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by Bob journalist
NASHVILLE, TN – Come 30 March, I’ll don my traditional tinted glasses … but until then … here’s what I think, plain and simple.
It appears that, barring injury, our lineup is all but set … the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly …
The rotation appears set … Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton … with several good arms trying to win the final spot. Soriano is our designated closer with Moylan and Acosta setting things up.
The other part of the battery is set … McCann can and will be the backstop … Miller, Sammons, Lopez, and Pena are vying for the backup position … maybe vying is a little strong, but hopefully someone will raise their hand and claim the position. “In the best condition of his life” Lopez received all of the early attention and may be a Cox favorite but I would like to see Clint Sammons get the job. Of all the positions, methinks it’s our weakest.
Infante is definitely our super sub…with Jones, Escobar, Johnson and Teixeira around the diamond from 3rd to 1st. In the outfield, from left to right it’s Diaz, Kotsay, and Francoeur and a cast of four, maybe five, vying for the primary bench position.
Yes, conventional wisdom has the Braves with a starting rotation of Tim Hudson, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Mike Hampton … with Jair Jurrjens, Jo Jo Reyes, Chuck James and Buddy Carlyle competing for the final position.
I thought the trade that brought Tex to Atlanta was bad for two reasons … we needed starting pitching and Tex wasn’t a starting pitcher … and the price tag was too high in terms of what we gave up, especially for a rent-a-player. While perhaps just my singular opine, I would have liked to have seen Matt Diaz given a chance to play first base … and of course, a long term Salty in the hand was worth more than a “rent-a-bird” Tex and loss of additional prospects, methinks.
However, I thought trading Edgar for Jurrjens and Hernandez was very good because I believe Yunel is more than an adequate replacement and both Jair and Gorkys are good talents. At the same time, I thought bringing back Tom Glavine, who will soon be 42, for $8 million was fraught with peril … it’s a lot of money to pay a 42 year old pitcher. I read somewhere that the Braves jumped at the chance to get Tommy for $8 million … perhaps fools do indeed rush in. I don’t know what your expectations are for $8 million … but mine are greater than what I feel I can reasonably expect from him in 2008.
“I threw every pitch I have today, and I normally don’t do that in a Spring Training game because it’s too hard“ … well, I’ve yet to fully buy into the notion that John’s approach to Spring Training is predicated on positives … but he is a competitor and it’s too early to sell him short.
Expectations are always subjective and there is good reason for playing the game … even Dan Patch didn’t win them all. Hopefully, Tommy will be a pleasant surprise and serve as the positive contagion John needs to have a good year … but, he is just a year younger than Glavine and his durability, given his history and 2007 problems, is a concern … as are the stats for these Hall members.
40:16-11 … 41:07-13 … Tom Seaver
41:09-14 … 42:06-14 … Steve Carlton
41:08-02 … 42:07-15 … Early Wynn
41:16-09 … 42:09-08 … Grover Cleveland Alexander
41:23-07 … 42:06-13 … Warren Spahn
40:14-08 … 41:??-?? … John Smoltz.
41:13-08 … 42:??-?? … Tom Glavine.
Mike Hampton, who is suffering from what is described as a groin strain … following his hamstring problem in Mexico, seems to be throwing well without experiencing arm/elbow discomfort. While everyone wishes Mike well and hopes for the best, that the Braves are placing such hopes on someone who hasn’t pitched in two years is also a concern. I don’t know the answer but I do wonder what the 5 all time best won-loss records are for pitchers attempting comebacks following their not having pitched in 2 or more years.
Quoting honest team player and leader “Hoss”, … “Last year, Smoltz and Huddy were great, but our three-four-five guys couldn’t get past the fifth inning and our pen wound up in shambles … honestly, we were lucky to get to .500 Hopefully, with a good year from Glavine and getting some production from Hampton, you’re not running rookies out there.“ With such confidence, it’s little wonder that he was reluctant to put on the leotard. Perhaps, with such positive contagion coming from our team leader, we were indeed lucky to “get to .500” … it’s a team game … but we started 2007 with Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez and Bob Wickman … and expected Boyer to contribute.
Soriano has been designated the team’s closer as we enter 2008 but he has yet to pitch during Spring Training … with his 2004 “Tommy John” surgery 3 ½ years behind him, Rafael doesn’t seem worried about his current soreness which is being attributed to Spring Training irritation following offseason inactivity.
Soriano’s discomfort near his elbow seems to be improving … at least that was the evaluation after completing his March 7th bullpen session … “My elbow feels better today than yesterday. Yesterday all I did was play catch. Today it was just a little bit sore, but not the same. I asked them to let me throw … everything was good.“
Rafael remains a concern, regardless of health issues … I frequently suggest that the key to pitching success is “above the neck” … and while so saying may just be a personal penchant, methinks Soriano’s history makes it appropriate to express such concerns relative to our expectations for him as a closer … he has his demons, and like on the “To Tell The Truth” game show, methinks there is some question as to his identity. Yes, he’s got the stuff … I just hope he doesn’t have multiple personalities as well.
Hopefully, the diagnosis and evaluation regarding Soriano’s physical condition are correct … and he gets off to a good start, exceeding all expectations … but, should that not be, we do have options in Peter Moylan and Manny Acosta … and Mike Gonzales is expected to return in early June.
Were it me, I’d use a modified six man rotation … (1) Hudson, (2) Jurrjens, (3) Smoltz, (4) Hampton, (5) Glavine … and (6) Carlyle or Reyes. Yes, it’s a modified rotation … designed to match John, Tommy, and Mike against the back end of the opposing team’s rotation … relieving stress and giving us a matchup advantage in a majority of our games. The sixth man is a floating spot starter since it’s not expected that Hudson, Smoltz, Hampton and Glavine will be able to perform as a group without interruption.
Obviously, there would be difficulties in effectively effecting such a rotation, but methinks for each such difficulty, there would be a way.
I initially disliked the Mark Kotsay trade, primarily because of “above the neck” concerns associated with his back problems … offensively and defensively … and my desire to see Jordan Schafer, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones and Gregor Blanco in the mix for the 2008 CF position. That hasn’t changed … but, conventional wisdom will again rule and Kotsay will be in Center, barring unexpected changes in his performance.
I want to see Matt Diaz playing every day but Bobby Cox wisdom is almost certain to again find justification for not so doing. However, Kotsay will be a good addition … if he is used as the fifth outfielder, available as needed … with Anderson and/or Schafer given a chance to be the starting Centerfielder.
While we might well sign Tex to a long term contract, that would not be my expectation and I would not keep Thorman as his backup in 2008 … which again may be the current intent. No, my projected 2009 outfield would consist of Schafer, Anderson, Jones, and Francoeur … with Diaz spending the winter honing his skill set at first base. Conventional wisdom won’t allow it to happen but, we’d be a better team methinks.
Omar Infante and Will Ohman … now that’s a trade I liked, though final judgment will be reserved until we see how Ohman pitches at The Ted … his performance at “The Friendly Confines” has been poor under any standard, but so too has been his performance at “Home”.
Regardless of how Will fares, expectations are that Omar will be a definite upgrade over what we had last year … last season, he hit .271 for the Tigers in 66 games …playing six different positions … he didn’t pitch, catch, or play first base.
The lineup is anybody’s guess … conventional wisdom rules against what I’d like to see …
Kelly Johnson
Yunel Escobar
Matt Diaz
Chipper Jones
Mark Teixeira
Brian McCann
Jeff Francouer
Starting Pitcher
Mark Kotsay
The idea is to best the pitcher and score runs … and I think that lineup would do the best job of so doing. I’ve favored having the pitcher bat eighth for over 50 years … to my knowledge, Dixie Walker never tried it but he looked at the lineup as a circle rather than a straight line and liked the idea … that convinced me … but of course, kids are easy to convince.
Were I a beet righter, I’d ask the players, the coaches, and the manager … all the same question … “What are you going to do differently this season?” I’ll admit that it’s not a very profound question … but it’s short and easy for a beet righter to remember.
Unfortunately, methinks that most of the answers would most likely be but variations of the same message … of course, most players need answers that short and easy for them to remember.
Well, that’s the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly … the question is … which will it be?
~Bob~
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Congratulations, Bob! That is a great lead. And done while sick with the ‘flu and a balky computer program, as well. Bravo!! 🙂
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Bravo! Boffo blog, Bob!
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An excellent perspective of the upcoming season from someone who has been around the bases a time or two… 🙂
While I cannot agree on all of your observations, I share your apprehension with relying on aging arms.
As for Sammons, I think it would benefit the Braves more to have him playing everyday in Richmond than playing once every five days in Atlanta. People need to get past the mentality that going down to the minors is always a bad thing. Players should be encouraged to view it a further opportunity to hone their skills and be ready to contribute from the moment they get off the plane.
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Looks like I am going to make it out of here today… 🙂 The boss is busy packing a few things so we can escape for a couple of days. Catch up with everyone later….
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I liked this part in particular….
Were it me, I’d use a modified six man rotation … (1) Hudson, (2) Jurrjens, (3) Smoltz, (4) Hampton, (5) Glavine … and (6) Carlyle or Reyes. Yes, it’s a modified rotation … designed to match John, Tommy, and Mike against the back end of the opposing team’s rotation …
I bet Smoltz would gain a few more wins going against teams #3’s!
What about Lillibridge???? He’s 24, going to be 25 this year….does he have anything else to prove in the minors??? Where do you play him though??? He can be the main back up now with Infante out, but then what??? We seem to have too many quality players right now, who are ready RIGHT NOW…something I could not imagine after the big trade to the Rangers.
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Have a great time Gil! 🙂
Oh, have a great Birthday Scribe!!!!
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Oh man, if this is really true, the “braintrust” of the braves is high on crack!!!! Why, why, why????? 😡 This team has no faith in it’s own talent!
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/03/braves-interest.html#comments
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Nice lead Sir Bob.
And done while sick with the ‘flu and a balky computer program…
Thanks for coming through and “playin’ hurt”!
Gil, I agree with you on Sammons. Much better for him to be playing regularly than not.
Here’s an idea for 1b next year, provided Tex isn’t resigned. The Pirates have a 1B prospect named Steven Pearce. He went to Univ. of South Carolina and has advanced quickly through their minor league system hitting a combined .302 along the way. He is blocked at 1b by Laroche and just yesterday was told he was being converted to OF in anticipation of either Jason Bay or Xavier Nady (or both) being traded this season. He got called up last September and hit .294. The Pirates aren’t going to win this year or next and need talent all over the field so I don’t think it would be too hard to find a way for the Braves to match up with them.
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Berigan, I think that Rivera may be considered as a replacement for Thor, not Diaz or anyone else in the Braves OF. Rivera is an OF but plays a little 1B. He’s a good hitter, much better than Thorman is.
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Bob, journalist… once again you’ve earned the “J” designation. Very fine lead, sir. We differ on a few issues, but agree on most.
On backup catchers (and all others in ST), I still favor Javy but I can understand the concern. Some players get off to slower starts in the spring. That, and there are other talents and conditions that we fans usually don’t have access to. If ST stat results accounted for 100% of a manager’s decision for an opening day roster I would probably agree with you on Sammons.
