Braves

By Jared

October 25, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

First?

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse44, I hear ya on Beckett. I keep waiting for Smoltz to come barging onto one of these television shows and tell them to tell Beckett to call Smoltz back about 11 postseasons from now.

By Johnny Rocker

October 25, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

What did Chad Paronto do to p** off Bobby Cox?

By woogidy

October 25, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

You da man DOB! Great work.

By Braveheart...... The Uppity One With No Roots Showing

October 25, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Well today was the most support I have ever seen Kelly Johnson get. Amazing what a little rumor about trading him for Coco Crisp can do for a fella’s Q rating.

By Algae Crumpler

October 25, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

What did Chad Paronto do to p* off Bobby Cox?*

It wasn’t Bobby Cox. It was Petrino. He is pushing fat vets out the door.

By Flip Wilson

October 25, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT But, me and Killer sure enjoyed it!

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 8:28 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…gettin’ all the atta’boys and “it’s ok’s” for being mistreated while we’re taking the shots. Ain’t right. Should we eat shyte or dye?

By the by…arrived to see a little earlier post giving us a hard time. Think I should smack or just set straight?

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

DOB I understand that Jeff Shultz is in Boston. Does he know why?

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

points need to be made within a 24 hour period or dropped and that to continue this is beyond all sense and sensibility…

Braveheart: the esteemed artist has a very good addition for the RROE here.

David Bowie has another RROE ditty here:

We bought a lot of things to keep you warm and dry - And a funny old crib on which the paint won’t dry - I bought you a pair of shoes - A trumpet you can blow - And a book of rules - On what to say to people when they pick on you - ‘Cause if you stay with us you’re gonna be pretty Kookie too

By Buffalo Tom

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

DOB, Mike O’Malley is really a good dude. Don’t know if you got to meet him, but I ran into him at one of my favorite all time Bands Concert and he was cool to hang with - Buffalo Tom. It was at the Bowery Ballroom, 1998. Good times, great tunes. He’s a Boston homer. He did those funny ESPN commercials in the late 90’s of the guy staying in his parents loft battling toy mascots. Well, guess you had to see ‘em.

By Overlord

October 25, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Where do Braves scouts work? at a hospital? How come they always pick up or bring a pitcher that has already been to the operation room?

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 8:34 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?

Oh, let him alone. I think he meant “well”. We’ll see.

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

SG

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 very miffed to not have been nominated for “Best Saloon Owner”! :-)

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

I think Chad, as nice a guy as he was, might have picked up a thing or two too many from his good buddy Wickman, at least for the Braves’ tastes.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Looks like my Japanese journalist friend to my immediate right (and I mean immediate, as in 1-1/2 inches away) doesn’t have the stomach to compete with me in the coffee showdown tonight. Or maybe he just doesn’t realize the implications of this little duel (or even that there is a duel, since I haven’t spoken to him).

Anyway, he’s drinking water.

(actually he’s a good guy. last night when i asked him if he could try to move one of his buddies down a few inches, a guy who had about 5 more inches of table space than the rest of us, he did so quite agreeably).

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

How can Gammons and Dusty Baker say Schilling is a better postseason pitcher than Smoltz?

Smoltz has pitched 207 innings, struck out 194, given up only 168 hits, 67 walks and has a 2.65 ERA with a 15-4 record with 4 saves.

Schilling has only pitched 128 innings, has 116 strikeouts, given up 100 hits, 23 walks and has a 2.25 ERA with a 10-2 record.

And as I was saying on the last blog, 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.

Smoltz and Mariano Rivera are the best postseason pitchers of the past 25 years.

Beckett can call Smoltz and Rivera back 11 postseasons from now.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

VA Tech 7 BC 0 in first qt.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Schilling looked like a lazy fat toad allowing Tavares to get over to third on that play.

By BossLady

October 25, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

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 David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

HP, Schultz is here, indeed.

Buffalo Tom, I do remember those commercials, and they were funny.

And Buffalo Tom, a very strong band. “Birdbrain” and “Big Red Letter Day” are great albums. Haven’t bought any of their recent stuff.

Always get them confused momentarily with Grant Lee Buffalo, another fine band. But they’re from L.A. and Buffalo Tom is from up here in Massachusetts, right?

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

A Dwight Evans sighting on FOX. Very cool. Dewey.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Overlord Better after than before. They missed that on Gonzolas.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

But DOB-Winslow Arizona is such a fine place to be. It was pretty cool-When I was at Mercer, Jackson Brown did a show with David Linley on campus. Greg Allman showed up, stoned out of his brain, to jam with them and promptly forgot the chords and lyrics to Sweet Melissa. Ceretainly not Greg’s finest moment, but he was lovestruck over Cher at the time. Brown and Linley were great, though.

By Heathcliff Paladin

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

a “lazy fat toad”? That sounds like a protagonist for a children’s book.

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Anyway, he’s drinking water. Wuss.

Send him my way, DOB. I’ll hook him up.

By ssiscribe

October 25, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

What’s going to last longer, the Rockies’ lead or the Japanese scribe drinking water while DOB pounds the java?

The Scribe abides.

—30—

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

October 25, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

if you don’t mind language that would make a sailor blush, check out the sonsofsamhorn sox game blog . You have to be really special to post there apparently…never tried to sign up, they live and die there during june games. Really fun to watch them in a game they are losing in….

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

dunkin donuts in boston? well, journalist would say atlanta is a krispy kreme town. chino would probably agree.

now, paladin, jimmy smith agrees with paladin and would feel comfortable doing a google search on paladin and revealing to all without paladin having a hissy fit.

and journalist has an ego, too. after all the bitter accusations against this journalist, jimmy smith would like to cite a few more accomplishments. winner of pre-wurlitzer wurlitzer, free subscription to magazine of jimmy smith’s choice (awarded for loyal dry cleaning customer), and radio host for the day on local religious radio station (had to sing gospel - in third person sounds pretty funky). more watts than you know who’s station.

and now this from lew, “CHipper’s really one of the biggest signers.”

easy to explain: crayon

and carolina lady, jimmy smith knows jimmy smith has been bad today but remember provocation occurred before jimmy smith let loose with jimmy smith’s retort.

and jimmy smith had a call from a blogger friend earlier and a goofy golf date has been set. need to find some courses though - not sure where to go to find the best goofy golf. any ideas? would like to listen to radio while playing and maybe enjoy a nice sandwich.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

a “lazy fat toad”? That sounds like a protagonist for a children’s book.

Or what Steinbrenner called Hideki Irabu back in the day.

By David O'Brien

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

I think maybe we’ll have to start a “Worst Person In The World” type of distinction here, though name it something else, since that’s probably copyrighted already on the blogosphere.

Maybe “Most Boorish Human Being.”

Or, “Most Loathsome Individual.”

By Gil in Mechanicsville

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

Man, aways loved playing football in the rain, leveled the playing field for us big slow guys.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

jjs Go for it. I’m under goofballs, space between the ears.

By BossLady

October 25, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

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 JJMB

October 25, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

*Looks like my Japanese friend doesn’t have the stomach to compete with me in the coffee showdown tonight. Or maybe he just doesn’t realize the implications of this little duel (or even that there is a duel, since I haven’t spoken to him).

Anyway, he’s drinking water. Wuss.*

If this defines your masculinity, I hope you have a current renal function panel.

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

October 25, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Put this on the other blog, then some body put another one up! the very nerve!

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 Braveheart

October 25, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

J.D. Boo Boo is hurt again. Cowgirl Up J.D.!

By R2D2

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

“Renal function panel”. Does not compute. Try again later.

By Savannah Guy

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

The Daily Buzz (Fly on Wall Report No. 030)

(Fly language translated for your convenience).

As Mr. Fly passed out like Rodney Dangerfield after the last cheeseburger-fest and interview, Mr. Burns retired to the office lounge to ponder his next move. He wondered, after his first incorrect guess about John Schuerholz being Mr. Fly’s mutant-daddy, should he venture another guess? What if wrong? Would that affect his documentary filmmaker credibility? So many questions, yet the answer seemed so clear and obvious. The mutant origin human was right under our noses the whole time it seemed. Many bloggers would soon guess the mutant identity, so how would Mr. Burns get the scoop on the blog world and announce it first?

Mr. Burns struggled with his next move. If bloggers guess the mutant human identity first, then Mr. Burns feared he would be relegated to just a reporter of history. No sleuth reporter should ever be scooped by his entire audience. What to do? Should he unmask Fly’s mutant-dad? Such a dilemma. Then, like a bolt of lightning, a beam of light coming through the cloud, a light bulb floating over the head…the answer revealed itself…documenting history is a GOOD thing! That’s what documentary filmmakers do, after all. Made a good career of it. So why change now?

Did Mr. Burns simply fall into sleuth reporter envy? Seems so, but finally, he came to his senses and determined to let Mr. Fly be the sleuth reporter and he would remain a documentary filmmaker. So, in true documentary style, he would let his subject tell the story. So what if everyone already knows the end. They know the end of all of his stories. After all, the art of documentary filmmaking is in the invisible and unbiased story telling…not a surprise ending. Fly should unmask the mutant origin himself.

About this time, Mr. Burns hears a suspicious stirring and buzzing sound in the conference room where he left Fly, so he hurried in to investigate:

MR BURNS: hello…Mr. Fly? Are you ok? Helloooo…

MR. FLY: help me!!!

MR BURNS: where are you Fly? I can’t see you…

About that time, Mr. Burns noticed that the antique electric train set, the Old Calabash Express, was running and Mr. Fly’s little calls for help seemed to coming from somewhere amongst the little toy train community and the putt-putt course.

MR. FLY: mr. Ken, right here…by the little RR-X-ING sign. Hurry…me stuck on the track and the train is coming…helllpppp meeeee!!!!

MR. BURNS: ok little buddy…there…got you. How did you get tied up?

MR. FLY: a spider gang tied me up. They wanted the train to squish me. They attacked for no reason. Thank you Mr. Burns. My hero. Like Dudley Dooright.

MR. BURNS: who would do something like that? Mudslinger spiders? Tomahawkin’ critters?

MR. FLY: no, was Ziggy and Spiders from Mars gang. They dragged me to the track, tied me up and flipped the train switch on. Oh, the horrors. Why, why, why?

MR. BURNS: can’t really say Fly. Makes no sense, but it could be jealousy because you have an inside relationship with Braves President or because I am shooting this big documentary about you that will air all over the world. You’ll have DVD’s, merchandising, fly-music CD’s, fly-poetry, fly-BBQ recipe books…all those things that come with fame. Someone wanted to snuff you out it seems.

MR. FLY: all nice but me rather have you commission famous Wulitzer artist for Fly portrait.

MR. BURNS: we’ll see if it’s in the budget. You ok now?

MR. FLY: me hunky dory now. Where is buddy John?

MR. BURNS: relax, I’ll go find him. We’ll need security.

MR. FLY: me wait here. Me watch baseball and listen to music and read poetry while waiting. So many eyes and ears. Maybe blog a with buddies and relax.

MR. BURNS: all right, no harm in that I suppose, but don’t you dare leave this room. I’ll be back soon.

(Mr. Burns quickly goes to find Mr. Schuerholz and get to the bottom of this near tragedy. The mutant origin fly story will continue as soon as the area is secured. Mr. Burns promises, without further ado or distraction, to unmask the mutant origin fly-man once and for all during the next session.)

By David O'Brien

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

J.D.’s down … but not out. Amazing.

By BossLady

October 25, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Over drinking caffeine is just like over drinking alcohol.

I am not the diet police…..

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

By David O’Brien

October 25, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

“I think Chad, as nice a guy as he was, might have picked up a thing or two too many from his good buddy Wickman, at least for the Braves’ tastes.”

well, they were wearing the same pants for a time. could explain.

and j.d. drew is hurt! toe? ankle? hammock?

and dob, if working space is too confined perhaps a little dob nose picking would create some more room between dob and the japanese journalist. then ask if dob can see the neat computer.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Congrats, JJMB, your consistently joyless posts and overly serious tone have made you an early leader for the new award.

It’s a blog, man. Lighten up.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

October 25, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Been a while since the Scalp Man has weighed in here. Been reading DOB’s always informative and insightful posts and comments. As far as the bloggers go, things been getting a little ugly lately. Hope we can all find a way to get along (Props to R. King, wherever he may be.. prison, crackhouse, the outhouse, or in a penthouse).

So far, Bahston rules. I saw last night’s game as a low scoring one (at least one that would not reach the over/under of 8.5 runs - who the hell comes up with .5 on a line anyway? has there ever been a half run, or half point scored, ever?) Anyway, things were fine until the Sox got to the bully, and then really raked. Boston in 6, in my estimation.

A straight up trade of Coco Crisp (a damned fine cereal, I might add - nothing better than breakfast that turns your milk to chocolate) for our Special K (J)? No way, no how.. not now, not ever. We gave up some big time prospects this year for Tesh. I think the trade was worth it (and hope our hometown Yellow Jacket ain’t gonna listen to Bora$$ about how he can take us to the cleaners on an extension). But, to get a good fielder with a below average outfield bat, in exchange for an offensive stud at second base, with a good (not great, but pretty damned good) glove in the infield… um, no, no, no. I’d go for Captain Crunch before Coco Crisp. For that matter, given our health conscious society, I’d go for Life, Corn Flakes (with bananas, no sugar, of course), or any Granola based cereal than Coco Crisp/Count Chocula.

And then, there is baseball. Coco is a good player, but not one worthy of our Special K(J).

I would love bringing in Tori Hunter for CF. Great club house guy, great time guy, and great player, offensively and defensively. What would he cost? $18 mm a year? $20 mm a year? PLEASE DOB, tell Tori isn’t represented by Bora$$!! I know we need a starter or two… But, I think with what we have coming back (Note to management - reach a reasonable settlement with Diaz on his arbitration), dump Willie …

Wife demands return of the computer.. More later.

By Lew

October 25, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Yes, The Worst Person in The World Wurlitzer-Pretend I drew them a picture they didn’t like.

JJS-Not crayon, Sharpie and Silver paint pen.

ChrisKlob-I just emailed you some pictures. Let me know what you think of the museum.

By flange1

October 25, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I not sure what I want most now..

• to find out who the mutant origin fly-man is
• to her RR’s next comment on Calabash

• to watch the master JJS slice and dice his way through the night

• watch the Sox crush teh Rockies again…..

Maybe all at once????

By Jeff R

October 25, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait for the winter meetings. Next best thing to the Braves making the post season. Rockies are overmatched. Unless the Sox pitching tanks, I bet they win the series 4-1 or 4-2.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

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

Va Tech 7 BC 0 at end of first half

By BossLady

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

How do some of these bloggers type columns longer than DOB? It’s his profession for a livelihood, but, they enter pages of blogs.

Is is handwritten on paper an typed into the comments of just spewed out.

I might just give an essay tomorrow since all this travelling, I’m not doing any work at my office. A big lunch and blogging that is what they get until Monday.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

should smack t-hawk or just set straight?

Klobber sez yea and Paladin sez nay

Hmmm…sage council in disagreement. Need more sage council. My attack was unprovoked and unearned. Me a mudslinging troll? Won’t sleep tonight. Wonder what Carolina Lady would advise? Bob, Journalist? Scribe?

But wait, they got kudos from attacker. May be softer?

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Douchebag Denizen of the Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNzZzsvOClc

By David O'Brien

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

Ooohhhh, Big Papi came about as close as you can to hooking a homer around the Pesky Pole. Just foul…

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

How did Ortiz make contact with that curve?

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

… and then Jimenez gets him on the check swing to end the inning with two on. HUGE at-bat, with Manny on deck.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

only a few more hours to be a junior jackass and this journalist has promised carolina lady to be good. what a missed opportunity! jimmy smith could be doing what a junior jackass does but for this promise to carolina lady. and cake will be served soon at the ted. must find when flbravesgirl will be there.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Mr. fly Smack ‘n tell is bad form, bad manners and bad bidness. If we are going to continue as partners, you are going to have to follow corporate guidelines. In short, SFU!!

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Beautiful night at the ‘yard, folks, after a gorgeous, sunny afternoon with temp about 60 degrees. The Green Line ride from Walthan is worth paying about $10 just for the fall foliage. And it’s only $2….

Good to have you back, Scalp….

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

here comes a softball to dob (showing off for bosses): dob, why is it called the pesky pole?

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

How do some of these bloggers type columns longer than DOB? It’s his profession for a livelihood, but, they enter pages of blogs. Is is handwritten on paper an typed into the comments of just spewed out.

How right you are Boss Lady. My bad. Fly made me do it. Sorry. Won’t happen again. I’ll smack the little bugger.

By keylargo25

October 25, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

What’s up with Mahay? I really liked him and hope we can resign him. He impressed me with just looking like a great athlete. I remember the first time I saw him hit he just had a really smooth, coordinated swing. Any possible connection to Paronto being designated for assignment?

By ssiscribe

October 25, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Schill rolled through the fourth inning. Think he’s settling in, which ain’t good for the Rox …

I’m surprised the Red Sox haven’t broken through yet. Give Jimenez credit; he’s pitching well, but I think it’s just a matter of time …

Just watched the Red Sox pitching coach get interviewed live during the game on Fox. Can you picture Billy Martin or Dick Williams agreeing to a live interview in the middle of a World Series game? I love how Bobby makes Smoltz or Pendleton do it for the ESPN games …

And can you believe Sunday marks 12 years since Marquis Grissom glided into left-center field in the old ballpark and caught the final out of the World Series? I let my kids stay up tonight to watch the first inning, the first World Series game they’ve ever watched — and baseball wonders why the kids don’t watch, when they have to go to bed; I mean, we’ve played 3 1/2 innings now and it’s freaking 20 minutes to 10 p.m. in the East.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, 1995 World Series. Showed the kiddies my ticket stubs from Games 1, 2 and 6 at old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Brought back good memories, indeed. Tonight’s the anniversary of Game 4 in Cleveland. Steve Avery went out one night after Cleveland pounded John Smoltz to pull within two games to one, and Ave gave the Braves a great start to put Atlanta on the verge of the world championship.

Remember the ninth inning of that Game 4? Mark Wohlers got into trouble, and Pedro Borbon came on and got the final out for the save. Perhaps Borbon should’ve pitched the eighth inning of Game 4 of the following year’s World Series, but I digress.

Alright, I’m outta here. DOB, want to make you feel like it’s the offseason, so now that we’ve dispelled the KJ for Coco deal, feel around and see what you know about Crawford or Baldelli coming to Atlanta (just messing with ya).

And we’re tied 1-1. Here come the BoSawx.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Yep, we got Scalp ‘Em back.

Now we need:

Mathew, Walter’s Daddy

MBATL

Eric the Elder - elderman, I saw you posting over there with Schultzie. You can come back over here and join your friends every once in a while. We miss ya.

