at Fenway — to think a blowout might happen.

Of course, when you haven’t swung the stick in nine days and you’re facing Josh Beckett, that plays a big role in it, too. Dude is money, plain and simple, like Smoltz. A gamer who raises his game in October. Gotta love it.

Tonight, as has been mentioned on here throughout the past couple of days, is critical. Rox have a better chance against Schilling than they did with Beckett (I told my wife Colorado might as well have been standing in the box with a wet, rolled-up fishwrapper against Beckett). If Colorado doesn’t win tonight, I’m not sure the series will return to the venerable old yard in Boston.

Now, Beckett (more transition, more Beckett): Bend it like Beckham? Hell with that, folks, this is baseball. Bend it like Beckett. That Uncle Charley of his had the Rox all squirming in the box. And that’s another big difference last night: The Rockies have a good lineup, but they never looked comfortable in the box. Maybe it was facing Beckett, or the rain, or the pressure of the World Series, or a combination.

Meanwhile, the Sox dug in against Francis and hit frozen ropes all over the little yard. Boston is not facing the same type of pitching Colorado is facing; that’s the difference right there.

Now, blogging (more transition): The Scribe read the blog throughout the game last night, but chose not to participate due to the fact I was busy booking another getaway to that oasis of fun out West (i.e., Vegas).

But the conversation really was good. I appreciated the insights from the ballpark. And did you know, the first two home games in Braves’ World Series history were at Fenway? The Boston Braves played Games 3 and 4 of the 1914 World Series at Fenway. If memory serves, Braves Field wasn’t ready yet and the old place where the Braves played wasn’t big enough to play host to the crowds for the Series.

That Series, by the way, was the first sweep in World Series history, as the Braves took out Connie Mack’s vaunted Philadelphia A’s.

That Series ended in Fenway. This one starts in Fenway, with all the markings of ending like the one in 1914 did:

In four games.

With Boston winning.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

Bandwagon, I think the Red Sox built the best team money can buy while the Yankees just built great teams money can buy.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Jayson Stark: “watching the Red Sox orbit those bases Wednesday night gave us a serious case of vertigo.”

By Tomahawkin

October 25, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

Glad I didn’t watch the game last nite…I chose to study instead…Although I’m pulling for the Rockies, a couple more Slobber-Knockers like this and we’ll be talking about a record low rating for the World Series…Probably Worse than the 2002 series…

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Alright, Journalist Jimmy Smith… ya want a response, ya got it.

When a supposed journalist is going to reoprt something, his reports should be, well, you know…. C R E D I B L E.

So your first jab was this line, verbatin:

and jimmy smith, as suggested by rr, googled ron roberts myrtle beach and was directed to �the original captain benjamin�s calabash seafood�. oh, the humanity! we all know where this is going when you-know-who reads this.

You said were “directed to…” some seafood restaurant. Jimmy, you’re not journalist, and you have no integrity, so asking for journalistic integrity from you was asking too much. For THAT, I’ll apologize.

Now, a journalist would’ve made a more qualified and truthful statement; something more on the line of “while I did google him, and found the first reference to be about him, and the fifth, as well, I also found…

…see what I mean? Now, I could’ve dealt with that with a chuckle, if that, indeed, was your intention. But it wasn’t. You asked, in your post, last blog, “why” I would open up this can of worms…

…well, I expected those who wished to do so would, uh, find the more accurate information about me via the search, and not mis-information from somebody who puts the term journalist in front of their name in some sort of slap-stick vaudevillian pretense.

So now you say I look small? Well, Jimmy, you can’t nuance your words, man. That search didn’t “direct” you to your seafood restaurant link… you had to skip past five links (two of which, were relevant to me) to get to your punchline, but you didn’t mention that. And you want an apoogy?

I’m sure you (whoever you really are), are a well-intentioned person who gets his kicks logging on pretending to be a journalist with the broken dialect and all; but your attempt at humor was a backhanded attack and insulting, at that.

So if you feel you have nothing to apologize for, then I’m going to live with that - and sleep quite well. But you do, in my mind; you didn’t tell the whole story Journalist Jimmy - be honest - did you? Answer that question…

…and because of that, I don’t feel I owe you even a hint of an apology, either.

If you seek integrity from others, you should show some yourself. You’ll get integrity from no one after slinging mud in their face. No one.

Or, let me pen the thought in your vernacular…

…RR has no apology for Jimmy Smith. RR has had enough of JJS’ comedic commentary. RR thinks the guy pitching Red Bull wants his dialect back from blogger claiming to be journalist.

Hooray Beer!

BASEBALL… Rockies looked rusty. Hate the layoffs playing out like that. A team who sweeps deserves a better fate, but what can ya do? Ya don’t wanna shorten the NLCS and ALCS to five games, because (as we Braves’ fans A L L know) the better team doesn’t always get a fair shake. Still sucks.

Upon reading DO’B’s conversation w/the ESPN behind-the-scenes guy, I saw where this guy would like the Braves’ rotation with Glavine and another mid-range starter. Ya know, it would make our rotation solid; but wouldn’t those two additions to any team’s rotation make that team pretty good?

Put Glavine and Blanton in Tampa, and you’ve got a dark horse. Put Glavine and Blanton in Kansas City and you’ve got a chance at a wild card, at least, right?

That’s how important the addition of guys like Glavine (and Blanton or whomever else we go for) would be for our team; we’re already contenders w/out them. With them, we’re legitimate World Series threats, I’d think.

This Wren guy seems like he’s going to have a better working relationship with DO’B, too. I’m liking that.

By Tomahawkin

October 25, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Just readiung through the blogs from last nite, I can’t believe you guys love Tony Kornholler, he’s Good on PTI, but he sucks on Monday Nite Football (As well as Mike Tirico, and their irrelevant guests that they have in the booth)…Monday Nite Football Sucks since it moved to ESPN, The Sunday Nite Game is a lot better…

By N8

October 25, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

DOB

When describing “hope” for the Rockies fans, by comparing last night’s game one, to the 1996 game one, you finished your comments with the following:

“However, I didn�t see anyone named Leyritz on your 25-man roster….Or a Wohlers on the Boston roster.”

Let’s not give Wholers the “Bucknor” treatment here. YES, he hung the slider after Leyritz was late on EVERY fast ball that Mark through him.

Bu the REAL goat of that game, was Denny Neagle. He failed to record an out in the 6th inning, while “trying” to hold a 6-0 lead that the Braves batters had given him. (Remind anybody of Chuck last year?)

Had he been able to go 6 innings. Wohlers NEVER is asked to pitch 2 innings in that game.

So (as I’ve stated many times), Wohlers “pulled the trigger”, but he is not guilty of the murder that killed the Braves in that post-season.

Of course, your point is taken by your comments, DOB. The odds are clearly against the Rockies have such a Braves like meltdown in this WS.

But since I’m already bored with this WS, I figure I’d spark up an argument with you about the Braves 11 years ago. :-)

L8r.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

SIX Asiatic wild elephants were electrocuted as they went berserk after drinking rice beer in India�s remote northeast, a wildlife official said today.

The 40-strong herd uprooted an electric pole while desperately searching for food four days ago in Chandan Nukat, a village nearly 150 miles west of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state, said Sunil Kumar, a state wildlife official.

The elephants are known to have a taste for rice beer brewed by tribal communities in India�s northeast.

much like grinch, only different :-)

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, I’m not sure the Rockies jumping right into the World Series would have helped them with the way Beckett was throwing and the way the Sox offense is hitting.

Also, teams that have long layoffs sometimes have won and sometimes have lost. It’s just one of those things that we may never know—if and how layoffs affect teams.

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

RR, dude, did we not talk about this just last night? Did you not agree to leave it alone? What the He11 is wrong with you?

You remind me of a kid I knew when I was in about sixth grade. He got picked on and occasionally beaten up on the bus regularly by a bunch of older, bigger kids. But every day he got back on that bus and ran his mouth, reminding them he was there and was an easy target.

Seriously Ron, what is wrong with you? Are you a glutton for punishment? Do you like the attention? Are you some sort of sado-masochistic freak that just has to argue with people?

Nobody and I mean NOBODY is going to take you seriously on this blog until you learn to laugh at yourself.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

T’hawkin, My point was that Kornheiser is not that good on MNF because ESPN is stupid and puts him in there with someone he has no chemistry with. I’m betting that if they had the courage to let Wilbon and Kornheiser sit there together in the booth and just do their thing, you’d like Kornheiser on MNF much better. But, oh no, for some reason they think we are idiots and that we have to have an ex jock in the booth no matter how much we don’t like the jock or don’t respect their opinion on things.

Did anyone see that awkward moment the other day when Jimmy Kimmel was on and made some nasty comments about Theisman? It wasn’t all that funny but the awkward silence that followed was hilarious.

By Tomahawkin

October 25, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

N8 I’t also gave me flashbacks that the Braves were the last team to I believe come from a 3-1 game deficit in the N.L.C.S. And win the N.L.C.S. only to lose the World Series, I made the Mistake of it being fed to me by ESPN…

And after all the postseason heroics David Justice gave us people bashed the hell out of him in his last 2 years in the “A”…

By Tomahawkin

October 25, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Well N8 If ya wanna play Trivia, I found this one funny while I was doing some Atlanta Braves Trivia on Facebook…

Who was the Commentator that Deion Sanders Threw Gatorade all over after the N.L.C.S.? J/K…

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008), even though Cameron will cost more, he’s not expensive and he’ll likely give the Braves more offensively than Crisp can. As I said yesterday, I think Crisp is a rich man’s Corey Patterson; a very good fourth outfielder.

By Tomahawkin

October 25, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Braveheart I’ve gotten to the point where I only watch the 1st qtr. of MNF to see if its gonna be a good game…If Not,Click, Click, I watch my old Married With Children Episodes, since baseball is done…

Just Imagine Seeing Stuart Scott in the Booth, if that happens I’ll give ESPN Something they can really cry about…

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Scribe, so it�s Vegas again? Must have been so much fun for your anniversary vacation it inspired a return. What happened there in Vegas? Oh, uh�that�s right�never mind.

Having been a fan of the Red Sox for many years and also a recent bandwagon-fan of the Rockies (as much for their Christian ownership/management beliefs as their talented young team), this series holds quite a bit of interest for me. Kind of a win-win situation I suppose. For the sake of all baseball-fandom, here�s hoping the series gets back to Boston (7 games would be spectacular), unlike your highly reasonable sweep semi-prediction.

Schilling, a long time favorite of mine, may not have the stuff he used to but the man is still a warrior. No doubt the game tonight is critical for the Rox if they want to see the Green Monster again this year. Beckett and Schilling are the mountains the Colorado Rockies have to conquer.

In the meantime, what a sight last night. Fenway is a monument to the glory and tradition of baseball. The place is dripping with history, with much of the provenance involving our Braves. Connie Mack�s Philadelphia A�s have a historical connection there as well, aside from the sweep you mentioned.

In recent research, I discovered that the first Braves owner, James Gafney, was nicknamed �the Brave of Tammany Hall�. Tammany Hall�s symbol was an icon inspired by an American Indian, Tamanend (or Tammany), Chief of the Lenne-Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley at the time Philadelphia was being settled. The Tammany symbol was not only adopted by the Braves team, it was also used a patriotic symbol around our new nation.

Therefore, seems the Braves can continue to lay proud and historical claim to the �America�s Team� descriptor, not because of Ted or the (past) TBS national cable coverage, but because Tamanend is and always has been our team symbol�and our peace loving “Patron Saint of America”.