Agreed on Tex trade, although I’ll hope he resigns with the Braves because he seems to be a good man and it’s obvious he’s a great player. Like most, I expect he’ll grab the golden ring and fly away with his agent to a bigger budget team at seasons end. Diaz at first… I’ll go along with that. Diaz has great potential and is clutch.
Unlike you, I like the Glavine trade… a lot. Maybe I should say that my expectations are just higher than yours on his benefit to the team. He’s a consummate pro, he’s an iceman and he’ll eat innings.
Like you, I’d love to see a six-man rotation. That would break some new arms in just right and would provide more rest between starts for a long season (into October hopefully). As far as Hampton, I have no reasonable expectations for him… just hope. He’s a great pitcher and a good man, but methinks his training, exercise and stretching regimen will not be emulated by many. Or maybe I’m completely wrong there and it’s just rotten luck. Like William Safire said, “Never assume the obvious is true”.
Well said on Soriano and dittos there. Unlike you, I was never concerned with Kotsay above the neck. Quite the contrary, I believe that to be his strongest body part. Other than a good attitude he’s also known to be a great team guy. His back (way below the neck) concerns me a bit.
Finally, you ask: Well, that’s the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly … the question is … which will it be? My answer would be the same every year for every sports team:
All of the above.
As has been oft discussed, between the Braves, Mets and Phillies, the team with the least injuries this year will go to the postseason.
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Bob, very interesting analysis of the team. I agree with some of your points wholeheartedly. I, too, think you’ll have in essence a six-man rotation this season, although it won’t be where six pitchers are employed each time through the rotation.
Usually, we’ve seen the Braves skip the fifth starter early in the season when there is an off day. I don’t think that’s going to happen this time around. Therefore, you’ll see Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, et al, working on an extra day’s rest at times early in the season. I’d much rather have those guys finish with 31 starts instead of 35, and be fresher with livelier arms down the stretch.
I don’t think Buddy will make the team out of camp, but he’ll be here at some point during the season. Still think Bennett is going to make it as the spot starter/long reliever, but he’s behind after missing time with the flu.
Now, Kotsay (there’s a transition, Bay Area Steve): I thought Anderson should’ve been given the CF job to lose going into camp, but the trade for Kotsay was too good a deal for the Braves not to make it. When healthy, Kotsay is a fine player and while it’s hard to classify anything as a “bargain” for $2 million, in baseball’s current economic environment, a .282 career hitter who gets on base and plays very good defense indeed qualifies as such.
I think you’ll be surprised how much Diaz plays this season. I expect the platoon to be somewhat phased out. Perhaps five starts a week for Diaz in left, with Anderson making the other two starts. Perhaps Kotsay starts five games a week in center, with Anderson getting two starts there a week, as well. Keeps everybody fresh, keeps Matty’s bat in the lineup more, and gets Anderson and his speed in there more often than not.
Hope you’re feeling better, though. Great job playing hurt, Bob J.!
And thanks everybody for the birthday wishes! Greatly appreciated. Gotta run make sure my blog for today has been posted, then get back to it. Enjoy your day!
The Scribe abides.
–30–
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On that note, I’ll put my pencil down and venture out to hunt and gather. Hope my timing is better out there than it was in here… my post on the last blog was made just when the new blog came up and I’d still like some of your perspective on the “cyber scout” article ideas there.
Later.
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Chris, I guess….but if Tex is healthy, he plays every day! We didn’t trade Andruw, so we are not going to trade Tex this year, are we??? Does Tex have a full no trade clause??? Knowing Boras, I bet he does.
Juan Rivera, isn’t he the same guy that was let go by the Yankees for stealing from fellow players??? I am all for giving guys another chance, and I am sure he hasn’t done that since…still…..not a character guy, IMHO.
Plus, he’s a right fielder by trade, so he won’t play there. Can he play Center??? Do we need yet another CF, or LF??? If we had the DH in the NL, it might make sense. Or if we traded Diaz. Otherwise, just stupid, IMHO.
I know Spring training isn’t the real season, but we have too many good players right now for the outfield. Too many good players for the infield. Guys are going to waste away in AAA that at 24-25 should be in the Majors….
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Chris, when I said I guess, I am sure he is a better hitter than Thorman….it’s just the reasoning for the braves getting him is confusing….
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Missed hearing about this, glad DeRosa is able to play again….
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280310108
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a couple of interesting comments from Peter Gammons…
The Braves: If Hampton is all right, the Braves should be in the middle of a tremendous race with the Phillies and Mets. Not only are Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira devastating in the middle of the order, but the monstrous Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar are all just entering their prime.
The talk of Dodgers camp has been 19-year old left-hander Clayton Kershaw. “He’s going to help us this year,” says Russell Martin. “He has dominant stuff, a great curveball you can almost hear.” Some of the coaches suggest Kershaw might be able to help right now, but more likely he will open the season in the minors. Kershaw has only five starts above the A level, but between A and AA last season struck out 163 in 122 innings.
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Ok, just did a youtube search on Clayton Kershaw, and if Vic Scully is impressed, it’s a pretty good curve!!!!
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Vic, Vin’s brother… 🙄
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Morning, y’all. Excellent lead, Sir Bob. It’s starting to sound as if Bobby is planning on using Diaz more this year rather than a strict platoon. I think he’s earned the chance to play everyday.
Happy Birthday, Scribe!!!
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Berigan, the Rivera that the Yankees released was Ruben. I believe that he stole a glove from Jeter’s locker.
I have mixed feelings about Juan Rivera. We don’t need another LF or RF but if he can play adequately at 1B for 5-10 games and can hit off the bench then I say FW should go get him. Gotta be better than Thor.
As for Tex and his no trade clause, I’m not sure. But remember, he was traded already with his current contract.
Scribe, Happy Birthday! This is for you:
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Interesting article about Willie Randolph and the expectations for the 2008 season.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/03112008/sports/mets/willie_must_take_some_giant_steps_101436.htm
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Chris, my mistake then! Man, two guys named Rivera, that played for the Yankees near the same time!!! Well, then I think it’s unfair to him. He hit over .300 in 2006 with 80+ RBI’s. Injured most of last year, and at 29, shouldn’t have to settle for 100 AB’s here.
A brief blurb I saw from the Angels on the 10th, sounds like they won’t give him away, or that they are even that interested in trading him. They have a pretty old, fragile outfield…at least in Vlad, and Garrett Anderson. They really hate to trade folks…sign a FA, sure, but trade someone??? Never!
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Methinks:
It is too early to sour on the Tex trade. Even if we don’t resign him, he has a chance to help us get to the big dance this year(while Chipper and Smoltz can still contribute)and the folks we traded for him couldn’t have done it this year, or next.
Even though I was as bitter as anyone when TG left, I think bringing him back was a good move. And the money it cost was chump change in today’s market. He will eat innings and help the young pitchers. Welcome home, TG.
The trade with Detroit was super. I was crazy about Edgar but Yunnel is ready and Jerjens may be the ace of the staff before THIS season is over.
I think we have enough arms to make a good BP and there may be a closer there if Soriono continues to be sore. If Hampton pitches only part time it will be a huge +.
My worries right now are BigMac and KJ. Reports from ST(more recent than Lew’s and Grinches’)say they are both doing a good imitation of 2007 Andruw, flailing away at bad pitches. We need both of them to get their stuff in one bag and carry their share. I think Frenchy will do fine.
I like the rooks and, if they are ready, I hope they get their chance. But you don’t hone your skills sitting on a big-league bench. I’d rather have them at Richmond, playing.
Anyway, in keeping with today’s lead(Good ‘un Bob)I have devoted this post entirely to baseball. Don’t expect it to be a habit.
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Paladin, you are right about the trade with the Tigers being super….Honestly, I don’t even know why they did it, (Not that I am complaining, mind you! 🙂 )was a lack of offense, the reason the Tigers didn’t make it to the WS last year??? Why trade a starter like Jurrjens and a hot prospect like Gorkys??? I guess it’s a win it all move, and if it works, they can pat themselves on the back. But, I’d imagine they would have done pretty well with Jair in their rotation….
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Paladin, I think in all fairness we may not truly be able to analyze who “won” the Tex trade for several years. We know what we got out of Mahay and we know that we will get a 1st round supplemental pick (#38 overall) since he left. What we don’t know yet is this: Will Tex take the Braves to the WS? Will the Braves be able to retain him? If he leaves, who will the Braves draft with the two draft picks that they will gain? If any of these three potential draftees turn into a star it will certainly affect the decision about who “won” that trade. I think that if the answer to either of both of the first questions is “Yes” then it was a good trade.
The other side of the issue is what kind of careers the five players sent away will have. The road to the majors is littered with the names of guys who were highly regarded top prospects. The road to stardom in the majors includes many more. Only once it is determined how these five players fare in the bigs will we be able to judge JS’ last major trade.
Don’t forget, JS had a strong, very strong ability to know when to sell high and maximize his return. His track record wasn’t absolutely perfect but his win/loss ratio is higher than just about any other GM out there.
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Speaking of former braves prospects….just checked in on Elvis Andrus and others on the Rangers MLB site. Elvis was 4 for 14(.375) but they sent him and most of their top prospects to their minor league camp. Almost sounds like they may send Salty down, though he has a homer, and a triple and is hitting .267….Matt Harrison hasn’t been too impressive in his 6 innings, 10 hits and a 5.68 ERA….early still….
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Thanks for the kind words … while those are the rule rather than the exception, they’re always appreciated and nice to see … like Bradley said of Patton, a headline is worth another 50 miles!
I guess most women think alike … I wrote “Infante is difantely our super sub” and “MyLady” changed it to “Infante is definitely our super sub” … which is what Carol did when I asked her to proof it … goodness!
Gil, I think that most folks agree that going down to the minors is not always a bad thing … and that those failing to make the squad out of Spring Training should be encouraged to view the process in a positive manner … methinks those who don’t usually find themselves wishing they had.
The mentality with which I have the greatest problem is that those who do make the team bring a fully developed and honed skill set … and are evaluated in terms of current performance rather than potential … the focus seems to change to one of adjusting as weaknesses are recognized and exploited by the opposition … rather than the continuation of the developmental process. While both are essential, focusing on one at the expense of the other is a major contributor to the problem of players failing to meet expectations and/or realizing potential.
Methinks there are advantages as well as problems associated with promising young players making the team as a bench player … we see the player for perhaps four hours each day … taking batting practice and his time in the game or watching the action. That leaves twenty … and it’s up to management to see that they’re well used … it’s up to them to decide what’s best for young Sammons but, one would think that playing every fifth day with four days dedicated to reflection and skill development would perhaps be a good thing, if not better than playing every every day … depending on how it’s orchestrated.
Berigan raises another mindset or “mentality” issue regarding young players … “does he have anything else to prove in the minors???” … what Lillibridge or any young player “has to prove” may just be that they are better than anyone else in the organization at their position, … that they are the organization’s best option at the moment, or the potential for so becoming. Sometimes it’s unfortunate but such tests are usually graded on the curve.
Sir Guy, I too am a Javy supporter … for a multitude of reasons and expect that he will make the club … and that we may well carry three catchers … but, given all that has been said regarding his preparation, I would have expected a better start.
My “above the neck” concerns with Kotsay related primarily to his back problems and what he experienced last year. I’ve yet to see a player not experience some such problems when returning from significant physical adversity … and it’s frequently exacerbated when problems are encountered as a result of trying to do too much too soon … it can take many forms, including fear of failure/injury.