Is that enough selling out for you Paladin?

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

jjs DOB can’t answer your question about the Pesky pole right now, he’s gone to the Johnny.

By ssiscribe

October 25, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

And looking at the Red Sox bullpen, I’m glad to see the Tomahawk Chop has returned to the World Series stage.

—30—

By Shaun

October 25, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

I think the Red Sox bullpen was just doing the tomahawk chop, my guess is in honor of Jacoby Ellsbury’s American Indian heritage.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

How on EARTH did Jimenez go 8-5 with a 5.85 ERA in 19 games at Triple-A this season before being called up? With that stuff, are you kidding me? A near-6.00 ERA in Triple-A (albeit at altitude, in Colorado Springs)?

By the way, Rockies haven’t lost back-to-back road games since Aug. 27-28 at San Francisco. That’s right, nearly two months ago.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

1 start in the 2005 playoffs. gave up 1 run in 7 innings. LOST game. Hardly his fault.

Braves won that game, which was game two of the NLDS in 2005. The ones who can be blamed for that series are Tim Hudson for his game one performance (though he pitched great in game four) and Kyle Farnsworth for blowing a five run lead in the eighth inning.

By Julia

October 25, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Some of you asked about me today and DOB seemed uncertain as to why I post of my passion for the SHRIMP SAMMICH.

Let me explain. I have always enjoyed a good sammich but I a-d-o-r-e the SHRIMP SAMMICH.

Someone last night said a C-A-L-A-B-A-S-H SHRIMP SAMMICH is a roll filled with t-a-s-t-y little fried shrimp and slathered in butter and cocktail sauce.

I have been posting so much lately about the SHRIMP SAMMICH that I suspect you could Google Julia and SHRIMP SAMMICH and come up with me.

I don’t think I have enough POOCH though to have a CALABASH restaurant show up with me on Google.

Big Papi looks like he might enjoy a SHRIMP SAMMICH now and then.

By Betty Lonely

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

A free taco for all Americans!

By ssiscribe

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

Thanks for the free taco!

—30—

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Selling out? I never want you to sell out, nephew. Unless I get a piece of the action.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

that was a good response, Heathcliff….

Key Largo, what would releasing a 32-year-old journeyman right-handed reliever have to do with possibly trying to re-sign free agent lefty Mahay?

They had to open a spot on the 40-man for this dude they claimed off waivers. Who else you gonna drop from the 40-man?

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

If we are going to continue as partners, you are going to have to follow corporate guidelines. In short, SFU!!

Fly or guy? SFU??? Oh, mercy. Did you miss your meds tonight? Nurse being mean? Corporate guidelines from what corp.? Mattel?

By Dale

October 25, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

DOB…Heard Todd Jones on Birmingham radio this morning say that he hoped this was the year that he and the Braves could “hook up”. Any chance of that?

By Iowa Boy

October 25, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

DOB Will Hampton pitch in a winter league? How is the relationship with Bobby Cox and Wren? Sox are coming back.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

JJS, in case you don’t have Google:

“Pesky’s Pole, or The Pesky Pole, is the nickname for the right field foul pole at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. It is named after Johnny Pesky, who played second base, shortstop and third base for the Red Sox from 1942 to 1952, except for 1943-45 during World War II.

“The pole sits only 302 feet (92 meters) away from home plate. Like the measurement of the left-field line at Fenway Park, this has been disputed. Aerial shots show it to be noticeably shorter than the (actual) 302 foot line in right, and Pesky himself has been quoted as estimating it to be “around 295 feet” to his eponymous pole.

“According to Pesky, the nickname was coined by former Red Sox pitcher Mel Parnell. Parnell thought up the name after Pesky won him the game with a blooper over the fence near the pole.

“Pesky was a slap hitter who hit just 17 home runs in his career (6 at Fenway Park) [1]; thus, he was a hitter who would have benefited greatly from the short, easy-to-reach fence. However, research has suggested that he was unlikely to have hit many home runs around the pole.”

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Don’t mind me jjs. I’m just giving you “The Needle”.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Oh, now I understand. Thanks, Julia.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Where are you sitting O’Brien? Are you somewhere that can be seen on television?

By Jared

October 25, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Heard Todd Jones on Birmingham radio this morning say that he hoped this was the year that he and the Braves could “hook up”. Any chance of that?

Todd Jones, who lives in Georgia, has been pretty much begging to be a Brave. I’d sign him to a one year deal if I was GM. He’d be cheap, a lot cheaper than Dotel.

By keylargo25

October 25, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

DOB

If I could have thought of a connection, I would have brought it up. LOL, DOB I’m in a hotel room in your old stomping grounds of West Palm Beach - I am doing one of the most boring things in the world - continuing education. Will be in class at 7 am Friday. I will not, however, be any smarter when I get through.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

thanks, dob. journalist no longer uses google.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Va Tech 10 BC 0 with 5:30 to go in 3rd

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Just funnin’ SG, just funnin’. You and Mr. Fly do your thing whilst I do mine. Love and kisses and best to the Lady. Y’hear?

By Greg

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

Could Renteria net us Felix Pie? I wonder if we don’t need a CF more than a young starter if we sign Glavine.

By BossLady

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

Why did you have to mention continuing education? I just finished 2 of 3 courses. You won’t be any smarter and I won’t change my way of doing business. Parting instructions FILE FOR AUDIT. LOL LOL

By AdirondackDave

October 25, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Crisp wouldn’t be the worst choice for CF for a year or two but NOT on a straight KJ for Crisp deal. I’d also want either a decent prospect or Sox eat the salary difference for 2 years (or both).

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Jared, not unless they’re showing the inside of the pressbox on TV. I’m in the main pressbox, second row (there’s four rows)….

Oh, and as for T. Jones, he didn’t exactly ingratiate himself to the Braves with his criticial comments about them not making him an offer (when John S. indicated to us that they’d pursued him) the last time he was a free agent, when he got that two-year stunner of an offer from Detroit (Braves weren’t going to give him a two-year offer or anything close to the salary he got from Tigers).

Now, maybe they didn’t actually make him an offer. I have no idea. Just no they indicated to us they had pursued him.

Anyway … maybe they’d have interest in him as a setup man, I don’t know. But seems unlikely.

By Braveheart

October 25, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Manny is a hitting freak.

This kid’s stuff is so good though that he actually made Manny swing and miss twice.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Manny being Manny … just about blew up in his face.

Mike Lowell being Mike Lowell. Good stuff.

Did you all see that stat? First hit off Jimenez this postseason in eight at-bats with RISP and two outs.

By eric the elder

October 25, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Aw shucks, Braveheart, you make me blush.

I lurk a bit, but decided not to post unless I had something mildly interesting to say. Of course, that means I shouldn’t be posting now because I’m not saying anything remotely interesting.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Va Tech 10 BC 0 at end of 3rd qt

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

OK, here it is on the situation two years ago with Todd Jones. Just found my story from Dec. 9, 2005, after Winter Meetings in Dallas:

Braves officials weren’t amused by the comments of veteran reliever Todd Jones after he signed a two-year, $11 million contract with Detroit on Wednesday. The Marietta native, who writes a column for The Birmingham News, told the paper he wanted to close for Atlanta, but the Braves offered only a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

“I did everything in my power to be available [to the Braves],” said Jones, 37, who had an improbable resurgence last season with Florida, recording 40 saves and a career-best 2.10 ERA. “I wanted to come home for a severe discount and they didn’t even want to hear it.”

Schuerholz had to restrain himself when asked to respond. The Braves said they offered a one-year, $3.5 million contract to Jones, with a vesting $4 million option and $500,000 buyout.

“I’m surprised that such a comment would be made,” Schuerholz said. “The offer the Braves made, we thought was a solid one, and we never really heard back about it.”

By AdirondackDave

October 25, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Additionally, any KJ for Crisp deal would have to take into account that what you see with Crisp is very likely what your going to get. Johnson, on the other hand, is not only better but has substantial upside. Still, I think the deal could work out ok for the Braves if they get the additional talent/cash to balance things out.

By Paula D

October 25, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Jawl, we’re having a vegetable lasagna dish tonight, jawl. I like it every once in a while, jawl. (Helps with my digestion, jawl).

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

dob, what sort of noise did j.d. drew make when hit by that ball? girly?

had the ball hit drew in the toe and had the toe become swollen … then drew could be called the big toe from cairo (well, not the real big toe from cairo, but still a big toe from cairo).

and how much are the braves counting on wily aybar? or at all? and will someone please teach wily to run the bases. should have learned that in dodgertown.

and it is not too early to begin plans for the blog gathering at spring training. would be a good time to watch lew paint and see some baseball.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, no doubt Manny’s a hitting savant. He could roll out of the rack and rake.

By AdirondackDave

October 25, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Varitek up with the bags loaded. If he gets a hit, it’s time for the fat lady to warm up.

By John in Tampa, Fla

October 25, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Baseball season isn’t over yet????

YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN!!!!!!!!

By N8

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

DOB

You said:

“A near-6.00 ERA in Triple-A (albeit at altitude, in Colorado Springs)?”

It appears as though YOU are aware, by that comment, but for those who aren’t, the Sky Sox (Rockies AAA team), play in Colorado Springs, and THAT is the highest altitude stadium in the United States…NOT Coors Field.

Been to about 20 games there, and the ball literally JUMPS of the bat down there (or should I say UP there?).

By BossLady

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

All caught up on the blog.

The lyrics to that song is a wake up call to everyone of us.

It’s like that tune you printed last week or earlier that you gonna have to serve somebody.

It seems all we have and all we will accomplish is minimal inside of the really big picture.

WOW, Rock On DOB!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

October 25, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

wait, j.d. drew from valdosta? willie harris from cairo? journalist gets those two confused all the time.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 25, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

I’m going to bed. This is like a cricket pitch between Pakistan and Turkey. Who really gives a fork? I’d probably root for Turkey. but only because they taste better.

Instead of smothering me with the pillow tonight, Chief is going to read me the blog. Sleep should come easily. Nite all.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Ding ding ding! We have another contender for our new dubious distinction. Take a step forward, John in Tampa.

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Never before in my sports fan history have I been so torn about two teams playing each other. BoSox are my old AL faves, but gotta love Rox now. Usually I’ll find a reason to pull for one or the other but this one is tough. The match-up looks like the men against the boys…but the boys are great.Go Rox…uh, Go BoSox…um…

Ok, it’s resolved: Go BoSockies!

By Jared

October 25, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Those comments don’t seem that bad. It’s not like he insult Schuerholz or anything. I think Todd Jones is worth a low-risk, one year contract from the Atlanta Braves.

By Jared

October 25, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Did the Fox reporter guy just say “we’re thinking outside the bun”?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Score still VT 10 BC 0 with 6:55 to go.

By chrisklob

October 25, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Jared, that is what is known as “sucking up to the sponsors”!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

BC scores with 2:11 to go. VT10 BC7

By TennesseePaul

October 25, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

It’s impressive. Several years ago I was excited to see the Sox do something and win it all. Now, not so much. I see this team and Mike Lowell is about the only guy on the team I don’t mind cheering for. Varitek ain’t so bad either. But I hope for each of the rest to blow an ACL while dancing in the batters box after hitting a single.

By Deep Throat

October 25, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

EXCLUSIVE: PHOTOGRAPH OF DOB

http://i24.tinypic.com/17pv1x.jpg

By Savannah Guy

October 25, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Taco Bell scored a major PR milestone with the free taco coverage. Multi-night unrehearsed dugout player conversations, chat with TB spokesman (CEO?), product positioning. Brilliant. Can’t buy all that. Or can you?

I’m gonna take’em up on it, even though I never go there, just for general principle. Or as Paladin might say, general principal. Had to ding you back uncle Pal.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout B.C. What a finish to that game. VaTech just choked away a win about as big as you can choke one away.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

BC scores with 11 seconds to play after recovery of an on sides kick. No joy in Hokieville tonight. BC 14 VT 10

By jt

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

Braves, are you guys talking about the Braves? Go Sox! Blow an ACL? That’s class. You are from TN, though. I am sure you have a mullet.

By brian

October 25, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Is there anyone besides me that is pumped up for the Braves in 2008? I agree with the anonymous ESPN guy - the Braves will be a serious contender next year with only a few additions.

Everyone knows where this is headed - Tom Glavine is the number one addition. As has been mentioned in numerous places - an affordable #3-4 starter that will not cost us any prospects. If we can trade for a good young starter as well using a package including either Edgar or KJ our rotation will be set with some depth as well (also gives our young pitchers such as James and Reyes more time to develop without pressure).

If you add in a solid caretaker CF such as Cameron the Braves still have a potent lineup that is still pretty good defensively.

Bullpen is solid with Soriano. Number one on my list for the bullpen is resigning Mahay. With Ring and hopefully Gonzalez - solid for the lefty side. Numerous tough young righty’s - there will actually be a competition to make the roster here.

Braves will be in the post-season 2008 marring a major injury (and no Hampton would not be included in that statement)

By David O'Brien

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

Did you guys know that Hideki Okajima became the first Japanese-born pitcher to appear in a World Series game? Well, if you were sitting where I am, you’d know.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that three-quarters of the row I’m in is comprised of Japanese reporters. And there are dozens more spread throughout the pressbox and the auxilary box and media work room.

I count 12 consecutive Japanese reporters to my right, with Tom Haudricourt to my left and the immortal and venerable “Commish” to his left (the Commish is Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, elected to the writers’ wing of the Hall of Fame this year. Great guy, despite being a Mizzou grad. He runs a terrific NCAA basketball pool in spring training).

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Tech blew the onsides kick…. Same thing that happened last year against Georgia.

By David O'Brien

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

For all of you wondering whatever happened to Boyz II Men, well, they just sung God Bless America on the field. They’re now Boyz II (very much middle-aged) Men

By The Grinch

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

Hoooooooo! Va Tech, well…you and Hall and Vick deserve each other. Ryan for first pick, anyone? He’s just as good as Brohm.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

OK Rocs, time to put some runs on the board. Getting past my bedtime….

By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)

October 25, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

My favorite poem: The Fly

Little Fly Thy summers play, My thoughtless hand Has brush’d away.

Am not I A fly like thee? Or art not thou A man like me?

For I dance And drink and sing Till some blind hand Shall brush my wing.

If thought is life And strength and breath; And the want of thought is death;

Then am I A happy fly, If I live, Or if I die.

-- William Blake

By The Grinch

October 25, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, what the %^$#@ about James Taylor? He sang the SSB for the WS game 2 and looked like anyone’s least favorite biology teacher. Am I the only one remembering him from “Two Lane Blacktop” and Sweet Baby James?

By The Grinch

October 25, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, what the %^$#@ about James Taylor? He sang the SSB for the WS game 2 and looked like anyone’s least favorite biology teacher. Am I the only one remembering him from “Two Lane Blacktop” and Sweet Baby James?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 25, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Another classic example of how the prevent defense prevents victories.

By Chop Chop

October 25, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan is the QB I’d draft, Grinch. I happen to think that Brian Brohm might just be Petrino’s illegitimate son. You know, kinda like of like Dan Reeves being Tommy Maddox’s father.

By TennesseePaul

October 25, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

jt: New here I see. Who said I’m from Tennessee?
Sox class

GO BRAVES!!

By fastasballs

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

Yet another fine display of Stinesprings offensive creativity. That guy should go back to coaching high school where he belongs.

1st class choke job by the Hokies. Unreal!!!! This brings back memories of the the Georgia game from last year.

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Tell ya what, Okajima has very nasty stuff….

I’m still trying to figure out why Troy Aikman is at the game wearing Red Sox attire. I mean, when I think of Boston and New England, I think of Troy Aikman….

And are all of you going to get the taco that Jacoby Ellsbury worked hard to provide you all by stealing that base in the fourth inning?

According to the press notes, all of America can can get a free Beef Crunchy Taco at Taco Bell, but you can only get it between 2-5 p.m. on Oct. 30.

Are we sure Taco Bell is open on Oct. 30?

By William Shakespeare; King Lear

October 25, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

The small gilded fly does lecher in my sight.

By Chop Chop

October 25, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Gil. I could understand doing the prevent when you’re up 10-0, but how can you go back to it when you’re only up by 3? BC’s kicker is not exactly the most reliable guy, so Bud Foster had to know that BC was going to be thinking TD first. Matt Ryan’s just too good to be given that much time back there.

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

October 25, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Have you ever heard anyone in the braves organization talk about the way the Red Sox, Yankees approach hitting? Taking a ton of pitches, the way their hitters are aware that pitchers rarely throw strikes on 0-2, 1-2 counts??

Just curious, I wish they (the Braves)would make pitchers work the way the Sox do…no matter how good a pitcher is, they get them out of a game by the 5th….

By David O'Brien

October 25, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Just so you know in case the Red Sox win this game: Of the 50 teams that have taken 2-0 leads in the World Series, 39 have gone on to win it, including 12 of the last 13 times it’s happened.

The only exception? Uh, sorry to do this again: Atlanta in 1996, when they won the first two games at Yankee Stadium, then … well, you know.

By Karl Shapiro

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

“Oh, Hideous little bat, the size of snot.”

Chop Chop, agreed; he’s more mature.

By fastasballs

October 25, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Gil I can’t believe Foster had them playing prevent against Ryan. The pressured him all game, made him scramble & forced him into a lot of bad passes. A QB with Ryan’s skills will pick apart a prevent.

Stinesping is ,IMO, the biggest joke of a D1 OC in the country. For once all season the run starts to work, the OL was getting a push in the 4th & what does Stinespring do? Decides to throw every down. They could have burned 3-4 more minutes off the clock over the course of the 4th quarter & the game would have been over.

By Um, Emily Dickinson

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

“I heard a fly buzz when I died.”

By Chop Chop

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

Matt “My brain took a short” Holliday

By David O'Brien

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

Papelbon is certainly never boring, huh? Dude puts on a show in every way.

By the way, when the Yankees won the last four games in that 1996 Series against the Braves, it started an amazing 14-game winning streak for the Yankees in World Series games. The Red Sox won’t even be halfway there if they win tonight, but they will have six consecutive wins in World Series games.

By David O'Brien

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

It probably seems tired when they show it on TV, but it’s still pretty cool here in person when a packed house shouts in unison, “so good, so good, so good,” during Sweet Caroline at Fenway. Really is. Even us jaded types can enjoy it.

Rumor has it they’re actually trying to get Neil Diamond to come sing the National Anthem at Game 6 if the Series goes that far (and I don’t think it will), and to also sing Sweet Carolina in the eighth inning. That’d be pretty cool, whether you like Diamond or not.

By Um, Ogden Nash

October 25, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

“God in his wisdom created the fly, and then forgot to tell us why.”