Google would provide a much fuller and far more interesting history than I could or should recall here. Baseball tradition and American history buffs may want to check it out. Six degrees of Kevin Bacon can�t even touch our man Tamanend.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! rr seems to be s-e-r-i-o-u-s and jimmy smith is just having fun blogging.

journalist can’t change what happened. didn’t just happen for jimmy smith either.

anyone who googles “rr” +mb will get the same results.

if googled “calabash seafood” what would happen? oh, better not go there.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

And you want an apoogy? (verbatin)

Bye bye Miss American Pie? Drove my Chevy to the levee? Is this the day the music died in Calabash Country? Are there no happy records to spin? Smoke the peace pipe? Google instructions? So many questions.

First annoying, then sad…now just funny.

By Louie the Crab

October 25, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Which infamous radio personality/station manager that moved all the way across the country in order to earn a sufficient paycheck twice a month penned these judicious words? “If you seek integrity from others, you should show some yourself. You’ll get integrity from no one (after slinging mud in their face). No one.”

Was this infamous radio personality/station manager that moved all the way across the country in order to earn a sufficient paycheck twice a month talking to himself?

And what is an apoogy?

Now if you will kindly excuse Louie the Crab, he will be busy getting some integrity. How do I get integrity?

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 25, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith—-how does it feel? This JackAss has been attacked like this from you know who(won’t mention name anymore)for years now…all while trying to have fun blogging too…So TheSouthernJackAss will now, at this time in history, present journalist jimmy smith with the coveted “JuniorJackAss For a Day!” award…right up there with the Wurlitzer and the Nobel Peace Prize…that’s right jimmy…you’re a winner…enjoy!!, my little journalistic friend…

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Shaun, agreed on Coco Crisp. Can’t see how anybody would get excited about him. Good fourth outfielder or starter on either a team loaded with offense at every other position or a non-contender.

Look at it this way: The man has had five major league seasons with at least 400 at-bats, and has career highs of 16 homers, 71 RBIs and 50 walks.

And in the past two seasons, he’s gone .264-8-36 with a .317 OBP and .385 slugging, and .268-6-60 with a .330 OBP and .382 slugging. Ugh. That’s in 939 ABs over that span.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Good morning angels, er.. bloggers. Tough night for the Rockie fans but it is just game one. I am not ready to throw in the towel yet. Let’s see how old “Mr. Bloody Sock” manages tonight.

Give it up Ron, Jimmy is going to pull your chain as long as it elicits a response. Reminds me of my first serious butt whipping I got in school. I was 6 and the other fellow was 13. I refused to give up because while I was pounding the he11 out of his ankle he was pounding my head. After awhile he just stopped hitting me. I think he got tired of hurting his hand. Yeah, I showed him……

Anyway, move on, I look forward to your reports on the Pelicans this summer.

DOB One of my early jobs was a manager of an 8-track tape store. (Kind of dates me huh?) You are right about the money but gee, it was a great job despite the hours. Got to listen to all the new music and talk to all the lovely telephone operators who worked around the corner from the store when they came in looking for music to buy. Yes, great job……

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 25, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss would also like to welcome Louie the Crab to the blog…hope you have a sense of humour…

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Good morning SG and other blogging buddies. Last night was so much fun that both the Chief and Nurse Ratched had to sit on my face(Can say that?)to get me to sleep. But, today looks like another…GOTCHA!, you don’t have an IP!…Yes I do! You just don’t have the integrity to find it!…kind of day. I think I will put both the machine and me on “hibernate” and save myself for tonight. See you then?

By AdirondackDave

October 25, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Oops, I slept through the game. What, the Rox didn’t pull it out???

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

DOB, how’s the Boston traffic? And is there still that one lone parking deck next to Fenway? Some friends and I made the mistake of renting a car in Boston in 2003 and paid $50 to park to see a game. Brilliant!

By Lew

October 25, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Smoking the Peace Pipe-Well, it IS a bit early, but OK. Maybe to be followed by some Electric by The Cult. Hmmm, this is sounding better all the time.

Now Coco The Cereal Guy-Have y’all been smoking that pipe again? $4.75 million bucks for a .265 hitter? You could probably get that from Gregor Blanco for 90% less money. Enough of this foolishness. Concentrate on pitching. No cereal or Crispy’s in the dugout. It’s just not right. It’s just not seemly. Besides, we should keep McCann away from heavy carbohydrates-especially in the dugout.

By Word to the Wise

October 25, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

YOU’LL NEVER CATCH UP BY TRYING TO GET EVEN.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Cameron in 2007 at the age of 34 playing roughly half his games in Petco: .242/.328/.431

Crisp at Fenway in his career: .274/.335/.388. Keep in mind that most of his games at Fenway have come in what should be his peak seasons or close to it—age 26-27—and of course keep in mind that Fenway favors hitters.

By Pulpwood Smith

October 25, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

DOB-

As always, love the blog. However, I always cringe when a sporstwriter raves about Fenway or Wrigley. As one who has attended dozens of games at both parks, I can assure you that the experience of the average fan and the experience of a sportswriter are entirely different. Its easy to love Fenway when you sit in the pressbox (cramped as it may be) eat free food and aren’t exposed to the long lines and less than stellar conditions of the restrooms. Hey, I love the old parks, but at least acknowledge that your experience and that of the average fan are entirely different.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Paladin Mornin’ back. IP trouble? When all else fails, turn it off then restart. Solves lot’s of problems. Better than smacking it around for sure. Or try the pillow.

Yep, I’ll be back tonight. Need to scoot in a few to meetings and such. So make sure you get the late night field trip pass from Nurse Ratched. It was good to have you around again. Meet up at Klobbers Knob Creek Saloon and I’ll buy you round. Hopefully the gang will be there too.

Lew Peace pipe may call for a little Zepp and Tull my friend. Peace out. Rock on.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

My e-mail address(and I guess, “IP”)from here on out is pal.adin@yahoo.com. No, it doesn’t tell you much about me, but it is all I want you to know, for now. And it gives you a way to contact me and hold me “accountable”, if you wish. Happy “trails”, and all that.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Pulpwood, I don’t eat the “free food” in most pressboxes because it’s garbage. (And by the way, it’s not free anymore; press dining rooms charge $7 to $10 these days). And I didn’t eat it at Fenway (it’s free during postseason, but usually bad) because it’s so far away, down five levels and in some room behind the clubhouse, that I didn’t bother making the hike.

I ate at Uburger at Kenmore Station at lunch, drank coffee all night, and ate again after I left the park. But I’ve found the concessions at Fenway to be outstanding, especially the Legal Seafood stand and the sausages sold on Yawkey Way.

And I always eat at the concession stands at Wrigley, standing in line in the early innings at the ones just beneath the pressbox, with all the rest of the fans down there.

And those are my two favorite ballparks, even though though Wrigley is the absolute most inconvenient and difficult place to cover a game (try getting through the crowds to the clubhouse and back on deadline after a game) and Fenway is in the bottom five (ridiculously small visitor’s clubhouse, and again, you have to fight through the crowds after the game to get to it).

Sorry, but your argument doesn’t hold water with me. I’ve attended a game at Wrigley in standing-room only section, before I started covering baseball. Loved it. I’ve watched the last four innings of multiple games at Wrigley in the bleacher seats down the right field line since I started covering baseball. Love it.

And the Green Monster seats at Fenway? About as cool as any place in baseball to watch a game.

I’ve also attended games at Turner Field as a fan, and Turner has all the modern amenities. I’d take Wrigley or Fenway any day of the week over Turner Field, which is a good place to watch a game — it’s just not Fenway or Wrigley. No other place is as good, not even Yankee Stadium, in my opinion.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Word to the Wise Nice try but I think it’s “You will never get ahead by trying to get even”.

On old ballparks and such. Nostalgia is nice but like my wife says, you can’t eat ambiance. Narrow, cramped seats, poor public facilities. Gee, just like taking a vacation to London. They call it the “OLD COUNTRY” for a reason.

I remember a trip to Hershey Pennsylvania to watch the Bears play Richmond when they were both in the American Hockey League. The arena was built around 1910. I think the seats were about 11 inches wide and nil leg room. Beautiful town but never wanted to see a game there again. It was almost as bad at RFK to see the Redskins and later the Nationals.

Lew You are right about Blanco. About the same skill level as Crisp.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Shaun, traffic is brutal in Boston. But NOBODY rents a car and drives to a game. At least nobody I know.

Cheaper to cab from anywhere than to rent a car and park. And cheaper still to take the great “T” subway system, which goes just about everywhere (unlike our woefully limited Marta in Atlanta).

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

SG The way our posts crossed in the mail made mine sound as if it was directed at you. It was not! You can contact me and I’ll give you my name, rank and serial number. :>)

By Word to the wiser

October 25, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Gil You say too-may-toe, I say tew-mot-toe, let’s call the whole thing off.

By matt b

October 25, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB-

I’m sure you’re getting bombed with food reco’s around Boston. But that won’t stop me from throwing one more your way. Actually, i think the last time you were in Boston i told you about this place but i think you ran out of time. Anyways, it’s called Delux Cafe. It’s in the South End (just south of back bay, east of Fenway area). i lived in Boston for a few years and my wife and i went there religiously. Small place, expect a crowd (a good crowd). But, if you’re tired of the baseball stuff and want some good, extremely affordable food, this is your place. I spent many hours in there drinking and staring at the album-covered walls.

enjoy and thanks for all you do. i’m also originally from NC and hold a special place for Parker’s. Mighty fine. Still looking for soemthing great in ATL. All your NC stories are awesome. The ones about NC beaches really take me back.

take care.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Lew, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to learn that the new Cult album (yes, they’re still alive, still rocking) is by far their best since the “Love” and “Electric” albums in the 1980s (“Sonic Temple” was pretty good, too, but the others they’ve done? No.

This one’s real similar sound to the best of those great earlier albums. I found a used copy at Ella Guru. Good stuff.

it’s called “Born Into This”

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

aren�t exposed to the long lines and less than stellar conditions of the restrooms.

I know that sucks but are you there for the game or for the food and the bathrooms?

I’m usually there for the game and just that magical feel of how the ballpark looks and feels and sounds and smells.

Maybe a little less food and a little less beverage would solve your problem with the lines for food and the bathroom.

It makes me think of terrible dates I have had where women start whining about the food or the service at a restaurant. As a relationship grows, you come to expect this because they are women and that is what women do once they get comfortable. You just deal with it and overtip the waiter for it later. The waiter always figures out what the overtip gesture from the man really means.

But when women start pulling that crap on the first few dates, you know you got trouble on your hands and you gotta give her the heave-ho. Whenever they start complaining like that on the first few dates, you just know she ain’t digging you if she’s so freaking concerned with the food and the service.

One time I had this girl who was complaining about how cold the fries were and how much the waiter sucked and she caught me rolling my eyes and basically throwing my hands up to the waiter telling him don’t blame me for her - I’m not claiming her.

She caught me, got angry, and started going after me like she had been doing to the poor waiter. I just said well, obviously, you aren’t really here for us to spend time with each other, you’re really just in this for the meal and service I guess. She of course was too self involved to see what I was saying. Why should I have to eat cold fries, she asked. I wanted to say, hon, you can afford to skip a few helpings of fries, trust me, but I didn’t go there.

