AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > November > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USI’m just thinking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Quicker hits than usual this week:
I think the Braves will miss Leo Mazzone much more than they’re letting on.
I think Mazzone was undervalued within this organization, which, if you’re an organization built on pitching, always seemed pretty strange to me.
I think the White Sox won the World Series — and went 11-1 in postseason — because Cleveland put the fear of elimination in them the last two weeks of the regular season. Chicago wasn’t a wild-card team, but it had to play like one just to get into the playoffs.
I think Jim Mora has gotten a lecture on how not to trash the history of your own organization. And I think he needed it.
I think Georgia was unlucky to lose to Florida but isn’t quite good enough to have been thinking about an unbeaten regular season, anyway. If that makes any sense.
I think the Hawks need to guard somebody.
I think the Falcons are such a chic pick to lose in Miami — both Peter King and Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated have picked the Dolphins — that they’ll win.
I think Rafael Furcal is leaving.
Then again, I thought Tom Glavine was staying.
I think Jeff Van Note showed a lot of class Wednesday. Then again, he’s a Kentucky grad. Comes with the diploma.
I think Andruw Jones will win the MVP.
I think Vince Young is making a big run, no pun intended, at the Heisman.
I think Texas will beat Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl.
I think I’m done here.
Permalink | Comments (49) | Categories: Mark Bradley, Quick Hit
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Kelvin Self-Centered
November 3, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this
I’m just thinking I like the picture with the mustache and afro a little better than the current one.
By Scott
November 3, 2005 04:55 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking Billy Knight should be handed a one way bus ticket and punched in the face.
By Clete
November 3, 2005 04:59 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking the Dawgs need some super star wide outs.
By Mack Daddy
November 3, 2005 05:08 PM | Link to this
I’m just thinking I agree with your Mazzone comments….DJ would’ve made a big difference in the GA/FLA game, i think the dawgs win that one….furcal probably will take the money and run…now i’m thinking who will lead off for the braves - julio franco????
By Max Sizemore
November 3, 2005 05:58 PM | Link to this
We may not agree with many of the moves Schuerholz has made — especially regarding relief pitching, but he is no fool. The Braves finish no better than third without Furcal, and he knows it. He will never let Furcal walk.
By brewdawg
November 3, 2005 06:13 PM | Link to this
After the tenn. game, you said uga was good enough to play with anyone. if we were unlucky to lose to fla, what changed your mind? you flip-flop on uga almost daily. please make up your mind.
By Rico
November 3, 2005 06:20 PM | Link to this
I’m just thinking….Chan needs to win 3 of 4 or update his resume.
By Jason P
November 3, 2005 06:38 PM | Link to this
“Unlucky to loose to Florida”, means we should have beaten them under most circumstances. Which, is consistent with Brads comments about being good enough, after UT earlier.
By brewdawg
November 3, 2005 06:47 PM | Link to this
jason, my point was, why say now that we weren’t quite good enough to think about an unbeaten regular season after he said we could play with anybody-including usc. he flip-flops on uga all the friggin time- but he is a grad of kentucky, so how can he know how to be confident on his football knowledge?
By Ron Roberts
November 3, 2005 08:26 PM | Link to this
I bleed red and black, and thought to myself, if we’d gone undefeated this season and played Virginia Tech in the other meaningful BCS game at the end of the season, that we’d have our hands full.
I’m not saying going undefeated wasn’t a probability; I’m saying we might’ve been the weaker of the undefeateds at the end of the season. I mean, we lost a lot of personnel on defense and in our recieving corps, and were “this” close to running the table? Says alot about this program and the direction Richt’s had it in, I believe.
People grumble about Richt’s play-calling all they want, but I think he does what it takes to win; think we were conservative against Florida? I say that’s what kept us in the game.
Nobody —— NOBODY was predicting Georgia would go undefeated, 10-1, be SEC East champions, be SEC title contenders, etc., at the start of this season. I think that speaks volumes about the strength of this program with Richt at the helm. The recruiting classes remain strong, the level of play stays up, and he keeps this program within reach of national title status.
I think we have to admit that sometimes winning it all in Division 1 college football means being fortunate. If USC, Virginia Tech, Texas had to go into a big conference game against a formidable foe without their starting quarterback, I venture to say they’d fave the same fate we did last Saturday.