He seems also to have fogotten to tell us why the hell Georgia can’t beat Florida. This, hopefully, shall be settled Saturday. So Sayeth the Grinch. Um, I mean Ogden Nash. :-)

By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)

October 26, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

The small gilded fly does lecher in my sight.

Billy, you shouldn’t Lear at flies while they are, uh…visiting little peach and orange blossoms.

“I heard a fly buzz when I died.”

So…what’s wrong with making a living?

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Grinch, I guess you hadn’t seen old (very) J.T. in a while, huh?

Yes, he makes Boyz II Men look like teen-agers. James ain’t no sweet baby anymore.

By N8

October 26, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Sorry DOB, absolutely CAN’T think of Neil Diamond without thinking of this Will Ferrell SNL skit.

Enjoy if you haven’t seen it. If you have….well….enjoy it again. It’s just as funny the 20th time as it is the 1st time. Not as good as the Cowbell/Blue Oyster Cult skit, but funny none the less.

Neil Diamond Storytellers

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

October 26, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

The NL is officially the sissy, girly man league now….4 and out it will be.

I do wonder why is it when a braves pitcher throws 95-97 MPH down the middle, back-up shortstops can hit it, but no one can touch Red Sox pitchers who do this???? Is the Fox gun slow? Are they really hitting 101???

Drat..the Red Sox fans will only get more full of themselves, plus they have more minor league ready Power arms than most teams, and more money than most teams have(They outspent us by what, 60 Million last year, NOT counting Dice-K?) Yep, DOB they are the 2nd most evil empire now….unless they choke! Then, they will be lovable losers all over again! ;)

By Um, Ogden Nash

October 26, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

DOB, IT’s Horrifying! I just recently saw that dude running a ‘55 Chevy against that guy from “Blazing Saddles” in a ‘71 GTO and porking a girl who looked 15 who’s now probably old enough to be my mom. This will not do. Are we aging, as well? %$#@!

By Savannah Guy

October 26, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

what the %^$#@ about James Taylor? He sang the SSB for the WS game 2 and looked like anyone’s least favorite biology teacher.

It’s like this comrade…we all grow older every year and hopefully we’ll hear less about our looks and missing hair than we hear about our talent or contributions. Sweet baby J still has a lot of good music in him.

If you and I are lucky, some kid will say that about us one day. If we live right…and don’t teach biology.

I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain myself.

By Chop Chop

October 26, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

I hope the Red Sox take the Rockies out behind the woodshed in Denver and sweep them out. Unlike alleged AL-apologist “Red Sox fan” Rudy Giuliani (who is so full of s** that Roto-Rooter can’t unclog him), I don’t root for an NL representative because I’m an NL team fan. I usually just pick a team and cheer for it (never the Yanks, of course).

By the way, I love the way Eric Byrnes is working that reverse jinx on the Rockies in this series. All of a sudden, he thinks they’re a great team. Wouldn’t ya know it, they’ve started losing. Byrnesy, that’s why you build up the other team. It shows that you’re “humble” and that you are taking the opposition seriously.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Sav. Guy, I’m there with you. Hence all the poetic backups. But really; that’s quite disturbing. Wow. ^%$#. Time passes, don’t it? But yeah; we can only hope so.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Sav. Guy, I’m there with you. Hence all the poetic backups. But really; that’s quite disturbing. Wow. ^%$#. Time passes, don’t it? But yeah; we can only hope so.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Sav. Guy, I’m there with you. Hence all the poetic backups. But really; that’s quite disturbing. Wow. ^%$#. Time passes, don’t it? But yeah; we can only hope so.

By Bob, Journalist

October 26, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Some things never change … I just posted this to the previous Blog … three hours after the final post to that Blog.

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. I’m curious … 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 just having us 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.

Thanks and welcome aboard to Tomahawkin’ Since ‘82 … ‘tis 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.

Did I read somewhere that Shaun got married? If so, congratulations to you and please give my condolences to Mrs Payne … Shaun with a captive audience, yikes!

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

October 26, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

James Taylor, and the owner of the Red Sox(With his fingers in his ear) both look like guys you would NOT want to watch your children while you saw a movie….

By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)

October 26, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

“God in his wisdom created the fly, and then forgot to tell us why.”

My esteemed uncle Ogden. To you…

Free from flashiness, free from trashiness Is the essence of ogdenashiness. Rich, original, rash and rational Stands the monument ogdenational!

By The Grinch

October 26, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

I did NOT triple post…that’s the AJC’s doing. What a bunch of d-bags.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, Journalist Bob is correct (Hello Journalist Bob, how are you?). Bobby Dews is a Wurlitzer Winner. He won the Wurlitzer Award for Ex Bullpen Coaches Who Are Pretty Damn Good Writers.

By Savannah Guy

October 26, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

Some things never change…I just posted this to the previous Blog…three hours after the final post to that Blog.

The highly esteemed, sage and always honorable Bob, Journalist, you may be delayed but we denizens should not be denied your exquisite and insightful musings.

Even though I was besmirched (mildly) along with other denizen friends, the ONLY reason I was not really offended by the post you referred to is that the always wonderful Lady of the Carolinas, the always eloquent and righteous Scribe and yourself were complimented in the same post. How could anyone in their right and benefit of doubt mind argue that, my friend? Dislike me but respect the ones I care about and you may not be loved by me but you are covered.

Now, good sir…I must retire, as my little Fly friend, the good baseball game and the esteemed and poetic Grinch have gotten the best of my tired old self for the evening.

G’nite my friend. Love and prayers to Carol.

By Savannah Guy

October 26, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

Just closing it down for the night and saw the esteemed artist himself…so had to say g’nite to friend Lew. So Bobby Dews is a Wurlitzer Winner? Didn’t know that. Amazing…learn something every night around here. Always liked him so I’m really glad to hear that. Very classy baseball man of the first order.

on the morrow…

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 26, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

The Rockies have so far been a huge disappointment , not that I was rooting for them or the BoSox. Can we just get this 07 series over with already ?

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 26, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

“SJA types”?…

By TheSouthernJackAss

October 26, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

The Colorado Rockies have no more business playing in this World Series than does a Baptist preacher waking up Monday morning in a w#orehouse…

By uga-brave

October 26, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

DOB,

just got home from my favorite bar. and i should of won a c note on my bet about two japanese players facing each other in the world series ( okijima vs. matsui) they all said i was wrong. never knew though that was the first japanese player to toe the rubber. double dam could of won twice, sake bomb.

either way DOB great, great, job. IF THAT IDIOT RAMOS IS STILL YOUR editor, tell him to focus more on putting together a baseball section that tells us tommorrows starting pitchers along with their w-l and era.

there was a time in the ajc that every day you got the leaders in BA, RBI, HR, SB, W-L, ERA, SAVES in both leagues.

then on sunday you got a complete breakdown of every player that qualified according to ab’s and all pitchers. plus there was a complete breakdown of all teams, .obp, oba, etc. now i have to subscribe to baseball weekly. something great about actually reading it in black and white.

either way cusack great job.

By uga-brave

October 26, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this

well as now i prepare myself for my annual trip to j-ville (CRAP five hours away) just a couple of dawg thoughts, no more excuses CMR we finally got a off week before we play the blue jean shorts.

quit backing martinez, this team has been missing something since vangorder left, if you cant see it than you are flat out stubborn.

coaches bench players all the time for lack of performance, but head coaches never bench their coordinators. mark, if the gators do a vols on us, you must get rid of LIITTLE WIILIE.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 26, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

Did anyone hear what Jim Rome said about UGA when they were celebrating on Vandy’s logo? He said something like that was UGA’s level of competition now so they should get that excited…I wanted to pound that guys face in. But that wouldn’t be very lady-like now would it? Anyways…I’m kind of wishing the world series was over so we could start hearing more trade/ free agent talk.

By MikeS

October 26, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this

Crap. Didn’t get a chance to blog at all tonight again. Decided to watch 30 Rock, The Office and Without a Trace with the wife. 30 Rock and The Office just keep the hilarity coming. I did get to catch the end of both game 2 and the VT-BC game though. Wow! What a finish in that game. Matt Ryan made some amazing throws down the stretch to win that game. Tebow’s going to have his hands full in the Heisman race with what Ryan’s doing this year. I’m a GT grad though, so I’m a little worried VT is going to come out p** next Thursday when they come here to play us (Big Boi from Outkast is playing with the GT band at halftime btw!). The Thursday nighters are always fun, so I’m definitely looking forward to going to that game.

Papelbon mowed down the Rockies in the ninth. Quite impressive. I thought the Rockies had a real chance going into this game, but they just couldn’t string any hits together. Now I don’t think there’s much chance it gets back to Fenway.

DOB, I’m very glad to hear we don’t have interest in Coco and certainly not for KJ (I really don’t want to part with KJ, unless he’s part of bringing us in a good young starter). I’m hoping for either Cameron at a discount or going with gregor Blanco to start the season. Maybe if Schafer keeps hitting well, he’d be ready to make the jump halfway through the season. Again, with the lineup we have outside of CF, we could certainly do ok with a less than stellar stick there (assuming Diaz continues mashing in LF or B Jones comes up and hits. granted we’ll take a slight hit in power). That’s why i wouldn’t be upset to see Blanco out there. If he can hit .275 and play a good CF, that should be all we need until Schafer’s ready, he’d be hitting 8th afterall…

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 26, 2007 3:44 AM | Link to this

I agree MikeS. I think they should consider Blanco. Especially if he does well in the winter league. (which last time I checked he was…)

By MikeS

October 26, 2007 4:02 AM | Link to this

Oh and DOB, since you were speaking of shirts at Fenway; one of my favorites I saw up there in September was this one:

Johnny Damon: Looks like Jesus, Throws like Mary, Acts like Judas

(he really does have one of the worst arms in MLB [him and Shannon Stewart])

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

October 26, 2007 4:37 AM | Link to this

I just read an article about Lillibridge. He seems like a good fellow. It’s not very recent so don’t crucify me…

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 5:07 AM | Link to this

MikeS, if I’d seen that Damon shirt I might have had to buy it. That’s epic.

Juan Pierre’s arm is just about as bad as Damon’s. Both are unbelievably weak….

Was The Office another one-hour show? If so, are they doing an hour every week this season? Seems doubtful, but so far I think all have been an hour. And it works — that show’s too good to end after 30 minutes (actually 22 minutes, minus the commercials; which is why the hour flies by when DVR’d and commercials are skipped).

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 5:12 AM | Link to this

Oh, and yes, it is 5:12 and I am posting from the airport. Got back to my hotel in Wathan at 1 a.m., finished packing, slept one hour, then got up and met the limo driver downstairs for scheduled 4 a.m. pickup.

Now just a mere 5-1/2 hours of flying ahead of me, with a brief layover in Cincinnati. Hey, at least no bad weather that I know of that could delay any flights (now I’ve cursed myself like an idiot).

Baseball Fanatic, Lillibridge is a real good kid. Nice and polite, and unassuming. Doesn’t seem like the type that will change, either. Which is good.

By Braveheart

October 26, 2007 5:17 AM | Link to this

If Manny is the hitting savant, is Andruw the hitting idiot?

Manny is a beauty to watch hit. Running the bases, playing the field, nope, not so much.

Maybe that question I just asked in jest about Andruw is unfair. Andruw has accomplished so much after all as a hitter. But he seems to have done most of it based solely upon his talent alone though. No innate or learned knowledge of how to hit.

By Braveheart

October 26, 2007 5:20 AM | Link to this

When did Papelbon get so talkative? Never heard a word out the guy the first few years and now he never shuts up and never stops acting like a clown. Dude is a great pitcher though.

Watching the Red Sox reminds me of that question Journalist Jimmy Smith once asked at the end of the season about where are the rally caps with the Braves and all of the silliness and goofiness you would expect out of a young team? The Red Sox have so much personality and such a devil may care attitude. It has to help them.

By Toby Cash

October 26, 2007 6:15 AM | Link to this

KJ goes to centerfield and Prado plays second. Problem solved.

By NCBravesFan

October 26, 2007 6:26 AM | Link to this

I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about here … but did anyone notice that yesterday’s waiver claim’s name spelled backwards is: Poser?

By doc

October 26, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this

dob got me laughing today to start it off with the read on the damon shirt. though i would like to read all i select out certain folks like our many scribes jjs, sss and b the j etc. and use dob comments like a dvr to read the highlights of note when i dont have time to catch all of them.

the creativity up here in boston as you mentioned is really fun even the havaad dropouts add something to the ambiance as some of the most clever requests from panhandlers are on display throughout town not just close to the distinguished hallowed halls of education. the likes of; need change, wont lie, need it for beer or need cash for hash. it says something for educational integrity, no?, as they amiably display their needs without being too intrusive as they beg for money sitting or sleeping on the sidewalks.

still cant get over the number of old ladies with blue hair into the baseball thing with the uni tops on over their dresses as they race around town nor the buses with “go red sox” on display. great spirit up here, can only hope atlanta picks it back up soon. too bad the chop was so politically offensive as it was something that was easily recognized, declarable and showed quickly a comraderie not known before in atlanta sports. i even took my tomahawk to charity balls in the mid 90’s when i lived in east tn as the annual fundraiser came during the world series. oh well, changes equals growth, sometimes just not as fun.

keep up the good work there dob. love ya mean it!

By Ray

October 26, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Goodmorning all. Terrific Blog reading this morning DOB. Holiday, a little too far off, yes early this morning stating the obvious. I love the A-Rod t shirt. The Sox bullpen and their musical talent DOB, you got to love it. Trying to figure out what the fans are chanting. I know one of them is Lets Go Redsox. The other can’t make it out. They even do it when the Rockies are batting. A plea to all, no more Cookie Crisp for KJ etc. He is not coming here, we do not want him here. And I am doubting he would be a fit in the Braves clubhouse.

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

SG When you get a chance translate for me Bobj’s comments about our “nomination”. As usual, I do not have a clue what “The Bard of Brentwood” is saying. ‘Course, by his own admission, he frequently doesn’t either.

By mike

October 26, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

DOB

The Office was back to 30 minutes this week. It seemed like it was over before it started but was another solid episode.

By Lee in S GA

October 26, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

DOB -

Boston really sounds like a cool place to visit. Definitely have some intriguing T-shirt apparel there. Good luck in Denver, I have been there and it is also a great city. The Rockies need to get back home and start over. Looks like the Rockies have reach the end of the road. Oh well no shame there after their incredible run at the end of the season.

I get it Weather Man ….. You like turtles.

By Turtle

October 26, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Weather Boy The feeling is not reciprocated.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Ray, I think one of the chants was Ok-a-ji-ma!

By CMC

October 26, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I was talking to some buddies last night about upcoming concerts in Atlanta. Reckless Kelly is playing at Smith’s Old Bar on November 13, and we might head down for the show. One of the guys knows the band really well. You going???

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Here’s something from a chat last night that many of us can appreciate:

Alexandrasdad (Gtafton): Do people find the Sox moneyball approach frustrating. All these walks and balls make for winning baseball, but lordy, it’s like watching paint dry.

SportsNation, Rob Neyer: You know what? I agree 100 percent. Believe it or not, I wrote the same thing about the A’s in a book, six years ago (no, I didn’t write Moneyball; *another book). I think this sort of baseball is terribly boring, relative to, say, the baseball of the 1980s. I’m sorry to complain. I love the game, in whatever manifestation. But watching guys run up pitch counts just ain’t entertainment unless they’re your guys.*

By Lee in S GA

October 26, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

See where the Cardinals released Mike Maroth. Glad “Chop Chip” is no where to be heard from these days. She would be wanting the Braves to sign him. What happen DOB … did you have the AJC kick her out?

By John in Tampa, Fla

October 26, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

SHORTEN THE REGULAR SEASON

Start playoffs in Sept. End WS in mid oct if not earlier.

Baseball in Nov in the north is not pleasant.

It is tough for baseball to compete with football, especially since football is on TV at least 4 days a week.

By Josh H

October 26, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Looking at Resop’s numbers, its seems pretty obvious that he’s not a better pitcher than Paronto. Then again, I’m not a major league scout, and maybe they found something with his delivery or stuff that they think they can adjust and make a solid pitcher out of him.

Like DOB said, Paronto might have just had a falling out with Braves management. Not that big of a loss. Paronto was Bobby’s ground ball guy, but now we have Moylan (who just happens to be a “ground-ball guy”, “get every batter out he faces at the plate” guy while “leaving everyone on base he inherits” and “generally being the best relief pitcher on the team” guy :)).

By ssiscribe

October 26, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens. A quick one from the Scribe, as I juggle a few things on this raw morning in the capital city:

Great game last night. Damn shame it ended as late as it did (to add on to my rant about late start times from last night, that type of game last night from start to finish can make you a fan for life. Great drama, great tension, just a great game. Shame most of the East Coast and probably half of the Midwest was asleep when it ended).

Boston’s looking golden now, good people. Rox gotta win four of five to win the title, and I’m not sure they can win more than one. But at least it’ll be fun to see Denver play host to its first World Series game.

At this point, I’m not sure it will get to play host to three of them.

Schilling is super in the postseason, we all know that. But watching him pitch last night for an extended period of time for the first time this season, it’s clear to me he’s really a different guy out there. Works his spots more. There were times last night where three or four years ago he would’ve just reared back and blown heat by a guy. Now, he’s thinking more. Great competitor. Great pitcher. Really the ultimate bubble case for a Hall of Famer, I think. Good regular-season numbers, but how in the world do you argue with what he’s done when it’s counted most?

Thanks all for the kind words on the posting from here and the previous blog. And to the one who asked on the last blog, yes, I used to play sports writer, in my previous life (now I’m reborn, in more ways than one).

Let’s all try to get along and play nice, now (sound like CL, don’t I?).

Thrashers really suck.

Falcons are even worse.

Hate to see Paronto leave, but there are other options available. There are a slew of arms who will be in Lake Buena Vista in four months. Two words: Joey Devine. Will play a huge part of the Braves’ bullpen success in 2008. Mark my words.

So, say the Series ends Monday in five games … how long until the Glavine deal is announced (he’s coming back, Grinch and others, so get ready).

Florida 31, Georgia 20. At least this year, when the outcome is decided, I can walk away from it instead of hanging around whatever they call that place down there now (Alltel? Jacksonville Municipal?).

Great job on blogging, DOB, especially the story of Sam to start it. I thought about him watching the game last night, thinking about how this is something that dude will talk about for the rest of his life, passing up standers for Game 1 to get good seats for last night, a great World Series game and, most likely, the last game at Fenway this year for the soon-to-be World Champion Sawx.

Off-day blog, perhaps?

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

John in Tampa, Fla, how’s baseball in the North in April and May and sometimes in to June? Sometimes it’s worse then than in October or early November. I think that’s just the nature of outdoor sports. Maybe someone will come up with a cost-efficient way to attach retractable roofs to already-built stadiums.

