AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > July > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTuesday Countdown: Sheff Explains It All
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
10: I would say that Gary Sheffield’s objective in life is to alienate everybody. But given that he hates Barry Bonds, that’ll save him a few friends.
9: Sheffield’s attack on Joe Torre actually is pathetic that it’s funny. But Sheffield’s I-don’t-use-steroids defense in an HBO interview was a real moment of hilarity: “Did I put [The Clear] under my tongue? Yes. Did I rub The Cream on my legs? Yes. Am I a steroid user? No.” That clears that up.
8: Do not adjust your blog. This is not a test. The Hawks did something right.
7: Josh Smith must believe that there is no question he’s part of the Hawks’ future and a core player to build around. His agent wants a new contract now. Well, that’s nice. But after three seasons, does anybody really know what kind of player Smith is? Or will be?
6: Smith made progress season. Which means what, exactly? Does that make all of the bad for most of 2 1/2 years go away? The Hawks want to wait on a new deal, and they should. There’s still a year left on Smith’s rookie contract. Let it expire. Next summer, Smith will still be only a restricted free agent, giving the Hawks the right to match an offer. If Josh Smith really thinks he’s all that, he’s got another year to prove it. If not, last I checked, the Hawks have a few forwards.
5: A few hours after being pulled five out-less batters into his start, the Braves’ Kyle Davies was belaboring pitches that “didn’t miss by much.” I’m not sure how he defines “much,” but the plate has been the same size for years. Davies needs to acquaint himself with the 12-step program for struggling starters. It starts with: 1) Acceptance. “You’re missing!”
4: David Beckham may miss first MLS game because of a sprained ankle. Probably tripped over a magazine stand.
3: I know that back when I was a big sports fan, I always wanted my heroes to start their season with a semi-pornographic photo spread with their wife in an entertainment magazine. I mean, all of the great sports stars did it before their debuts: Kareem, Koufax, Payton, Aaron, Earnhardt, Gretzky, Pele …
2: With Monday’s loss in Los Angeles, the Phillies fell to .500 this season (46-46). But at 8,810-10,001 all-time, they’ll still need to put together a 1,191-game winning streak to balance the ledger. If they go 162-0 for seven straight seasons, they would still be 57 wins under .500.
1: A Chinese official, backing Yi Jianlian, who’s upset about being drafted by Milwaukee, says he’s concerned that Yi just won’t get enough playing time with the Bucks. Right. That’s why they drafted him fifth overall — so they can sit him. Does anybody know how to say ‘transparent doofus’ in Chinese?
Permalink | Comments (33) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Quick Hit
Comments
By big tone
July 17, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
for once i totally agree with your opinions during your tuesday countdown!
By scooter11
July 17, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
I’m first with nothing to say.
By NRBQ
July 17, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Dear Editor:
Jeff needs help.
Thank you.
By Fact checker
July 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Didn’t you mean Sheffield’s attack on Joe Torre, not Tony LaRussa? Must still be on vacation
By John Chambers
July 17, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Despite Gary Sheffields antics, He still swings a better bat than anyone in the Braves lineup.
By Big Ed
July 17, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
We are witnessing the next dose of Sheff’s ignorant foot in mouth problem.
When Beckham realizes that Soccer or as he pronounces it Football has about 5 seconds of highlights for the average American sportsfan, he will along with the the money be heading back to Europe as soon as he figures out how to get out of his contract. Is anyone else already tired of the commercials.
OK dwell on the negative 10,000 losses. The 8800 plus wins puts them 6th on the list of all time winning franchises. Give me Tampa Bay or the Detroit Lions as the most futile.
The first step in Kyles recovery is for him to admit he stinks and go from there.
The NBA needs a complete makeover. Bad teams make the playoffs that go from April to June. It’s boring to watch 4 players stand around while the Star defined by the highest paid player on the team goes one on one. Only exception is Kobe.
By The Ring Leader
July 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Davies seems bound to go down in Braves history as a head case. He follows in the footsteps of Mark Wohlers and John Rocker, among others…
Some may say that it’s way too early to forecast Davies’ career results, but I don’t see him being anywhere near as good as we once thought he’d be. It’s one thing when he’s throwing strikes and just getting hit. It’s a completely different story, however, when he can’t find the strike zone and his pitches have no movement. Again, I concede that it’s early in his career, but he hasn’t given us any reason to think he’s going to turn things around.
Compare Buddy Carlyle to Davies. Carlyle wasn’t razor sharp in his first couple of starts this season, but Cox stuck with him, his confidence grew, and he has pitched exceptionally better. Cox treated Kyle Davies the same way, and yet he hasn’t improved at all. Bobby Cox having confidence in him has not translated into Kyle having confidence in himself. He was given the same opportunities to succeed as Buddy Carlyle was, and he hasn’t done it…
Send him to Richmond and perhaps try again next year. If he has any trade value, send him packing for another relief pitcher. Davies’ time seems to be running out.
By Matthew
July 17, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Joey, Tony, Vinnie….it’s all the same.
By NASCARfan
July 17, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
That’s Joe Torre, good buddy.