Happy birthday Scribe … hopefully, my comments didn’t suggest a fixed 6 man rotation. We’ll see how the outfield picture unfolds but, I would like to see Matt playing every day and the two youngsters receiving the most playing time in Center.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly … sometimes hard to know which is which.
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Klobber…lay off the KC and quit preachin’ patience! For cryin’ out loud, don’t you know this is an ‘instant gratification’ world we live in! We want it NOW…NOW! Patience is for dead folk! 😆
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Salt it down, NaCL, salt it down. We’ll eat it this winter, after it cures. 😀
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NaCL(y). I’ll bet you have been called worse. I know I have. 🙄
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Klobber…lay off the KC
NEVER!
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Braves on MLB.TV tonight 7:05
Tomorrow afternoon, Braves on MLB.TV FREE PREVIEW
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http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Cubs-will-be-without-Pie-for-3-5-days;_ylt=Aj7nBtG5Bru4baYhQsW5Qa.pu7YF?urn=mlb,71070
OK, jimmy. Run with it! 😆
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You really have to be absent-minded to lose a testicle.
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From Bowman’s interview with Hudson … “I just consider myself one of the guys at the top of the rotation who is going to give my team a chance to win. Whoever it is I’m pitching against, I feel like I’m going to win. You have to be like that. You have to feel like you’re going to win regardless of who you’re pitching against or who is on the mound against you”
That bespeaks another mentality … well, sorta … it’s a team game and you’re pitching against their hitters, not their pitcher.
My Lady … like Carl Perkins sang in 1957, “You got the right string baby but the wrong yo-yo” … the cost of MLB.TV is less of an issue than is the fact that home games are blacked out in Nashville since we’re only 5 hours from The Ted when traffic isn’t a problem.
Of course, the game’s on FSN tonight … if Comcast doesn’t usurp the channel for local programming.
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journalist bob’s absence has been explained – writing for weeks to produce the lead. and what a lead! journalism.
and now, jimmy smith has this to say about the following statement found in the link provided by carolina lady: “The surgery involves sewing the outer layer of the testicle to the scrotum wall. The Cubs said it was a minor procedure, and if the problem was not corrected soon, Pie would risk losing the testicle.”
first, oh, the humanity! second, ouch! third, minor procedure only if not the patient. last, sewed in and still can lose? hmmm… would not wish to find this lost testicle.
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As I suspected, we get to watch the Nashville Predators … American League, right?
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Hello, Bob. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Fantastic lead, good sir. 😀
I’ve been out all day and have just had a chance to check in. I’m gonna catch up on all the daily grind…
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These guys like Spitzer really amaze me. If you are a high-profile, kick-a$$ type of guy(or gal), do you think that people are not going to look in every closet and under every skirt to nail you? And in this day it is so easily done! He graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School giving him some of the best academic credentials, but he must have the brain of a gnat.
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I saw where Salvia may be the next Mary Jane. So, I thought to myself, why not try it while it is legal? Then, I saw this:
“salvia is a hallucinogen that gives users an out-of-body sense of traveling through time and space or merging with inanimate objects. Unlike hallucinogens like LSD or PCP, however, salvia’s effects last for a shorter time, generally up to an hour.”
I spent the better part of my adult life trying to avoid merging myself with inanimate objects, and I’ll be damned if I’m goint to smoke something that makes that happen. Pour me another KC, Klobber, and let’s stay legal, even if we are drunk–and not driving. Remember, however: Don’t drink and drive. You might hit a bump and spill something. 😀
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And pretty soon, I’m goint to bed, too.
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A geologic mapping project led to the finding of a 10 million-year-old fossil that’s now being studied at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. It is the fossilized remains of an “oreodant”. That does it! The next time I get peeved at Bob, I’m going to call him an oreodant. NOT REALLY!!! Just joshing you Bob. Don’t get peeved with me.
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Pie’s proceedure could make Schilling’s bloody sock look mild in comparison…
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Who’s pitching for the Nats tonight—Walter Johnson?
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Gil, Are you “live”, or is that a recording?
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Well, one thing about this place, if you get tired of talking to yourself you can watch them do autopsies.
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and who will sew this? not something jimmy smith would want to sew. could lace it up like a baseball glove – or a shoe. if the cubs don’t sew it, felix pie could lose it. much like a button, only different. panic button. new meaning to button nose. red buttons. pinky lee. journalist bob.
and a blossom watch is underway. still no blossom, but jimmy smith is watching cnn.
and seems funny some democrats being upset because an entire race of people voted one way. duh! no more politics from jimmy smith. ugandan politics, maybe, if anything.
and chop seal has made friends with peter moylan and is taking up some habits of the sidearming reliever. more later.
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Paladin… oreodant? Did they twist off the outer crust to find a milky white interior? Maybe they rubbed it under their arms for that manly fossil scent?
Watching the Bravos on FSN. What a treat to watch guys we’ve been just reading about. They all look good. Kelly made a great play at second… going to his right! Looks like he’s gained a step and also some power with the bat. Glavine looked like Glavine. Good… like ice. Javy is struggling with the bat. They had interviews with McCann, Glavin and Kelly. Good vibes.
All in all, the boys look good.
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I’m locked up in a morgue with jjs. Hell, I could do worse. 😀
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Who opened up SG’s locker? 😀
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End of 7th, Nats 2 Bravos zippo. But… we have’em right where we want’em.
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And SG, how do they look so good if they are losing 2-0? Or, am I tuned to the wrong box score?
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Damn Paladin… you saw my post? That means they’re not invisible after all. Oh…
Hey, watch that salvia stuff. You could wind up tuning in, turning on and dropping out. For an hour anyway. Cheap thrills. Maybe listen to a little Moody Blues too.
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They do look good, just not a great night with the bats. But it’s spring training. Pitching and defense is what I pay most attention to this time of year. The hits and runs will come when it counts.
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is salvia the same as drool?
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SG; When I first saw salvia, I read “saliva”. I thought swapping spit, now that’s my style. Depending, of course, on who you swap it with.
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This is scary. jjs and I are on the same page.
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paladin must have a — post if on the same page.
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Acosta is on the mound now. Sammons behind the plate.
Out 1: swinging strikeout.
Out 2: swinging K
Manny winds up… weak grounder to Lillibridge…
3 up, 3 down.
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swapping spit with Grace Slick?
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Nasal residue. Otherwise, CL is going to have to build a high-rise dog house.
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I think that Joe Simpson and Boog Schiambi sound like they are in midseason form… Can say Boog Schiambi?
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I’m not familiar with Grace Slick but I have said Grace over some disasters in my time.
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Nights In White Satin and whatnot.
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Lew; That is even less politically correct than Boog Schiambi.
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Bottom 8 – Braves up: Munoz on the mound for Nats.
Out 1: Bouchard popout to Langy
Walk: Lillibridge
Stormin’ Thorman at the plate.
bothched pickoff, Lil-B to 2nd
Out 2: Thor softly lines to first.
Josh Anderson walks.
Two on, two out…
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Tell me more, Daddy; tell me more.
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Raisins, Joe and Boog are wandering all over the place but rarely in the ballpark. They’re in training too I s’poze.
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Yeah… but they do that in midseason!
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Actually, I like Joe and Boog. They do wander, but they usually keep up wih the action, and their wanderings are usually informative, entertaining and mostly relevant.
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Ayala on the mound for the Nats:
Hernandez at the plate…
Two ducks on the pond… time for a hit.
Full count…
Out three: grounder to short.
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SG; Play-by-play not eon-by-eon.
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I would hate to be so far down the line that I wore #98 and had no name sewn on…
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Raisins, yes and yes.
Thing is, it’s the title crawler, player at bat/average/etc. that is MIA.
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Pete Orr… Canadian, eh?
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Paladin… hush up. I’m doing this like Frank Sinatra… my way.
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pete orr! pete orr!
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2 ducks on a pond is poor utilization of available waterfowl space. Let’s get the green people on this. No, not Grinch. He’ll shoot ’em.
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Dudes in the truck are smokin’ salvia…
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Top 9:
Langy somehow got to first (while P was distracting me!!!)
Out 1: Pete Orr at bat! Lines out to right center.
Base hit by Lopez. Two on…
Brett Boone at bat. (Washington is Braves redux).
Brett has slimmed down and doesn’t look nearly as cocky.
Boone pops out to Prado at second.
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A pete orr is what is located in the vicinity of Mr. Pie’s problem.
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2 outs, 2 on…
swinging strikeout to whathisname rookie.
score remains, 2-zip, Nats.
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Speaking of smokin’, this one’s a little bit of a surprise…..
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/11/dawn.wells.ap/index.html
Shoulda stuck with the salvia.
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Paladin, I’m surprised to see you up still.
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Bottom 9… the pressure is on. Will we come through?
Out 1: no idea who poped out to center… we were looking at Boog pictures the whole time.
Now they’re talking about other games coming this week. Have no idea who was batting or how they got to first.
Blanco at bat…
Single to left… runners at 1st and second.
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Sammons at bat…0-2 count…
One out, tying runs aboard…
It’s getting intense. Sweaty palms. Slimy keyboard… what will happen next?
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Mary Ann got busted for doing Mary Jane. And Klobber, I’m surprised to see me up, too. But I just couldnt tear myself away from SG’s play-by-shooting.
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Chopper to Ayala, pitch to first, runners advance, tying run to scoring position..
Two outs…
will they do it?
Meeting on the mound……….
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Borchard at bat…
C’mon big dude…
count 3-0…
Lil-B on deck…
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jjs: Remember the name Joe Borchard?
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Now it’s 3-2 count…Mighty Casey drives a base hit to center to tie the game.
Yay!!!! (Oh, how unprofessional of me)
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remember the name joe borchard.
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Lil-B comes up to bat, The Big Borch at first.
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more rbi’s than thorman in 3 months.
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Will there be a quiz?
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0-3 count. Who’s on deck? No, what’s on first? Uh…
Dammit…. Lil-B grounds out to third on an 0-3 count. He’s behaving like a rookie. Oh, uh…
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Free baseball.
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They may be going extra, but I’m callin’ it a night.
It’s a night. 😀
G’night all…
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0-3 count. That must be the “new math” that all the kids are talking about.
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Hey! There’s a #98 with a name. That’s a name?
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Usually by this time, I’ve gotten up to walk my bladder at least twice.
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Bunny slippers off. Head hitting pillow…
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Kinda funny seeing all the Braves castoffs over there in Nats uniforms.
Too bad they don’t need a first baseman. We got one they can have.
I see they have Orr. Did they sign Woodward yet?
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#98 sure has a funky windup.
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Pitching… Rolenborstenhaimerslimmersnacken
Out 1: smoking, sining liner to Lil-B
Willie Harris at bat. More ex-Braves… strikes out swangin’.
Three and out for, uh…Braves longname rookie pitcher guy. Longest name since Saltalammacchia. Ain’t fair…
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I’ll pass the baton to Chris to finish the play calling…
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Maybe he has a twist. That can really mess up your windup and gettyup, too.
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0-3 count… I went all Don Sutton on that.
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SG; Don’t ever do play-by-play when you are drinking white russians, again.
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Wait, what?
Okay here goes.
Thorman singles up the middle on a 3-2 count. Schaffer pinch running
Anderson drops successful bunt. Thor to second. 1 out.