By brent a.

October 26, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

30 minutes of Office. It’s the only show I watch, but I found the 1hour shows to be a bit draggy.

it will be interesting, though, when they show the hour longs in re-runs later, because they were designed to sort of end, and then re-start at a very similar spot. I’m not sure how it will flow.

of course, it is not uncommon for NBC to modify bits of that show the second time they show it.

lastly, though, it was better this week.

just found the first couple to drag a bit this season.

although, by week 4, more time at the Schrute Farm would’ve been time well spent.

By 22oz

October 26, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

I was more than happy to see the Office reduced to 30 minutes because it meant the return of my beloved Scrubs!

By brent a.

October 26, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Okay, so I read this from Bill Simmons this morning, and IMO, while it’s one man’s opinion, it is actually quite revealing:

“When the Sox were trying to win in 2003 and 2004, it felt like life-or-death to me. Three years later, I found myself just as caught up in October, but a small piece was missing — every game carried urgency and tension, only that life-or-death component had vanished. As much as I wanted the Sox to keep winning, my life wasn’t going to fall apart if they lost, because they’d already won in 2004. Oddly, it was somewhat liberating to watch these 2007 playoffs. I found myself thinking about how great it would be if they kept winning, not how painful it would be if they lost.”

Thoughts?

By Lew

October 26, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Weather Man-I can’t begin to tell you how happy we are for you. It is so important for us all to have love in our lives.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

brent a., more than anything, I think that just reveals how big the Red Sox and baseball are in New England. Anything baseball and Red Sox related is going to get magnified. Sure, the Cubs faithful are passionate but the universe doesn’t center around them like the Red Sox in New England. Maybe because of baseball’s Irish-American tradition (it was very much an Irish-American game in the early 1900s) Boston is the Sumer of the baseball world.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

brent a., also Fenway is pretty centrally located, if I’m not mistaken. It’s not like other cities where different areas are famous for different things. It’s almost like the city was built around Fenway Park. I think there was the perfect storm that created a great baseball city. Also, I think current ownership has done a good job with the branding of the Red Sox—making them not just a team but a lifestyle.

By bravesfan

October 26, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I need some help, what is the song that they play at Fenway after the Red Sox win?

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

“When the Sox were trying to win in 2003 and 2004…”

Yeah, I’m sure they weren’t trying before and after those years.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Shaun-Sumer? Wouldn’t Rome be a better analogy? All roads did not lead to Nineveh back in the day.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Excuse me. It should have been Nippur-May Enlil be praised.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Tessie by the Dropkick Murphys

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Lew, true. I was thinking the beginning of baseball “civilizational.” I’m thinking the Yankees are more analogous to Rome—“perfection” of civilazation and Empires and such.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

October 26, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Gil in Mechanicsville,

I actually live in Rochester, but generally say Buffalo because more people know where that is. So our minor league team (Red Wings) is the AAA team for the Twins.

I always look forward to the series Richmond plays here. I actually got to watch Yunel the week before he got the call up.

Guess who’s bat he was using in AAA…. Andruw Jones…. thats right, someone was getting good use out of Andruws bats last season, it just wasn’t Andruw.

If you really want to know how I am a Braves fan, being here in Met/Yankee/BoSox/Indians/Twins land let me know and I’ll tell you.

By Tyler

October 26, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Kelly for Coco would not be a good trade in my eyes. Kelly is cheap and Coco is not (Compare to Kelly). My bet for opening day 08:

Rotation: Smoltz, Hudson, Insert Name, Glavine, James

C-McCann, 1B-Tex, 2B-Johnson, SS-Escobar, 3B-Chipper, LF-B.Jones/Diaz, CF-Shafer/Lillbridge, RF-Francouer

Has anyone noticed how dominate Kris Medlen has been including the winter league? He’s filthy, and he’s just a 22 year old kid. Time he gets a look or two.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Eridu-Now THAT was a team city.

By eware

October 26, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

DOB, this new Shooter Jenning’s album is outstanding. He’s starting to put together quite a catalog.

I’m hoping we put Blanco/Lillibridge/Shafer in center field this next season. I like the idea of small ball. I think we’d be fine with a 20-25 homer reduction out of center field. Doubles can score runs too.

By brent a.

October 26, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Shaun, Thank you for your thoughts.

I didn’t comment on the Simmons’ quote, but here is what I was actually hoping that someone would grab onto.

Simmons notes that once the Sox won, something was “missing.”

That’s a reality that few seem to want to admit, but it’s true.

So, picture here in Atlanta, win the division every year 91, 92, 93, (X), 95, and finally grab that world series in 95. Then, continue to win the division, but fail, post-season, after post-season. the “life and death” aspect is certainly long gone at that point. even a die-hard red sox fan can admit it.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

testing. testing. one, two, four.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Shaun-Perhaps your analogy is not so far off after all. Few, however, are aware of the once prominenece of the Southern Mesopotamian League. I understand their first Commissioner, Hammurabi, was instrumental in finalizing the rule book, though his steroid policy was a tad Draconian (Scribe-How’s that for obscure archaeological humor?) and that Nebuchudnezzar was the first owner with deep pockets-the one for whom they coined the Evil Empire term.

I hear they had difficulties when they expanded into Turkey because of Ararat’s altitude, but that a humidor proved effective in reducing the flight of the ball. They also experienced the league’s first 40 day rain delay.

Now I’m not so sure you would approve of their first MVP, Gilgamesh-they absolutely refused to take his OPS into account, but the Scribes of the day were wary of using anything other than antiquated statistical analysis. Maybe they’ll get lucky and be able to sign Andruw, though. They do, after all, play in a warm weather city and Ishtar has deep pockets, too.

By Braves20

October 26, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Most Braves fans just want this travesty being played out in Boston and Denver to end mercifully in four. Then the clock begins on Glavine and we have just one hole in fill in the rotation.

Surely we all saw this coming - a team, probably the fourth or fifth best in the National League, plays miles above their head for a couple weeks and then get to play the team that really was the best team in the American League.

It would have been nice to see another NL team legitimately test the Bosox but then it would have nice to win the ‘91 and ‘96 series too.

By ncscoots

October 26, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Gilgamesh-thunder bat, great range, good arm. But the SML always was a hitters’ league, so his stats are a little suspect.

By ssiscribe

October 26, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Lew: You’re spot-on good, dude. That’s awesome, almost as awesome as explaining the meaning behind my Wurlitzer of AJ to my kiddies last night (they were asking about it as I was showing them my 1995 postseason tix, which are in a stub near Lew’s masterpiece).

If memory serves, I think one of them said they saw Yogi in the portrait … (here we go again!).

And Bob J., hope all is well in your corner of the world, and continued prayers for you and yours. Always a pleasure to hear from you!

Time for lunch with my best girl, then three more hours of work, then the weekend. One month and one day until the return trip to Vegas!

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By flange1

October 26, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Sorry to ask a questions that I know that you have already covered, but I can’t find if Lillibridge is playing winter ball. I am curious id he is what position he is playing.

Thanks!

By flange1

October 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Your killing me! keep it up!

By Dink & Do

October 26, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

WTF our you all bloging about? I am getting a head ache.

By Dink & Do

October 26, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

WTF our you all bloging about? I am getting a head ache.

By Dink & Do

October 26, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

WTF are you all bloging about? I am getting a head ache.

By Lee in S GA

October 26, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Braves 20

Hopefully the Red Sox will win the next two and put an end to this season. I too am ready for the off-season signings and trades to begin. Glavine, as you stated will be the 1st priority. If greed does not get the better if him, I do look for him to become a Brave again. Then the search for a CF’er can begin. There are several ways the Braves can go on this. Sign a FA, trade or go to spring training and see if a prospect cam emerge as a leading candidate for the position. I would look for one of the 1st two things occurring before the last however.

By NostraDumb@ss

October 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

You people are really something else. The AJC should change the title of this blog from whatever it is at the moment to “The Pretenders”!

That’s right, change the title of this blog to The Pretenders. Why you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked, and I’ll be more than happy to tell you why this blog should be entitled ‘The Pretenders’.

This blog should be called The Pretenders because it is made up of pretenders. It has semi-educated, wannabes pretending to be journalists, scribes, reporters, authors, poets, mystery writers, novelists, and bards, all with egos so bloated it’s amazing they don’t require ropes attached to anchors sunk in cement so they won’t float off into the atmosphere like hot air balloons!

Then there are the know-it-alls pretending to be experts on every subject that happens to be mentioned on the blog, especially sports, management of multi-million dollar sports franchises, food, music, travel, geography, history, psychology, medicine, zoology, and to top all that off, these pretenders pretend to be mind readers with ESP that think they can tell you everything and anything concerning other bloggers, of which they have no idea whatsoever about, nor have ever met! Lest I leave anyone out, there are also the numbers pretenders, pretending that numbers are the answer to all questions.

There are the hypocritical goody-two-shoes pretending to be more dignified, moral, truthful, holy, solemn, and peaceful, and claiming to possess loftier standards, character, and class than does 99% of all the rest of humanity. These are the most sickening group of all the pretenders combined.

There are many more pretending to be something, or someone of which they will never be capable of attaining. “Hey look at me, I’m this, or I’m that, I make this amount of money, I have this level of education, I own this, I own that, I travel here and there, have seen this and that, it never ends”! All hiding behind cute little names that they claim are theirs and theirs alone, all pretenders.

Truth be known, most of you pretenders are the exact opposite of that with which you portray yourselves to be on this blog. Just a bunch of loudmouthed college dropouts, over-the-hill geriatrics, nine-to-fivers, beer-drinking, broke-@ss, barely-getting-by, mouth-breathing truck drivers, janitors, dishwashers, maids, landscapers, and unemployment-liners! Nothing wrong with any of that, just don’t be ashamed of what, or who you are, then pretend to be something else on free blog!

Yes, The Pretenders! Have a nice day.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Flange-What can I say. It’s an off day and I didn’t get much sleep last night. Where else can one discuss Ancient Middle Eastern baseball, if not on the Man In Black, BBQ, Sweet Tea Blog? I can just picture Skip doing one of their games-“And there’s a foul ball into the third base stands-caught by a fan from Timbuktu.”

By Lew

October 26, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Gives new meaning to concept of the Preseason Braves’ Fan Caravan.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Dink and Do-Take three asprin and don’t call in the morning.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

And then there are the Whiny Little Jerks with their persecution complexes, all wrapped up in their misanthropy. Pitiful. Truly pitiful.

By Overlord

October 26, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Lew,

Do you think the series is over?

Hearthbreaking loss last night.

I think Rocks still have plenty of chance. Beckett will pitch in Denver, and if the series goes back to boston, they wont face Beckett in Fenway. Thats the only positive thing i see. Rockies showed Redsox last night they can put up a fight.

By Billy Walsh

October 26, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Coco is very intriguing. He had two solid seasons with the Indians and two sub par seasons with the sox. Would a change of scenary help (i.e. Edgar after the Bo Sox) He is great defensively and could be a nice two year bridge until someone from the double or triple A is ready. Was last year a fluke or career year for KJ? Or will he consistently put up those numbers or even surpass them?

By flange1

October 26, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Nostra DumbDumb,

If you don’t like us why not go away? Further, if you are here so much, why not post with your real name?

Doesn’t that make you the biggest Pretender of all?

Even bigger than Chrissie Hynde?

By ncscoots

October 26, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

egos so bloated it’s amazing they don’t require ropes attached to anchors sunk in cement

Well, if you think it’s easy totin’ that block of cement with you everywhere, I’m here to tell you different, bubba.

By DonCoburleone

October 26, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

DOB I remember you said something in an earlier blog about Kelly Johnson being a Super 2 arbitration player. Anyway, do you know if he is eligable for arbitration this offseason or will he still be making less than $1mil?

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Blogging in the old SML was tough, too. Chipping them out of stone and sending them by messenger, was very time consuming. And then, the beat writer and blog potentate, Demogorgon Orion Bocephus, would frequently have the messenger slain, particularly if he didn’t like the choice of music.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Hey, we loudmouthed college dropouts, over-the-hill geriatrics, nine-to-fivers, beer-drinking, broke-@ss, barely-getting-by, mouth-breathing truck drivers, janitors, dishwashers, maids, landscapers, and unemployment-liners need loving too. Sorry your Mom didn’t give you enough hugs.

By DonCoburleone

October 26, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

I know I’m not Shaun or Lew, Overlord, but I think this series is definately over. Lets face it, the NL is simply weaker than the AL at the top (any one of the 4 AL playoff teams would beat Colorado in 4 or 5) and from top to bottom (I’ll take KC and Tampa Bay over SF, Washington or Pittsburgh any day of the week).

I watched the game last night from start to finish and the one thing I took from it is that everything went the Rockie’s way last night and they still lost! From the 2nd inning on I just kept waiting for that 4 or 5 run inning from Boston that would make it another laugher. I think it was the 3rd and 4th innings where both times it ended with the bases loaded. Game 1 was 13-1, I really thought game 2 could have easily been 7 or 8 to 1. I think Colorado will eek out one win at Coors field, but if this series goes more than 5 I would be shocked…

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE STINKS!!!

By The Great Pretender (formerly known as Gil in Mechanicsville)

October 26, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Braves fan in Buffalo How long ago did the Baltimore franchise leave Rochester? And yes, always interested in how Braves fan were converted.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Oh yes, I’m the great pretender

pretending that I’m doing well.

My need is such, I pretend too much

I’m lonely, but no one can tell.

Sob, sob.

By The Great Pretender (formerly known as Gil in Mechanicsville)

October 26, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

I would have you “Google” me so you would know my real identity but you would only find the Calabash Seafood Restaurant when bring up Mechanicsville. Oh the humility….

By Met Fan

October 26, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

I do not think it would be wise to get Coco Crisp for Kelly Johnson. Besides Kelly being a Bobby Cox favorite, it would create a whole at second base and it would be a waste to put Escobar there and not utilize him as a shortstop. Besides, they have a trade chip in Renteria, could easily pull in a solid 3rd starter. What they should do is sign Mike Cameron for 2 years. I am sure in the next two years, the Braves will be able develop someone better than Coco Crisp to play center. That is one area I am envious of as a Met Fan. It seems the braves always develop a player when needed.

By The Great Pretender (formerly known as Gil in Mechanicsville)

October 26, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

And to think, I don’t even live on a hard surface road…. The shame of being discovered by one preceptive blogger. How could you have known? I shall have to now retreat even further into my poor miserable depressed life style, then again I could always ignore you for the ignorant @ss you really are. yep, think I will do that.

Sorry you don’t like your life, maybe you should stay a Mets fan, then you would have to deal with us lowlifes…

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Okay, back to normal…. Man I hate it when the drugs wear off….. Anybody know what day this is? I think the wife has been spiking my milk with Viagra….

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Overlord, I think it’s over. I just think the Red Sox are a significantly better team (six more regular season wins in a tougher league) and when a team spots a better team a 2-games-to-0 lead, I don’t think there is much hope for the team that’s down.

DonCoburleone, good point about things going the Rockies way. The two that stick out are Ortiz’s almost homerun that went foul and that ball down the third base line that was foul by about four centimeters. Red Sox could have easily won that game 6-1 or 8-1.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

The series has shifted, folks. At least geographically (I’ll believe it’s shifted competitively only when I see the Rockies win tomorrow night. Because if they don’t win tomorrow, we ain’t going back to Boston).

Anyway, from fall foliage in leafy New England to snow-capped mountains, blue skies, 49 degrees and almost no humidity.

Nice weather in both places, if you don’t mind a little chill.

I’m all rested (yeah, right) and checked into my new hotel in Denver. Gotta go get some breakfast (or lunch) before heading to Coors Field. Good joint, the Rocky Mountain Diner, a block from the Marriott, and that’s where I’m headed (it’s not typical diner food, but has a good-dive feel with terrific chow).

DONC, no, Kelly has 2.127 years of service time (about 2-2/3 seasons), and the cutoff for Super 2 is usually between 2.130 and 2.140. So it’ll be close, but I think he’ll fall short.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

     *NostraDumb@ss*

The last part of your name says is all. What more could we add?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Okay fellow pretenders I am going to go dream up some new and exiting alternate life style so we can continue to amuse the ignorant. Meanwhile, feel free to continue to dispense information on the best baseball blog in America.

By DonCoburleone

October 26, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB. Thats a bit of good news for the Braves then, if he were to go to arbitration what kind of salary would he be in line for? It’d have to be somewhere in the $3-$4mil range wouldn’t it?

By Lew

October 26, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Well, Nostra Dummy just revealed that he is in reality Stinky, The Original Whiny Little Jerk. Preparing for yet another meltdown in your misanthropic, little, pitiful life, Stinky Boy? Bring it on. We’ll not lack for grace in the matter of your cyber passing. I give you about an hour until you’re banned yet again (if that long). You’re bound to run out of family soon, who can lend you a new IP address. Post carefully, Oh Whiny One. Your days (or hours) will be numbered if you aren’t circumspect in your responses. Traitor? I don’t think so. You never inspired any kind of loyalty, anyway.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Me too, Gil. If this little twerp wants to waste his time that’s fine. But, he is not going to waste mine. Ill see the rest of you later.

By DonCoburleone

October 26, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

And DOB you are correct about the Red Sox… I now consider the Yankees and the Red Sox both part of the “evil empire.” And if the Mets win a title in the next few years I’m throwing them in there too… In fact, I may just do it now and throw in ESPN too. From this point forward the “evil empire” shall consist of the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and ESPN. DEATH TO THE EMPIRE!!!

By Thrillhouse44

October 26, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Is Nostra actually dumb, or is she just pretending to be? Maybe JJS can investigate…

By Lew

October 26, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Stinky-You Whiny Little Moron. Just who do you think is protecting me? And protecting me from what, exactly. I wouldn’t worry, if I were you, whether or not I have talent as an artist, because you won’t ever win any artwork, anyway. That must be it. Jealousy. Of talent, of intelligence and of recognition from people who are actually decent-all things you wish for but can’t attain. You think we dislike you? No, Whiny One, we feel nothing but pity for someone so ruled by hatred and jealousy. Maybe it’s time for some more face time with your therapist. Seems you need to be consoled over what you will never have, yet desire so much.

By flange1

October 26, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Nosatra DumbDumb,

Sorry for my mispoken words, I meant to say

Why not post with your usual blog name Stinky so all can know it’s you running your mouth?

You really are a pitiful excuse for humanity. I suggest that you go to the nearest hospital and DEMAND that they remove all of your vital organs for use in other humans that have at least some chance of not being a whiny little jerk.

You are the most pitiful creature that I have ever been in the company of.

By beachcomber

October 26, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Don C - Your 1:43 post. Well said.