But when it came time for the check I refused to pay for both of us as I always do and told the waiter to split the check because we were going Dutch on this meal. She got mad. I said look obviously you’re not gonna tip the poor fella and I’m gonna have to overtip him for dealing with you, so you pay for your own meal.

Needless to say, that was an awkward car ride home and we never saw each other again…….. and, again, didn’t get laid ….. but she got to eat fries that were toasty enough for her…. I’m guessing….. but ya never know, she was so darn fussy…..

she was one of those women you feel like sending a dozen bags of Ore-Ida fries to instead of a dozen roses if you care enough to try to make up with….. or to further inflame an already bad situation

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Ya didn’t answer the question, JJS. And congrats on your award. It’ll go down in the anals (yeah, I’m spelling that correctly) of journalistic history. :)

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Shaun, you may be right about the team, as a whole, but Francis wasn’t sharp, last night, and I do think the layoff had an effect on his ability to locate. Just my opinion.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

What did David Justice do to Left Eye to make her come back from the grave to inflict this kind of horrible revenge upon Justice?

By Ray

October 25, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

DOB, terrific blog. I do like the quick response that Wren gave you. YES the Cookie Crisp being available, please lets stop that way before it starts. He is NOT what we want in CF. No way no how. The way Beckett was throwing last night, I don’t care if the Rockies didn’t have a day off, no one was going to get to him. If anything, if you want to say the layoff effected anything, maybe, just maybe the Rockies pitching. We will see tonight. Momentum is your next pitcher.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

DOB As long as the politicians are in charge of the system and they fail to look at the greater good then it all is just woeful.

It is amazing what you can get done when you don’t have to always worry about watching your back.

WttW Peace out bro….. It’s all good….

By Tim McCarver

October 25, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Who was the Commentator that Deion Sanders Threw Gatorade all over after the N.L.C.S.? J/K�

You’re a real man, Tomahawkin. A real man.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

DOB, saw a game in Yankee Stadium in 2005. I had bleacher seats and they are about the farthest seats from home plate in baseball. Even though you are closer to ground level, you don’t have the closer angle you would have at an upper-deck somewhere else. Feels like you are watching a game from outside the stadium. And if you have outfield bleacher seats, you aren’t allowed to go to the better seats or even the concourse on the way to the better seats.

By Carolina Lady

October 25, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Gil, you mentioned London. I spent a great deal of time there in the late 80s. On one trip, a girlfriend went with me. Landed at Gatwick south of London, checked into the hotel there, then took a :30 train ride into London’s Victoria Station. On the train we each had enjoyed a good hot cup of coffee and after arrival in London, needed to visit the public restroom near the station.

The facility is beautifully maintained, spotlessly clean, has an attendant on duty at all times who also collects the 2 pence fee charged.

As my friend entered, the attendant smiled and said, “Got 2p, dear?” asking for the fee.

This being her first visit to England and being unfamiliar with their short term for pence, my friend looked at her oddly and said,”That’s why we’re here.”

:-))

By Good Ol' Country Boy

October 25, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Gil You say too-may-toe, I say tew-mot-toe, let�s call the whole thing off.

Hole’onta yer britches boys, you ain’t neither one raght on this here tussle over the fine garden fruit. It pranounced T-A-M-A-T-E-R. Mater fer short.

I’ll be a monkee’s uncle frum possum holler if ya’ll even know ‘bout mater sammiches s’posed ta have mayo on both sades. Ya’ll be dum as all gettout.Now ya’ll quit’cher hootin’ an hollerin’ an singin’ like sum’ol broadway musical boys or sumpin lak’at.

An whilst a’ma straightenin’ ya’ll out, let that Journalist Jimmy feller know that he ain’t right neither. It ain’t pie. It’s pah. He ought’a know that’n. Goodniss grayshuss if’fat don’t beat all I ever did hear.

By StingerSplash

October 25, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

DOB, Concur on the T. Unbelievably great system. Easy to use too. Used to walk from my uncle’s house in Quincy to my aunt’s house in Dorchester (now there was once an Irish-heavy neighborhood and still is) and back. It’s a good walking city (if I hear Berman try to get cute with a Boston accent knockoff one more time, I swear to Gahd!). You also probably know by now to steer clear of the tourist trap/mecca that is Quincy Market (though I am hankering for a Friendly’s frappe). Coco hasn’t been the offensive player the Sox hoped for, but he can absolutely go get a baseball. With the lineup Braves have now, they could probably get by with Coco hitting 7-8 because of his defense. And Rajan Rondo had his wisdom teeth pulled in the morning and went to the Sox game last night. OK, he’s a Kentucky guy, I know, but man, that’s toughness. I think the C’s have their man at the point now. Loved Fenway. Wrigley was OK. Tiger Stadium was great. Neighborhood bad, stadium good.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

DOB, saw a game in Yankee Stadium in 2005. I had bleacher seats and they are about the farthest seats from home plate in baseball. Even though you are closer to ground level, you don�t have the closer angle you would have at an upper-deck somewhere else. Feels like you are watching a game from outside the stadium. And if you have outfield bleacher seats, you aren�t allowed to go to the better seats or even the concourse on the way to the better seats.

Shaun Were you in the right or left field bleachers? The left field bleachers are awful but the right field bleachers are pretty good. The right field bleachers are alot more rough and gruff and you have to deal with alot of drunken fools screaming and yelling and cussing and taunting people….. but when you are a kid, that is a great experience.

From the time I was 13 and my brother was 12, whenever we would receive our monthly allowance from our parents, we would hop on the 4 train and head right over to Yankee Stadium and pay the $5.50 to sit in the right field bleachers. We always ended up blowing the allowance the first few days we had it because we would head over there and spend it on going to as many games as possible.

They rarely opened the left field bleachers back in those days because attendance was so mediocre. That was actually one of the guessing games we all used to play in the right field bleachers. If they opened up the left field bleachers, you knew they were getting over 35,000 or 40,000 for the game.

You would also look to the right and left field upper decks. If the crowd in the upper decks started getting past halfway through the outfield, you knew it was a good day and they were probably getting 40,000 at the game.

For some reason, that was important to alot of us. Those teams were so bad, we measured how legitimate the team was getting by how big the crowd turnout was getting. Starting in 1993, you started to see the left field bleachers opened more and then by 1995 and 1996, the left field bleachers were opened alot. Now these days, from what I hear, they are always open and filled to the brim.

Now the bleachers tickets cost $12 instead of $5.50 like they were just a decade ago.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, great laugh from your 11:53 post!

By Carolina Lady

October 25, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Country Boy, loved it!! :-))

By Carroll

October 25, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Rockies will look bad again tonight; Boston will get fat and happy and full of itself; and then the Rocks will win 4 in a row. You heard it here first.

By David-ATL14

October 25, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

“Stout Job with the blog” DOB

Agree that PTI is only good with Kornheiser and Wilbon. Though watchable with Bob Ryan. Le Batard is a “hack” only presence that was worse than him on PTI was Jay Marrioti, and IIRC Tony K. barred Marrioti from ever appearing again as either host or even guest.Jason Whitlock was also strong.

Umbrellas should be banned in any stadium, no matter the situation.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, yeah, it was more left-center or center. I thought about that after I posted, I’m sure the right field bleachers are cool because they are a lot closer to the action.

While we’re talkin’ stadiums, I also went to Camden Yards in 2005 and I think it’s slightly overrated. But maybe that’s just because it was the first retro-park so it got some extra attention. The attention has died down over the years, though so maybe it’s not so much overrated now. I think Camden Yards is only slightly better than Turner Field. Only difference that makes Camden come out on top is the warehouse, and all the vendors and good food beyond right field.

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 25, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

…and who will be the proud winner of the prestigious “Golden A$sClown Award”?…many contestants, but only one Golden A$sClown Award…per year…

By Bryan

October 25, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Dave, did you go to the Vic Chesnutt show at the Earl? I did, thought it was pretty good (while he was doing it) but there were SOOO few people. I couldn’t believe it.

I also can’t believe that Nirvana played their as a s** garage band …

By Chris

October 25, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

DOB, on the radio this morning Buster Olney said that he heard rumors the Red Sox would try to offer Coco Crisp for Kelly Johnson, please tell me that’s not true. Also, he said the Braves wouldn’t hesitate to put Francouer in CF, how likely is that?

By Word to the wisest

October 25, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Obviously, there are people on here that don’t remember the ole Gerswin tune Let’s call the whole thing off. But, after being properly corrected by Country Boy the next time I want to make that point(You say it one way, I say it another, but it means the same thing)I’ll use the “Southern” version. Thanks CB, you ole goober you. :>)

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Chris, I can’t tell you that Boston wouldn’t try to offer Coco Crisp for Kelly Johnson. How could I tell you that?

I can only try to find out if Braves would be likely to accept that trade. My initial reaction would be, yes, they’d have interest in that.

And people I’ve talked to in the organization say they WOULD hesitate to put Francoeur in center, that they’d definitely prefer to keep him in right….

BRYAN, didn’t go to the show. Love the Earl, though. Great place to see bands up close. Saw The Hold Steady there last year, and Alejandro Escovedo.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

SJA If I win the Golden @s$clown award, in my acceptance speech I’ll thank all the people who helped make it possible. DOB, do y’all keep a roster?

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Boston will get fat and happy and full of itself

That’s what happened to Terry Forster’s career.

By fern

October 25, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

And then there was “BEANTOWN”>>>>>>>>

By fern

October 25, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

And then there was “BEANTOWN”>>>>>>>>

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Chris, seems like the Red Sox don’t have a place for Kelly Johnson. I guess they could throw him in right, but Drew’s locked up for a while. Or maybe they could put him at third and leave Youkilis at first. But I just don’t see a good natural fit for Kelly Johnson in Boston.

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 25, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Heathcliff Paladin you are a front-runner…however, there is some staunch competition out there…don’t get your hopes up too high…

By Dr McCoy

October 25, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

I supposed if the Braves did trade Kelly Johnson for Crispy Crisp half of the blog would have to be put in sick bay or a mental insitution.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Chris, I should add: Buster’s got good sources, especially at the Red Sox end of things. And you know Crisp’s name has come up before, when Braves talked to Red Sox about what it would take to get Andruw at end of 2006 season.

Hey, it’d only be a stopgap if they got him. Could do worse than Crisp. I’d bet on that scenario before one involving Francoeur in center field.

By David-ATL14

October 25, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

My guess would be that if the red Sox had interst in KJ, Lowell walks, Youk goes to 3b and KJ breaks out the 1b mitt.

Would probably be his best defesive position long term.

While I would rather hold on to KJ for pitching, it would present Shaun and his ilk an interesting dilema.

After being on KJ’s sack for an entire year, watch how quick they “come off” him with a position switch to 1b. We all know in the handbook titled the ” Misguided stat head” that the 1b has to be a 40homer, no glove hack.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

whoa! journalist has opened a can of worms. and a little worm has popped up and said, hello. also said this journalist is unfit for journalism. immoral. reprehensible. smells bad. well, maybe so, but at least jimmy smith is not calabash.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

DOB-I didn’t know the Cult had a new CD. The last I heard was two or so years ago, called Beyond Good and Evil. It was OK, but lacked the manic intensity of Electric and Sonic Temple. Certainly no material on it like King Contrary Man, Outlaw or L’il Devil. I’ll check out the new one.