Jeff, it’s NOT good to drink and blog, man.
I’m just surprised that Carter Strickland hasn’t written an article or a blog yet about how Jeff Schultz has committed the egregious error of having a typo, or messing up, AGAIN, in a column. He’s usually pretty quick to post his snide summary judgments.
By DirtyDawg
July 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Agree completely about Josh Smith…and to those on the radio - you hear me Buck?…who knows as much about NBA basketball as he does about any other sport, with the possible exception of college football and golf (which ain’t sayin’ much) - that think the Hawks are fools for not giving Josh a ton of money now. The kid’s still a kid.
Will never forget a high-school all-star camp he attended in Knoxville before the draft following his final year in HS. There he was with all the great ones - including Josh Howard - and when it was over he, our Josh, had shown his a* for everyone to see. He was petulant, moody, hard to deal with…every attitude you can name that reflects a lack of maturity and up-bringing. While Josh Howard was about as classy as they come and dominated the week - and Josh S. Maybe that’s what it was, our Josh saw dollar signs flying out the window every time the good Josh slammed one down, or rejected one, in his face. Anyway, he showed himself to be the kind of individual that the Hawks coaches and management are still witnessing over three years later. Let him prove that he’s worthy. It’ll be the first smart thing the Hawks have done in recent memory.
By jj
July 17, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Jeff…You suck…your opinions suck..If I ever see you in Atl. Im gonna kick ur dumb lazy fat a$$
By #21=Top 50,1stBallot
July 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
I hate to be “that guy” but Josh Smith has greatly improved each year in the league, statistics and by some measure Hawk win totals back that up. Even if Smoov doesnt “improve” (though all signs point to the fact he will), I’m sure the Hawks of anyone else will take his 16, 8, 3, 3 blocks, 1.4 steals a game….. Also Yi was drafted 6th, not 5th overall. I dont know how to speak chinese, but I know how to say “Trasmitted Dubiously” in english. I expect more out of you, very T-Mo-esque.
By UBUIBME
July 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
First of all .. Sheffield, Bonds, HR chases and the whole MLB. Who really cares? Too many games!
Beckham and the MLS … RIGHT! Like that’s going to make it. Average MLS attendance 15K people/game.
NBA and Yi Jianlian .. maybe this warrants the NBA cancelling the season and all the players playing over in Europe so they can better compete in the Olympics. :-)
Finally the Hawks .. Atlanta would do better sending the 6A High School State Champion to play .. if the above suggestion doesn’t happen.
ENJOY!
By Darko Milicic
July 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
1: A Chinese official, backing Yi Jianlian, who’s upset about being drafted by Milwaukee, says he’s concerned that Yi just won’t get enough playing time with the Bucks. Right. That’s why they drafted him fifth overall — so they can sit him. Does anybody know how to say ‘transparent doofus’ in Chinese?
You are right Jeff. There never has been anybody drafted high then stuck on the bench in NBA history.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 17, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
I love how the much respected Kenny Lofton came out to defend Sheffield. You the same guy woh has shown about as much class as Sheff has. I am sick and tired of hereing Sheffield and his blatant racist comments and never getting called out on it by the media.
By ToeKnee
July 17, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
It would be nice to hear from someone who judges the Hawks based on watching them play, instead of a box score. Jeff, go to a game, and then tell me why everyone’s always watching Josh Smith. Joe Johnson may be the best player, but Smith is the most exciting, on both ends of the court, and he’s pretty damn good too. You’re looking at an All-Star in the next few years here. Lock him up before he gets away!! There isn’t a better fit in basketball than Josh Smith helping lead the Hawks back to the playoffs. Go Hawks!!
By Mathew At The SLC
July 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Sheffeild is a great guy, he was duped by Balco Barry just like the rest of us.
Sheffield’s criticisms on Torre are very justified. What has Torre done lately other than choke like Bobby Cox with a chicken bone in the playoffs.
The Hawks never do anything right
It is impossible for Smith to be part of the Hawks future because the Hawks have no future. No present or past either come to think of it.
If Smith turns out to be a star player he will bolt at the first chance.
Braves need to trade Davies while they can get something for him like to the Twins for Santana or the Tigers for Verlander.
David Beckham is an aging player with declining abilities, that is why he is in MLS. No team in a real soccer league wants him, why do you think Real Madrid let him go. This is the equivalent of if Michael Jordan went to play basketball in Europe because he is to old and slow for the NBA now.
You are my sports hero Jeff, what magazine are you in and when will it be released?
You would think the Phillies were managed by Bobby “the choker” Cox with their all-time record. They still have nothing on the Falcons as far as futility.
Well if Yi Jianlian doesn’t get enough playing time he can always open up a dry cleaners. Don’t be fooled by his “Ancient Chinese secret” though, he just uses Calgon.
By Dawgs&Schultz
July 17, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Have any of you ever been in the Yankees clubhouse? How do you know what he said about Torre isn’t true? Has there been an overwhelming show of support for Torre since Sheffield’s comments became publicly known? You just know it can’t be true because racism doesn’t exist anymore, right?