The way things are going only about two weeks until old 47 is wearing the colors again.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Donc, he wouldn’t get close to $3-4 mill in first run at arbitration. I’d say closer to half that, maybe slightly more than half

By Carroll

October 26, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I’m telling all you guys….Rockies will win the next four in a row. Right now the BoreSox are the Braves of 1996. they finally just got the monkey off their back and won a WS a few years ago…survived a near death experience in the LCS…won the first 2 in convincing fashion…everyone is ready to crown them. But watch out for the boys in pinstripes….it sure seems like I’ve seen this one once before.

As for the ridiculous Kelly-for-Noco Crisp rumor, I would rather see them give Kelly a shot to play CF. Wait..i said that in jest, but is it a possibility? I mean…kelly is not a burner, but he is a good, smooth-moving athlete…..almost AJ like in that way. It sounds no more crazy to me than getting some turd like Cameron to play CF….save that money for pitching!!!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Brit’s pal’s low blow: He wants to sell her diary!

Just the reason why I stopped sending e-mails and writing personal notes. You just cannot trust anyone these days.

Oh, and I have never felt the need to hide or deny. If you really want my name and e-mail address I can post it. Otherwise just go. Your post are not really that funny, only inflammatory. Of course I know that is your intent but oh well, I’m still studying to pass my G.E.D.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Nobody likes me, everybody hates me. Instead of eating worms, I’ll take on numerous personalities and attempt to make life miserable for those I’m so jealous of. I am, after all, Stinky and I have no other life. That about sums it up, doesn’t it Oh, Schizoid One? We would apologize for being as well adjusted as we are, but we realize just how much pain it causes you and hate to remind you of your shortcomings.

By NostraDumb@ss

October 26, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Thank you Lew, thank you so very much! You have been such an inspiration and help to me, I shall never forget ye Lew. I want to be just like you Lew when I get old and decrepit. Now if that is all, I really should be running along now, don’t get me wrong, I really would like to stay here and blog 24 hours a day like the rest of you, but I have a job to do, and a good job too, ya know? Just my opinion.

By ssiscribe

October 26, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Nostra: Considering my father is a truck driver, I suggest you shut the f*** up right now before I come find you, pal.

And if you saw my resume, you’d probably s** all over yourself. But again, I’m a semi-educated wannabee who is barely getting by.

This stops here.

—30—

By Lew

October 26, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Yeah Stinky-Whatever. Go back to picking up that trash as part of your community service. Maybe go clean some graffiti off a wall. We understand. Really we do.

By NostraDumb@ss

October 26, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

And now you self-righteous hypocrites can see that you’re mo better than the worst this blog has to offer when a little pressure is put on you, sobering realization huh boys? Now go stroke each others egos, and be glad I’m gone now!

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

October 26, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Gil,

The Baltimore affiliation left about 2 years before Morneau and Mauer hit the bigs. I have some autographed bats from those guys, as well as a ball with Liriano on it.

Nothing tops my Aaron/Chipper bat though….. that is something that I still can’t believe I have.

Anyway….. how I converted…..

I can’t really say I converted, but more became a fan of the game. My grandfather was always a big Mets fan, and used to take the 6 hour drive south to watch some Mets games. When I was 7, he eventually took me with him to watch a game (against the Braves). Being the sarcasting ball buster that I am, I starting rooting against the Mets from the start, more to have fun and heckle my grandfather than anything. After that game, which was a Met win, my grandfather said that the Mets were playing the Phillies the next day and asked if I was a Phillies fan now, I kept telling him all the way back that I was a braves fan, and I still do.

Can’t explain it, it was in 1989, I didn’t really know much about baseball, but I started rooting for them then, and haven’t stopped since.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Civility? What would you know of civility. Your persecution complex and paranoia precludes much in the realm of that arena. Seems to me that Nostra Dummy was the one that started all of this supposed lack of civility with a cyber sucker punch-so in keeping with a certain Stinkster’s Modus Operundi. He considers himself an Agent Provacateur and then vehemently complains when he gets the reaction that was sought to begin with. Your 15 minute break is over Whiny One. Time to go back to cook them burgers at your oh, so important job. Want fries with that? It’s such a good job, too, ya know? Just MY opinion-which you once had just for the asking-before you cast dung on the privilege.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 26, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Carroll, there is only one problem with your comparison of the ‘96 Braves and the Red Sox. The Braves were playing the Yankees and the Rockies aren’t even close to as good as those Yankees and Red Sox are as good if not better than the ‘96 Braves. No way in hell the Rockies win four in a row.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Carroll, what’s more likely, that the Rockies will become 14th team in 67 series to come back from a 0-2 deficit and they’ll do it against a significantly better team or that the Red Sox will pull it out? Which would you be more willing to put a lot of money on?

And who do you suggest play center if not Cameron or “some turd” like him? You’d rather have a player who’s probably not ready for the majors because that’s about the only other choice unless they go after Cameron or someone similar; unless of course you want them to overspend and over-commit on someone like Andruw or Hunter or Rowand.

By Shamus Thacker

October 26, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Merle - Branded Man

I’d like to hold my head up and be proud of who I am But they won’t let my secret go untold I paid the debt I owed them,but they’re still not satisfied Now I’m a branded man out un the cold

When they let me out of prison,I held my head up high Determined I would rise above the shame But no matter where I’m living,the black mark follows me I’m branded with a number on my name

Repeat verse 1

If I live to be a hundred,I guess I’ll never clear my name ‘Cause everybody knows I’ve been in jail No matter where I’m living,I’ve got to tell them where I’ve been Or they’ll send me back to prison if I fail

Repeat verse 1

Now I’m a branded man out un the cold

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Nostra, actually all the folks you listed are the kind of folks who do people this blog, and the kind we like having here. So what’s your point?

If you don’t fit the mold, haul a$#, chief. Because I can assure you, you’re not going to run anybody off or change anything whatsoever about how we do things here, what we discuss, or anything else.

Let’s see, truck driver, nine-to-fiver, geriatric, or misanthrope like you? I’ll take the first three groups, thank you very much.

But thanks for stopping by the blog. Hope you feel better about that niche you’ve carved for yourself.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Shaun-And $7-8 million per season for Cameron isn’t overspending? Even Crispy makes half of that. Blanco or Kelly Johnson would make between 10-20% of that.

Blanco is hitting over .400 in the AFL. He has spent at least one season at AAA (I’m not sure-maybe more than that). If he’s not ready yet, then why is he even still with the Braves? Cameron hit what, .240-something last year for San Diego? I’m willing to bet that Blanco could easily equal that without the occasional power.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Carroll, care to wager on that? I’ll say five games, max.

By MikeS

October 26, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

DonC, it was Diaz that DOB mentioned would probably be a Super 2 arbitration guy.

DOB, The Office was an hour long for the first four weeks, but will now go back to 30 minute episodes for a while. I remember hearing they signed on for 6 or 7 hour long episodes this season, so I’d guess the other ones will be the Christmas episode and maybe the last two weeks? What a great show. The 30 minute ones just fly by!

By mo in the boonies

October 26, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Been busy the last couple days, and have just now caught up on reading both blogs. Enjoyed watching both games, and since I don’t have a dog in this hunt, didn’t really matter who won. Also enjoyed reading the “DOB on the scene blog reports”. Although I couldn’t read them during the game, but…. I can’t believe that Boston left 13 or more men on base, (I lost track of exactly how many.) and still won the game. (Did remind me of the Braves though, only the sox won.)

Schilling did an interview today, and said he just couldn’t get loose last night. I thought he still did pretty good for an old guy, past his prime. Hard to believe that Schilling and Paul Byrd make the same amt. of money. (13 mil.) Who’d a thunk it, when Byrd played for the Braves? That Clear must be powerful stuff!

Dob Thanks for telling us what the crowd was shouting during “Sweet Caroline”. I was wondering, because it was hard to understand on the TV. Now I’m wondering why “Sweet Caroline”?? There were plenty of Japanese photographers seated behind home plate too.

I got a kick out of the Spoons Rhythm section in the Bull pen. They are getting pretty good! And I really don’t see why they couldn’t play the game tonight, instead of waiting until tomorrow night. Both teams had to fly to Denver, so they would both have had equal rest…must have been a TV thing again. :>(

By Lew

October 26, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Excuse me-5-10% of what Cameron willmake

By Anders

October 26, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Wow. I leave you guys alone for a few weeks and come back to find you pi&&ing all over each other.

Apparently when there are no Mets fans in the room you just turn on each other. And here I thought I was a special target. Well I missed you guys just the same. I’m sure the feeling is mutual!

By mo in the boonies

October 26, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Oops, forgot to tell Lew that I got a laugh out of the Baseball Art History lesson!

By Tyler

October 26, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Kerry Wood and Mark Prior are free agents. They could be a darkhorse if they came extremely cheap-but I don’t know if they would. But if they did, they might be worth it, but most likely not. ONLY if they’re very cheap.

JC Romero is likely to hit the market. If we don’t attain Mahay, we should look to him. How much will he command?

I’d like to see a free agent signing for CF, but I’d rather see Blanco, Schafer, or Lillbridge play CF and be dirt cheap.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 26, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Carroll, but you are way off about this series. The Rockies can’t even carry that ‘96 Yankees team pine tar. C’mon, man. You know better than that. At most this series goes six games but honestly I agree with DOB. It goes five. Dice-K or Lester will come up big and Beckett will finish it out. This Sox team is for real and what is really scary is that they are in the beginning stages of a dynasty. Look at all the young players they have or guys locked up for the next few years (Manny, Big Pappi, Youklis, Pedroria, Ellsbury, Beckett, Papplebon, Del Carmen, Lester). Also, they could keep Lowell or go after Arod. They have a good young catcher who is just waiting for Varitek to step aside. This team is set for years to come. Have to give it up for Theo Epstein. He’s done one helluva good job!

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Lew, seems to me based on stats and what DOB says about what the Braves think, Blanco is not the answer in center next year or in the near future unless he can develop some power.

Crisp can’t really hit enough to play everyday and Kelly Johnson is not a center fielder.

I think $7-8 million a year for one or two years is reasonable for a player like Cameron, given what teams will pay for solid center fielders.

By TennesseePaul

October 26, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

2 hours of “work” put in. Or maybe that was a break. Perhaps at the movie theatre between the entrance and exit rushes.

Cameron is busting his medocre @ss back onto this blog. This is disappointing. Teixeira was deemed not worthy of whatever contract he will command because he won’t preduce after a few years. Yet 7-8 million for declining mediocrity is deemed a good fit. Whatever.

I have no idea what Wren is going to do, so at least the suspense is entertaining. He already dropped a major league pitcher with a 4.00 ERA for a injury riddled pitcher with a 5.50 ERA. I hope his “stuff” comes with a head that knows how to use it.
This is an interesting way to ease into the job. I’m not particularly worried about this move because I really didn’t like Tonto. Resop seems interesting enough to take a look at. He’s a career reliever with a sh!t load of K’s and an impressive K/BB ratio.

As far as “stuff” goes… that Rockies rookie is incredible. If he can gain any level of consistancy with his pitches he’ll be devestating.

By Tyler

October 26, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Shaun-You’re right on Cameron. $7-8 million is reasonable, it’s just not smart for the Braves. I would rather see us spend the money on the rotation or the bullpen.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Tyler, dirt cheap is only helpful if the player is good enough to play that position everyday. I mean, I’d be much cheaper than Cameron or Andruw or Hunter. There’s a balancing act; you want the cheapest team possible but you want a team that can win.

By Carroll

October 26, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, Shaun, Robert: You’re all looking back on 1996 with the benefit of hindsight. I still have the newspaper clippings following games 1 and 2…I pull ‘em out every once in a while when I need a good cry. ALL the pundits had annointed the 96 Braves as the greatest team ever….the modern-day gashouse gang. All the arrangements had been made for another celebratory parade…etc etc ad nauseum.

But as we all know, it all changed on a dime with a little luck, some bad calls, some grit and determination, and a team that ultimately wanted it more. Nothing’s a guarantee in life, but I’d be willing to put money on it..that is of course if I didn’t fear retribution from human authority figures ;P

Ans Shaun, my statenment was not an out and out dismissal of cameron, but rather a question as to whether KJ might be able to handle cf.

By brent a.

October 26, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Anybody hear about the new “club” seats the Braves are putting in behind home plate? Apparently these seats wiill be at field level, and only 43 feet behind home plate (compare that to the 60’6” from home to the pitcher’s mound). If you want to see the dugouts, you’ll apparently have to turn and look behind you.

Cushy seats, flat-panel tv’s, and wait-service, all for only $25,000 per year.

This new construction is going to lead to increased netting (I guess extending now to the dugouts, maybe a little past), and the destruction of the putting green near the Braves’ clubhouse.

By Tyler

October 26, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Shaun-Obviously I would want Blanco, Lillbridge, or Schafer to produce. My bet is that Lillbridge would produce very well for a rookie. Blanco would be a surprise if he did very well, but I believe he can hit .260 or better with some speed-and I realize he’s not the best option. Schafer is young, but I’m betting he would do okay too. We’ll see, but I’d rather not spend the money on Cameron when we could sign Romero, Mahay, and of course Glavine.

By Jared

October 26, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Well the Red Sox do lose that stupid DH in Colorado. Maybe it will help the Rockies.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, Tex is going to make way more than $7-8 million a year and he’s going to be signed for way more than 1-3 years. So, yeah, Tex is going to produce more, he’s going going to out-pace his production more than Cameron is likely to. But I can’t convince you of that, so be it.

I can understand you saying Cameron is mediocre, but is there a center fielder out there who is ready for the big leagues, is cheaper and won’t want as many years, who the Braves don’t have to give up players for? If there are, there aren’t many. I’ll even give you that there are certainly other viable options out there, but I’m just not seeing that Cameron is a bad option.

Believe me, I have nothing to gain by promoting Cameron. If there were someone better, cheaper that wouldn’t require the Braves to give up talent, I’d love to see the Braves go after him. Cameron is one of the better options I see.

By ncscoots

October 26, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Please. I beg you. In the name of all that’s Braves Nation, not another three days of Mike Cameron posts. Those of you who might be tempted to mention his name in a post, resist. Think of your wives and children, and resist. For the greatness that is America, resist.

OK, got a little carried away. But you get my drift.

By TennesseePaul

October 26, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

What the Red Sox lose in Colorado is either Youkilis or Ortiz. Unless they desire to move either of those guys to a new position and I’m not sure what position that would be. I wouldn’t say that exactly tips the scales though.

By AdirondackDave

October 26, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

test

By TennesseePaul

October 26, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

who the Braves don’t have to give up players for

Yes. This is always a good point. For instance, some team comes along and says, you know what, we wanna get young and focus our finances on pitching and corner positions. Gregor Blanco ain’t all that, but we’ll trade for him to free up money to acquire a different piece.
Oh lord no. The Braves can’t trade a player. All those minor leaguers in the Braves system are going to be major league Braves players. Thank you, Good day.
Welcome to the Bill Stoneman school for GM’s.

By TennesseePaul

October 26, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

No worries Scoots. I’ve said what I wanted to say.

By Rev. Zoldars

October 26, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Maybe I missed an above post,

But whats with the Mahay talk? I thought he had an ooption that the braves were certainly picking up? Or is he packing up his balls and leaving?

Anybody?

By ncscoots

October 26, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks, TPaul. I know it’s tough, man. You get to feeling like Vincent, ‘cause it’s hard to lay down. You get that urge to pick up the Balabushka and rip it up, dontcha?

It’s OK, man. Think of the greater good. :-)

By Lew

October 26, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Tyler-I wouldn’t want Prior or Wood without them signing for the minimum salary. Neither one has had a completely healthy (or even partially healthy) season -literally in years. Prior’s motion is another injury waiting to happen-if he even heals from the last one. He and Wood have been operating on reputation alone for years, now.

Shaun-Maybe you’re right about the Braves’ feelings towards Blanco-I really don’t know. However, he has played over 200 games at Richmond, hitting .285 while there. He is tearing up the AFL right now. If he’s not ML ready right now, then he never will be and the Braves need to dump him somehow. It is ridiculous to keep him in the minors indefinitely if they are not going to use him. Same goes for Joey Devine and Brayan Pena, as well. If they don’t have any confidence in them, why are they still here?

The time is now for Blanco. What are they waiting for him to do-compete with Scaeffer? Perhaps become a power hitter? We know that won’t happen, so use him now. We need pitching and spending all that money on Cameron, who just isn’t all that, is a stupid apportionment of available salary.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

It’s a long way to April but I just don’t think the Braves are ready for a rookie outfield. Brandon Jones is the current “Golden Child” but who knows. I just get the feeling that the Braves have always preferred a fleet centerfielder. If you look at the Braves teams for the last 18 years it has been the MO of Bobby Cox.

Blanco has a right field arm. He is not however going to dislodge Francouer from that spot.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how some really good outfielders just never worked out for the Braves. Reggie Saunders, Gary Matthews Jr. Raul Mondasi and Kenny Lofton are just a few who never seemed to get it together for the Bravos.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Lew I think Blanco is playing in Valenzuela.

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, problem is, who is going to give up a quality, fairly cheap centerfielder for someone like Blanco, who the Braves pretty much consider a four-outfielder at best in the majors. Braves are going to have to give up someone that’s probably in their future plans in order to get a solid centerfielder.

Lew, Blanco posted a .362 SLG as a 23-year-old in AAA this season. And for all the talk about his speed he stole 23 bases but was caught 18 times. Regular major league centerfielders don’t do this, not in the late ’00s, anyway. Blanco could be a useful major league player but he hasn’t shown that he’s a full-time player, from what I can see and from what the Braves see, according to DOB.

Blanco has 16 hits (1 2B, 1 3B and 2 HR), 8 BB, 9 SO and 2 SB and 2 CS in 11 games in the Venezuelan Winter League. I’m a little more skeptical of those numbers than I am his career numbers in professional baseball.

Braves need to have a centerfielder that can perform at least a good bit above fringe-level, I would think. So I’m not sure how $7-8 million is all that much for a centerfielder who was about as offensively valuable as David Eckstein, Ronnie Belliard, Conor Jackson, Troy Glaus, and Edwin Encarnacion, especially when you consider he’s not going to demand more than two maybe three years.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

I talked to Lowell in the clubhouse before they went out to practice, and he said he still didn’t even know who’d be out of the lineup tomorrow. I’m guessing Youkilis, unless Papi’s knee is really barking.

We’ll soon find out. Francona will do interview after Sox come off field, which they’re doing now.

Hurdle said he might make some adjustments to lineup, but didn’t say what they might be.

By Efrim

October 26, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Tyler

Shaun-You’re right on Cameron. $7-8 million is reasonable, it’s just not smart for the Braves. I would rather see us spend the money on the rotation or the bullpen.