Shaun-DOB was right on about the traffic in Boston. I’ve lived in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Tampa/St. Pete and Orlando-places widely acknowledged to have traffic problems. They all take a back seat to Boston and “The Big Dig”, their never ending construction program (and boondoggle). When we go there, we park at the hotel and take a cab. It costs about $4 from Copley Square (where the team stays and there are four good hotels) right to Fenway. IF you could find parking around the stadium-and that is a huge if-it costs upward of $50. The cheapest I ever found was $35. Take the cab. It’s cheaper and you can always close your eyes and not watch what the driver does.

By flange1

October 25, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Hi All,

A few comments on the CF thing:

JS basically just said in an interview that Frenchy WILL NOT be playing CF next year. Here is the link:

http://content.times-herald.com/294393128478702.bsp

That tells me “filling the position from within” comments mean either Gregor Blanco or Jordan Schafer. I don’t think Schafer is ready and from all I can find, and from Gil in Richmond, not sure Blanco can hit in the bigs.

This leads me to believe that we will trade for or sign a FA CF.

For awhile, I was big on Crisp or Rowand, but I am beginning to agree with Shaun and DOB that Cameron is the guy.

Hope Lew is right that Liberty is going to open the pocketbook a bit!!!

By Lew

October 25, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Well-I usually don’t get in the middle of fights (you usually get hit from both sides when you do), but I will say this. One combatant won a Wurlitzer (portrait of the Legendary Hartebeest)-the other one didn’t.

By TennesseePaul

October 25, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

if you have outfield bleacher seats, you aren�t allowed to go to the better seats or even the concourse

Sounds like Dodger Stadium. For all the bliss that is attributed to Dodger stadium it is one of my least favorite destinations for baseball. I’d image it’s a blast to play in but getting to it is a pain in the @ss. It isn�t close to the downtown, so you can�t make a day of going to LA and walk to the park and there is no public transportation any where close to this park. The parking is atrocious and then finding your seat is even worse
When you purchase a ticket you can only enter on your tickets level. Once on that level you cannot traverse to other levels with any sort of ease. The outfield is completely separate from the infield so there is no getting from out there to the ballpark stands.
The parking though, oh man what a joke. Now they charge 15 bucks up from 8 dollars after they signed Furcal to a bloated 13 million a year deal and Jason Schit to an inexcusable 15+ a year to stand along side the single worst deal of 9+ for Juan Pierre. You are hand directed to the furthest spot from the park. Once parked you are left to fend for yourself as you make your way around the entire stadium from the outside. This is the area where Dodger fans pull out their shivs and start claiming territory. They’d be nationally known for being the worst baseball fans in America if they’d show up to the game on time and stay past the 6th inning. They’re there just long enough to traffic merchandise and start multiple fights per level at each game. I’ve seen people get stabbed here for no reason I could understand. I’ve seen thugs pulled out after beating down female Dodger fans for cheering good plays by the opposing team. The place is what I image hell to be. Nothing is safe and everything is out of your way.
To top all of that, most of the concession stands don’t take credit cards. Cash only please. They have the most expensive beers in the majors and only 1 ATM in the entire park. So you can stand in line for the ATM or risk being mugged for the grip of cash you need just to get a couple of beers.

But hey, it�s �storied� and they have new seats installed to match the original pastels. This was sold as an attempt to restore its former glory but the truth is they were hoping the soft pastel colors would quell the uprisings and reduce the number of fights that break out at the games.

I will say this though, the dugout seats are the best I�ve been to. The underground caf� area with the waiters who come to your seats is something special. It�s just fabulous down there. Far fewer fights as well.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, on the radio this morning Buster Olney said that he heard rumors the Red Sox would try to offer Coco Crisp for Kelly Johnson, please tell me that�s not true.

That is a horrible trade. Who’s going to play second? Martin frickin’ Prado? I know the Braves are too cheap to keep Renteria so it’s not going to be Escobar.

Kelly Johnson for Coco Crisp would sure be a horrible start for Frank Wren as GM.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, on the radio this morning Buster Olney said that he heard rumors the Red Sox would try to offer Coco Crisp for Kelly Johnson, please tell me that�s not true.

That is a horrible trade. Who’s going to play second? Martin frickin’ Prado? I know the Braves are too cheap to keep Renteria so it’s not going to be Escobar.

Kelly Johnson for Coco Crisp would sure be a horrible start for Frank Wren as GM.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

David-ATL14, actually I’d “come off” Kelly Johnson with a switch to first because the average AL first baseman hit .267/.347/.443 in 2007; and that’s not taking out the fill-ins and part-timers that really aren’t regular major league first basemen.

Don’t remember ever saying first basemen have to be “40-homer, no glove hacks” but you’d like a regular first baseman to hit around .360 OBP/.440 SLG. So, I agree, Johnson doesn’t have enough power to be a first baseman unless the Sox can somehow get a good hitting, great power-hitting middle infielder or center fielder.

Not sure I see the dilemma there. It’s pretty obvious that players are going to lose and gain offensive value by switching defensive positions.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

whoa, again! journalist just saw that jimmy smith has been named a jackass. already named that by rr, but pleased to be named that by real jackass.

now, what did jimmy smith do to deserve such attention? journalist merely followed this offer:

“Google me; use Myrtle Beach if ya want. I�m not hard to find, and never have been, either. I use my real name, and back when it mattered, my real email address showed up here, as well …”

well, never accept such a challenge. see what it did for this journalist? now a jackass.

sja, does the jackass award come with a prize like the wurlitzer drawing?

now, baseball … seeing beckett throw that hard stuff last night reminds this journalist that next year’s braves promise to have some soft-toss pitchers and what has that done for anyone lately?

and, jimmy smith knows that carolina lady does not approve of this journalist going toe-to-toe with rr. so, jimmy smith will refrain from any more discussion on the topic of the past few days. if allowed to do so.

By rammerjammer

October 25, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I have no problem with Crisp. Good glove, good speed. Will be 28 next season. Good short-term answer, maybe longer if Schafer is another Komminsk. It happens. Prado can play second. Excellent glove and that Richmond bat may not be a fluke.

Frank’s first move?

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

David-ATL14, by the way, I’m officially “coming off” Carlos Guillen since he is a first baseman. He’s not going to hit enough to be a good first baseman for a team that wants to contend (unless the Tigers can sign A-Rod or somebody). And there was no dilemma.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-The first time we went to Olympic Stadium in Montreal, we had waiters bringing us our food. Of course, there were only about 300 fans at the stadium. We had our own personal concession personnel assigned to us. Everyone did. I know that the big O was widely reviled as a venue, but it remains, in my experience, the easiest stadium to get to. You could take the Metro which left you off inside the stadium complex. You usually got to take the Metro with all sorts of Braves’ players. I rode with Maddux and Glavine one afternoon. Or if you drove, parking was no problem. No one else was there to take up the parking. Many times you shared an entire level of the garage with six other cars.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Rammerjammer, don’t rule out Escobar playing 2B and Edgar being kept to play SS.

Many things can happen.

And I think Frank’s first move will be signing Glavine. Could be wrong about that, but I think it’ll happen.

By dgd

October 25, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

What would the Red Sox do with Kelly Johnson? They’re set at second with Pedroia, and even though they don’t like Lugo much at short Johnson can’t play there. They would like a replacement for Lowell if he doesn’t re-sign, but KJ has never played 3rd in the minors and I don’t see him learning yet another new position while in the majors. Don’t think KJ is going to supplant a certain left fielder named Ramirez either. The Red Sox would probably demand what everyone wants: pitching for Crisp.

By dgd

October 25, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Shaun, having been to both Camden and Turner (many times to Turner, obviously) I gotta disagree. Camden’s far superior to Turner Field, and all the aesthetic touch-ups to Turner won’t make ‘em any closer a comparison.

But it’s not so much the stadium as much as it’s the stadium’s surroundings. Turner Field’s surrounded by parking lots, an interstate, and fast food. Camden’s tucked into an urban neighborhood with skyscrapers and a massive brick wharehouse for an outfield backdrop.

Turner, to me, was built in some attempt to be retro-like, with asymmetrical outfield dimensions (though barely), but with a modern facade and trappings. If they wanted to give the park a more retro “feel,” they should’ve ringed the playing field with brick wall (which I think would look good, actually) and had more wrought iron exposure.

I’ve also said on this blog before that Turner’s just too big a stadium. It was designed and built in the early ’90s when 50,000 were coming to AFC Stadium on a regular basis as the Braves re-emerged to prominance. Now the city and team get chastised for not selling out playoff games. The stadium’s too big, frankly.

I think they should chop off the entire section from the right field foul pole to the Chop House, and if they re-build it, bring the section into the field at an angle better pointed towards the infield. It faces short left field now - a stadium design no-no.

Even then, they don’t need as many seats as they have now. Those right field upper deck seats must need to get dusted fairly often during the season. They’re rarely in use. Shedding 5,000 to 7500 seats would certainly make the place more intimate, and bringing that right field section in at a sharper angle would make for more unique outfield dimensions, too.

Now, COCO CRISP I could see as a stop-gap in CF before our minor leaguer rises to the occasion. His average isn’t beautiful but he’s not trending as much a downward spiral as Cameron is, either. He’s about six years younger and at this stage of his career, a better base-stealing threat (which makes him a candidate to lead off, right?)

Getting Coco (for Kelly Johnson) also gives us a place to play Yunel and Renteria everyday.

Crisp, 2. Renteria, 3. CJones, 4. Teixeira, 5. BMcCann, 6. Francoeur, 7. Diaz/Harris (ugh) 8. Escobar, 9. Picher … not bad.

Of course, Yunel may be better atop the lineup, with Crisp back at the 8-spot, too… but either way, it’s a nice balanced lineup, featured speed and power from 1-8.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

First trade since becoming GM.

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

That’s cool w/me, too, JJS. You never did answer the one question posed to you, though. Just a point of reference.

By ncscoots

October 25, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing I missed class the day they explained how exchanging Andruw Jones and Kelly Johnson for Coco Crisp and Martin Prado improves a ballclub.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, true. Camden Yards is in a cool area. Within walking distance of the harbor. Nothing cool around Turner Field. I guess I was thinking more of just the game experience and the skyline and such. If Turner was in a cool downtown area (which you couldn’t do in Atlanta) or if they would develop some cool restaurants and bars around it, it would easily be one of the top five or six stadiums.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

What would the Red Sox do with Kelly Johnson?

They’d probably turn around and trade him like Andy Marte. And you can bet if the Braves did make this trade, and the Red Sox did turn around and trade Johnson, the Red Sox would get more value for him than Coco Crisp.

Does anyone else besides me not see an obvious reason why Johnson should be traded any quicker than Escobar? They seem like equal value players to me.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

this journalist thanks lew and america for the support shown jimmy smith in this time of trouble.

while not yet a journalist of dob caliber, this journalist is no misfit journalist either. jimmy smith has broken some big stories here and, modestly, is the foremost toe journalist on this blog.

and lew need not worry about being hit from this side. and not many know that jimmy smith has a wurlitzer (aw, shucks) of which this journalist is justifiably proud. not yet named “wurlitzer” when awarded to jimmy smith.

and now, in preparation for tonight’s game this journalist will soon head to fresh market for in-game snacks.

and nothing seems to be affecting grinch who has allowed all manner of references to go unchallenged. must be in love with a co-ed.

By N8

October 25, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

So DOB is a Cult fan, huh?

I had the pleasure of seeing The Cult open up for Metallica on the “And Justice for All” tour in the late 80’s. There was about 1100 people there. No lie. That’s ELEVEN HUNDRED.