By The Legend
November 3, 2005 11:10 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking if I want to read real sports columnists, I’ll pick up the Boston Globe or the Washington Post. Mark Bradley, that’s horrible, even for you.
By Dawgbeater
November 3, 2005 11:25 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking…you UGS can’t handle the truth….
By Dawgbeater
November 3, 2005 11:29 PM | Link to this
All this from a UGA team that considered itself in the elite of the SEC and believed the press clippings….always dangerous territory to tread in, along with the cocktail bowl in Jax…. look forward to seeing y’all in Jax next year(or athens, whenever that happens again…you couldn’t beat us there, either)
By Fraaank
November 4, 2005 02:49 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking Georgia needs to start scheduling a bye week before the GA/FLA game like Florida does every year. As you could see by the first two drives the bye helped them a lot.
By Rodney Derrick
November 4, 2005 07:13 AM | Link to this
Andruw has won every award possible so far, but these were all based on votes by his fellow players, by managers and coaches, and by fans. In the next week or so, the MVP will be announced. During the season, a strong majority of the ESPN columnists were supporting Pujols, but Pujols has not even been able to beat out Derek Lee for any awards. Who will be choosing the MVP, and what will it say about sports writers if they pick Pujols instead of Andruw for MVP?
I am a forever Braves fan, who saw Eddie Mathews’ homer over the magnolia tree, the first exhibition and the first opener in the 60s, 35 games the first year, but has never been to Turner Field as I no longer live in Atlanta.
By Rudy
November 4, 2005 09:40 AM | Link to this
“I think the Hawks need to guard somebody.”
I would say for that comment Mark Bradley is truly the master of the obvious. They pay him the big bucks to make comments like that.
By Brad
November 4, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this
The Braves will not rock in 06 without the Mazzone. You can say it was the “Braves System” not the coach, but that simply isn’t the truth. Leo got results where others didn’t or couldn’t. Shame on the Braves for letting him go. Why not pay your pitching coach 1% of the pitchers salaries. They are a 3rd place time at best next year. Florida and Philly will rise to the top.
By Randy
November 4, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking that the title to this little article is scary enough without having to consider anything else Mark has to say.
By Jake
November 4, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this
Maybe next year UGA, or the next year, or the next year… but I doubt it.
By HB Ando
November 4, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking that I cannot believe I agree with most of your thoughts. Which means one of us has been drinking. And now the other needs to as well.
I’m thinking someone stole my afro/mustache line from your blog about a week ago.
I’m thinking there’s no good way to merge Vince and Jennifer’s names, so I wish people would stop trying.
I’m thinking Furcal will stay for the same reason we let Glavine go: we know when one of our guys still has something left in the tank.
I’m thinking it’s OK if we’re really over there for the oil, but at least cut us a break on the price if we’re taking it anyway.
I don’t watch hockey, but I thought the Thrashers were supposed to be good this year. Was Heatley wise to leave, or was his departure the reason we’re struggling?
Come to think of it, I don’t care much for Brangelina as a name either.
Did Mark really ever have a ‘fro and mustache, or did somebody use print shop and superimpose Terrance Moore’s onto Bradley’s picture (I think a close review of before and after shots would be warranted).
I think watching “Breaking Bonnaduci” is more voyeuristic than porn. Scary, riveting stuff, that’s more train wreck than any train wreck I’ve ever seen.
I think if Lebron can hit six 3’s in his first game of the season the rest of the NBA is heading to the nearest rest room to check their shorts.
I don’t know if blondes have more fun, but I do think they make for more fun………………
I think doing a “random thoughts” piece as a opposed to writing an actual article is a cop out, but I’m glad you did it just the same.
By Charlie Trippi
November 4, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking the Dawgs will lose to the Tigers and will have difficulty with Tech. I’m thinking we have played the easiest schedule in the land for a top notch program with only one game (Florida) to toughen the team. But the Boise game was fun to attend. I’m thinking we’ll schedule Temple next. I’m thinking we have the greatest professors in America who understand the priority of the Florida game over any silly academic work. I’m thinking Richt may need help on calling plays but he sure can recrewt.