You are right, there are serious pitching issues that this team needs to address, but you can’t have someone that is going to give you a .650 OPS in CF. I believe that is what Blanco gives you. He sounds like he is a 4th outfielder.

I think Cameron provides us with a veteran that we need as well. We don’t have too many of those. 7-8 million for Cameron is a good signing. But how much are we raising the payroll??? It is at 8 million right now. I hear Hampton is actually only getting paid 9 million??? DOB can you confirm that? Anyway, if we sign Glavine and Cameron, we almost certainly have to trade Renteria, and even so, our payroll will be at least 90 million. Not sure if it is going that high.

Also, I know it is not an issue, but the bullpen is NOT set. BC is not a fan of Devine, and releasing Paronto was also an odd decision. I am sorry, but I don’t trust Manny Acosta as of yet. He walked 14 in 23 innings. Yes, he misses bats, but he is a little to wild. Mahay doesn’t sound like he is going to resign and Royce Ring also has control problems. You can’t go into the season waiting for Mike Gonzalez. I think acquring another bullpen arm would be important as well. Right now Moylan and Soriano are the only two guys I trust.

By Lew

October 26, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Gil-Thanks. The point still holds, though, no matter where he is playing right now.

Shaun-If the Braves are not going to use him, then he needs to go. How much more time in Richmond is going to produce anything in his manner of play that isn’t already there? 200 games with a quite steady BA and OBP is telling you all you need to know about him. I don’t care about his SB%. If he has that much speed, then he’s good enough to play center, no matter how many times he’s thrown out. As we saw last year with Willie Harris, speed and base stealing are two different things and I’ve never heard any knocks on Blanco’s fielding prowess.

I’ve said before that if the Braves are going to spend that kind of $$$$ on a CF for this year and maybe 09 as well, I’d just as soon sign Rowand. AT least when Schaeffer is ready, Rowand will still have trade value-a la Edgar Renteria. Apparently this will not be the case, as DOB says it ain’t happening, but that’s the way I’d go.

I think the player who you continually mention (how’s that Scoots?) is way too expensive for what he will bring in return. I’m sorry, but a .241 BA last year doesn’t thrill me or fill me with warm fuzzy feelings, especially when the $$$ could be used for pitching. We may get a decent bump in salary, but that doesn’t negate the need to spend wisely. He who shall remain nameless in deference to Scoots is not a wise expenditure- Too old, too expensive and too much on his career’s downside. The fact he will probably hit more HR’s than Blanco, makes no difference in my feelings. I would go in another direction. Blanco certainly would not be my choice, but is a better option than the other older guy.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

okay, what time does the in-game blogging start?

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Francona just said Ortiz is playing 1B and Lowell 3B. Youkilis on the bench.

By TennesseePaul

October 26, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

problem is, who is going to give up a quality, fairly cheap centerfielder for someone like Blanco

Right, big problem. Blanco is the only guy in the system.
Oh wait a minute, there are a ton of minor leaguers down there. Perhaps some combination of those plus or minus Blanco. Viola.
Like Lucchino said: The question was, ‘Do you want to win now? Or do you want to save the two prospects?’

Gil: Gary Matthews is not a good CF. Defensively maybe, but his offense is not that great. He had one great season and turned it into a 55 million dollar pay check. He can’t hit lefties and insists on being a switch hitter even though he’d be best served as a platoon player if a team is look to squeeze more offense out of the position. Raul was finished long before the Braves picked him up. And Lofton had an OK year with the Braves, but nothing so impressive that he was worth resigning as a FA.

Lew: No worries about Blanco sitting in the Braves system forever. Eventually he’ll be a minor league FA. At that point he can walk and the Braves will get nothing in return.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

I see where another dumizen has dubbed me a “good” Paladin - “bad” Paladin. Since that is a 50% improvement over my previous reputation , drinks are on me.

By Louie the Crab

October 26, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Reading over the blog it looks like someone really spelled it out for a few folks here today. Some Dumb@ss really had y’all’s number!

By Louie the Crab

October 26, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

you tell us when it starts junior smith

By AdirondackDave

October 26, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

DOB — Youkillis on the bench isn’t too surprising though loss of his defense is should be noted. Still, it gives the Sox a very strong bat in the 8th or 9th with a couple guys on base. I’ve always thought exceptional pinchhitters and their effect on the game were greatly underappreciated.

By AdirondackDave

October 26, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Heathcliffe — can I get that free drink with my taco please?

By TennesseePaul

October 26, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Can’t have a guy with a .650 OPS in center… You need a guy with at least a .688 career OPS in center if you are to make it to the WS a-la the Colorado Rockies.

I don’t think the Braves will skimp when it comes time to fill this position. At least I hope not. I just don’t think it’s a wise investment to commit the job to 2 years of declining mediocrity with a penchant for getting injured. Hopefully the Padres will remove this guy from the table and then the serious talk can begin.

As for the trade scenarios… it’s a shame the qualifiers are limiting the outlook. But I guess if you never try, you’ll never know what you missed out on….

You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I’m sure you have a good reason.

By DonCoburleone

October 26, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Just put Blanco in Centerfield and use the money to get more starting pitching. Our offense will be good enough even with a league average CF (or even a slightly below league average CF).

By Daveinzona

October 26, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

TP- How about Ryan Spillborghs (.819) or Cory Sullivan (.725) from Colorado. It would seem one of them might be surplus.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul I mentioned those names only to point out that the Braves have not always been known for their prowess in signing outfielders.

Louie the Crab And fat, don’t for get fat….. By the way, what type of crab are you? Blue? Alaskan King? Pubic?

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, Blanco’s not the only guy in the system. But what player in the system could the Braves give up that can bring in a quality CF that’s worth giving up?

Lew, sure Blanco is expendable, but could the Braves get anything for him? Other teams have the numbers that the Braves have and I’m guessing if I see him as a fourth outfielder and the Braves see him as a fourth outfielder, so do most other teams. Also, if the Braves can’t anyone better, why trade Blanco? He’s still likely to be a useful player in the majors and will be cheap once he is ready. Teams need fourth outfielders.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Louie, are you sure you are a crab? I thought your daddy was a bloodhound and your mother was a labrador, making you a blabrador.

By Daveinzona

October 26, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Just noticed that the Padres have requested unconditional release waivers on our old pal Marcus Giles.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Oh the humanity…. Hero to zero in just two short years. Too bad for Marcus, was a fan favorite for a while.I hope he saved enough money to live the good life in SoCal.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 26, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Hell, this thing hasn’t posted anything new since Steve Jobs and Bill Gates split. I’m going to bed.

By flange1

October 26, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Interesting comments on center field tonite. I tend to agree with most.

I have also heard alot about who SHOULD NOT be the Braves CF for 2008.

Do Lew, Gil, et al., who SHOULD be the CF considering everything including salary constraints?

I think Shaun says Cameron.

I am on the fence whether we should eek by with Blanco/Schafer/Harris/Lillibridge combo and spending some real money on Frenchy long term and a good young pitcher or spend the money on Cameron and get a lesser pitcher.

Most seem to think the budget is going up..

So, who should play center?

????

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

So, what are we in now? The post steroid era? Will the record books have to be rewritten? It sure has brought parity to college football.

Will ballparks have to shorten the fences to stimulate fan interested? Personally, I like those snappy ballgames that finish in about 2 1/2 hours or less. Raise the pitcher’s mound back to 18 inches and we can all get home early.

By uga-brave

October 26, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

as soon as baseball started testing for hgh giles numbers went on the decline.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 26, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

My perspective on the Center field situation is this. Between Blanco , Schafer and Lillibridge , the Braves might have enough in house talent to cover it. Notice I said MIGHT , which is an indefinite maybe . The other interesting question in my mind is , why did the Detroit Tigers call up center fielder Cameron Maybin after just two minor league seasons ? Do they think he is the answer in LF , or is this kid trade bait. He obviously isn’t ready for big league pitching yet , but is an incredibly talented five tool mega prospect. Would the Tigers be crazy enough to trade him for Renteria , I don’t know . However , it is an intriguing idea. Stay tuned for the winter meetings in December.

By Phil Freneau

October 26, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Judging by those who are missing tonight Stinkification is killing the blog. If we all left he could keep the blog going just blogging with himself. He has more hits than Ty Cobb.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Adirondack, pretty nice luxury to have when you can sit Kevin Youkilis, don’t you think? Damn, what a lineup.

But yes, it should help the Rockies at least a bit.

They’ve got to ride the wave of what will be a very loud and large crowd tomorrow night, jump on Dice-K early. If they lose that game, it’ll be a sweep the next night and Denver can turn its attention to Monday Night Football.

By the way, got a whole lot of Packer fans in my hotel. Sounds like a lobby full of Wickmans, those accents.

I’m kidding. Please, I’m sure they’d think I sounded like a hick from Dukes of Hazzard or something, so I’ve got no room to criticize.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Adirondack, pretty nice luxury to have when you can sit Kevin Youkilis, don’t you think? Damn, what a lineup.

But yes, it should help the Rockies at least a bit.

They’ve got to ride the wave of what will be a very loud and large crowd tomorrow night, jump on Dice-K early. If they lose that game, it’ll be a sweep the next night and Denver can turn its attention to Monday Night Football.

By the way, got a whole lot of Packer fans in my hotel. Sounds like a lobby full of Wickmans, those accents.

I’m kidding. Please, I’m sure they’d think I sounded like a hick from Dukes of Hazzard or something, so I’ve got no room to criticize.

By chrisklob

October 26, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

He has more hits than Ty Cobb

He’s about as personable as Cobb was too!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

flange1 Without all the information available it is difficult to give you an honest answer. I suspect however, that the Braves will look for an affordable veteran to play center this year. I don’t know what affordable is to the Braves but I suspect somewhere around 5 mil. If they don’t find who they are looking for then the kids will get a chance (Schafer, Lillibridge, Blanco on someone not yet on our radar.)

I think job one though is pitching, everything else follows that.

By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)

October 26, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Helloooooo my esteemed denizens! Slow tonight…just buzzin’ through, so me play favorite fly music. U2-4-U.

Achtung Baby

Oh, baby child… It’s no secret that the stars are falling from the sky - It’s no secret that our world is in darkness tonight - They say the sun is sometimes eclipsed by a moon - You know I don’t see you when she walks in the room

It’s no secret that a friend is someone who lets you help- It’s no secret that a liar won’t believe anyone else - They say a secret is something you tell one other person -So I’m telling you, child

Love…we shine like a Burning star We’re falling from the sky Tonight

A man will beg A man will crawl On the sheer face of love

Like a fly on a wall

It’s no secret at all It’s no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest - It’s no secret ambition bites the nails of success - Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief - All kill their inspiration and sing about their grief -

Over love… we shine like a Burning star We’re falling from the sky Tonight

A man will rise A man will fall From the sheer face of love

Like a fly from a wall It’s no secret at all-

Love…we shine like a Burning star We’re falling from the sky

Tonight A man will rise A man will fall From the sheer face of love -

Like a fly from a wall It’s no secret at all

Oh, yeah! It’s no secret that the stars are falling from the sky -The universe exploded ‘cause of one man’s lie Look, I gotta go, yeah I’m running outta change- There’s a lot of things if I could I’d rearrange

By Lew

October 26, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Shaun-I never said to trade Blanco. I said that it’s time to decide what to do with him. If he’s worth keeping and developing (which I think he’s developed as much as he’s going to) then play him or do something with him. Another year in Richmond will not turn him into a power hitter or turn him into anything but what he already is-a .285 AAA hitter. I also said it’s time to decide whether or not we’re going to utilize Devine and Brayan Pena, as well.

Flange-Again, Dude, why not take Terry McGuirk at his word when he saya there is no concern on salary? Why would he say that if it is not so? Didn’t ownership always come out and say what they were going to do, even if they knew it would p!$$ us off? Why would strategies in that regard change now? I think there will be a significant enough bump in salary to cover what we need to win again-just like has been publically pronounced. I think we can do better in CF than the person advocated by Shaun. I, personally think Rowand is our best bet. Even if Schaeffer becomes ready, Rowand will be tradeable. If Schaeffer is not ready or pulls a Brad Komminsk, then we have a dependable defensive and offensive CF.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

The Rockies have hit .220 in their last seven games. They won five of them, of course, primarily because they allowed 1, 1, 2 and 1 earned runs in four of those five wins.

The Red Sox have hit .362 and posted a 1.40 ERA during their five-game winning streak, allowing two earned runs or fewer in all five games against the Indians and Rockies.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Human race will ‘split into two different species’

By NIALL FIRTH - Last updated at 16:18pm on 26th October 2007

The human race will one day split into two separate species, an attractive, intelligent ruling elite and an underclass of dim-witted, ugly goblin-like creatures, according to a top scientist.

100,000 years into the future, sexual selection could mean that two distinct breeds of human will have developed.

The alarming prediction comes from evolutionary theorist Oliver Curry from the London School of Economics, who says that the human race will have reached its physical peak by the year 3000.

the dob/braves/maninblack/toes/pie/barbecue blog is ahead of its time. already we have some of the dim-witted, ugly goblin-like creatures blogging here.

one in particular.

now, missing link …

and baseball … only 2 more games, maybe 3, and this season is over. will need some good topics for the off-season to keep this blog healthy.

the phone is ringing … “what? what, baby seal? willard wurlitzer on the phone?”

please excuse this journalist.

By AdirondackDave

October 26, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

DOB — Yup, Yook is a great luxury for Francona and a hero about to happen maybe… again!

LEW — I think you nailed it on the ‘08 budget “issue”, there doesn’t apprear to me to be one. Rowland would be just the ticket in center, though I think they will address starting pitching first, meaning Glavine and then a quality younger guy, before deciding which way to go for Andruw’s replacement. Perhaps they’ll get a serviceable CF in a pitcher/multi-player deal. This is going to be a great off-season for Braves baseball wonks and bloggers. I’d be surprised if, by spring training, the Braves aren’t picked as one of the 3-4 most likely world series bound teams. Do you agree?

By dadgum

October 26, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

My daughter is a senior at VT and I am still bummed about last night. With 20/20 vision the day after I can tell you it was more about what Matt Ryan did than what VT didn’t do. First he throws a perfect (no defense for it)TD pass then in crunch time on national tv at.11 wings one across his body 30 yards.

Yes the onside kick has to go your way and it was simply a great performance by Ryan. The best college player I have seen this year. I totally disagree VT choked. BC won it. Wish they hadn’t though. My Yellow Jackets will probably beat them next week too.

Just watched Fox’s best band show. Like it better than Idol (by far). Just flicking channels you know. Gotta think the Rockies will win two in Denver and the Sox in game 6.

Rock on…….remembering Jethro Tull.

By wjones

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

I missed this if someone else has mentioned it here, but the Padres have released Marcus Giles. Wow. Three years ago he was safely entrenched as our starting 2B, and now he could be out of baseball.

By Choppinmama

October 26, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Mr. Fly - a few guesses on your mutant-daddy origins based on your recent speech patterns, i.e “me stuck on the track”, “me hunky dory now” and “me wait here”….

1. Chief Noc-A-Homa
2. Tonto
3. Chief Wahoo

A question for jjs, Bob or DOB: what’s the origins of hunky-dory? Is that nautical talk for a beefed-up rowboat? Perhaps a studly wall-eyed pike?

And, additional body parts for ol’ Hoss to worry about injuring: the throttle, crest, croup, common bone, gaskin, stifle, fellock and pastern. Oh, the equininity!!

By fastasballs

October 26, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Ryan picked apart a tired Hokie defense that was playing prevent. The front four was in Ryan’s face all night long & he did squat until Foster put them in prevent. That & not running clock after the interception cost Tech the game.

Ryan is a fantastic QB & has looked great all year, but I wouldn’t quite call BC’s comeback last night Elway material. Tech’s coaches had as much to do with BC’s victory as Ryan did.

The Hokie D will shut down Ga Tech, but the question is can their offense manage to do anything. Stinespring is the biggest joke of a D1 OC there is & probably ever will be. Their offense is ranked somewhere around 105th in the nation & has been on a steady decline for the past 5 years.

By Choppinmama

October 26, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Poor Marcus Giles. If anyone is a good candidate for hgh (human growth hormones), it is Gilly. Has he caught up a few inches with his bro’?

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

wjones, it’s surprising until you consider how dreadful his numbers were this year, and how they’ve gone down steadily in recent years.

He was statistically one of the worst five hitters in the league this season, among starters (or in his case, former starters).

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

journalist is not familiar with the term hunky-dory. not commonly used in uganda. sounds sorta kansan.

choppinmama is right about hoss with potential new injury-areas. jimmy smith remembers when hoss threw a shoe going into second and had to be put down, er, put on the disabled list for a time.

and lew has pointed out that chipper is a big signer and jimmy smith now realizes that signing a dead deer requires big signing.

and double dime would be 20 cents, right? not even enough for a cup of coffee. and asking for money to sign a carcass. shame, shame, shame, and hunky-dory.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Flange, you asked about Lillibridge in winter ball. He hasn’t started playing yet, because of that sore left wrist, which he got the cortisone injection for at the end of the season. He’s supposed to play the second half of a winter-ball season, not sure which team.

If he plays center field this winter, you’ll know Braves are ready to consider him for the job as a fallback if they aren’t able to get a center fielder this winter. I’d say he’s more likely than Schafer, just because Schafer has so little experience (none above A-ball) and is only 21.

It’s not going to be Francoeur. And I really don’t think Braves are considering Blanco.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

did journalist touch a nerve, stinky?

louie can blog with stinky and stinky can blog with louie.

By uga-brave

October 26, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

giles and his brother were both juicers. on top of that i always heard giles rubbed everybody the wrong way, no tears here.

just got back from jax-landing, unfortunately for the last 17 or so years our only night to enjoy ourselves has been friday. saturday has been reduced to remorse, fustration, and somewhat acceptance.

its amazing how on friday night down here if you get just the right mix of booze and courage there is a moment when you actuaally make a bold prediction.

as for the pulse of the dawg nation, the lunatic fringe wants richt gone, the moderates want willie martinez gone, and the hopeless optimists still think it is 1980.

for all you dawg fans, saw keith henderson and tim worley down here. my fresman year at uga was 1985 when the gators were #1 and we beat them 27-3. henderson had two long td runs and worley went for a 89 td jaunt.

as for a alcohol induced prediction dawgs 30-24. as for the 10 a.m. prediction gators 31-17.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Mark Bowman indicated in one of his reports that the Braves had targeted Lillibridge to play center in the AFL this fall. The pain in his left wrist has cause a set back but they are hoping he will play soon.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 26, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Okay gang, have a good night. Time to study for my G.E.D.