Seems the esteemed music fans of ND had not grasped onto the Metallic “thing” at that time.

Loud as hell, and actually sounded like crap with an arena that was about 10 percent full.

LOVE The Cult. Billy Duffy is a VERY underrated axeman.

Tomahawkin.

I believe the direct quote from McCarver was…..

“Oh you�re a real man Deion!…A real man!”

LOVE IT! I laugh EVERYTIME I hear McCarver speak. Now PrimeTime might have been a bit childish in his actions, but it was definitely funny to say the least.

If I remember correctly, the incedent occured because Deion flew back to Atlanta to play football, then hopped a plane to make it back for the WS game. McCarver thought that this was “selfish”.

If only ALL of our players had gone 8 for 15 (.533) with 5 SB’s in that WS, huh? Hard to call him selfish, when he was STILL the best threat we had in that series. What, did McCarver think he could’ve hit .700 had he stayed in Toronto?

Tim McCarver is an idiot. Always has been, always will be.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to go along with Scoots on this one. I fail to see where picking up Crisp and dumping KJ works in our favor. Can’t see it at all. Cereal Boy isn’t even a replacement for KJ’s bat much less him AND Andruw. Doesn’t work for me. Not even close.

Also, like someone mentioned earlier-Just why was it that the Red Sox needed KJ? I could see maybe trading Villarreal or Devine, who they could actually use. But KJ? Makes damn little sense.

By ppaddy123

October 25, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

DOB Your 2:05 post would be the smartest move the Braves could make. Edgar is as solid a ball player you will find in the majors. he’ll do nothing but improve Escobar’s level of play, by playing with him everyday. There’s no way you can trade him straight up for Bonderman. Curtis Granderson, maybe.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, Crisp could lead off if you like your leadoff hitters to make outs more often than most.

Seventeen out of 20 leadoff hitters with at least 400 plate appearances in the lead-off spot had higher OBPs than Crisp’s career OBP.

Fourteen had higher OBPs than Crisp’s career high.

Great way to start a rally—with an out. Sorry to be a smart a** but Crisp just isn’t a good hitter.

By Chris

October 25, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the responses DOB. I just don’t think getting Crisp for Johnson would be good. Now if the Sox somehow offered Ellsbury I think it would be great but that won’t happen. Also good to hear Frenchy not considered for CF, guy is really getting into his own time to let him continue to grow at RF.

By Efrim

October 25, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

DOB

Wait, Kelly Johnson for Coco Crisp???

Someone who just had an .830 OPS for someone who has had two straight years of a .710 OPS?

One makes $300,000 and the other makes 4.75 million?

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 25, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

I think if anybody is going to platoon in left field next year, it will be Diaz and B. Jones…probably not Willie Harris.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Jared,

Escobar’s first season in the bigs: 94 games, .326/.385/.451 at 24.

Johnson’s first season: 87 games, .241/.334/.397 at 23.

Johnson is obviously is a much better player than he was then but Escobar still had about a 10-point edge in OBP and wasn’t all that far behind Johnson in SLG. And Escobar can play short in the majors while Johnson is an average defender at best.

I like both players and I hope the Braves can get some value for Renteria and they keep both but Escobar is clearly the better player.

By ncscoots

October 25, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

some seriously cool pitchers’ names found while perusing the AFL stats: Mumba Rivera, Rocky Roquet, Burke Badenhop…no idea about their actual skills, but sign ‘em up, if only for announcer giggles.

By Betty Lonely

October 25, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Is Kelly Johnson so bad we have to trade him for a box of cereal?

By Efrim

October 25, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson is the only one of our young hitters to display any sort of true plate discipline. A 376 OBP. I could care less that Crisp stole 28 out of 34 bases. He had a 330 OBP. He is not a leadoff hitter. He is a 8 hole hitter. He is a great defensive CF, but trading him for KJ is nonsense that should not be spoken of on this blog.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we should waste millions on Coco Crisp when we can get fruit loops for a fraction of that.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Baseball Fanatic-I agree. Harris probably won’t even make the ‘08 Braves. Nor should he. Two good months in a nine year career doesn’t earn you much of a shot at anything. Take out those two months from his more than 1200 AB career and he is hitting .231. Bye Bye Willie.

By GermanBravesFan

October 25, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

DOB: only 7 1/2 hours to go to seeing The Boss in Oakland. I’ll make sure to have a cold one for you!

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Point of reference, JJS… I actually did write for a daily newspaper (sports section, even) while in college, so maybe it gets under my skin a little bit that somebody would take the term “journalist” to describe themselves without the proper credentials. Nothing personal, though. But as a writer, I always hated when people would dodge a question they didn’t want to answer… like the one I posed to you earlier today.

Efrim if Kelly Johnson can fill the spot in the outfield, I’m all for keeping him, too. I just haven’t heard anybody mention him being able to fill the CF vacancy.

Shawn, bat him 8th if ya want. LOL. I’m fine w/that. Mentioned that.

By Tony the Tiger

October 25, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Put me Coach. I’m ready to play, today. Center field.

By John

October 25, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

DOB Have you talked to Hudson before or after the season ended to see if he is going to continue with his offseason workout plan and conditioning?

By Jared

October 25, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, Crisp could lead off if you like your leadoff hitters to make outs more often than most.

Thank you for saying that. OBP is the most important stat for a leadoff hitter, not stolen bases. There are people who would rather have someone with a .300 OBP and 50 stolen bases bat leadoff than someone with an OBP at .400 and with five steals. Stolen bases are so overrated.

Johnson is obviously is a much better player than he was then but Escobar still had about a 10-point edge in OBP and wasn�t all that far behind Johnson in SLG. And Escobar can play short in the majors while Johnson is an average defender at best.

2007:

Kelly Johnson: .276/.375/.457, 16 homeruns and 79 walks in 521 AB. .978 fielding percentage.

Yunel Escobar: .326/.385/.451, 5 homeruns and 27 walks in 319 AB. .964 fielding percentage.

With one you get a higher batting average and a good OBP. With the other you get close to the same OBP with about twice the homerun power and a better ability to draw a walk.

By Lee in S GA

October 25, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

My gut feeling is the Braves would make the Johnson for Crisp trade. Not saying this is an ideal trade but I can see the Braves being interested in it. No way the Braves trade Escobar over Johnson.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

I don�t think we should waste millions on Coco Crisp when we can get fruit loops for a fraction of that.

We’ve already got Froot Loops Paladin. We are stuck with you after all. :)

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson for Coocoo for Cocoa Puffs. No freaking thanks. That is a horrible trade. Absolutely horrid.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Ex-Journalists who constantly whine will never and take four or five days to make their point will never win Wurlitzer Awards.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

You disappoint me, nephew. Jump all over a softball like that. :>)

By Lee in S GA

October 25, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Agree that Willie Harris had his 2 months of glory. He can retire and go back to Cairo GA if he chooses. I am sure they will name a street after him there (if not already). He can always get a job at the Roddenberry pickle factory also. He does not need to be in a Braves uniform next season.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Cocoa Crisp - like the cereal…I’d rather have Milton Bradly - at least he’s got game(s).

By Dave Barry

October 25, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

We journalists make it a point to know very little about a wide variety of subjects; that is how we stay objective.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t like Coco Crisp at all offensively but I love his defense. That catch for the last out of Game 7 of the ALCS was absolutely incredible. Still would not consider trading him for Kelly Johnson at all.

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Oh, hey, Lew. Forgot to acknowledge ya, man.

I must admit, though I’m usually here and participating as much as possible, the whole Wurlitzer discussion was that never had my interest, and thus, I skipped past everytime I saw mentioned. I guess, then, that my lack of interest in such awarding would also not help me fare well in that regard. C’est la.

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Ugh… mom used to hold the Sunday paper H O S T A G E til she got through reading your columns, Dave Barry.

Not a fan, here.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Let’s go old school cartoon jingles:

Heathcliff, Heathcliff, no one should terrorize their neighborhood, but Heathcliff he won’t be undone, playin’ pranks on everyone

Fits you very well Uncle Paladin.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

but sign �em up, if only for announcer giggles.

Has Skip Caray ever giggled? Chip Caray giggles. Don’t think Skip giggles.

By Arnold Bennett

October 25, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Journalists say something they know is not true in the hope that if they say it long enough, it will be.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

journalist is trying to be contrite for having embarrassed rr so, but rr won’t seem to let this go.

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

“Point of reference, JJS� I actually did write for a daily newspaper (sports section, even) while in college, so maybe it gets under my skin a little bit that somebody would take the term �journalist� to describe themselves without the proper credentials. Nothing personal, though. But as a writer, I always hated when people would dodge a question they didn�t want to answer� like the one I posed to you earlier today.”

goofball, right?

and while rr has posted rr’s self for all to see (and admire) this journalist remains an unknown quantity. perhaps rr might consider if rr’s accomplishments (entire book of work, so to speak) would compare favorably with those of this journalist - or with others on this blog. rr might wish to be quiet now.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Aw shucks, me?!!

By David-ATL14

October 25, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Shaun like I said earlier you are the typical misguided stathead. KJ at 1b or Guillen at 1b makes no difference at all. KJ would bat 8th in the Red Sox lineup and Guillen will continue to bat 5th, whether he’s the SS or 1b replacing Sean Casey makes ZERO difference.

Jim Leyland and Dave Dombroski know infinitely more baseball than the “boy blunder” aka Shaun.

Now if the Red sox acquired KJ and asked him to replace Manny or Papi’s bat, you might have a point. Not much of a point but a small one.

Positional scarcity is a myth held dearly by the statheads.

By AZBravoFan

October 25, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, If you get a chance, you should go check out Kelly’s for some amazing roast beef and fried clams. (http://www.kellysroastbeef.com/locations.html) My grandmother used to live on Revere Beach and we stuffed ourselves every time we visited.

By 22oz

October 25, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Kelly in Boston doesn’t make any sense. He doesn’t fit anywhere except as a backup infielder. I also can’t see the Braves keeping Edgar, signing Glavine, and taking on Crisp. Too much salary to take on, and you still haven’t acquired another starter. Edgar is the odd man out still, i believe. Payroll is going up, but not enough to do all that.

By Forgotten

October 25, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Journalists are like “ladies of the street”, no matter how high their ideals are, they still have to resort to tricks to make money.

By Tomahawkin' Since '82

October 25, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m new to actually writing here, but I gotta coupla Wurlitzer nominations:

I nominate, for the “Biggest Bloated Ego from Nothing More than Words” Wurlitzer, This Jackass character. What a gas-bag this guy is.

I nominate, for the “Do you Really Believe We Think You’re a Real Journalist with such bad Grammatical Flaws” Wurlitzer to the esteemed Journalist Jimmy Smith.

I nominate, for the “Dude, I think You’re Vastly Misunderstood, but Too Easy to Tick Off by the Trolls, So Let it Go” Wurlitzer to Ron Roberts.

I nominate, for the “Could pass for real journalists, or have been once before, real journalists” Wurlitzer to the Scribe and Bob, Journalist. Both, class acts.

I nominate, for the “If You’re Gonna Mother ‘Em, Mother ‘em All” Wurlitzer to the nicest lady on the blog, Carolina Lady. Carolina, the folks they call the “trolls” of the blog need some tough talking too, so don’t be afraid to mix it up with the S.J.A.’s and the Stinkys’, too! Calling out their targets for reacting to them only feeds the trolls further. But you really ARE a nice lady, all in all!