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Aw crap. Hernandez hits one thru the right side. Schaffer called OUT at the plate. 2 out.
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Langy was the one that threw him out by the way.
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You are seeing double. Particularly when you try to read player’s names.
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Looks like the Nats are out of pitchers. Their current pitcher, Crawford, may be hurt. If he can’t go, they may end the game now.
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Hernandez get’s a hit…
Langy just threw Shafer out sliding home… dagg blastit!!!
two out, tying run at second…
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0-3 count… I went all Don Sutton on that.
BUSTED!
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Oh, the baton was taken… overlap is better than going all Heidi/Dan Rather…
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Brandon Jones at bat. Hernandez at second. 2 out. Tie score.
Jones walks on 4 pitches. Men at first and second.
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And y’all think Joe & Boog “wander around”?
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Martin Prado at bat. Hits to SS Lopez who bobbles it. Everyone safe. Bases loaded. 2 out.
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Thank you FBG. I was beginning to think it was me who is drunk.
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Paladin… I’m doing just as good as Boog and Joe. 🙂
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Gregor Blanco at bat. Sharply hit grounder to Boone. Out at first. End of the 10th inning. 2-2.
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False praise, indeed.
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Actually I love Joe & Boog. They do a good job calling the game & when they do wander it’s usually quite amusing.
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I’d rather add color anyway.
Going to the 11th. This seems like a typical mid-season game. Go Bravolistas.
I’m retiring for the evening. No bunny slippers. I can’t believe Raisins still sleeps in that bunny PJ outfit. I grew out of that…
last month.
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Top of the 11th. Damian Moss pitching for Los Bravos. Tyler Flowers at 1st.
Garret Guzman at bat for Nats. Weakly hit grounder to 1b. 1 out.
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SG, I’ll bet your jammies still have the little flap in the back!
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Langerhans at bat. He hammers one back up through the middle. Wish he could have done that more often last year.
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We’ve established… everyone loves Boog and Joe. And Paladins bladder is larger than he thought. Better bladder than the latter…
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Please hurry and end this. My dog thinks I died and somebody propped me up at the computer.
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Pete Orr at bat. Langy at first. ONe out.
Sammons can’t handle a pitch in the dirt. Langy to second.
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No Klobber, no jammies, but yes… kept the flap. Taped it to my back for old times sake. Habits die hard.
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Yes Klobber, and he drops that flap when coming in for a landing.
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Paladin, late breakfast at Bernies?
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Orr slices one to RF and it’s caught. 2 out.
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SOrry that went to LF. You know, the “other” right.
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Felipe Lopez at bat. Soft dribbler to PRado at 2b. Out at first. ENd of top of 11th inning.
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Hell, it will be my lunch time by the time this thing is over.
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You guys are keeping me up too late. Good night, sleep tight and don’t let the, you know.
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Paladin, tell your dog to hold his water.
SG, you still doing the color or did you brush your little teethies and go tinkle and go to bed?
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I’m staying up for the Bravos’ bat, then that’s it!
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Lots of empty seats at the stadium.
Steve Shell is the new pitcher for the Nats. Sammons rips one to left. Very long single for Sammons.
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Klobber; He puts his little teethies in the jug and let’s the magic bubbles do the trick.
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Shell is not the most fortuitous name for a pitcher.
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You “shock” me, FBG.
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Javier Guzman pinch runs for Sammons.
Borchard at bat. He had the two run single earlier that tied the game. Blame him for staying up so late.
Borchard has a good at bat. Unfortunately he strikes out and Guzman gets thrown out trying to steal 2b.
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Lilly at bat. I wonder if Chipper’s gonna show him how to shave when the time comes?
Lilly strikes out. Inning over.
Game over. 2-2.
BRAVES TIE!!! BRAVES TIE!!! BRAVES TIE!!!
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GOODNIGHT S & G BLOG!!!
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The fireworks went off. Now Bobby Cox and Acta are conferring with the umpires. Maybe we’ll go one more. Stay tuned.
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Nope, it’s officially over now.
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Thanks for the play-by-play, Chris & SG!
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You’re welcome fbg. Weren’t you able to watch the game? And how are you feeling?
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I don’t get FSN, Chris. Well, I do but it’s the Florida version. Marlins & Rays, woo.
Spent a large part of the day in bed but tonight I feel like I’m winning the battle against the flu.
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“journalist bob’s absence has been explained” … I had wondered about that myself! Writing for weeks to produce the lead … man, that was hard work but it just goes to show that a little dedication can overcome a big talent deficiency … Andruw Jones should be ashamed!
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Talent deficiency — my a–! You have more talent and knowledge in your little finger than I have in my ginormous dome Bob!
Fbg, you should watch some Rays games. Something tells me that they are going to be pretty good this year. Not saying they can compete against NY and BOS but they should make things interesting. Might be a real spoiler this year for someone.
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I think they are going to be better. Of course, Baldelli’s hurt again . He makes Hampton look like an iron man. That said, I pay a lot to get ExtraInnings so I can watch the Braves. I watch every game. If I’m not home I record it. The only ones I miss are when I’m in Rabun (no TV yet up there) so I listen on the radio. No time for the Rays.
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OK, only “again” was supposed to be in italics. Not sure what happened there.
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You know, I’m not contagious over the computer. Y’all didn’t have to leave. It’s a good thing we’re typing instead of talking though, I sound terrible.
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But I’m sure you still look good though! Sorry, I was over yonder, protecting my self from and idiot.
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After 3 days of this I probably look a little rough too.
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There you go again…….
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Chris, nobody looks their best after 3 days of flu.
Sort of on that subject, a little restaurant near the house in Rabun had the greatest slogan on the back of the servers’ shirts: “Good cookin’ makes ya good lookin’.” I should get that printed on an apron. (Sadly they closed. The owner/chef couldn’t keep up with the demand. It’s a shame. She’s a very nice lady, the food was incredible & it was literally down the road from us.)
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After 1 ?! My book is calling. Good night, Chris!
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Good night sunshine! Enjoy your book!
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“nobody looks their best after 3 days of flu” … can’t really tell much difference … but, now that you’ve said it, I’m afraid to put on my glasses.
Braves player representative Jeff Francoeur said Tuesday’s session included discussion about the potential pitfalls of using blood tests to determine who is currently using HGH … why do those boys need to know the potential pitfalls … or who’s currently cheating?
What they need to know is how to improve their skill sets and how to best opposing pitchers without cheating … did Fehr talk about that?
Player representative Francoeur a piece of work in progress, methinks.
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“You have more talent and knowledge in your little finger than I have in my ginormous dome Bob!” … it amazing, the stuff you can learn by reading the Blog … I’ve been looking and looking all over the place … and all the time they were in my little finger … maybe that’s your problem too Chris … looking in the wrong place … my dome isn’t ginormous but x-rays indicate nothing but muddy water.
Good night and God Bless!
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“Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool….”
Yes, what better outcome for a conflicted Braves/Nats fan? 🙂
Of course when it’s just the big boys playing, things can end up differently. Let’s hope the Nationals give the Mets fits this year… Joel Hanrahan.. Who would have thunk it?
Oh by the way, greetings from beautiful Va Beach… The weather is perfect and the hotel wonderful, net results on my sleeping pattern remain unchanged…
Again Bob, wonderful blog lead in. Just what we needed to stimulate conversation about baseball….
Methinks (can say that?) that Jimmy Smith must have ESPN to predict Joe Borchard’s emergence at spring training. Too bad he doesn’t play first base. Bobby Cox about Thor not trying to hit 700 foot home runs tells us that he either sees the obvious or reads the blogs too…
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…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
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Hey look! A bunch of N’s fell on their side!
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gil, if bobby cox is reading this blog . . . jimmy smith would like to say that all this talk of nose picking is in poor taste and jimmy smith hopes it will soon end. maybe if the nose picking ends, the nose picking talk will end as well. makes jimmy smith’s stomach lining twist.
joe borchard is not disappointing this journalist. still, joe borchard likely will not make the team coming out of camp. what is so hard about playing first base? learn the footwork and scoop the ball. old guys get moved there. mathews, aaron, and chipper, eventually.
it is refreshing that the bloggers hear can have different thoughts on this team and express those thoughts and not be talked down to by a know-it-all beet writer. “well, every beet writer and every manager and every coach must be wrong then, right?” yep, sometimes.
journalist bob makes a good observation about player representative francoeur . . . indeed a piece of work in progress.
remember that the team spokesman may be the player that speaks words the beet writer can, you know, spell.
and journalists everywhere are taking note of the play-by-play talent on this blog. much talent hear. good use of sentence structure much like jimmy smith. good insight. good description: 0-3 count not heard everywhere. braves and stuff original.
and it is a beautiful day and jimmy smith must write blossom back.
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check this out:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080311/SPORTS02/803110392/1048/sports
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JJS, I just looked up Joe Borchard’s stats…. .205 career hitter! Hit .196 last year, and struck out 60 times in a 176 AB’s! Yet, when he bats, he looks much better at the plate than Pete Orr or Woodcrud…why is this???
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Very interesting story JJS!!!!
I found this part particularly interesting….if not a bit confusing…
“It probably was the smart thing to do,” Cox said. “But every one of us in the organization voted no on the trade. We couldn’t bear to lose him.”
So, then there never really was a trade, and it’s all a just a big mistake????
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… where’s my coffee?
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(sound of yawning…) G’morning, fellow B&Sians.
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Good morning VOR! You, or someone pretending to be you posted at 7:58….
I watched a movie and fell asleep early, so I missed the game….those who saw it, what did you think of the newbies???
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Berigan, regarding your 8.47, that vote was taken DURING the season. They could have traded at that time rather than in October when they actually did trade him.
Nice article journalist jimmy smith. I always heard Renty was a quality human being. It’s nice to read about it too.
How go things with Blossom? Perhaps if there were a way to commission someone to make a red velvet cake and then have someone else delivery it…. Surely you would win her over then!
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B3, how was the sleep?
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GOOD MORNING VIETNAM and B & S blog(gers).
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I’m afraid that the suicide of the “person of interest” means that closure is near in the Calvert matter. I know all of us dread the obvious, but closure will bring…closure.
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Chris…oh…you have to admit, these are a few poorly written sentences, ain’t they????
The Braves had a chance to trade Renteria during the season last year.
“It probably was the smart thing to do,” Cox said. “But every one of us in the organization voted no on the trade. We couldn’t bear to lose him.”
Still, a combination of circumstances allowed the Tigers swoop in and land him.
So, Bobby is saying it was probably the smart thing to , to have traded him during the season, and yet they didn’t??? I guess more of the problem is with the writer, than Bobby’s lack of making sense sometimes…
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VOR, since you asked(And thanks for asking)….. I had two pretty good nights in a row, and last night, I slept about 5 hours…not great…but better than 3-4 hour rut I was in for several days…..
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Berigan, yes, some of those sentences could certainly have been worded more efficiently.
As far as Cox saying that it was “probably the smart thing to do”, bear in mind that he’s making this comment in hindsight. I’d be curious to know what sort of offers they had received last year and how much better or worse they might have been than the deal they took.
Paladin, I saw that article just a few minutes ago about the death of the “person of interest”. Not good.
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According to the reports I’ve read, the person of interest left behind 2 notes, the contents of which the authorities are not divulging. Said authorities are saying, however, that the notes “provide leads”. As was said, not good.