By jbutler

October 26, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

DOB Hey- first time Broncs won the Super Bowl we played the Packers. I’ll never forget the feeling of being able to whack the giant foam cheesehead off the guy sitting next to me when we won.

I think the cold may have affected their brain at some core level…but they were at least fun/decent fans. Better than the Raiders where you truly fear for your life.

By uga-brave

October 26, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

hey if our outfield consists of diaz, lillibridge, and francoeur we are in trouble. and for all of you guys that are brandon jones believers, the reality might be scott thorman with less power. b. jones is gonna strike out a ton.

By uga-brave

October 26, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

study hard gil, i heard that G.E.D is culturaly bias.

By uga-brave

October 26, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

jbutler,

gotta love packers fans. rick reily wrote a great piece about fathers putting their newborn sons on the season ticket waiting list. 35 years later they get tickets. pulling for the rox but my brain says sox in 4.

By Coach (Alexei Ramirez , free agent Cuban center fielder)

October 26, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o81usn3BtKA

By Coach (Alexei Ramirez , free agent Cuban center fielder)

October 26, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Agent: Ramirez to file for residency in Dominican Republic, come to MLB

By Willie Weinbaum ESPN.com (Archive)

Updated: September 19, 2007, 7:11 AM ET

* Comment
* Email
* Print

Baseball agent Jaime Torres told ESPN that Alexei Ramirez, who led the Cuban league in home runs this season as an infielder/outfielder for Pinar del Rio, has left Cuba and intends to file for residency in the Dominican Republic.

Torres, who also represents White Sox pitcher Jose Contreras, said Ramirez expects to apply to Major League Baseball for free agency.

Ramirez, who turns 26 on Sept. 22, played second base for Cuba at the Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro but is primarily a shortstop and centerfielder.

According to Torres, Ramirez has been in the Dominican Republic for less than two weeks and is already attracting attention from scouts. Ramirez’s wife is a Dominican citizen who recently completed medical school in Cuba, Torres said, and her citizenship allowed Ramirez to enter the country legally and makes him eligible for Dominican citizenship. The couple has two children.

Ramirez, says the agent, is comparable to Contreras as far as being “major league-ready” immediately after leaving Cuba. “Right out of spring training, Ramirez will make a major league club,” Torres said.

Torres said that he and Ramirez would address the media at a Thursday news conference in Santo Domingo.

Willie Weinbaum is a producer for ESPN’s “Outside the Lines.”

By ssiscribe

October 27, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Top of the evening, denizens, on this, a pleasant Friday night along the southern rim of the capital city. Considering I’m likely to spend the next three or four Friday nights banging out football on deadline for somebody, I’ve made the decision to actually shake hands with an Old Smuggler this evening and stay up for a while.

First and foremost, a sincere apology for the language in my 2:18 p.m. post, and for flaunting the whole “if you saw my resume” stuff. No need for that. For one of the things that attracted me to this blog nearly two years go, which I started participating in before I left the newspaper business, was the genuine conversation about baseball and other topics du jour.

Something that was posted just struck a nerve in me, though, and I had to respond. I don’t apologize for the post in and of itself, but for the language and for the stupid remark about what I’ve done in my career, that didn’t need to be said. I spent 16 years of my life writing for newspapers, but that doesn’t matter here. What does matter is I enjoy good conversation about baseball and a variety of topics with people I truly enjoy talking with, and have developed relationships with …

Why else would I take a picture of the Old Smuggler bottle in my kitchen and send it to Grinch just a few minutes ago? That’s espirit de corps, my fellow bloggers!

Now, baseball (noted transition from the drunk, barely getting by, wannabee Scribe, LOL): … actually, just got a text from Grinch telling me to drink more of that bottle (funny how the all-knowing @$$hole from earlier said none of us know each other; if he know how much we prayed for each other and chatted with each other, he’d be shaken to his very core, but I digress; no need wasting more wording on that person) …

Oh yeah, baseball: What a tough choice for the BoSawx, who to sit in Denver. I think you gotta have Big Papi in the lineup, even if that means Youk sits out. Just Papi and the threat he presents can change the dynamics of a game, so he’s gotta be in there. And Lowell has been a stud in the postseason, so he’s gotta be in there, too.

Does it matter? Methinks not. BoSawx gonna win this thing in the next three days. Selfishly, I wish it were to go seven, cuz that gets all of us closer to Dark Star in mid February. But honestly, no way this goes past five games. Colorado HAD to win one of the two at Fenway, and they couldn’t do it. Series over, denizens.

Now, Bradley (more transition): Man, I gotta tell y’all, that was one of the best columns ever written by Bradley (and while some of you will dispute this, that dude is a damn good column writer). I attended Games 3, 4 and 5 in old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1996. I really believed after the first two games that the Series was over that year, but as we know, the Braves choked away that championship (note to Terry Moore: the 1993 team didn’t choke away anything).

1996 hurts to this day. Those ticket stubs are hidden away in box. The ones in 1995 are in a frame; the ones from Game 1 in 1999 are also framed, alongside my pass from covering Game 2 in 1999. But 1996 just hurts to even think about, let alone see on a daily basis.

Well, time to turn it in. With two little guys ready to hit the ground running come sunrise, we’ll be back in a matter of hours. DOB, get some sleep. Great job of reporting and scene-setting so far from the Series … no Vegas for KU this year? How about a blog party before the game in Atlanta on Dec. 18 at Georgia Tech? Just an idea.

OK, gotta get to bed here shortly. Take care, denizens, and my prayers this evening for good things and good times.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Ripme

October 27, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Cameron is not the answer in CF for the short term and 5-8 million. What a joke. Go ahead and get Hunter, Rowand or someone better with trade and then when prospects are ready for majors move him or them to LF. Diaz may not be there long? Agree pitching comes first. All you people that want older pitchers that throw 5 inch outside and 85 mp, just look at Bostons young power pitchers and Dream what it would be like in Atlanta to have that luxury. Wrens, we look for you to step up and get the job done.

By jbutler

October 27, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

uga brave Hilarious story. I’m convinced Bret Favre is to Packers fans what the Pope is to…well- you know.

I’m afraid you’re right about the Rox. Truly- no one - saw them getting this far…so maybe this is where the ride stops. Baseball in Oct. isn’t so bad here in CO. Well- except for the weather.

By uga-brave

October 27, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

jbutler,

good luck tmmrw. and suck up the atmosphere, carpe diem.

as for me the beer is chillin and the jaeger is on ice for our tailgate tmmrw. in jacsonville.

just hope that jaeger shot is a cellebration shot and not a pain killer. go rockies and shut up those espn enablers.

By Tyler

October 27, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Bullpen and Rotation need to be attended to as well as CF. Lew is absolutely correct on Blanco. He’s as good as he’s gonna get, and he is good enough to play in the bigs. He will hit above .250 with a descent OBP, a good glove and some speed (even if he sucks at stealing). He’s not the best option, but he should be considered, and if not, traded. Shaun made an interesting point about how he wouldn’t bring anything in return, but then came back with everybody needs a good 4th outfielder. If somebody wants him, he might bring a reliever or a good bench player or possibly better. I like Lillbridge a lot. Speed, good glove, pop. He will be looked at for sure. As for any free agents, I like Torii Hunter the best. He would like to go here, but is unlikely to. Glavine will hopefully be signed, then a trade for Arroyo/Blanton could happen, MAYBE Haren. And Mahay, Romero, Linebrink, or Affeldt need to be acquired for bullpen help.

By Tyler

October 27, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

Forgot something-Elismlbrumors.com thinks Coco would come at a low cost. They seem to need some bullpen help outsie Okajima and Papelbon. Maybe a trade of Devine for Coco and a prospect? I’m not sure if Devine would bring that much, but I’m not sure. I only say that because Kris Medlen is on the way up and he is lights out.

By wjones

October 27, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

DOB, I hear what you say about Giles really having bad numbers this year, but the fact is that I am shocked that in three years time he fell so hard so fast. Second basemen of that body type do seem to lose it quickly, but he went faster than either Hubbard or Lemke, who weren’t in his class with either speed or hitting ability. Giles isn’t even 30 yet. Someone posted earlier that both brothers were juicers, and there possibly could be merit to that, if you look at how Brian’s power numbers have dropped, as well as Marcus’s numbers falling through the floor.

By ncscoots

October 27, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

I might have some agreement with Efrim re the bullpen not being quite as set as some might think. There are some arb-eligible players down there, too, who may or may not be in the Braves’ plans. But Devine, Acosta, Ascanio, Yates, even Stockman if he’s healthy, I can see heading out of spring training with 2 or even 3 of those guys. Still need some help on the left side and long relief, though.

Brandon Jones is going to “strike out a ton”, huh? Funny, his minor league K/AB rate is about the same as Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s (around 1/5). But I guess his 19 ML ABs and his early struggles in a winter league show his true abilities. At least to some.

Alexei Ramirez’s AGENT says he’s major-league ready? THAT’S a shock. I know nothing about the player, but I’d be surprised to see any position player come off the boat and start in the bigs.

Crawford/Figgins/Freel. Just wanted to get that out there. :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

soon, the insolent, bitter, stinky, obnoxious, blogger will cross the line and dob will again ban the insolent, bitter, stinky, obnoxious, blogger. of course, journalist would consider that line crossed already but dob is a far kinder journalist.

the i-b-s-o-b even rankled scribe and that takes some rankling.

well, journalist is working on a blog poem today to promote blog harmony. jimmy smith is also writing jimmy smith’s memoirs.

“jimmy smith was born a young baby in uganda … “

now, to all … a pleasant good day.

By TommyP

October 27, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

More Braves, less Series.

Thanks to the readers for what little Braves talk we have on here.

By ssiscribe

October 27, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens. Time to get outside and get some stuff done, but figured I’d check in first.

Jimmy, a noble gesture to write a poem for blog harmony. I’ve got an idea, too, but after yesterday’s outburst, I’ll be nice.

Now, blogging (noted transition): Let’s see, DOB has been sent to the WORLD SERIES to blog about the WORLD SERIES, the BIGGEST baseball event of the year. So we’re supposed to talk less about the WORLD SERIES? Yeah, OK, makes plenty of sense to me.

So, let’s break down the race for the Braves’ final three or four bullpen spots, who’s going to play center field and whether or not Hampton’s going to be back and healthy? Wait, what’s that? We have FOUR FREAKING MONTHS to do that after the World Series? Oh, OK then, let’s talk about the World Series.

Now, World Series (transition; some may wish to skip this since it doesn’t pertain to the Braves): I want the Rockies to win one game at home. I think they might … might. But there is no way this series goes back to Boston, crushing the hopes of Neil Diamond fans everywhere.

And what doeth DOB say about a KU/GT blog party before the big hoop showdown? JJS can bring the BBQ from Marietta. CL can send us a cake.

And Grinch can smuggle in some Old Smuggler.

And on that mouth-watering note, I’m gone. Enjoy your weekend.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 27, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, First, let me pay homage to some of the truly great participants of the blog who keep the rest of us entertain and the many who keep us informed.

I sometimes forget myself, or revert to form, I forget which when trolls lash out. I guess it goes back to my basic instinct to stand up to bullies no matter what their stripe.

I also forget that some do not always detect my sarcasm so become confused as to exactly what I am talking about. I will work on that, not saying I will stop but I will work on it.

I have be guilty of a few profane utterances so it is difficult for me to chide others for doing the same. However, it does mark one who always uses profanity and tends to get their post skipped.

So, with a tip of the cap to the many esteemed artist, poets and scribes who populate this blog I say thank you and keep it coming.

We all need to be able to laugh at ourselves but no one appreciates being laughed at. Try to watch the maliciousness folks, You don’t always know the effects of your barbs.

I was an associate professor at John Tyler Community College for 5 years before I decided that 3 jobs did not leave much time for my family. The cleaning up of the peanut shells was just a sideline.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

uga-brave, I really don’t see any comparison between Brandon Jones and Thorman, judging him with my own eyes, his swing, his approach, not to mention his minor league stats. And defensively? He’s a solid corner outfielder. Again, don’t see any comparison to Thorman. So what if he strikes out a lot. You’re gonna base your entire comparison between the two on their strikeout numbers? We can throw in a whole lot of very good players who strike out a lot, my man….

Scribe, thanks for pointing that out: I think a couple complainers here might not realize the purpose of sending me to the World Series wasn’t to blog about the Braves. Could’ve done that from home.

But judging from e-mails and responses here, most are enjoying the World Series banter. That’s cool. I’m glad. Wish it was a bit more competitive, not a 2-0 advantage, but hey, Rockies were obviously in that last game until the end.

By Savannah Guy

October 27, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Good morning denizens. Game day is upon us (pick your game). I’ll be pulling for the Rockies tonight for the sake of a good series and an extension of the baseball year. That said, I expect pretty much the same outcome as DOB, Scribe and others have stated. Whatever the turnout, they must not get swept for all that is good in baseball.

This denizen will be more than satisfied if we see the Green Monster in play just one more time. Either way, Rox have a lot to be proud of this year especially with the incredible finish.

Scribe, (big transition) your apology to the blog for an earlier post is not accepted. There are very few denizens that ever need to apologize for saying something here that they shouldn’t have and you are one of them. You didn’t cross any line here brother, so your apology is not needed and thereby not at all necessary. Your reply to the negative one(s) was justifiable and honorable in my book. I suspect that you felt the need to apologize because, as JJS pointed out, you were (understandably) rankled and you felt that way while posting your rebuttal. Perhaps you also knew that you had expressed something that had crossed your own personal line.

Esteemed Scribe, (no transition here) your “line” is so much closer than most of ours that, even when you cross it for yourself your commentary remains well within the bounds of good spirit and good taste. Something we all should aspire to. Day in, day out…month by month, you are a sustained beacon of righteous behavior, positive attitude, sound perspective and espirit de corps. So again, apology not accepted….instead, thanks for continually raising the bar on this blog.

By chrisklob

October 27, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

DOB, I think you’re right. Most of us are enjoying the banter and the in-game commentary. Tell the bosses to send you back next year (assuming you want to go)! Maybe next year you’ll be able to do some of the games AND be able to sleep in your own bed.

My guess is that the Rockies are going to win at least one at home. Boston losing their DH, the thin air, renewed energy from playing at home in front of what I am sure will be a very excited crowd, etc. will all help to tilt the advantage back towards the Rockies. The sheer size of Coors Field should help with Colorado’s defense. Can’t wait to watch Manny play D in that huge tract of land they call left field. That should be entertainment in and of itself. I doubt they can win all three but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they win two.

I’ll be very interested to see how Matsuzaka does tonight. I wasn’t terribly impressed with him this year. Seems he had some really good outings along with some really bad ones. Pretty pedestrian numbers, especially for all the hoopla. Dave, like you, I think he was terribly over-hyped. This post-season he’s 1-1 with a 5.65 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and .317 BAA. Not exactly Cy Young. I wonder how effective that curveball is going to be in Denver’s thin air.

This is a very good Rockies team. They didn’t look good in Game 1 but played very competitively in Game 2. I look for more of the same tonight.

More than anything, I hope that the games are competitive and entertaining.

By Savannah Guy

October 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Now, this blog seems to have a very negative and angry one lurking and taking every opportunity to sabotage the forum. We can all take a guess as to why the person might be doing this or who it may be. My guess is, they are very unhappy, struggling with his or her own demons and is merely lashing out in this “safe”, anonymous forum.

My good wishes and prayers will include this tortured soul. Whoever it is, they seem to be bright, witty and downright humorous at times if you are able to pick through the negativity, harsh criticism and harsh sentiments (picking pepper from gnat poop as it were).

More troubling, this person seems to know the denizens very well and spends enough time here to know personalities and where the “hot buttons” are with the folks. Which means, they are not only disturbed…they are regular.

My hope for the last few days of the World Series and throughout hotstove and next season is for this person to stay with us but instead of being negative, add to the baseball talk, the BBQ reviews, music, poetry, entertainment, corny silliness (like yours truly) or any number of acceptable subjects found here on the Notorious MIB BravesBlog.

Enough said…moving along from this subject from here out. There are way too many good, wholesome things to think and do and write about. Back later.

By Savannah Guy

October 27, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Klobber…hello to you and “good post”. The Rockies are a great, albeit young team. Lookout next year if they hold the players together and after they’ve had playoff trial by fire experience. They will no doubt contend.

I suspect Coors Field will at least add some advantage (or less disadvantage) to the Rox. Thin air effect on curves may help. Adding to their side of the ledger at home would be their fans, home familiarity, increased knowledge of the opponent, larger outfield, young player jitters calmed a bit, 9-day rust knocked off and for tonight at least…no Beckett. After being so competitive in game two, I like their chances to win a few from the Beantown boys.

“My Rockies” against “my BoSox”…other than “my” Bravos vs the BoSox, nothing could be sweeter. Torn, but it’s all good. Ok, I’ll quit vascilating, put it on the line and pull for one team in the Series…

Go ColoBoston BoRoxies. ; )

By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)

October 27, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Choppinmama – Oh my, you have guessed at the mutant origin of yours truly? Is that your final guess? Methinks not, since me gave many good hints to Mr. Burns already. Just remember one hint, we are all familiar with me mutant-daddy. On the other hand (spiny leg for me) you may not be far off, in other sense. Me mutant-daddy is not one that you have offered but me has, uh…other relations that are similar. Me will not dare scoop Mr. Burns and will explain more in Daily Buzz this afternoon, where true identity will be revealed once and for all in final two-part segment.

Hunky Dory beefed-up rowboat? haha…mamma make a funny and make me laugh. Music to me ears. Methinks Choppinmamma is rowing up the wrong river on that definition, but then, one must occasionally mark twain for changes in course or nautical safety.

Recent Fly speech patterns? Me language may seem to have changed a bit but there are two reasons for that. One, me is evolving and better able to speak humanese for me own self. Two, me is not needing buddy publisher as much for translations so you get more unadulterated me (can say on blog?) Maybe me won’t need buddy to translate at all next year. He means well but too long-winded anyway.

Meantime, it’s a wonderful day, a beautiful season and life is good, even for flies like me. Me must away now…very hungry and Mr. Burns is treating me and buddies to big lunch.

By Fred Secunda

October 27, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Looking at the Rockies lineup, I wonder if they’d be a team that’d be interested in Andruw Jones. It’s scary to think about the numbers he could put up in Colorado.

By Jim

October 27, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones was in High A last year, This year he went through two levels of the minor leagues and ended up as a September call-up. The question isn’t yet whether Brandon Jones will ever be able to play at the major league level, but whether he is ready to play there at the start of next season.

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 27, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Hello to my buds. I was going to come aboard and “chat” for a while, but the blog still has the “crabs”. Think I’ll wait ‘til later. See y’all then.