I nominate, for the “I Can’t Tell From One Day to the Next if You’re a Good Guy or a Bad Guy/Troll” Wurlitzer to Savannah Guy and Paladin/Principle Phil. Some days you are cool and participate in healthy baseball (or otherwise) dialogue, and some days you stroke the egos of the S.J.A.-types or sling the mud yourself, too.

Okay, so I think we should set a date for the annual awards show. Any ideas on dates? All-Star Break? Opening Day? Last game of the season? I go with last day.

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

David-ATL14, so you’re saying you think Kelly Johnson at first and Youkilis at third is better than Youkilis at first and Lowell at third?

And, yes, it’s true Guillen is replacing God-awful Sean Casey at first so maybe the Tigers will be fine.

It’s not so much about scarcity, although that is related; it’s more about what it will take to out-play your opponents. If Johnson plays first, he’s not going to be as good as what many opponents put at first. That will force the Red Sox to be that much better at other positions.

By jbutler

October 25, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Have to say…glad I could turn last night’s game off. I’m too old/too squeemish to be able to sit through a beat down the Rox took last night. If they come out flat tonight, its over in 4. If they fight back…they stand a chance. A small one- but a chance. Enjoy…DOB.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

hmmm… who could this be attacking journalists?

and jimmy smith is taking some of the heat off sja now. does this make jimmy smith the most hated man on the blog? nah, not even close.

and now weighing in on baseball … can’t get a good player without giving up a good player(s). the question is: will the player coming in make the team stronger? journalist sounds a little like mccarver there, right?

and jimmy smith once wrote a story while riding the back of a hartebeest across an arid land. top that, rr.

not all froot loops come in a box.

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

rr remains, though, jjs. rr remains. and doesn’t lose a wink of sleep worrying how rr stacks up against jjs and his “body of work.”

By quotester

October 25, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

For Tomahawkin’ Since ‘82: “It is better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” anonymous

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

“grammatical flaws?” not from these journalist.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Some folks just won’t give it up. I think I’ll present the Michael Vick award to the dawg(s) that doesn’t(don’t) have enough sense to just quit. It could be a companion piece with the “Golden JackA$$ award. People could go for the “Grand Slam” and try for all awards but the last two would be a little dubious.

Just way too premature to be talking of trades involving Kelly Johnson. Braves are not going to trade a good young cheap player for one of roughly equal talent costing 4.5 mil.

It will be interesting to see how Brandon Jones plays coming out of winter ball. He is the apparent designated rookie for the Braves this coming year. The Braves will always have at least one rookie player in the starting line up.

By Julia

October 25, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

I know what I will be having tonight for my game time snack. You got it - a d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s SHRIMP SAMMICH. Who will join me?

By ron roberts

October 25, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

jjs, were you riding facing the right way (towards the horns)? i’m guessing the fumes from the “exhaust” could cause cerebral damage if inhaled.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! this is too easy!

journalist promises to behave from here on out, carolina lady. promise.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it ironic that in a space of an hour a blog regular(recent wurlitzer winner)calls me the class clown who picks at everyone, and a blog rookie sez I’m an “ego stroker”. Seems I’m close to p!ssin’ off everyone.

My work on this planet is almost done. Scottie, get the transporter-room ready. Over.

By Tomahawkin' Since '82

October 25, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Forgot… one more Wurlitzer nomination….

I nominate, for the “Lady, What is your Odd Fascination With Shrimp Sandwiches and the Gut You’ve Grown From Eating Them All This Time” Wurlitzer to Julia, who I’m guessing is one of the “trolls” pretending to be a crazy woman.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 25, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t know much about Gregor Blanco other than he doesn’t hit for much power. What would be the pros and cons of having him on the team?

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

22oz, you’re right: Kelly doesn’t seem to fit anywhere with Boston except as a bench guy. I mean, he’s a DH waiting to happen, but they’ve got a pretty good one, if I’m not mistaken.

But I could see them adding him as a bench guy, can play 2B, LF, SS in a pinch, maybe even 3B. And PH.

Anyway, I’ve got a guy working on it here, asking some Boston execs if there’s anything to it. If there is, he’ll have the info.

(But the guy also seemed a bit surprised when I told him what Kelly plays, etc. He did say that Coco WILL be traded to someone.)

By Lew

October 25, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Oh, The Humanity (or Inhumanity, as the case may be)-Ron Roberts scrolls past my posts and doesn’t want a Wurlitzer. I’m sorely wounded to the quick. I may never sleep again. I may quit drawing Wurlitzers-they have been deemed unworthy by Ron Roberts who does not want one. How can I possibly go on in life if Ron Roberts is to scroll past my posts and deems them (and apparently me) unworthy? Oh the pain. Oh the shame. How can I live with the loss of face? How can I possibly do another drawing if not one for Robn Roberts?

Well, I’ll probably persevere and find a way. I will say this-It takes Ron Roberts longer to come to his non-existent point than it does for me to do a Wurlitzer drawing. As a matter of fact, what is his point? He has yet to make it. It’s been several days now and all we’ve been treated to is that Ron Roberts (notice how much I’m using your name Ron? Many more times in this post than when I Googled you-Oh, The Egomaniacality), doesn’t like JJS, doesn’t like SJA and doesn’t like me (does this mean I must have my own Acronym, now?) and that he is a world famous (likely in his own mind since I couldn’t find other mentions of him) ex journalist and a Top 40 DJ. I’m absolutely certain he is indispensable to Britney Spears career. How has New Orleans survived-first Katrina and now Ron Roberts has left town. Will there be no mercy ever for the denizens of the Crescent City?

By ncscoots

October 25, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Gil, think BJ must have forgotten to pack his bottled water :-)…for sure, something has him struggling early, maybe he’s making unscheduled visits between ABs!

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Beautiful weather today, morning clouds turned into beautiful afternoon sunshine, about 60 degrees. Stunning view from here in the pressbox, clear skies over downtown….

Hey, how ‘bout that “Worst Person In the World” fella? (The story is updated in our paper today and is currently No. 1 story at ajc.com).

Has his life been turned upside down, or what? Sounds like it kinda needed to be, however.

That’s a very funny story.

By Good Ol' Country Boy

October 25, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Ah don’t do much writin’ an all folks but ah do perty good readin’ an ah been’a readin’ this here what’cha call blawg a long tahm. Jus wawnted ya’ll ta know I jus had mah day made right good. Yessir ah was a readin’ and a laffin’ an all then ah was’a gettin a nice menshun frum that nice Lady from Carolina. Yessir…made this ol’ boy feel downraat fine as a frog hair split four ways ya’ll. Got awl bowed up ahwas so doggone proud ya’ll. Yea ah did. Happy as a ol’ dawg gettin;is ears’a scratched. Happy as a pig in tha waller’in hole ya’ll. Now excuse me good lady ah gotta set summa these fellers strate on sum serius bidness.

Dagg blasted summa ya’ll jes ain’t right atall. That ol’ calabasher feller must be downright foolharty to thank he’sa beyun frendlee by pokin’ an proddin’ an now passin’ on ol’ Lew’s Wurlitzer paintin’s. Them there are sum fine specimens of work ya’ll. Yepper…seen’um myownself with these ol’ peeper’sa on hissown websaate. That boy can draw up a storm too ya’ll. Birds, deer, all sorta perty critters and perty ladies too. Juss ain’t right to go an pass on them there things. But lak my pappy use’ta say, it takes a smart feller to like a fellers art. Or sumpin’ lak’at.

Ain’t right’tatall. Why shucks ya’ll, gimme jus one good chaynce an i’ll enter me a good ol’ post an mebee one day win one’a those thangs mahself. Then i’ll hang it on ma wall, grab me a sodee pop out’a that there Fridgidaire ove’ar, setmysef down on that ol’ settee an jus admare it awl day long. One day that’sa what’am gonna do too. Mebee jus mebee ah cain win me wunna them jackass awards too cause i lak’at ol’ boy too. Mighty fine folks on this here blawg.

Ya’ll be on tha lookout theun cause i’ma gonna be’a writin’ me up sum fine poetree or sumpin’…then ya’llel cawl me that good’ol wurlitzer jackasscountry boy. Then i’ll be in high cotton I will. Lak’a say, ya’ll jus keep an eye out for this’ol country boy. l been due ta done make ya’ll proud’a me too ya’ll.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

T-Hawkin’ since ‘82: It is, indeed, a rather odd obsession this person has with a sandwich. I think maybe I’m missing something. I mean, I guess it’s funny to some folks? I don’t know, man. It’s all good.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

October 25, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

A funny thing happened on the way through the Blog today, I see 2 fellow fans bickering like little girls.

I was wondering, and maybe the 2 of you (jjs and rr) can clear something up for me?

What exactly do you gain by winning a disagreement over the internet?

And what are you really trying to prove? Who has the biggest internet muscles?

Now, onto baseball (a scribe-like transition…. not done as well as the scribe) Wow did the Rox get rocked last night. Does anyone here think they will recover from last night? We will find out in about 4 hours.

Onto some braves news….. Jordan Schafer has really cooled off after his hot start in the AFL. He is down to a .310ish batting average, and has 1 RBI since DOB posted his stats on a blog. He is 6/7 on stolen base attempts. It looks like DOB was right and Schafer still has to develope his offensive game before making a splash in the majors.

I read further up that Coco Crisp was rumored to be traded for Kelly Johnson…. Snap Crackel and Pop weren’t available? How about the leprichaun from Lucky Charms?

By Ron Roberts

October 25, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Lew, so sorry, man. Wasn’t intended to slight you. See? I didn’t even know the whole “Wurlitzer” thing was your baby, to begin with!

Oh, and I never said I did or didn’t like you, so your attacking me is unwarranted. Not that I’m not used to that by now. Oh well. Have at it.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Oh Paladin, chill out. I’m actually very insulted I didn’t get lumped in with you in that Wurlitzer category. How the heck did Savannah Guy get into that category and I didn’t? Maybe you are right. Maybe I have sold out too much. Or maybe I have learned to cover my tracks well enough for the rookies to not be able to detect……

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Actually, I shouldn’t say Paronto’s gone for sure, because they could bring him back, probably on a minor league contract, if he doesn’t get any better offers and they still have any interest in him.

They made the move to open a spot on the 40-man to claim righty reliever Chris Resop off waivers from Angels. Resop had his elbow cleaned out in August but is said to be cleared and ready for spring training.

Here’s the release from the Braves:

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves made a pair of roster moves today, as they claimed right-handed relief pitcher Chris Resop off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and designated right-handed pitcher Chad Paronto for assignment.

Resop, who turns 25 on November 4, has appeared 41 career games for the Florida Marlins (2005-06) and the Angels (2007). His career record is 3-2 with a 4.15 ERA. Resop began his professional career as an outfielder in the Marlins system in 2001.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder appeared in 27 games at Triple-A Salt Lake in 2007, going 1-3 with a 4.57 ERA in 45.1 innings pitched. He worked four games for the Angels this past season before he underwent debridement on his right elbow on August 24 (performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum). Resop has since completed a rehabilitation program.

Paronto, 32, pitched in 41 games for the Braves in 2007 and went 3-1 with a 3.57 ERA.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

How about the leprichaun from Lucky Charms?