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don’t look too deep into the bobby cox interview . . . may be disappointed. now deep into the nose . . . another matter. stop at the elbow. and not all beet writers write beets well. chop seal is a rarity in many, many ways.
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hello everbudy! yes, I aM a raritY in beet writing and i don’T have many beet writeR friends – but i do know the impOrtance of claritY.
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Another news item: One out of four teenage girls have a STD! If that doesn’t scare the hell out of the younger generation(s), it should!
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Paladin, as the father of a girl about to enter her teens, IT SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME!!!!!
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chopper; Please clarify clarity. It is sort of like, “it depends on what the meaning of is, is.”
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Klobber: I know it is not guarantee, but I believe that upbringing and preparation means so much and you strike me as one who will have accomplished(and continue to re-enforce)these important factors with your daughter. God speed.
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“a”
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Fonzie, is that you????
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Go back to bed, B3, you’re hallucinating.
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I think someone needs to do a better job of scaring the teenagers.
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Would this do??? I photographed this moth(I think it’s a moth) outside my window a few years back….
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Paladin, thank you for the kind words. We’ve worked hard to try to teach both of our children to make good choices in life. One can only hope and pray that the mistakes that their children make don’t have negative impact on their future!
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FBG; I agree when you say “teenagers”. The solution MUST include a way to insure that males share accountability, and consequences. They will, ultimately, but Gil’s 2 X 4 has to be applied, liberally.
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I’ve got to go, for now. I’m almost at the point of understanding B3. I’ve got to get back in touch with reality. 😀
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My 12 year old son, close enough to teenage, understands my policy of discipline by numbers. Size 10 in the butt, or 5 across the lip. I believe in neither diplomacy nor negotiation with reference to keeping either of my kids in line.
I firmly believe that if I don’t teach them the concept that actions bring consequences now, they’ll spend the rest of their lives learning it…
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Now, baseball. If I recall correctly, today should be the day that the Braves braintrust begins making some roster adjustments. Speculation, anyone?
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I firmly believe that if I don’t teach them the concept that actions bring consequences now, they’ll spend the rest of their lives learning it…
That is well stated. It amazes (and frustrates) me to no end to see other parents allow their children to do whatever they want, whenever they want. No rules, no restrictions, anything goes. What frustrates me about that is when my kids come home and wonder why they aren’t allowed the same liberties that some of their friends enjoy.
Case in point: My son is now ten. One day when he was about eight, he came home and asked if he could see a movie with his friend who was seven. He told us the name of the movie and we promptly looked up the rating on the internet. It was rated “R”! We told him in no uncertain terms that he was not old enough to see it. His indignant response was that his seven year old friend had already seen it three times!
Oh, and the “indignant” part of his response earned him an afternoon in his room.
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Good for you, Raisins. I realize that “discipline” can be abused, as it apparently was in Lew’s “upbringing”; but tough LOVE never hurt anyone, and it has helped many. “Parenthood” is so easy to achieve, and so difficult to fulfill.
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Francisley Bueno.
I have no news or anything, I just like his name… Francisley Bueno.
Kinda rolls off the tongue.
Francisley Bueno.
😀
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Berigan, by the way, your moth is a “luna moth”.
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Now to baseball, before I leave. Raisins, I’m just not close enough to what has transpired in Orlando to know. But, I hope that the trades will outnumber the releases. As you know, we have several on the bubble who are out of options.
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Paladin, it has always amazed me that we have to take a test to be able to legally drive a motorized vehicle yet any moron with properly functioning equipment (not twisted?) can have children.
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Seriously, I would never employ the “5 across the lip”, but we are tough on him. He’s a good kid, but at age 12, he just does dumb stuff of which he knows better. He’s constantly shooting himself in the foot. It drives me and Mrs. Raisins crazy. It seems that he has been constantly in trouble for something for several months… Yet, he really is a good kid.
Just wait for age 12, Klobber, just wait…
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Would twisted equipment yield twisted kids? Is that the genesis of Twisted Sister? What about the “twisted” emoticon? 😈
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VOR, glad to here you wouldn’t really use 5 across the lips! Spankings are fine, IMHO, but belts and fists…I don’t know…the kids I knew who were in trouble were often kids that had Mom use a belt on them…
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and VOR, good question as to who will stay and who will go! I imagine Gorkys will get sent to Minor league camp…. I forget, is Prado out of options???
This should be a list of what braves players are doing this spring…
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=mlb§ion1=2&statSet1=1&sortByStat=TEAM&statType=1&timeFrame=1&timeSubFrame=23&baseballScope=mlb&prevPage1=1&readBoxes=true&teamPosCode=All
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Raisins, we’re already suffering through “Age 12” with our daughter who would like to be 22 already.
I actually worry less about our son. He’s more reserved and is a very smart kid. He has a better understanding of consequences than our daughter.
Biggest problem with him is getting him to do his chores on time and in completion.
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My children are now grown and I didn’t do a very good job. But, none are in prison, on drugs or otherwise “hung up”. They had their opportunites for higher education; some took it, some didn’t. But, now they have the same opportunites for success that I did. If I had the chance to do it over…but, I don’t.
Now, I have a dog. I would never give him “5 across the lip” or a boot in the a$$. But, he doesn’t know that. ‘Nuff said.
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Klobber, sounds exactly like my son, and that includes schoolwork as well. He is an “A” student, he gets “A” grades, but has either forgotten to turn in homework, or has lost it somewhere between home and school enough to cost him “A”s in two classes. Now, THAT, is maddening…
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I would never give him “5 across the lip” or a boot in the a$$. But, he doesn’t know that. ‘Nuff said.
That is the key, my friend, that is the key…
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I keep trying to leave and then I come across something like this:
DALLAS (AP) – A woman threw her two young children from a freeway overpass during Wednesday’s morning rush before leaping off herself, police said, and somehow all three survived the 22-foot fall into traffic.
The kids were 8 and 6. What do you want to bet that they come up with some “cause’ for her action and eventually give her custody of the children? “Hi, mommy, I haven’t seen you since you threw us off that bridge.” God, what a world this has become!
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whatthehelliswrongwithpeoplethesedays.com
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jimmY smith saved me froM a clubbing but jimmy smitH would never hesitate to spanK me even though seals have no buttocks. caN i say that, carulina ladY? seal buttocks?
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Sounds like y’all are handling discipline properly. These people that don’t teach their children to behave like humans drive me crazy. This would never happen because 1. we don’t have the medical technology & 2. it’s very BigBrotherish… but I wish there was something (an implant?) that was a foolproof birth-control that everyone was required to have from puberty on. No more unplanned pregnancies. Then when a married couple (of appropriate age, good health, steady income, pass a background check) wanted to have a baby, they would have to undergo extensive training & counseling before being given a parental license. Anyone who complained that they don’t have time for the training will be told “then you don’t have time to take care of a baby either”.
I know it’s incredibly draconian but it sure would solve a lot of problems.
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“the kids I knew who were in trouble were often kids that had Mom use a belt on them” … times change and each situation is different but while Daddy used the belt and Mama used a switch … my experience was the exact opposite “the kids I knew who were in trouble were often the kids whose Mom spared the rod.”
The key is consistency … and it’s hard to start at a child’s age 12, doing something that should have been done at age one or two … though that’s probably easier and better than starting at age 13.
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And Paladin, thank you for pointing out that teenage boys need to be held more accountable. It’s the same story every time: teen girl turns up pregnant & the boyfriend instantly disappears.
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FBG; All my children are males but the understood if they got a girl in “trouble” that “they got” were the key words.
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One of the girls that my daughter goes to school with (notice that I didn’t say they were friends; she realizes what a brat this girl is) is absolutely spoiled rotten. She is constantly rude and disrespectful to her parents, even in front of other adults. She also continually tells her father that he should divorce her mother because she is such a b****.
One night recently I had “pickup” duty after some event that they all attended. Had six girls in the car. It was a Saturday night and it was around ten. This girl calls her mother to ask permission to be dropped off at one of the other girl’s houses rather than her own home. This other girl’s house was several miles away from her home and it meant that her mother or father would have to get out of bed and go pick her up later that night.
Her mother denied her request and an argument ensued. The girl abruptly slammed her phone shut and announced to the car (including an adult) “I just hung up on her. I got tired of listening to her so I hung up on her.” She then proceeded to ask me to take her to the other girl’s house!
One further note, her goal in life is to pose for Playboy.
Great job, mom and dad.
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“they”
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Don’t keep us in suspense, Klobber. Did you?
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Bob, The kids I knew were consistently whipped…their parents seemed to get off on it….one Mom came storming into my friend’s room swinging a belt wildly for some unknown infraction….I was around 8 and went running out of the room, and jumped down almost all the stairs(It was a 2 floor apartment) and ran home….He, and the other kid I knew who was belted on a regular basis, learned to toughen up and could take most any punishment meted out by their parents, so what did they have to fear from anyone at that point???
Used once in awhile, perhaps….Like I said, spankings are ok, but when you get beyond that, it may have more to do with pain tolerance than anything else….
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Chris, that’s revolting. They have no one to blame but themselves.
Paladin, if either my sister or I had been foolish enough to get in that predicament my parents would have made sure the young man & his family shared the responsibility & expense, assuming my dad left him among the living.
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Berigan; What you are relating is abuse. And that type of “discipline” applied in front of other’s children is reprehensible. You are not talking about a parent, you are describing a biological accident.
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My! This blog has taken quite a Dr. Phil “twist”, hasn’t it? I guess it is my fault. Sorry. PLAY BALL!!!
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jimmy smith used to twist mY ears.
just kidding . . . no eaRs!
still everything needed to write beetS.
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can’t crY on my shouldeR eitheR.
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“… can only hope and pray that the mistakes that their children make don’t have negative impact on their future!” … while we do so hope and pray, methinks we can do more to help assure that that is the case for it is our mistakes from which we learn … it is their mistakes that have the greatest impact on our children’s lives … but let us hope and pray that the mistakes that we make with our children don’t have negative impact on their future!
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Don’t keep us in suspense, Klobber. Did you?
I am disappointed that you would even consider that I might have taken that child someplace that her mother didn’t want her to go.
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Berigan, I have to agree with Paladin. That is abusive behavior.
I was paddled plenty as a kid. Switches, hands, belts, even those little wooden paddles with the ball attached with the elastic string. Had more than one of those broken across my backside. But, each and every time I was spanked I deserved it. As I grew older I came to understand that the discipline came from love, not anger or anything else. And I was NEVER disciplined in front of other children.
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Sorry Klobber, I intended to put a smilie after that. I had no doubt what you, or I, would do. Give an old man a break…no, not that kind. 😀
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But, when we are picking nits: “I have to agree with Paladin…”. Is it so difficult? 🙂
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My Father used to tell me “Go in your room, take down your trousers(he never called the male garment ‘pants’)and I’ll be in shortly.” Shortly might be 30 minutes or more. Sitting there with your bloomers down around your ankles, waiting, was the worse part of the punishment.
My Mother, on the other hand, would say, “Go get me a switch”. And it had better be a good one.
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My Mother, on the other hand, would say, “Go get me a switch”. And it had better be a good one.
Brother?
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I didn’t make the most important point in the above. Neither parent ever “got off” on me. It was thought out discipline. Well, one time my Mother slapped my face when I smarted off to her. I deserved it and certainly bear no scars about, or from, it.