Remember when Sheffield made his comments about baseball favoring Hispanic players from poor countries over Black American players? I remember dumb-@ss schultz making the same type comments as now. Then he looked like a complete idiot when a couple of Hispanic players from poor countries actually backed Sheffield’s comments.
Isn’t it funny how white America always wants to tell black people when they’ve been discriminated against and when they haven’t?
Kind of like the Nazis telling the Jews, “we didn’t kill millions of you because you are Jews, we randomly killed for population control and it just so happened that most of the killed were Jewish.
By Dawgs&Schultz
July 17, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Have any of you ever been in the Yankees clubhouse? How do you know what he said about Torre isn’t true? Has there been an overwhelming show of support for Torre since Sheffield’s comments became publicly known? You just know it can’t be true because racism doesn’t exist anymore, right?
Remember when Sheffield made his comments about baseball favoring Hispanic players from poor countries over Black American players? I remember dumb-@ss schultz making the same type comments as now. Then he looked like a complete idiot when a couple of Hispanic players from poor countries actually backed Sheffield’s comments.
Isn’t it funny how white America always wants to tell black people when they’ve been discriminated against and when they haven’t?
Kind of like the Nazis telling the Jews, “we didn’t kill millions of you because you are Jews, we randomly killed for population control and it just so happened that most of the killed were Jewish.
By Big Ed
July 17, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Mathew are you nuts. If Torre had the Yankees in 1st place would that make Sheff’s comments unjustified. It’s a little known fact that Torres best friend is hall of famer Bob Gibson who last time I checked was an African American. Sheff calls Torre out but then says Joe is not racist. You can’t have both ways. It’s a known fact that Sheff has played for 7 teams in 11 years. He wears out his welcome. This goes much deeper than Baseball.
Do you actually think that there is anyone on the Atlanta roster that Minnesota or Detroit would give up their franchise pitcher for. You are dilusional.
By Matthew
July 17, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Are they “Best Friends” or are they “BFF’s”?
While having a BFF might be a big deal to little girls, I think that’s weird when you get on the major league level.
My BFF is my bulldog Harry but I live in Athens, so it is acceptable.
My guess is there’s a reason why you call yourself BIG…….
By NRBQ
July 17, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Sheffield’s attack on Joe Torre actually is pathetic that it’s funny.
Smith made progress season.
David Beckham may miss first MLS game because of a sprained ankle.
Please. Won’t someone at the Great and Revered AJC help little Jeff?
By Michael
July 17, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
If you think MLS won’t make it because they draw 15k per game, ask yourself these questions:
1) How many people do the Hawks draw per game? 2) How much more money do they spend on players than MLS does? (Hint: the average MLS team’s salary is no more than $3 million) 3) What sport do you think the millions of people coming to our country from Mexico watch first?
By Floze
July 17, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
To point #6: The last time I checked - the AJC already had a few reporters - maybe you should take your own advice. Anyway, I am surprised you knew that the Atlanta Hawks played on a basketball court instead of a court room. You have passed my expectation.
By Mathew At The SLC
July 17, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
By Michael
July 17, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
If you think MLS won’t make it because they draw 15k per game, ask yourself these questions:
1) How many people do the Hawks draw per game? 2) How much more money do they spend on players than MLS does? (Hint: the average MLS team’s salary is no more than $3 million)* 3)* What sport do you think the millions of people coming to our country from Mexico watch first?
That is another reason we need to enforce immigration laws and deport these illegal aliens. They are destorying our American culture. Soccer is borring and another way we are pandering to people breaking the law. There is room for only one football in America and that is real football, the one with touchdowns and helmets.
By Twan
July 17, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Shut up Matty. Just shut up! There is no need for any of your negativity here.
If you keep it up you won’t get any desert.
And tonight is banana cream pie night!
mmm, mmm. Good stuff!
By D-Cider
July 17, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Dear Jerk Schultz, If Sheff has 5 friends, that is probably 5 more than you have. It was reported that the complaints that Sheff made are the same made by Winfield and Jackson about the mighty Yanks. The comment about Beckham was completely idiotic. Glad you are consistent, week in and week out, with pointless comments
By D-Cider
July 17, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Hey, JS: how are those arrangements for the D&D tickle pile coming along? (Still one of the funniest comments I have read in awhile on the blog)
By Laverneus
July 17, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Get ready for jailhouse sodomy, Vick! Tote dat soap!
By NASCARfan
July 17, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Twan, I like banana cream pie. Am I invited?
By Najeh Davenpoop
July 18, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Don’t blame Jeff for his latest round of stupid comments, he was probably creaming in his pants after hearing about Michael Vick’s indictment.
By hajj
July 18, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
Joe Torre is toooooooo DUMB to be a racist!!
By Dave
July 18, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
“I don’t want to hear about due process right now.”
Don’t know if this will work to get it printed; but, I don’t really care.
Jeff, you don’t have to hear about due process, it’s written out in two places in that pesky document called the Constitution, your employer’s namesake.
That said, Vick is probably guilty. But, again, that document says you get a trial.