They would burn Fenway down if a leprechaun was traded from Boston.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Oh, The Persecution. No attacks-just pointing out that points need to be made within a 24 hour period or dropped and that to continue this is beyond all sense and sensibility (Obscure Jane Austin literary reference). It’s time to let it go.

By Frankie Laine

October 25, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

My heart goes where the hartebeest goes

I must go where the hartebeest goes.

Hartebeest, hartebeest which is best

A wandering fool, or a heart at rest?

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

October 25, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

atleast the leprechaun would come with it’s own pot of gold, no salary needed.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Oh Paladin, chill out. I�m actually very insulted I didn�t get lumped in with you in that Wurlitzer category.

BH It’s just that since you were wurlitzered, you have gotten too big for your britches. You’ve forgotten your roots. SG and I were talking about in Klobber’s Place the other night. Frankly, we are going to have to bring in Shremp to replace you. Nyuk, nyuk.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

journalist has some credentials, too. once worked on a beest ranch in uganda - was made station manager. wrote some stories for publication while in prison and later saw the stories on sale at kroger. jimmy smith is personally likable and is a member of two clubs by invitation. diner’s club and sam’s club. can google to verify. use space between jimmy and smith.

By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]

October 25, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

How about poor me??? Never considered for a Wurlitzer!!! :( Waah!!!!

It’s bigotry I tells ya! People don’t like people like me posting in the middle of the night, when no one’s here. Creeps people out I guess….It’s natural, really! Like talking long walks on the beach naked, while whistling great Whitesnake songs…..

By Lew

October 25, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Berigan-Just because you haven’t won one yet, doesn’t mean you haven’t been considered-although I’m not sure just how much I needed that beach imagery.

By Choppinmama

October 25, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

flbravesgirl: I thought that cake had long been delivered and devoured by now. I’m heading to the ATL next week, so I can carry it along, safe in the special cake cooler to the Turner Field Green Lot for the handoff. Just let me know!

jjs: I’m sure Lew won’t mind grandfathering in your drawing and officially bestow the cherished *Wurlitzer” name on it. Right, Lew? BTW, I’ve visited your site to view your lovely work. You folks that have beautiful artistic talents don’t know how lucky you are. Music and artistic talent are missing in my gene pool.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

By my calculations, Paronto had become first-time eligible for arbitration, though I’m waiting for official word on that.

By Earl

October 25, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Don’t know much about Resop, but surprised the Braves let Paronto go, I don’t know why they didn’t like him, and I don’t think he’ll get through waivers, there are a lot of worse pitchers out there. As far as Kelly Johnson for Coco Crisp, I wouldn’t do it, but i’d rather have Crisp than Mike Cameron.

By googler

October 25, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

I have learned that our own jimmy smith played the organ, was a wide-receiver for the Jax Jags, was a body-builder and did it all while riding a hartebeest. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2005. Presumably, he fell off the hartebeest and all that sh!t landed on him.

By Choppinmama

October 25, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

I’ve just seen the funniest animal Halloween contume ever……..

……….a Clydesdale dressed up as a black poodle. Huge poof on the forelock, on all legs down by the hooves, on the end of his tail and two poufs on his behind. Hilarious!

2nd Best: Last year, my son sprayed himself gold, head-to-toe, cleats and football included and went as the Heisman Trophy.

By Train Wreck Bystander

October 25, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

I do hope Game 1 was an aberration and that the Rockies open up a can of Whip-* tonight.

=====

I hope the Paul Byrd story doesn’t tangle up any of the Braves. That Forbes story mentions Byrd buying HGH during his time with Atlanta.

If he had it delivered to the spring training facility, as that story says, then how can it have gone under the Braves radar?

By Jared

October 25, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Good.

Notes: First priority remains pitching

Braves say focus on another starting arm, then center field

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071025&contentid=2281960&vkey=newsatl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

By Lew

October 25, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

ChoppinMama-JJS can call it a Wurlitzer, if he so desires. I just do the artwork, but it is the Esteemed Journalist who created the concept and named The Wurlitzer. Technically, he won the first and DOB the second.

Now if you come to Spring Training this year, you will see much more artwork in person. As a matter of fact, I will have something for all denizens who get to Disney in February. That’s right-artwork for all denizens who show up while I’m there. I’ll be working on it all just as soon as I finish the last couple of Wurlitzers and just as soon as I mail out Braveheart’s Wurlitzer this weekend.

By Kentavo

October 25, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

So, I’m trying to figure out who has the inherent advantage in the World Series because of the DH. The initial reaction is to say that the NL is at a disadvantage, becasue most NL teams don’t carry a David Ortiz-type hitter. I mean, look at the Braves and their options during interleague play. The smartest thing to do would probably be to DH Chipper and have Yunel play 3rd, thereby getting KJ and Yuni in the same lineup. But of course, Cox would do stuff like DH Woodward.

As for this WS, Rockies had to use Spillbourghs (or however you spell it) as DH. I think I’d DH Holliday and put Spillbourghs in left - he’s better with the leather.

But then you ponder what Sox will do in Denver. Sit Ortiz or put him and at first? Move Youkilis to 3rd and bench Lowell? Or bench Youk?

I think you’d have to say the advantage still goes to the AL team because they have that “professional” hitter to use as a PH in big situations.

By JC FROM UT

October 25, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Iguess if Frank Wren is shopping KJ it means Yunel will play 2ND and Edgar isn’t going anywhere. I would think Boston would be better off asking for Joey Devine. Boston could be thinking about trading Lugo and moving Pedroia to SS which is where he played in college and KJ will play 2ND.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t trade KJ for Coco Crisp, Coco Chanel and Coco Montoyo. Kelly is already a good ballplayer and is going to get better. I hope he is a Brave for a long time!

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

forgot to mention made all a’s in fourth grade. also, quite good at goofy golf. no courses close to this journalist’s home though. where could jimmy smith find a good game of goofy golf? and maybe listen to some radio while playing?

By Lew

October 25, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Train Wreck-I’ve always been a firm believer in the theory that what you see depends entirely on what you’re looking for. During that period of time in baseball, it’s amazing what they weren’t looking for.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 25, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Coco Crisp for Kelly Johnson , in a word , NO. That just solves one problem and creates another one , not to mention that it would take Renteria off the trade market because Escobar would in effect , become the Braves second baseman. I would rather trade an arm from the bullpen for Crisp. I respect the opinion of the other bloggers , but Crisp or Cameron ? I’ll take Crisp. You guys are hung up on the long ball and ignoring the disparity in age , versatility , cost , etc. The one stat that really scares me away from Cameron is his 67 walks/160 strike out ratio. His OBP was .328 , Crisp had an OBP of .330 with 50 walks/84 strike outs. O’Brien , calling a guy who started and played 145 games for the Red Sox in 2007 a fourth outfielder or starter on a non-contender is asinine at best. you quoted his 06-07 stats in Boston so I just have to post his 04-05 stats in Cleveland. In 1085 at bats , 31 HR’s 140 RBI , an OBP of .345 while batting .298 , those are respectable numbers. So what if he ain’t Andruw Jones , I’ll take Otis Nixon any day of the week. Remember , to many Chiefs and not enough Indians makes for a poor raiding party when it comes time to go on the warpath.

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Hey, how �bout that �Worst Person In the World� fella? (The story is updated in our paper today and is currently No. 1 story at ajc.com).

DOB, I just saw that link posted at fark.com. Anything listed there gets tons of hits. It’s even been known to crash smaller computer systems before but I’d guess that ajc.com has plenty of bandwidth.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

jjs I am the one who was “picking on journalists”. But, I was not aiming them at you. It was in response to someone else who “mentioned” that they had been a “journalist”. And besides, they were quotes by others(attributed), I didn’t make them up.

Also, I was the one doing the “hartebeest” shstick(?). It was done in “fun” and no offense was intended.

Anyway, if you want to “put me down”, I’m here. And I can take it as well as dish it out. With good humor.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

I have to admit that Paul Byrd would not have been my first suspect in an HGH scandal.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t get too worried/excited/hopeful about Crisp for Kelly J. Just talked to someone with Braves who scoffed at the notion, and I don’t think he was blowing smoke.

He made it sound like Braves don’t see Crisp as their answer in center.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

DOB I read that “worst person in the world” story. Before doing so, I was sure it would have had to come from the Falcon or Jeff Shultze blog. But, that would have required multiple awards.

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 25, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

No journalist jimmy smith…the prestigious “JuniorJackAss For a Day Award” comes with no other prize…this coveted award is a grand prize in itself…standing alone, head and shoulders and toes above all other existing awards…

Spanning the globe, and searching high and low amid the docile and the wild…TheJuniorJackAss has been presented to only a handful of esteemed celebrities…world leaders…chiefs…and movers and shakers during it’s long and illustrious transcendency…Edward R. Murrow…Nelson Mandela…Abraham Lincoln…Bill Clinton…and Whoopi Goldberg have also shared this great honour with you journalist jimmy…enjoy…I know this must be a proud day for the entire smith family, and all of Uganda…

Now on the other hand…the Golden A$sClown Award is not so good…

Now trivia…Name two things to exit NOLA that brought the most happiness and relief to those great people down there…I will name one—Katrina—can anyone name the other?…tick tock tick tock…

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

What were my roots Paladin?

By JC FROM UT

October 25, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Good news DOB. Like many others who have posted, that trade would make no sense at all.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Coach, you said, “calling a guy who started and played 145 games for the Red Sox in 2007 a fourth outfielder or starter on a non-contender is asinine at best.”

Yeah, it would be. And that’s not what I called him. You conveniently (as you’re wont to do) left out part of what I said to make your case stronger.

What I said was, good fourth outfielder or starter on “either a team loaded with offense at every other position [which is, by the way, the Red Sox] or a non-contender.”

But you, of course, left out the part about “on a team loaded with offense at every other position.”

And I’ll repeat: Crisp has had five major league seasons with at least 400 at-bats, and has career highs of 16 homers, 71 RBIs and 50 walks.

And in the past two seasons, he�s gone .264-8-36 with a .317 OBP and .385 slugging, and .268-6-60 with a .330 OBP and .382 slugging.

Coach, spin that any way you want. Those are his stats.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Music to my ears, DOB.

World Series and VT vs. BC tonight - my remote control is going to be more worn out than the Braves bullpen.

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 25, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

May enquire of Lew concerning answer to trivia question…

By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]

October 25, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Lew, To have ever been even considered for a Wurlitzer, like those Oscar losers say, even to be considered is honor enough! ;)

Besides, if I did win one, other folks here would say, sheesh, they’ll give a Wurlitzer to anybody now! Will Stinky be next? ;)

By Carolina Lady

October 25, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Lordy mercy! Next time admonishment is written by this Lady, I’ll be sure to address it “To Whomever The Shoe Fits”! {roll eyes, sigh…}

:-)

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Besides, if I did win one, other folks here would say, sheesh, they�ll give a Wurlitzer to anybody now!

And also if you won one you would have to deal with your friends accusing you of selling out and forgetting your roots. Paladin evidently thought i was cuter when my roots were showing. He apparently doesn’t like my dye job.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

the Golden A$sClown Award is not so good�

Southern friend: allow me to propose a change in the name and material used in your award:

The Dubious Cowpie A$sClown Award. (gold may just send the wrong message)

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I don’t run “that” kind of saloon, if you know what I mean!

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, if the haters are hatin, let ‘em hate. Everyone takes shots at the those on top. Look at the Notorious DOB - he takes jabs on a daily basis. Ya’ll both keep it grimey in my opinion.

