AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThree Braves join unusual charity effort
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It all finally came together for Tom Glavine last night. The veteran lefty was handed a big lead, he cruised through five innings before hitting the wall in the sixth — apparently, when you’re past 40, that wall can come up on you fast — and the bullpen bent but didn’t break to give Glavine his first win as a Brave since 2002.
Here’s hoping the bats have some life left in them for Chuck James tonight. A 3-4 road trip is much easier to live with than a 2-5 one, especially when it means taking the series from the Phillies.
Speaking of the bats, here’s an interesting note: Everyone in last night’s lineup is hitting at least .275 except Mark Teixeira, who’s at .254. It’s frustrating to imagine how good this offense could be if he could get it going even a little bit. After all, they scored eight runs last night while he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, leaving five Braves stranded.
On a lighter note, Glavine, Chipper Jones and Brian McCann have lent their names and images to an unusual charity effort. California’s Clos LaChance Winery & Estate Vineyard has created Cabernet Glavingnon, Chipper Chardonnay and McCann Merlot, and proceeds from the sales will go to local charities and the Major League Baseball Players Trust.
Profits from Cabernet Glavingnon will go to Cure Children’s Cancer, Chipper Chardonnay helps the Miracle League, and McCann Merlot supports the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.
Gil Kuler, a certified wine educator with the Society of Wine Educators, offered the the following reviews:
McCann Merlot: It has refreshingly sharp acidity like a snap throw to first. A pleasant smoky, coffee-dark chocolate quality reminiscent of a brewing rally in the bottom of the ninth.
Cabernet Glavingnon: Like a slider into the dirt, it has an earthy quality with blackberry flavors that curve over the back corner of the palate.
Chipper Chardonnay: A singular citrusy aroma that’s doubly apparent on the palate. It has a triple dose of peppery spices and grand flavors of apricot and tangerine that slam the door on the finish to complete the tasting cycle.
Starting Monday, you’ll be able to buy them at Kroger, Wal-Mart and numerous other wine outlets for $13 a bottle. Does the pairing of baseball and wine seem odd to you, or will you pick up a bottle or two for a good cause? If so, which one(s) are you likely to buy?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Thursday: at Phillies, 7:05, SportSouth
Friday: vs. A’s, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. A’s, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. A’s, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
Tuesday: vs. Mets, 1:00, Peachtree TV; 7:00, SportSouth
Wednesday: vs. Mets, 7:00, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: vs. Mets, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Services »
Comments
By ScootBrave18
May 15, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Any word on Chipper? He grimmaced in pain after his last at bat last night…
By ADL
May 15, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Chipper Chardonnay tastes amazingly like Boones Farm. I guess it will go well with the wings at Hooters.
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 15, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Sounds delicious !
By rekkidbraka
May 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
OK, “Cabernet Glavingnon” is pretty darn brilliant as names go.
By richbrave
May 15, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
OFFENSE:
The old work shoes were lined up in the mud-room yesterday evening patiently waiting for hitters to fill them. Last night the usual suspects did.
JOSH ANDERSON went 2-5 and raised his average to .275(42-153). He has struggled against the book on him recently, but shows flashes of defeating the opposing team’s moves.
BARBARO CANIZARES hit his sixth HR and 2-4 raising his average to .333(43-129). He continues to be the main power plant for this team. In addition to leading in HR’s he’s second in doubles(8) and is tops in RBI with 22. He continues to be error free recently around the 1st sack.
CLINT SAMMONS was 2-4(31-99).313 and appears to be righting his listing average. Four passed balls and two errors in 28 games have only allowed 1 unearned run so far. He’s tight both behind and while hitting at home plate.
Although given a night off SCOTT THORMAN continues his steady progress at the plate raising his average to .254 (33-130) but his power numbers continue to suffer. He has 8 doubles and 2 HR’s.
DEFENSE:
The other two Cubans from the contingent here also performed their chores splendidly. Put on their pitching shoes and went to town.
FRANCISLEY BUENO had a second consecutive excellent start. 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO. Lowered his ERA to 3.43 and picked up his second win. Record 2-1. His stock appears on the rise.
VLADIMER NUNEZ followed with 1 inning of goose eggs except for 1 SO. ERA 3.68. Season’s totals. 15 games with a 3-0 record, 22.0 IP all in relief, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 2 HB, 6 BB, 23 SO, 1.36 WHIP, 3 HOLDS and finished 6 games. He continues his dance routine, two steps forward, one back, but is progressing toward becoming a good solid relief man.
OLD RELIABLE PHIL STOCKMAN goes another inning of splendid relief lowering his overall ERA to 0.77 in 23.1 innings. He also picks up another hold after coming on in relief of ANDY SHIBILO who had allowed two runners on with 0 outs. STOCKMAN shut then down allowing only one walk to the CLEVELAND INDIANS INDIANAPOLIS farm team. He now has 4 HOLDS to go with only 8 H, 10 BB, 19 SO. PHIL has been consistantly excellent for the R-Braves, and I believe would be an asset in ATLANTA’s pen.
Smooth and steady CHARLIE MORTON pitched another excellent game Tuesday. His totals 2-0 in 8 games with 7 starts. 48.0 IP/30 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 1 HB, 15 BB, 39 SO, 0.94 WHIP, 1 GF. This young man is on his way to the ML sooner rather than later. With the preparation given by the Braves hopefully he will stick and become a consistant winner for the big club. Of course, you never know until tested at “The TED.” The Braves appear determined to stick to their time-table for him which I believe means a test in early June then back here for more work with a final call-up in late July or early August.
By Pepper Player
May 15, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Chipper Chardonnay has been recalled. On the D.L. so to speak. Twisted something removing the cork. Tweaked something else reading the label. Strained a little something reaching for a glass. Hopes to miss only one game.
By dogmeat
May 15, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Great job tonight Braves. Hitting great, pitching great, and Bobby Cox still walks on water. In other word same old BS.
By VaBravesfan
May 16, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Chop Chick: Did you have a column in Chop Talk? I saw a picture in an old issue and the eyes look the same.