By Greg from Marietta
November 4, 2005 01:52 PM | Link to this
Thank you Rodney Derrick, who ever you are. You awoke so many memories when you wrote, “I am a forever Braves fan, who saw Eddie Mathews’ homer over the magnolia tree, the first exhibition and the first opener in the 60s”. As a kid in the 50’s & 60’s I worked as a peanut & popcorn vendor at the old Ponce de Leon Ball Park. I too saw Eddie and others play baseball there. For those of you who are new to Atlanta or just to young to remember, before there was the Braves and a Fulton County Stadium or even the “Ted” there was the Atlanta Crackers who played at the old Ponce de Leon Baseball Park (which is now a Home Depot). Link to a picture of the old park [http://www.midtownatlanta.us/content/wPDL_Park2.jpg] Just over the fence in center field was a tall old majestic magnolia tree that was the recipient of many a home run balls by some of the greatest baseball players to play the game. I won’t bore you with a bunch of history or old memories but just wanted to thank Rodney for awakening some great memories that I didn’t even know still existed.
By V Avant
November 4, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this
I’m just thinking that college football will never get it right and have a true playoff system like every other college sport. I’m also thinking that this column was confusing at best. Later, V Avant
P.S. I’m really thinking Bradley should bring back the afro and mustache.
By True Braves Fan
November 4, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this
Mark: Please take this as a supreme compliment. That is the way I mean it. Your “I’m Just Thinking” column reminded me of Furman Bisher’s “For What It’s Worth” columns, which were some of his greatest. I hope you will consider continuing to do them..
By Noles14st8Top5
November 4, 2005 08:00 PM | Link to this
I think Mazzone won’t be missed, listen to Smoltz.
I think the Braves will win the division next season.
I think the Noles will beat UF in Gainsville.
By doc
November 4, 2005 08:32 PM | Link to this
im thinking there is very little thought given to the thinking above.
im thinking rodney derrick doesnt get it.
im thinking ando is beginning to have a relationship with mark.
im thinking i hope let wan and his biddies dont arrive from the braves blog.
im thinking if let wan and his buddies do arrive this could go on and on.
By HB Ando
November 5, 2005 03:23 AM | Link to this
doc, why you want to do me like that? Relationships are built on mutual respect. What more is there to say (my wife is a big fan of the colloquialism “you don’t know me!)?
See you back at our home base, Hawks’ blog. Man is it going to be a long season.
By KneeJerk
November 5, 2005 08:21 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking, who came up with the term “receiving corps”? And why do we keep using it? Why can’t we just say “receivers”? Do we say “running back corps”? “Defensive line corps”?
By Northwest DAWG
November 5, 2005 09:03 AM | Link to this
these are my favorite types of columns. Mark, your Sept. column about MR firing MR is the real key to this DAWG team. Bu the way, was Martinez still in the locker room changing colthes during the Reptiles 1st. quarter drivers
By OpinionHead
November 5, 2005 09:38 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking that Bradley doesn’t.
By Dennis
November 5, 2005 10:42 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking UGA plays a high school schedule until the FLA game and that is why they get their guts the butts kicked every year by Fla. I’m thinking an extra week will only give them more time to gin up undue praise for themselves before their annual buttkicking.
By doc
November 5, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this
go hoooome ando. just thinking.
By True Braves Fan
November 5, 2005 11:55 AM | Link to this
Greg: Thanks for the memories…Great picture of Ponce Park. I saw many Cracker games there. I have said many times that if Atlanta wants to win World Series, all they have to do is change the name of the team from Braves to Crackers!!!!
By MBATL
November 5, 2005 03:12 PM | Link to this
I think your point about the Sox being pressed into playing well is a good one.
And I think I like the Hawks, generally, and so don’t really want to think about them any more, as my thoughts are not kind.
By dannyboy
November 5, 2005 05:22 PM | Link to this
I think after verbally bashing Chan Gailey then getting a veiled “what are you smoking” rebuttal by one of the most respected writers in sports (Barnhart), Mark Bradley is afraid to even type Georgia Tech.
By AUtiger
November 5, 2005 08:51 PM | Link to this
I think Mark Bradley smokes too much pot!