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Brother?
Sorry, don’t follow.
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“oh, the humanity! jimmy smith! go out to the tamarind tree right now and pick out a switch and come back hear to mumbo smith . . . ”
journalist can here it now.
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If you mean(and you are mean)what did my brother do: Being 3 1/2 years older he regularly gave me 5 across the lip. And being the lawyer-in-training that he was/is, he would then convince anyone who gave a flip that I had run into his fist.
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And jjs I’m sure it happened with you as well. You brought her a switch that was not to her liking and she wore that out on you and sent you back to get a proper one. Remember?
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yes, reminds jimmy smith of turnip smith, jimmy smith’s sibling. a fine barrister now.
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The inference, paladin, was that my mother did the same thing, therefor we are brothers. It was a timing thing… now, after explanation, it is just stupid… 😐
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afraid jimmy smith would grow up to be a beet writer.
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only one turnip in the family.
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I’m a bad seed, myself. But, proud to be Raisin’s brother. Although, uncle would still be a chronological stretch.
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now, baseball . . . remember joe borchard. but nowhere to play. much like others that have gone before . . .
and journalist has a bad feeling that chipper is about to twist something. not sure why – just a bad feeling.
and how many socks is chipper wearing this season? and will the mizuno shoes still work well if the mizuno shoes get wet? and do these mizuno shoes have toe compartments? and how many compartments? how many toes? could be just a rumor. not sure.
and carolina lady must be researching again today.
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I think a “can’t miss” 3rd baseman in the system would really help keep Chipper’s “twists” to a minimum. If he was “hearing footsteps’ it might work as it has done before on “mainstays” reaching the twilight of their career.
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Dang! In 2007, Chipper hit .337 (.003 behind the NL batting champ) with 29 HRs and 102 RBI. He only K’d 75 times in 513 official AB’s. He finished 6th in NL MVP voting. I sure wish he’d try harder… 😉
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very good player – but not a lovable player. lovable only to ten and under. not a hoss in this journalist’s book. prone to injury – prone on the field at times. will now have to deal with irregularity and other vagaries of aging. could become grumpy. could become itchy. never sure. out due to itch. can’t scratch on t.v. can pick, but can’t scratch. carolina lady is not going to like this jimmy smith post but carolina lady is researching right now and is unable at this time to ban this: [jimmysmith’stickettothedoghouse 🙂 ]. oh, the humanity! the devil made jimmy smith do that. please forgive jimmy smith, carolina lady. carolina lady, please remove the word — above. thank you, carolina lady. your friend, jimmy smith
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Good afternoon all… Interesting “stuff” being commented on today…. 🙂 My mother (broom Hilda) claims it was my ill behavior that was responsible for the demise of the peach trees on the property due to the constant fetching of switches on my part. The woman was an artist with a peach tree switch in her hands, I learned some of my best dance moves during some of those sessions of discipline. Of course, I did learn a valuable lesson in child rearing (no pun intended) and that was to be less physical in dispensing correction. I still get twitchy when eating peach pie… 🙂
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Berigan, others have expressed themselves better than I could ever hope to do … we each have our perspectives and certainly what we saw as children influences what we “see” as adults. Though as adults, it often takes a lifetime to put things into proper perspective and realize that what we saw as children was seen through the eyes of a child … with a simplified perspective and limited planes of reference.
Methinks those parents who argue that the purpose of discipline is to teach the child the difference between right and wrong are more than half wrong … for knowing such difference is almost innate … it seems to me that discipline’s greater purpose is to help instill whatever it is that causes us to play by the rules and make good fundamental choices … and to accept responsibility for our actions.
I figure that the spankings, belts and switches did me good … love/fear … it’s complex … I don’t know that there is one “right way” … regardless of the path we take, it’s bound to be fraught with peril … there’s no road map so we must do the best we can and temper our actions with love … you are where you are, but where you’ve been has a lot to do with where you’re going.
Jesus said “Let the little children come unto me” … but it’s the parent’s job to see that they leave their guns and knives at home.
Old folks’ day at Publix … later.
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Raisins, I’m sorry if I struck a nerve with what I said about Chipper. I’m not saying he isn’t still a good(maybe great)ballplayer and an intregal part of the Braves. That’s why we need him full-time. You quote his statisitcs from last year but remember he had to be “called out” by Smoltz and then missed the biggest series with the Mets with “injuries” much less than mortal. I still think that “footsteps” wouldn’t hurt.
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paladin: I was actually simply being facetious. Notice the “wink” after the remark? Cyber sarcasm… My nerves have long gone numb.
(By the way, it’s really hard to type with Italian Ice in one hand…)
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(… and a spoon in the other…)
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What a difference a few days makes!!! Don’t let Lew see this photo of my front yard! 😛
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Now, news of the wierd:
Sheriff: Woman sat on boyfriend’s toilet for 2 years; didn’t want to leave bathroom
Published on: 03/12/08
NESS CITY, Kan. — Authorities are considering charges in the bizarre case of a woman who sat on her boyfriend’s toilet for two years; so long that her body was stuck to the seat by the time the boyfriend finally called police.
Ness County Sheriff Bryan Whipple said it appeared the 35-year-old Ness City woman’s skin had grown around the seat. She initially refused emergency medical services but was finally convinced by responders and her boyfriend that she needed to be checked out at a hospital.
Uh…OK.
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hmmm… carolina lady is not doing research right now after all . . . carolina lady has edited out the bad word and it snot even their anymore. jimmy smith promises to behave. now, chipper talk . . . uh, this journalist is trying not to pick on chipper anymore. chipper is just like forrest gump. chipper is as chipper does. good thing this is not the blog of choice for chipper – there’s not a lot of golly, gee hear. except for joe borchard – kept the braves from loosing last night. golly. not ready for a gee yet. maybe later if joe borchard makes the team.
and discussion of peach trees reminds jimmy smith of peaches and peaches remind jimmy smith of homemade peach ice cream. and ice cream reminds jimmy smith of butter pecan ice cream. and butter pecan ice cream reminds jimmy smith of root beer float. and now, jimmy smith must go to the kitchen . . .
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I hope he had more than one bathroom…
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what would bloggers rather have in a tub . . . journalist bob or butter pecan ice cream? easy choice for jimmy smith. jimmy smith endorses publix butter pecan ice cream in a tub. journalist bob should pick up some publix buuter pecan ice cream in a tub when journalist bob goes to publix. then . . . journalist bob could enjoy some publix butter pecan ice cream in a tub while in a tub of journalist bob’s own. starting to write like a beet writer – must go rest.
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Hopefully, VOR will be banned after that last story!!!! 😯 👿
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I can’t wait for Paul Harvey’s “Rest of the Story” on the toilet squatter. I hope the boyfriend had another bath. “Excuse me, honey…” would not suffice, methinks.
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Link to full story
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Hopefully, VOR will be banned after that last story!!!!
Can’t I just go get a switch?
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jjs whetted my appetite. Raisins completely destroyed it. But, it is a gorgeous day in the 60s here so I think I will go out and let the dog throw the ball for me.
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Can’t I just go get a switch?
Bamboo?
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No. Toggle…
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Hooked to an electric chair, I trust.
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Touché.
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I have asked this on here several times and no one has even given me the courtesy of a reply. Has anyone seen or heard from ww? I’m afraid that boy is running with the wrong crowd.
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Just whatever you do, don’t touche’ my toot toot.
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Courteously, no.
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Thank you, brother.
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Gone to the yard. Arf Arf.
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😉
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Read headlines on AJC braves section…
“Picking Glavine’s brain” was one of them….I shall now channel JJS…
Was Bobby confused and went elbow deep in Tommy’s nose??? All Tommy has is brain. Can’t pitch without it. Bobby should stick to picking just his nose. Bobby’s brain used to it by now. Explains Willie playing after all star break.
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Paladin, VOR going on the road with that act??? 😉
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I can hear it now: “Hey… that’s gray! It’s never been gray before!” 😀
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Ow!
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VOR, you have been hanging around with Paladin too much…He and JJS are bad influences on a young kid like yourself…
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Yep, that’s me… young kid.
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Along with the photo I posted above, don’t let Lew see this story, either!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/11/dawn.wells.ap/index.html
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NEWARK, N.J. — Top of the afternoon, denizens. Just thought I’d say hello from what must be the ugliest place I’ve ever been. New Jersey is cold, bleak looking, the roads are crappy and, well, let’s just say it ain’t the South.
You guys will appreciate the back page of the N.Y. Post today: Pedro and Santana grinning, as Pedro tells Johan “you’re No. 1.”
Yeah, duh! Like the Mets were going to spend all that money on a guy and pitch him behind John Maine in the rotation. Lovely, indeed. Guess that means Santana will make his Turner Field debut in that Saturday afternoon game. If Smoltz starts the season opener in D.C., it’d be Smoltz and Santana on that Saturday.
And they are KILLING the N.Y. governor up here (and rightly so). The headlines are a hoot: Hooked! Hooker Happy!
OK, off I go. Gotta catch a train to the NYC. Take care of the ‘hood while I’m away.
The Scribe abides.
–30–
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This sure doesn’t sound like a stoner’s excuse, does it???
When Gutierrez asked about a marijuana smell, (Dawn)Wells said she’d just given a ride to three hitchhikers and had dropped them off when they began smoking something. Gutierrez found half-smoked joints and two small cases used to store marijuana.
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Yikes, SSI… That’s worse than a switch! 😯
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Maybe MaryAnn had some salvia…
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Guys, you won’t probably won’t believe me, but there truly are nice parts of New Jersey!!! I wouldn’t have believed it myself, but I was sent from Borders books up to Bridgewater, NJ in the late 90’s to help with a store that was going to be remodeled at night, and still kept open during the day(Of course the dopes forgot to get proper permits, and I was sent home after 3 days but anyway….)and as a trainer, naturally I would be doing no training at all, but would be part of the labor force. At least a trainer wouldn’t mess things up too much as the whole store was rearranged.
Anyway, I was truly stunned by how pretty that section of NJ was! NJ is the garden state and all that, and some people take pride in that fact….
Lew, can you back me up on this???
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Saliva???? I got your brother reference from the beginning…but I am lost here!
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paladin2008 Says:
March 11, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I saw where Salvia may be the next Mary Jane. So, I thought to myself, why not try it while it is legal? Then, I saw this:
“salvia is a hallucinogen that gives users an out-of-body sense of traveling through time and space or merging with inanimate objects. Unlike hallucinogens like LSD or PCP, however, salvia’s effects last for a shorter time, generally up to an hour.”
I spent the better part of my adult life trying to avoid merging myself with inanimate objects, and I’ll be damned if I’m goint to smoke something that makes that happen. Pour me another KC, Klobber, and let’s stay legal, even if we are drunk–and not driving. Remember, however: Don’t drink and drive. You might hit a bump and spill something.
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Oh…..I thought you meant the rock group perhaps! You kids, and your hip new drugs….Actually, I did just hear about it on TV last night.
Shamefully, I have to admit…I didn’t read every single post from last night!!! 😳
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Shame on you! 😯
Admittedly, I am a B&S junkie… no post goes unread, or at least unscanned.
Alas, it is time for dinner. Goin’ out for Chinese before church. Now there’s a combination for ya!
