AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWho’s the Empire now? And no K.J. for Coco
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was standing on the corner Lansdowne and Brookline (which is better than standing on a corner in Winslow, Ariz.), just behind the Green Monster, chatting with Sam Morton, a 19-year-old college kid wearing paint-spattered Vans, a black Red Sox hat, and a red shirt with “AGAIN” across the chest in blue letters of the font used in the Red Sox logo.
It was Thursday afternoon and he’d been here, oh, 27 hours, and was going to be out here a few more until the Red Sox released 200 or 300 tickets they sell two hours before every game.
The Massachusetts College of Art and Design student and his buddy passed on standing-room only seats to Game 1 on Wednesday, believing they’d get good seats if they stayed overnight and moved up to the front of the line, which, by the way, was about 600 strong, all the way down the block, four or five across, by Thursday afternoon.
Sam, who’s from Eliot, Maine, had slept in a tent overnight, and was wearing the same clothes he wore when he got here at 1 p.m. Wednesday. He was haggard and rumpled and, frankly, funky. He looked like he could use a shower and shave. In other words, he looked like I did most morning during college.
But Sam was just thrilled that he was 15th in line, certain to get decent seats to the second game of the World Series.
“I’ve done this before, for a couple of Red Sox-Yankee games this year,” said the sophomore who was “absolutely” skipping some classes at Mass Art (that’s what they call it here) to be in this line.
He’s a native of Eliot, Maine, a Red Sox fan all his life, like just about everyone else he knows in New England.
“It’s sinful not to be,” he said, and then I told him that I couldn’t remember people sleeping on the sidewalk overnight to get tickets to a Braves game. “It’s a whole different atmosphere here,” he said.
Then I had to ask him: Was it better to be the luckless underdogs the Red Sox had been for most of a century, or the big-spending franchise going for a second World Series title in four years? After all, it’s hard to call the Yankees the Evil Empire when the Red Sox are spending more than anyone but the Yankees, and when the Red Sox are the team going for their second ring in four years while the Yankees haven’t won one in seven years.
“That’s a great question,” Morton said. “Growing up we were always underdogs, always in the Yankees’ shadow. Now we’ve got this powerhouse team. We really pounded the Rockies last night.”
He didn’t answer my question, but that was OK. Scruffy Sam seemed like a cool kid. It’d been a long night. And he was about to get good seats to see his beloved Sawx. Carry on, Sam.
Kelly Johnson for Coco Crisp? That rumor’s been hot-and-heavy on the ol’ Man In Black blog here today. But after speaking with a person who should know, I can tell you it sounds unlikely the Braves would trade for Crisp to be their new center fielder, and extremely unlikely that they’d trade Kelly Johnson for Crisp.
In other words, if the Braves can’t do better in finding a replacement for Andruw Jones than Crisp, then maybe they’d consider trading for the no-longer-starting Red Sox center fielder. But they wouldn’t trade Kelly Johnson in a straight-up deal for Crisp, who would kill to have an offensive season like the one K.J. just had in his first full season.
Johnson, after missing all of 2006 and after moving to a new position (second base), hit .276 with 26 doubles, 10 triples, 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 521 at-bats, with a .375 OBP and .457 slugging percentage.
Crisp, 27, has had five major league seasons with at least 400 at-bats, and has career highs of 16 homers, 71 RBIs and 50 walks. In the past two seasons, he’s gone .264-8-36 with a .317 OBP and .385 slugging in 2006, and .268-6-60 with a .330 OBP and .382 slugging in 2007.
Things are going to get interesting this winter as the pieces start to come together, but right now I don’t have a good read on who’s going to be at second base or center field, and not certain about shortstop. I don’t know that the Braves do, either, until they really start to get into trade talks.
Gotta love the creativity: Walking to Kenmore Station after last night’s game, saw a guy selling T-shirts with these slogans on the front — Derek Jeter Drinks Wine Coolers and A-Rod, Mr. April/Miss October.
And at a Boston University bookstore they were selling T-shirts in Red Sox blue and red with a superhero-looking guy in a baseball uniform on front and this in comic-book lettering: Fighting Evil for the Good of the Game.
Great night from you all on the blog last night. So what do you say we do it again? Let’s roll.
First, some stats and facts:
_ The Game 1 winner has won all six playoff series this year and nine of the past 10 World Series.
— Red Sox have outscored opponents 43-6 in their last four games in this postseason, and also have won five consecutive World Series games.
— Josh Beckett is 5-0 with a 0.93 ERA in his past five postseason starts, including four in this postseason. He could get the chance to become only the third pitcher to win five games in one postseason.
— After five innings in Game 1, the Sox already had tied a World Series record with eight doubles, and had scored nine runs with two outs on the board. They went 11-for-15 with two outs in those first five innings.
— The Sox have scored 36 runs in their last 21 innings before tonight.
— David Ortiz has had a sore knee for a while now, and might not play much first base during the two or three games at Colorado when the series shifts and the DH is dropped in the NL park. If Big Papi doesn’t play first base for the Sox, Kevin Youklis will.
— Dunkin’ Donuts is a huge Red Sox sponsor. Guess who was in the Dunkin’ Donuts suite for Game 1? According the Boston Globe, it was a motley assemblage including an actor/comedian named Mike O’Malley (never heard of him), Bruins NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, Fox baseball folks Jeanne Zelasko and Kevin Kennedy Arizona center fielder Eric Byrnes and … Darth Vader intro, please … Scott Boras.
OK, that’s all. Let’s do this.
But before we get going, a tune. I’m sure there are plenty of people who don’t feel or act like those in this song by the bard Greg Brown. But I can’t say I’m one of them. Don’t know about you all, but always feel like I’m just another fella “at pink slip’s mercy in a paper universe.”
“JUST A BUM” by Greg Brown
I saw a man, he’s a well-dressed man
He had a tan from the Yucatan
He had a car, he looked like a star
I said, Hey, don’t I know who you are
But when he glanced into my eyes
I saw yes I saw was such a big surprise
He was afraid that he’s just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he’s left without a dime
Time ain’t money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes
I know a guy, he’s a pal of mine
I say, hey. He say, I’m doin fine
I’m movin up the ladder, rung rung rung
I’m gonna get my million while I am still young
But at night when he’s had a few
His eyes say different than his tongue
They say I’m afraid that I’m just a bum
Someday when all my stuff is gone and I’m left without a dime
Time ain’t money when all ya got is time
And I can see me standin’ on the corner with my nine-day beard and my bright red eyes
Goin hey, hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story, hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
Some people live to work, work to live
Any little tremble and the earth might give
Ya can’t hide it in a Volvo or a London Fog
Can’t hide it in a mansion with an imported dog
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we’re at pink slip’s mercy in a paper universe
And we’re afraid that we’re just a bum
Someday when all our stuff is gone and we’re left without a dime
Time ain’t money when all ya got is time
And we can see us standin on the corner with our nine-day beards and our bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
The man of sorrow’s acquainted with grief
Stands in line waiting for relief
He will tell ya it wasn’t always this way
One bad little thing happened one bad little day
Heartbreak has bad teeth and a sour smell and lives when he can in a cheap hotel
And he’s afraid that he’s just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he’s left without a dime
Time ain’t money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
Comments
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 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 Thro