By mo in the boonies

October 27, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

I think the decision to sit Youk and play Ortiz, the DH, is a big mistake. Youkilis has only, what… one error since a year ago July? And he is hitting just as good as Ortiz. Besides Ortiz is over weight and has a bad knee. He can always come off the bench if needed.

DOB I saw a survey once, that said that upper Midwest people actually have the purest speaking voice in the country, With no discernable regional accent at all. If the people you heard sounded like Wickman, they must have been mushy mouthed from too much booze. Now that is a discernable habit in Mid-westerners. Grin

Lew Brad Komminsk came from a obnoxious high school in the same county where we used to live in Ohio. They thought he walked on water there. His dad ran a car dealership there, and I don’t know if Brad is working there now or not. Could be.

If Blanco and some of the others in the farm club aren’t ever going to be used, why don’t they cut them loose? They are keeping them just to have some one to play ball in the minors? How about scouting someone good to play in the minors? Duh

I’m going against the general opinion on here and taking the Rockies tonight. I don’t think Dice K’s pitching is going to hold up in that thin air, and I don’t care if he is the 100 million dollar man, I never saw much from him yet. And not having Youkilis in there makes me even more sure Boston is going to get beat.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 27, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

speaking of Brad Komminsk , anybody remember June 19th , 1984 ? The third inning , bases loaded , Komminsk batting. He hit a grand slam (his only career slam) to win some lucky fan (I don’t remember who) a hundred thousand dollars in the goodies home run inning. Craig McMurtry was the starter and winner (Braves 11 Giants 6 final score). We had some dude by the name of Dale Murphy playing in center field that day (my favorite player of all-time). Wouldn’t it be nice to have a player of that character and caliber playing for the Braves in CF ?

By Braves4Ever

October 27, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Doubt that Murph , who is my fav Brave of all time as well, would even get the chance today. BC and JS seem to be too conservative . I think Jeff would play a similar CF to Murph but they won’t even seriously consider it. In HS , granted it’s been a few years, he ran a 4.4 forty. He would as one blogger said play CF like a free saftey, but elbows and knees and lack of grace aside, I believe he’d do a good job there. I would like to see a KJ type move with ‘Bridge. I think he’d do better than CoCo out there, and would save money for pitching. Plus Lili does have some previous experience out there. Even if he only hit .260 with a lil pop from the 8 hole , he’d be as good offensively as Aj. and better than “a box of cereal”.

By Lew

October 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

It was mentioned earlier that a certain misanthrope known to show up all too frequently was “regular”. Perhaps prunes or Ex Lax would be more to his liking and spare the denizens his “regularity”.

By Logan23

October 27, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

For those of you that follow winter league ball, Atlanta’s seventh overall pick is on national television. Dennis Dixon is pitching for the Oregon Ducks and throwing strikes.

By Tim Tebow

October 27, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Lew, I got your letter of encouragement. Thanks, man.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Beautiful day it turned into here, after being gray and cold this morning. About 55 and sunny now, but feels warmer. Gonna turn cold after sun goes down, though.

Good scene outside the stadium, lot of folks out there. I’m gonna go out and talk to a few of them before I write a new blog.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Mo in the Boonies, you’re kidding, right? If you’re not, then clearly you’ve never traveled to Wisconsin, North Dakota or Minnesota. Clearly.

The flat, no-accent region is parts of the midwest like Kansas and Missouri and Iowa. It is ABSOLUTELY not Wisconsin or Minnesota or North Dakota.

Watch the movie Fargo sometimes. They exaggerated a bit, perhaps, but those are plenty close to the accents you hear way up there.

By mo in the boonies

October 27, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

DOB It was a survey, not my survey. However I think it holds up for Michigan and Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. I did see Fargo, but I never heard anyone in real life talk like that. Also knew a guy from Minn. and he didn’t have an accent either, but of course he wasn’t Swedish, or from Norway either like many are up there, but then by the third generation they also lose that accent. But they never lose the craving for good beer.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

well, to the credit of dob and the ajc, the stinky posts are being deleted today. best, though, to block the twerp. whiny little jerk, so to speak.

now, baby seal has advanced degrees in small engine repair - and a certain blogger suggests this blog is devoid of educational achievement.

and old smuggler is not a brand familiar to this journalist. have been told old smuggler tastes much like coppertone.

and dob, should have tried the chowder while in boston. may not get back this year.

and whither carroll rogers with this season almost ended? not even posting?

and, not to rub it in, but, jimmy smith has just received a fresh pumpkin pie from mrs. anthony. journalist will be away for a time …

By Greg in TN

October 27, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Greetings and salutations, denizens…

Cross country trek from Plymouth Rock to the Rockies is done and the Rockies have to be hoping for a better fate than what they’ve seen so far in the 2007 fall classic. If they want any chance of extending the postseason past the minimum, tonight is the night to wrestle a little bit of momentum back against Dice-K.

Took quite a bit of time catching up on the blog doings and enjoyed the ballpark conversations a few days ago. I can talk ballparks just as much as I can baseball and enjoy it just as much.

Hey, love the Ted, but I also loved the old ballpark dearly. Saw a lot of baseball both in person and on TV there over the years, listened to Marshall Mann’s booming voice, kept an eye on how the evil, mean nasty dodgers were doing on the auxiliary scoreboard through the Plexiglas wall. Many knocked the ‘ol ballpark, the playing surface, the cookie-cutter shape. But fifteen years ago, it was LOUD. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen the Ted as loud as the Chop Shop back in the day.

There are many that wax nostalgic about the baseball palaces of yesterday. Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Shibe Park, Crosley Field, Sportsman’s Park, Comiskey Park and Tiger Stadium among others. Each of those places deserve their place in history and among the affection of the people that went there wide-eyed and ready to cheer for their teams.

This denizen will always wax nostalgic about the joint on Capital Avenue just north of Ralph David Abernathy. And I always stop and watch any video from the old ballpark with a smile on my face, because that’s where I cultivated my love of baseball.

By Mr J

October 27, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Mo, The accent DOB is talking about I’ve heard refered to as the Lake accent. It extends from Duluth MN, around though Chicago and upper Ohio, and up to Buffalo, NY. It dissapates the farther away from the Great Lakes you go, but around that rim it can be VERY pronounced.

By stInKy

October 27, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

What posts?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Yes , the accent is very different up here in the Dakota’s. nothing like what we heard from Wickman or in Wisconsin. Mo , people really do talk like the accent used in the movie : Fargo. Uff-da is a word. Ya hey is an expression. I live here in Nodak land with all these Norwegian’s , take my word for it and yes , they do drink like fish. There is a bar virtually everywhere you look. By the way , I’m ten months sober.

By Savannah Guy

October 27, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

GEORGIA!!!!!!!!

By Savannah Guy

October 27, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Sorry for yelling like that. Amazing game and the Dawgs take a big one. What a finish… : )

By Bob, Journalist

October 27, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Calling an illegal alien an “undocumented immigrant” is like calling a drug dealer an “unlicensed pharmacist”.

How could I have missed the NostraDumb@ss 12:32 PM Post … guess that’s one of the advantages of being preoccupied.

Methinks the one behind the NostraDumb@ss mask is perhaps the greatest pretender among us … I can’t imagine anyone really being so inept and can only conclude that the ineptness is a pretense … or at least I so hope.

Regardless, the demand for first stone casters is less than the supply … we don’t need any more.

Only you and your hairdresser know for sure but neither can I imagine that NostraDumb@ss believed the post to be informative, insightful or of beneficial import … inciteful maybe.

Now I don’t pretend to be smart but I once sent a letter addressed to “The World’s Smartest Person” and the Post Office returned it to me.

Most of the descriptors certainly fit me … semi-educated, loudmouthed college dropout, … over-the-hill geriatric … bloated ego, wannabe know-it-all … mind reading, hypocritical goody-two-shoes number’s person … who’s pretending? … that’s me!

One thing’s for sure … Bob is a cute little name behind which to hide!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

October 27, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Georgia 41 Florida 30 , after two disappointing losses earlier in the season , this one feels fantastic. How bout dem DAWGS !!!!

By Heathcliff Paladin

October 27, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

DOB Tell Jeff Shultz to stick that in his ear!!! DAWGS WIN DAWGS WIN DAWGS WIN !!!!!!

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS POSTED (or will be in seconds)

By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)

October 27, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Final Episode of the Mutant Fly Origin mystery

Mr. Burns asked me to put together a little teaser for tonight’s episode of, “Mutant Origin of the Talking Fly, but me didn’t want to tease about such an important topic. Really didn’t…cross my thorax.

Me will just say that the final episode of the Burns/Fly sessions will involve mobsters, special security agents, journalists, furry mammals, detectives, Noir guys, several Johns (one from upstairs and the other from way upstairs), murderous spider gangs and a special appearance by DOB. Me have an interesting life.

Mr. Burns promises to entertain and amuse, but above and beyond all of that, he promises to unveil the mutant Fly-daddy. He said to just remember…its all about the esteemed Jimmy.

By NostraDumb@ss

October 27, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity!

By Savannah Guy

October 28, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

The Daily Buzz (Fly on Wall Report No. 032)

(Fly language translated for your convenience).

PART TWO: FINAL FLY MUTANT-ORIGIN INTERVIEW: As Mr. Fly and his entourage finished a snack of Red Velvet cake, Mr. Fly stated that he was finally ready to complete the session. About that time, a loud “thwack”, followed by “owww” was heard. Seemed dessert was over.

Everyone looked toward the end of the long conference table where Tony and Dob were sitting. Mr. Tony was rubbing his chin and looking bewildered and angry. Mr. Dob had just whacked him with his telescope. When everyone asked Dob why he did it, he just said, “no politics here in this room”. Seems Tony had innocently leaned right in his chair and it riled Dob, who didn’t want even a hint of political discourse during the interview. Guy Noir chimed in, “word on the street has it that Dob was once held up by a Presidential motorcade on his way to a Whitesnake concert. He’s been jumpy ever since”.

The room agreed to not lean left, right or center…and especially not mention Cameron in center. Tony forgave the chin bop since it was such a soft, meaningless, Alex Trebek-ish sort of tap and opined, “some hits are legit but this was not”. Dob didn’t respond to Tony, instead he started up a conversation with a malleable stranger on the cell phone. Tension remained in the air, so thick you could cut it with a knife. Ziggy was nowhere in sight, but they all knew it was stalking time for the Moonboys, the Bewlay brothers. They were kings of oblivion, part Chameleon, Comedian, Corinthian and Caricature. They were known to drag their prey to a mind-warp pavilion. Those boys could ruin your day in a Calabash minute ( much slower than a New York minute).

Mr. Noir was pacing. Tony told Dob that he had his eyes on him. Young John watched Fly. Shuerholz watched young John. Dob was glancing back and forth trying to decide whom to watch and listen to. Ken was out of the room. Fly watched everyone, amazed at how humans could be such easy to rile creatures. He was saddened by the one-upsman-ship of those that were supposed to be there to help sort it all out. Angst filled the room.

As everyone waited for the interview to begin and to hear the true identity of Mr. Fly’s mutant origin, Mr. Burns returned to the room. Ken sensed that he should begin the interview before nightfall, when things could get dicey. Mr. Burns shushed everyone and said, “Mr. Fly, are you ready to begin?” Mr. Fly looked up slowly, quivering and sadly said, “No, actually me ready to end”.

At that, Mr. Burns announced into his recorder, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the last episode of the Fly mutant origin begins now…lights, action, roll”:

MR. BURNS: well, Mr. Fly, the time has finally come.

MR. FLY: me sleepy. Can we take a little nap…

MR. BURNS: no, no little buddy. Somebody bring Fly coffee. So, when we left it, you said Mike Conner is your mutant origin. Before it was Jimmy S. Which is it?

MR. FLY: you are confused. Jimmy is name. Mike was movie character name. Good role for Jimmy. Good movie. Shot in Philadelphia.

MR. BURNS: movie? Jimmy in a movie? We thought…

MR. FLY: oh, my Jimmy was in many good movies.

MR. BURNS: what about the imaginary furry little mammal friend? What of his recognizable, screwball, eccentric and comedic twist to his work? His poetry?

MR. FLY: oh, he was talented and also a romantic. Loved pies and cakes, loved his birds. My mutant-daddy was a kind, soft-spoken human.

MR. BURNS: we seem to be going in circles here. So, if I have this straight, he is not a tabloid journalist but played one in a movie?

MR. FLY: very good Mr. Ken, you are good. You could have a case of rocks too, like detectives. Mr. Jimmy’s little mammal was not little but big…an invisible six-foot, three-and-a-half-inch tall rabbit named Harvey. Harvey is a pooka, a mischievous magical creature from Celtic mythology.

MR. BURNS: whoa! This is getting, um…crazy. Confusing. Your mutant origin daddy is who…what?

MR. FLY: like I said, Jimmy was so creative and kind and funny. He could lasso the moon if he wanted. He did once. Oh, me used to always say, “it’s a wonderful life” with my Jimmy. He touched so many…

MR. BURNS: ahem…and his last name was?

MR. FLY: why is DOB looking at me with a telescope?

MR. SCHUERHOLZ: oh, sorry that’s Mr. John Dobson. We call him “Dob” for short. He invented the Dobsonian telescope that’s popular with amateur astronomers. His scope was small, so it was affordable. Stargazing denizens used to say, “a little Dob’ll do ya”. He also comes in handy around here.

MR. BURNS: how so, John?

MR. SCHUERHOLZ: Well, he scopes out the opposition. He and his Blog-detective denizens get an up close look at who’s out there and such. Then they report it, parse it, speculate, pontificate, berate, castigate, invigorate, bloviate, alleviate, clarify, levitate, sanctify, stat-ify, satisfy, magnify, amplify, talk of pie…and then I read it. There are always a few there that really know what they are talking about and usually most fall into line with a group opinion. Gives me a secret and smart advantage in Braves strategy and recruiting.

MR. DOB: um, thanks John…but I still won’t spy on opposing team catcher’s signals with my telescope. Wouldn’t be sporting. Plus, I can’t investigate and blog with a telescope stuck in one eye. A good scope, earphones, music CD’s, lyrics, protective hammock bone leggings and an occasional fish taco are all the equipment I need…that, a black wardrobe, a tattoo and plenty of Cash. Must have Cash.

MR. BURNS: uh, thanks for giving us much more information than we really needed Dob, but that’s great. Interesting. Really. So, where were we? Oh yes…Mr. Fly, so is it Jimmy or Mike?

MR. FLY: his real name was James. James Maitland, but me and everyone else always called him Jimmy. Oh, how I miss Jimmy. He touched so many.

MR. BURNS: are you saying his name is James Maitland, Mr. Fly?

MR. FLY: you are so good…yes me was! And, me used to go on Delta frequent-flyer vacations to Hollywood. Me met Jimmy Maitland there. Maitland nice middle name, think?

MR. BURNS: ahhhh, middle name. Jimmy Maitland…S. Your mutant origin father is closer. Go ahead now little buddy and spit it out. The last name is…

MR. FLY: Jimmy. Jimmy…Ji, Ji, Jimm, JJJimmy Sssss… jjjj-jiiimmy….zzzzStew. Stewart. Jimmy Stewart!!!

MR. BURNS: wow!!! The Jimmy Stewart? Amazing. You tried to tell us days ago but we were just no listening I guess. Wow!!! Great actor. Good guy too.

MR. FLY: so good was Jimmy and many good movies. Wonderful life is me favorite. Then Vertigo, Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Harvey, Rear Window …so many.

MR. BURNS: at long last, mystery solved. Jimmy Stewart it is. Although I have so many more questions. He was a great actor in so many great movies…but didn’t he die back in 97?

MR. FLY: oh, my Jimmy will always live on. So many good wholesome things…he was an “everyman”.

MR. BURNS: yes he was a good one. A real patriot too.

MR. FLY: he was a flyboy too…want to know about my mutant origin uncles and granddaddies and nephews and such now?

MR. BURNS: uncles? What do you mean?

MR. FLY: mad scientist had a box in the Telepod with Mr. Jimmy. DNA samples of a few other humans were in a little box. They are also part of me now.

MR. BURNS: fascinating. We will want to know more about them and the scientist but that can wait. You must be exhausted after that…

MR. FLY: mad scientist is named Mr. Balco. He makes molecular and chemically altered crèmes and substances. He was arrested but got out of jail on Bond. He was also an archeological forensic pathologist and DNA expert too. He would go to museums and barber shops and collect samples of people, some were old and some young.

MR. BURNS: perhaps you could just tell us their identities so that we know what’s, um…inside you. Then next year you could tell us about them.

MR. FLY: me will tell you who they were but you will have to do your own Wickipedia research for yourself for your documentary. Just way too many details.

MR. BURNS: are your “relatives” all actors?

MR. FLY: oh, my no. Me have an eclectic collection of humans there, uh…here. Some good, some bad, some happy, some sad, big and small, fat and thin, ugly, pretty, light, dark…they all make me.

MR. BURNS: which human personality dominates the rest?

MR. FLY: is that like, “Which ancestor are you most like”?

MR. BURNS: yes, I suppose so. We’re all made up of…

MR. FLY: me have Will Rogers, John Chapman, Ogden Nash, Paul David Hewson, Frank Miller, Harold Lloyd, Johnny Mercer, Don Quixote, Ian Anderson, John Lennon, Michael Phillip Jagger, Corky Caroll, Orson Welles, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, Daniel Defoe, Groucho Marx, Jim Henson, Lenny Bruce…who died on me birthday, Jude the Obscure, Rick Griffin, Hillel Mondoro, Red Smith, Jim Morrison, George Herman Ruth, Maureen O’Hara, John Wayne, Forest Gump, Amatoya Moytoy of Chota and an unnamed Keetoowah warrior. Last but not least, Musca Domestica.

MR. BURNS: wow…so many, even a woman!

MR. FLY: we all have all people connected. We all have men and women in DNA. Life is like a box of chocolates. But you must open the box for yourself. Fly will no longer dwell on past things and origins. All has been revealed.

MR. BURNS: so cool Mr. Fly. When we first met, I really thought that, with your, um…language, well, I thought to myself, “what we’ve got here is… failure to communicate.” Thought you were bluffing with nothing in your hand when we first started this card game. Nice interview. Very cool…

MR. FLY: yeah, well, sometimes nothin’ can be a real cool hand.

MR. BURNS: seems so. Can you leave us with a final thought?

MR. FLY: me like this from Tempest: “O wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world that has such people in’t!”. Reminds me of ancestors and Blog denizens too.

MR. BURNS: it’s a wrap. Thanks everyone. What will you do now Mr. Fly?

MR. FLY: me must away for a long while. My buddy translator has a big project to attend to and me take long vacation. Many blossoms to visit and much evolving to do.

MR. BURNS: you, little buddy are an esteemed Fly…

MR. FLY: even if in my own little mind…Achtung Baby!