C-ya! 😀
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You are going to Church’s for Chicken, then a place of worship were they speak Chinese??? Sorry, just quickly scanned your post! 🙂
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Hey, you don’t have to read it, but I thought this was a very interesting column by Playwright(And screenwriter) David Mamet on being a liberal. A few bad words, just a few…Shouldn’t upset anyone, no matter what side of the fence you are on…
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0811,374064,374064,1.html/full
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Because it’s been slow:
Recently saw my first play in 20 years, “Glen Gary Glen Ross” by David Mamet, I think. I hope I never see another.
Guess I’m just not sophisticated enough, y’all.
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And I second 008, questioning the whereabouts of a certain Wallace. I know you’re reading Braveheart. Chime the heck in. You’re missed.
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Mr. Journalist (the hot tub one),
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you for the excellent lead. Golly, gee, well done. I think I followed it all, for once. That was probably by design for us mere mortals. Thank you.
You covered all the issues with the team very nicely. Those question marks are what is going to make or break this team. I would like to hear your thoughts on Diaz hitting 3, as well as the pitcher hitting 8. I’ve always thought the latter was crazy, but many I respect seem to like the move.
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Hey BAS! Looks like, like me most days, you picked the wrong time to blog….
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BAS, Mamet also wrote the screenplays for The Verdict , And the Untouchables….
He also wrote a play called Speed the Plow, and Madonna once was in it!!! I thought the title alone was all that is wrong with plays written today(Well, what was wrong today, back in the day) and Madonna should never attempt to act, ever again…..
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Sorry BAS, I thought GGGR was a tour de force for Lemmon, Pacino, Baldwin, Arkin and Spacey. Perhaps you should check the Disney releases.
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How about “12 Angry Men” and “To Kill a Mocking Bird”? Are they a waste of time, as well. Not much bang bang shoot-em-up but exquisite writing and acting. Or, IMHO.
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Paladin, he saw the play….My favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life” Marlo Thomas starred in a TV version in which she played the George Bailey role. I nearly vomited….anyone can ruin anything, it’s America, dangit!
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Since I am coming out shooting from the hip, B3, let me direct some at you. You and VOR were, earlier, discussing who did, and did not, read what had been written (earlier) on the blog. He said he did. You said you didn’t. I agree with him wholeheartedly. Not that you might miss one of my(or jimmies’)”funnies”, it’s seeing what the blog iis discussing so, hopefully you won’t just come in an start, rudely some would say, your own tread. ‘Course CL is the ultimate arbiter, so what do I know?
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Paladin, he saw the play… I’m aware of that, B3. But, the writing is still exquisite. and if you go to a local playhouse, give them a break!
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“thread”
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I take it everyone is watching the game tonight?
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Our local playhouse recently did “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. The gal is the lead was definitely not a Carol Channing, but she was cute, vivacious and forgivable. We gave her a standing ovation.
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Somebody woke up crabby from their nap, perhaps you need a longer one???: Or a Pamprin??? 😛
I read probably 95% of the posts here….I do find if 50-100 posts have been made since I was last here, I will likely scan them quickly. Have you read every post made in the 28 Blogs????
Doesn’t matter how good the written word is, anyone can ruin anything.
Know the Irving Berlin song,
“How Deep is the Ocean”? Beautiful song…If you never heard the song, and I sang it….you might not agree…..
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Gil; Probably but I intend to just blather on. Join me?
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Oh, I have wadded Berigan’s pantaloons. Shame on me!
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Boyer looks better than he did last year in Richmond. Leaner and more confidence.
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You can do both. It’s free on MLB tonight.
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You know why New Jersey is called the Garden State don’t you?
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Braves are down 3-2. Don’t know who is pitching or anything else. Where are our play-by-play guys?
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Why, pray tell?
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Watching the game 008… Buddy Carlyle gave up 3 solo homers.
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Because it is full of blooming idiots….
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Gil, it’s called the garden state because of all the dead bodies that act as great fertilizer.
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Buddy needs to be sent down for some “seasoning”. 😀
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Brian McCann just hit a 2 run homer. 4-3 Braves
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Tex has two hits. Mac just hit a two run HR. Braves lead 4-3
Frenchy just got a hit as did Kotsay. Men on first and second. Nobody out in the bottom of the fourth.
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Klobber!! Give us a play-by-play, my man!
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Naw Chris… Favorite method of disposal it in concrete bridge pilings and bridge abuttments
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Brandon Jones hits to 2B. SHould have been a DP but Asdrubal Cabrera booted it. Runner scores. Men on the corners.
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E-4
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“abuttments” will get you in trouble, Gil. 🙂
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Prado hits one to left. Runner scores. Men on first and second. Nobody out. This poor pitcher has given up about six hits in a row. Can’t buy an out.
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Man… Richmond is going to have a hell of a team this year….
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Bases loaded after Kelly gets a hit to rf.
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Just as long as he don’t play for us.
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Just call me governor…
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Gil, I’ve heard that before about concrete pouring companies also being body removers.
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Stop the presses!!!! Extry, extry, see the high priced call girl on….
http://www.drudgereport.com/
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GIl’s boy Boyer just got a bases loaded single to left.
Chipper hits it deep to the track in LF. Runner in. 8-3. 1 out
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Gil; Do you really want to share this with us?
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Tex has men on the corners. He rips one past Marte at 3B. Johnson scores. 9-3. Tex has three hits for the night.
Pitching change!
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I asked earlier, but I guess Paladin doesn’t read all the posts here 😈
Does Prado have any options left, or not????
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another writer is reportinG that bobby is pickinG tom glavine’s brain – but i have not seeN it. bobby is pickin’ alright – but not in toM glavine’s noSe. it is bobby’s nose that is geTTing picked. deep. real deep. nothinG but elbow showinG.
everybudY is hittinG but chipper but chiPPer got an rbI.
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B3; She’s holding up those fingers trying to show what her “salary” is.
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Prado has options.
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No, he is out of options B3
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Okay… we have a dispute… Let me check for sure instead of pulling that out of my butt….
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I stand corrected.
Thomas Mastny is the new pitcher. Mac is the batter. Mastny’s first pitch is wild. Blaine slides across the plate. 10-3.
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B3 ripped me…I think.
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Mac flies out to short. 2 out.
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Is whether or not Prado has options important to anyone besides B3?
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Okay… Prado is out of options…
http://sportspyder.com/players/mlb/braves/7838/all
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Frenchy tries to add insult to injury by throwing his bat into the Cleveland dugout.
Frenchy hits one to RF. Should have been caught but got muffed. Runner scores. 11-4. 2 out.
Paladin, you better walk your dog now. Gonna be a long night.
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Apparently it is Pally boy!!!! 🙂
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I personally would rather read about Bobby picking his nose; but I’m weird.
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Gil, I believe you. Just don’t have time to check now.
Schafer at bat. Frenchy at 2b. Schafer strikes out. End of inning. Too bad. They only put up 9 this inning and dammit they stranded a runner.!
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Thorman replaces Tex. D. Hernandez replaces KJ. Lilly replaces Chipper. Schafer in CF. Anderson in RF. I think COrky may be at C.
Top of the fifth inning. Boyer K’s Mastny on a nasty pitch.
Second batter hits one back at Boyer. He knocks it down and throws the runner out at first.
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oKay, theN i will beet writE musIc.
“The farmer in the dell,
the farmer in the dell;
Heigh ho, the Derry-oh the farmer in the dell”
“The farmer takes a wife . . .,
“The wife takes a child . . .,”
“The child takes a dog . . .,”
“The dog takes a cat . . .,”
“The cat takes a rat . . .,” and
“The beet writer takes the cheese . . ..”
“The cheese stands alone . . .,”
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You go, BoogKlobber. 😀
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HIghest batting average in MLB since 2006, minimum 650 abs belongs to Ichiro at .336, followed by Matt Diaz and D Jeter at .333!!!
Boyer’s got the hook working good tonight.
Somebody hit one hard to right. Anderson dives and can’t get it. Dude winds up on third.
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Call 911! I think jimmy has finally lost it!
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Who’s up?
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Just don’t take the “Klobb” out of that word and you’ll be ok with CL!
SOme details lacking right now. THey’ve been interviewing Pendleton for a while now and not paying that much attention to the field.
Dribbler to Lilly at 3b. He throws him out. End of half inning. 11-3 bottom of 5.
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terrY pendletoN coulD folloW bobby cox as manageR of the braves. terry was fishinG in hiS eyE durinG the intervieW on televisioN. LearniNg froM the beSt.
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folloWing different patHs, thouGh.
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Brandon Jones up. Flies out to CF.
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Pendleton? I got one of his shirts. Kind of itchy. No, not Itchycario, or whatever his name is.
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Prado at bat. Pops up to 1b. 2 out.
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Prado? Is he out of options?
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prado needs to make the squad-o
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Diory Hernandez dribbles one out to 2b. End of inning. 11-3.
Scary thought. Tigers will have Pudge Rodriguez hitting in the 8 spot this year. That is one sick lineup.
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Paladin, I thought that Gil and I determined that he is definitely either out of options or not. 🙂
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“Sick” means good, right? I’m so proud of myself I could…no, I don’t think I will.
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Francisley Bueno in to pitch. I hope his middle name is Muy.
First batter lines out sharply to 1b. Nice play Thor. 1 out.
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Cabrera at bat.
Hey Gil, maybe we should ask Coach about Prado’s option status. That should make for some interesting reading!
Lilly makes a diving stop of a sharply hit ball but can’t throw Cabrera out. Man on 1b.
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Is anyone reading this crap? I’ll stop if no one wants to see it.
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“B”wordklob got deleted, twice. Plus, I was temporarily banished. Be warned.
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Someone just flew out to Anderson by the line. 2 out.
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I got kicked out too for a minute too. Guilt by association?
Marte flies out to Shafer in CF. End of the top half of the sixth.
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Klobber; It’s up to you. It is all that’s keeping me up. That may mean that you go totally silent.
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I included a link that verified that Prado is out of options… And yes, we are still reading Chris…
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Bueno at bat. Not sure of the pitcher — maybe Mastny still.
Bueno dribbles one back to P. One out. Not so Bueno with the bat-to.
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I just checked with Coach and he says Prado has a get out of jail free card + options. And you know how right Coach is.
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I’ll keep going. Just want to make sure that I’m not talking to myself and filling the blog up with junk.
Lilly has a good ab but flies out to LF. 2 out.
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“Bueno dribbles” is verbal poetry.
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Thor at the plate. He crushes a very high fly that takes Sizemore all the way to the track. End of inning.
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Just trying to inject a little levity into the blog. Play by play might be a little dry and hard to digest otherwise. Oh dear, I said digest. Hope that doesn’t upset journalist jimmy smith’s tender stomach linings.
Oh dear, that’ll probably put him over the top!
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Frenchy being interviewed in the booth.
Bueno back on the mound. SOme dude just jacked one to RF that went over the fence across the parking lot and hit the trailer back there. Must have gone 425-450 ft. No bueno!
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You can’t trifle with stomach linings. And have we discussed polyps?
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Someone else pops up to CF. Sorry, during the interviews the tv play by play gets pushed aside for more interesting topics. Esp. in a 9 run game.
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Was the jackee a Bravo or a Nat? I’m getting lost.
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Jason MIchaels just hit one into the dirt and the ball bounced back up into his ahem, uh, you know! Down there! That’s gonna leave a mark!