By Michael
November 6, 2005 06:27 AM | Link to this
You forgot two things:
I think the Pac 10 is barely better than last year’s Division II playoff field
I think Florida hasn’t cared about any football game not played in Jacksonville since Spurrier left
By Toby Cash
November 6, 2005 06:58 AM | Link to this
I think that the Hawks and Thrashers should get on the same bus and leave Atlanta. Let their destination be known only to the driver.
By fladawg
November 6, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking I’m upset that Urban Meyer is less than one year can field a team that beats the DAWGS who have had the same coach and the same program in place for 5 years. How does this happen?
By me
November 6, 2005 12:24 PM | Link to this
I think the dawgs should get the ball to Massaquoi more. He the only superstar receiver on the team. Use him while we have him.
By Eric
November 6, 2005 04:33 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking Mike Vick looked an awful lot like a QB today….
By GW
November 7, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking the Florida game was over a week ago. If Georgia had won Bradley would ask why fans are still talking about it with Auburn next.
By Ala. Jim
November 7, 2005 03:59 PM | Link to this
Greg. Me too. I remember walking to Ponce De Leon Park Almost every night. If I didn’t have a quarter I sat on the railroad tracks. Paul Richards lived 3 houses from us on Blue Ridge Ave. To a kid in grammar school that was big time stuff.
By HAROLD LEE SCOTT
November 7, 2005 09:22 PM | Link to this
I THINK THE BRAVES NEED TO CONSENTRATE ON THEIR PRESENT TEAM AND MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO IMPROVE THIER PREFORMANCE IN EVERY WAY THEY CAN. THEY NEED TO SPECIALIZE ON THEIR SKILLS AND TEAMWORK ATTITUDES AND TOGETHERNESS AND WORK HARD ALL OFF SEASON BY THEIR WORK ETHICS TO IMPROVE WITH THE PEOPLE THEY ALREADY HAVE. THEY HAVE THE GOODS. THEY JUST NEED TO BECOME MORE DETERMINED. THAT ALMOST DID IT THIS YEAR.
By HAROLD LEE SCOTT
November 7, 2005 09:41 PM | Link to this
THE DAWGS DID A GOOD JOB AGAINST THE GATORS WITH THEIR LIKE OF EXPERIENCE AT QB, BUT THEY FORGOT ONE OF THEIR STRENGTHS HAS BEEN THEIR DEFENSE AND LET UP JUST ENOUGH TO GET BEAT. DEFEAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A GOOD WAKE UP FOR THE GOALS OF THE SEASON. I THINK THE DWAGS CAN REBOUND AND BECOME BETTER FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON IF THEY CAN DEVELOP MORE TEAM TOUGHNESS AND TOGETHERNESS.
By HAROLD LEE SCOTT
November 7, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this
WATCHING GA. SOUTHERN THIS PAST WEEKEND AGAINST FURMAN MADE ME THINK WHERE HAVE THEY BEEN ALL YEAR. THEN I RELIZED WHAT I RELIZED LONG TIME AGO, THAT WHEN A TEAM HAS TALENT AND THEY GAIN DESIRE AND DETERMININATION AND DECIDE THEY WANT TO WIN BAD ENOUGH, THEY GAIN A STRENGH THEY DIDN’T HAVE BEFORE. THEY WANT TO WIN BAD ENOUGH THAT THEY ARE JUST GONNA REFUSE TO LOSE. AND THAT JUST WHAT THEY DID. REFUSED TO LOSE. AND DOMINATED THE GAME. WHERE HAVE THEY BEEN ALL YEAR.
By Brian, Sandy Springs
November 8, 2005 12:28 AM | Link to this
I do not know what happened to Van Note on Wednesday, but he is a class guy despite of whatever happened, after all he is from Louisville. His only fault is being a UK graduate! GO LOUISVILLE CARDS!!!
2005 Final Four 2006 National Champions
By Jim
November 8, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this
Furcal can’t drive … he has to have a chauffer so he needs the extra money…
bye bye Raffy
By Paladawg
November 10, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this
I grew up around the corner from Charlie Trippi in the 1960’s and think that anyone who uses his name - except Mr. Trippi himself, of course - should have very, very bad things happen to them.