By Choppinmama

October 25, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m soreley tempted to make the drive to ST in Feb just to obtain one of your finely crafted drawings before I spend my week at ST once they start playing games. How is it before they play games? 75 players on the field - you watch them catch, throw, practice bunting and covering 1st drills for the pitchers?

I have to be in ATL for the Braves mega-FanFest at the World Congress Center in Feb though. I smell lots of $$$ for autographs there. But at least the big fans and little fans won’t be popsicles at the wind tunnel they call Turner Field in Feb.

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 25, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

…but Savannah…it’s fools gold…

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

I said Crisp is a really good fourth outfielder because that’s the way I see him. Teams like the Red Sox and Braves can do better and Theo and Co. would probably tell you that in private. Why do you think Ellsbury is now the centerfielder and will be next season?

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks Thrillhouse. Just giving my boy Paladin hell. I agree with you that Byrd is the last guy I would suspect of HGH as well….. but that is exactly what is so scary about the whole thing…. were they all doing it? The George Mitchell Report should just tell us who was not doing it. I’m pumped about the VT vs. BC and the World Series being on at the same time as well?

Why is Gammons sitting there on my television trying to tell me that Schilling is a better postseason pitcher than Smoltz? Gammons should not be permitted to talk about the Red Sox…. he is too biased about the Bosox. Love that guy but not when he talks about the Red Sox.

Did Schilling really spit at the Braves dugout in 1993 during the middle of a playoff game like Kruk just said?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Buffalo NY Braves fan Have you been to any of the Bison games? I would expect you to be an Indians fan.

By Choppinmama

October 25, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady: more than a few guilty consciences, it seems.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

It’d be tough to be a Rockie right now. Our town’s Single-A team is affiliated with the Rockies, so we’ve seen the likes of Holliday and Hawpe roll through town. Anyways, the local news did a story on them the other night and the GM and some other dude said they were pulling for the Red Sox.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

what bothers me about saying that schilling is a better postseason pitcher than smoltz is that smoltz had to do it in 13 postseasons ….. no matter how much his arm was hurting and no matter how much he was not on top of his game that particular season.

Schilling on the other hand had the benefit of going to the postseason when he was personally on top of his game…. 1993, 2001, 2002, 2004. I would not say he is on top of his game this year but those 4 other times he was.

Smoltz never had that benefit of being able to basically pick and choose when he was going to the postseason because his team was going to the postseason no matter how he was pitching that year.

I would like to see how different Schilling’s postseason record would be if he had to go to the postseason year after year after year and not just when he was at his absolute best.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

On Chad Paronto: When I saw him pitch i n Richmond at the end of the season, I got the distinct impression he was good for only about 10 pitches. After that he could not find the strike zone.

Maybe he was just too overweight. He appears to be a good teammate so I would hate to lose him but that’s baseball. He will pitch somewhere next year. Maybe the Braves think they can sneak him under the radar.

Lew The wife and I are going to try our darnedest to get to spring training this year but we have just recently had to move my 88 year old mother in with us so it is dicey as to if we can get away, of course the wife is ready to go right now.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

ChoppinMama-The time before the games start is the best time for actual interaction with the players and it’s MUCH easier to get autographs. As a matter of fact, it’s real easy to get autographs. I know the Esteemed Journalist says Chipper is mercenary when it comes to signing (deer hides and the like), but I have five Chipper signatures on a bat, a ball cards and a painting and I never paid a penny. CHipper’s really one of the biggest signers.

The atmosphere is much more relaxed and there is greater access. You get to see Smoltz and Hudson pitch BP, too. Don’t think Smoltzie takes it easy on them, either. It does cost $12 to get in, though, but that’s Disney’s doing and they call it admission to Wide World of Sports. It’s worth it. Besides, you can always eat at the All Star Cafe afterwards You go for the atmosphere of sitting next to Tara Lipinsky’s skating outfit, though, not the food.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

What gets me about the whole Best-Postseason-Pitcher talk is everyone is ready to anoint Beckett as the best ever. Please. Isn’t this is second postseason? Everyone wants to label what they see as the “best ever”.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Braveheart I hope Schilling gets blown out early. As for John, the man is entitled to his opinion. Does not mean he is right.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

BH Our rating (G) does not allow me to make any further comment about your root(s).

SG Did you see where some rookie accused us of being ego polishers? It’s just that SJA is so tall, it makes if easier to smack smack, you know? Jeeze. Sic the fly on that guy, will you? And Braveheart needs some tending to as well. He is gettin’ real upidy. Give him one of your patented Moe face-slaps. That should do it.

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, do you live in Asheville?

By Fred Secunda

October 25, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

The thing about Crisp is he’s not even that solid defensively. I’m fine with replacing Andruw with a solid defensive player who doesn’t hit much because I think we can afford to do that with the hitters we have in our lineup. But not only does Crisp typically choke in clutch at bats, his defense is not that great. Cameron would be a decent stopgap, but I’d feel better if we had a guy who didn’t strike out as much, like a guy like Randy Winn.

By JJMB

October 25, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

OH BOY! Another chance to see a ballpark full of Ted Kennedy and John Kerry electorate. I can hardly wait.

GO ROCKS

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

The lady and I have been talking about making a trip to ST as well. I’ll be carrying over 2 days of vacation that I had planned on spending in ATL for the playoffs, so it should work out well.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 25, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Shaun , Ellsbury is playing because Crisp hurt his knee. O’Brien , I’m not gonna spin it , you made an incredibly ignorant statement.

By Carolina Lady

October 25, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

choppinmama, methinks you might be right! :-)))

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

He apparently doesn�t like my dye job

Is that comment really Jemaine on this baseball blog???

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I didn’t realize that you were an autograph collector. I’ve been collecting for about eight years now. Coolest thing I have is a pair of Chipper’s game used batting gloves, one of which is signed. You’re right, he’s a good signer, especially compared to guys with similar “star” quality.

You’re also right about going before the games begin. Very few people around and even the guys that don’t sign much will sometimes stop and sign. I’ve also had good luck going on days when there is an away game. Most of the big guys don’t go, especially early in the season and, again, there are very few fans around.

By Thrillhouse44

October 25, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Nah, chrisklob, a little place called Salem, VA.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

He apparently doesn�t like my dye job

Jermaine to this baseball blog?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

I wonder if it’s going to be another w i d e strike zone tonight?

By Flip Wilson

October 25, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

I wonder if it�s going to be another w i d e strike zone tonight?

Gil, or whatever yo name is, keep your sexist comments to your self.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Oops..left an “r” out of Jermaine on last post. No calabash reference intended.

Braveheart, if the haters are hatin, let �em hate. Everyone takes shots at the those on top.

Now Paladin…just look at your nephew and my cuz Braveheart…gettin’ all the atta’boys for being mistreated while we’re taking the shots. Just ain’t right.

By the by…arrived to see a little earlier post giving us a hard time. Think I should smack or just set straight?

By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]

October 25, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

One reason Gammons said that is most likely because Smoltz just hasn’t had a chance to show his stuff in the playoffs of late, and the last few times there, the braves have lost

1 start in the 2005 playoffs. gave up 1 run in 7 innings. LOST game. Hardly his fault.

2004, 2003, 2002?? No starts, Braves wiped out in the first round each time.

2001, last time the braves got past the 1st round, he was in the bullpen, so his 2 saves in 4 innings in the division series(None in the championship series, even though he didn’t give up a run) don’t resinate like 7-8 innings of shutout ball.

2000, Smoltz was injured….

1999, the last time Smoltzie was in the series, 1 start, 3 runs in 7 innings, braves lost, we lost again to yanks.

You get the picture..we all know what a big game pitcher Smoltz has been. Until Beckett showed he could still do it , that 2003 wasn’t a fluke, Smoltz was the guy I’d want to have on the mound in a game 7. Being the 2nd best choice, is no shame….no one over 40 throws like he does..

But, it has been awhile on the national stage, and even in games he has pitched his heart out…the team didn’t score….

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

By the by�arrived to see a little earlier post giving us a hard time. Think I should smack or just set straight?

Definitely the former. I was quite miffed not to be nominated for “Best Saloon Owner”!

By BossLady

October 25, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Just in, town again, trying to catch up. Man yesterday you guys really carried on with each other.

I like the Rockies and think they will have a good showing in this series. Since I don’t jump ship I will stick with them and take my blows if they lose this series.

I went down with my Braves and willing to take whatever happens to Rockies.

Red Sox fans and the Boston atmosphere is amazing. I wish we in Braves nation has .1/4 of that. They really love their town and team. Southern hospitality is really overrated as I see many of the people turned against the Braves when they were only 4-5 games out. We had a respectable season and lots of good games.

By BossLady

October 25, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Most of these position players being mentioned did not have any better numbers than our team. We lead in categories and performed as well as many of the players mentioned.

Change just for the sake of change is not good. Last night, Rockies took out Francis and the pitchers brought in gave up all the runs.

Why would we give up our young sluggers for rejects of other teams. We need some good coaches, but, thanks to JS he gave them a walk and passed on Andruw.

It is funny that JS made all these decisions for 2008 and left right afterwards.

The rebuilding is just beginning and there is no need to start trading off our players.

By Bob, Journalist

October 25, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Journalists are like �ladies of the street�, no matter how high their ideals are, they still have to resort to tricks to make money … so that’s what it takes … all this time I’ve had the wrong half of the equation … knowing how to spend it.

I don’t know ‘bout the Tomahawkin’ Since ‘82 nominations but he and me do agree … learned that flaw from David O’B … that SSI Scribe and the Blog’s First Lady are tops!

Heck, it’s an honor just to be mentioned with the SSI Scribe … mighty high cotton indeed!

Tomahawkin’ Since ‘82 has introduced a a new phrase “Healthy Baseball Dialogue” … I don’t know what that means but it sounds good … and a new class of bloggers known as the “S.J.A.” types. What are they and for what do the “S.J.A.” initials stand?

Actually, I lay claim to his �Biggest Bloated Ego” award … ain’t no way it should go to Most Honorable Southern … methinks he should get the Timex Award instead.

Shaun’s statistics will show that I am also most deserving of any “Bad Grammatical Flaws� award … besides, insiders know that Jimmy Smith is actually Wurlitzer winner and esteemed writer Bobby Dews who is having you on.

Most everyone agrees that my posts are the most difficult on the Blog to understand … me included … so I should get the “Vastly Misunderstood” award too … methinks Ron Roberts is relatively easy to understand though it takes a good third ear and/or third eye … a good memory helps too.

Regarding the �I Can�t Tell From One Day to the Next if You�re a Good Guy or a Bad Guy� category … I’m surprised that there’s but two nominees as there’s a bit of both in most … I was hoping to win them all but I can’t seriously compete for this award … some think I’m good, others think I’m bad … but whatever I am, I’m consistent.

It’s good to see how we’re perceived and good to be able to laugh with others at ourselves … indeed, it’s good just to be able to laugh!

I applaud the move to honor Buck O’Neil for his efforts to get recognition for Negro Players who didn’t have the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues but I don’t understand David’s comment that “The Hall and its Veterans Committee have repeatedly snubbed the iconic Negro League star by not putting him in the Hall where he belongs” … from what I’ve heard and read, he was a very good player but I never got the impression that he was an iconic Negro League star … perhaps he was but surely, were that to have been the case, methinks the Veterans Committee would have so honored the beloved and well respected Buck O’Neil.

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