Then he flies out to CF. End of the top of the 7th.
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Was it a “twister”
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?
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Oh the humanity…. That’s gotta hurt….
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The jackee was an Indian. RF’er barely moved.
No, it wasn’t a twister but he did quite a bit of twisting around right afterwards!
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Corky singles to lead off the Braves half of the 7th.
Josh Anderson, with his socks pulled up high, flies out to CF. At least he looks good.
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Schafer just tried to kill the INdians pitching coach with a very sharply hit ball that went between his legs. Then he pops out to SS.
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My wine glass is empty, My cigar is burning my lips. So, I think it is time to pack-it-in. I write it that way to avoid it being confused with “pachyderm”. That, of course, is a member of the animal kingdom that is unbelievably hung. I will c y’all tomorrow, assuming I can get in.
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Brandon Jones shoots one through between 1b and SS. Runners on first and second.
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Good night paladin. GIl, you still there?
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Prado strikes out. End of inning.
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Okay, I’m gonna quit since I think Gil might have passed out.
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Thanks for the play-by-play folks. Some of us are rather cheap and haven’t spent the coin for broadband, hence the free mlbtv is of no use.
doespradohaveanoptionleft.com
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dropped my post…
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I was listening to the Jeff Francouer interview.
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Okay I guess we’re back on.
Yates on the mound. We’re in the top of the 8th, nobody out. Braves up 11-4.
Yates K’s the leadoff batter.
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Gil, if you’re watching then you don’t need me. BAS you still there?
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Yes sir. But if you’ve got something constructive to do…..
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Alrighty then. Two out. Yates loses Shoppach to a walk. Got robbed.
Men on first and second.
Dude dribbles out to SS and gets thrown out at 2b.
Sorry details are sketchy since Niekro is in the booth.
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008, hopefully you’ll see this in the morning.
I wasn’t trying to disparage Mamet or GGGR at all. Or the actors for that matter. Many in the audience seemed to truly enjoy the play. It’s just not my cup of tea. Can’t really explain why. Interesting that it was also a movie; with those actors you mentioned, I may have to give it a chance if I see it on tv sometime.
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Bottom of the eighth. Braves lead 11-4.
Diory Hernandez at bat against Rich Rundles (new pitcher). Punches one past the 2b.
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Borchard at bat and grounds into a 6-4-3 DP.
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No problem Chris; although I wish you would inject some humor….like you could. (insert appropriate emoticon here and hopefully Chris understands this barely funny inside? joke)
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Joe’s telling us that Borchard has been taking a lot of balls at 1b. Hmmmmm. Thor, you reading this?
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Sorry BAS. I don’t get it. Someone accused me of being “humorless” today. Not here. Over there.
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Lilly strikes out to end the 8th.
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Man, I wish I could see these games in March. It’s awfully hard to have an opinion on who should make the team based on what others write. Yates, Resop, Boyer, Ring….sure seems like no more than three spots for those four….and we will lose the fourth.
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I saw Chris. That was the joke. I thought his comment was ridiculous. Just another guy, I would imagine, who doesn’t read the majority of the posts, and forms an opinion of someone based on the two posts they did skim.
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Hopefully they can trade whoever doesn’t fit and get a piece for later.
Top of the ninth. All Braves tonight.
Jorge Campillo in to pitch. Somebody just ground out to 1b.
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IthinkChrisisfunnynottomentionhehaswhiskey.com
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Glad I picked it up then! He’s a very aggressive, condescending know-it-all. Tell you more in a sec.
Big lefty at bat. Flies out to B. Jones in Left center. Two out.
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BAS… Are you old enough to remember when the Dodgers stockpiled talent in the minors? It is part of the reason baseball change the rules so kids could get a chance to play in the majors instead of being insurance.
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Speaking of whiskey, I gotta go find me a glass after this last out.
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Tyner grounds out to 2b to end the game.
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Okay folks, catch ya’ll later…. Night…
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BAS, several months ago I first saw his name and thought he was a jerk. As I said, very condescending. Then he gets on one day and was talking about using the “Find in this page” feature and how he never reads the entire blog, just searches for particular people. He named like three people, including me. I don’t know the guy from Adam yet he tells me that checks every day to see what I might have posted. Creepy.
BAS, you’re not him, right?
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Good night Gil.
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hmmm… jimmy smith has been suggesting borchard at 1b. and now it is happening? hmmm….
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Thanks Chris, for finishing.
No Gil, haven’t heard the story. I am glad the rules are what they are, so that kids aren’t stuck in the minors. It still shocks me that Santana is a Rule-5 guy.
But it’s got to be a helluva thing to be a GM right now. It’s like you’re playing chicken with the other teams. How much value are they going to give you in trade, when they know you have to trade. Or do you take the risk and try to sneak them through waivers. Tough thing. That’s why I liked the Tony Pena deal. He wasn’t going to help us, and we got a prospect. Now the guy probably won’t amount to anything. But occasionally they do.
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Wasn’t me Chris. I only post with this very creative name. I do remember that “find feature” post. He spent like two pages explaining, and I remember thinking I could scroll faster than finding five different names. So what’s his name? Just so my lazy behind doesn’t have to go back and look.
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jjs, I have remembered Joe Borchard, as you suggested. I just don’t see how the Braves can make room for him. It’s not like he’s Woodward, or Canadian. But the potential he’s got…a former number one pick…if he could ever find it….and it sure seems like he’s found something this spring.
It seems likely Gil ends up rooting for him in Washington.
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Goes by Niels Boor.
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Borchard strikes me as a typical AAAA player. Very nice guy though. Met him in Charlotte several times. He’ll be playing for the Nationals soon enough.
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Yeah, that guy is strange. He seems like he’s got a brain cell or two, but he is very condescending, as you say. The funny thing is, he acts as though he’s been there longer than anybody, and I only remember him from the last couple of months.
Ihopethisblatherisokwiththeb&sers.com
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I think we’re alone. No one should complain.
I wonder if he was posting under another name before because I don’t remember him either.
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Before I forget, CL and Gil and whomever else, thanks for the rec on “New Amsterdam.” I just finished episode three. Good stuff.
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OK Chris Klobamylastnameislong. That’s enough for me. Until next time. good sir.
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Later dude!
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Thanks for the play-by-play, Chris. I’m just now getting caught up. Wish I had seen Mac’s HR.
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Did anyone see this story on Baldelli??? Does seem to have a muscle issue….hope he will be able to play again! 😦
http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2008/03/baldelli.html
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Hey! Where’d everybody go? 😯
Just kidding. Thanks for the play-by-play, Klobber. I got home right at the and of the 9th, but I was able to “see” almost the whole game thanks to your colorful description. And it only took about 15 minutes. Cool!
OK, G’night Klobber, BAS and everyone!
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I’m still here. Glad y’all enjoyed the primitive play calling.
Sad story about Baldelli. I hope they get his problem figured out. He played in Charleston in 2001 or 2002. Nice kid. Certainly wish him the best.
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Shame about Baldelli. He seems like such a good guy. Unfortunately this condition doesn’t sound like something that will be easily treatable.
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Helloooo…helloo…hello… Is there an echo in here?
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Can crickets echo?
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Chirp, chirp…
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How ya feelin?
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Honestly? Pretty lousy. I’m told this strain of flu is going around. Of course it’s one that wasn’t included in the flu shot this year, which I got like I always do. (my mom’s a nurse, she harps on this every year) Hope none of y’all catch it.
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Sorry you feel so lousy. Flu’s no fun. I heard that the same thing that the flu strain this year was not the one in the vaccine. Apparently, the scientists blew it this year.
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Well, they have to make an educated guess months ahead of time in order to start making the vaccine. I know sometimes flu strains pop up seemingly out of nowhere so this will happen every so often. Just wish I wasn’t dealing with it.
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Hang in there kid. Take two aspirin and blog with me in the morning. 🙂
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Thanks, Chris. I think I’m past the worst symptoms now, just dealing with feeling really exhausted and (this is tiptoeing close to a banned subject, I know) a lot of er… congestion that’s making me cough.
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And I think I will sign off ’til morning. Sitting here hacking is probably keeping the early-birds in the house awake. Good night.
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Sorry to hear you are still sick Flb!!! Flu hangs on sometimes, doesn’t it???
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FBL… It is a very nasty strand of flu this year. The first three days you think you are dying, the next three you just wish you had. Then about a week of just feeling bad. Florida was the last state to get hit by the flu bug this year.
Josie came down with it but I managed to avoid any real case of the flu this year aside from just feeling rough for a couple of days. One advantage to no longer working for a living is I don’t get exposed to it like I once did.
Observations from last night’s game. Best looking pitcher was Blaine Boyer. He was very much different for the lost looking soul I witness in Richmond last year. He truly looks as if he belongs in Atlanta and he thinks so too.
McCann appears to have worked his way out of his mini slump going two for three with a double and a homer and three RBI. Not only that but he did not look as if he was hacking at the ball. Just the nice stroke we all had become accustom to in the past two years.
Prado is obviously being given every opportunity to stay with Atlanta this year as a utility guy. he is getting lots of playing time at shortstop and has not looked shabby at that position although I don’t think he has had all that many chances. I guess the Braves are not really looking for him to make the spectacular plays but are more concerned with consistent adequacy.
His being out of options has increased the urgency for him to make the team this year in my opinion. Lillibridge is better defensively than Prado but Brent can be sent down to Richmond this year where as Prado will get snatched up by a team like Kansas City for the $50,000 claiming fee.
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Wow! Six-plus hours without a post? Must be a B&S record! The crickets had a field day, but…it means some deserving folks finally got some sleep!?!
WAKE UP, EVERYONE!!!
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.
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G’morning all!
First round of cuts yesterday…
To Richmond: pitchers Charlie Morton, Matt DeSalvo, Zach Schreiber and Phil Stockman (should make for a nice staff)
To Pearl: the battery of Jairo Cuevas and J.C.Boscan
To Myrtle Beach: 250 lb. C/1B Tyler Flowers and his tape measure BP shots
To “minor league camp”: relatively unknown shortstops Javier Guzman and Diory Hernandez
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… now, where’s my coffee? 😯
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Raisins, I find it interesting that they sent Flowers to MB. Of course, he finished at Rome and MB is the next higher level but the park there is one of the most difficult parks for hitters in all of minor league ball. In fact, Baseball America rated it something like 5th most difficult for hitters. It sits less that a mile from the ocean and it also faces the ocean. The prevailing breeze knocks EVERYTHING down. You’ve really got to hit a laser beam to get a ball out of that park.
THere had been some speculation that they would send Flowers to Pearl so as not to mentally screw this kid up. Makes you wonder if they don’t want him to work on his gap-to-gap hitting there and not just the long ball.
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Now, simulated baseball:
Mike Hampton “didn’t have any tweaks, nothing going on” in his simulated game yesterday on the simulated back field at Disney’s simulated Wide World of Sports. He threw 59 simulated pitches recording one simulated strikeout and allowing 2 simulated hits. He reportedly showed good simulated velocity and movement on his simulated pitches as evidenced by two broken simulated bats found laying on the simulated field after the first 2 simulated innings.
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Hampton was not available for further comment afterward as he immediately headed to the simulated clubhouse for a simulated shower…
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😀
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GOOD MORNING VIET CONG! Come on out. I won’t shoot. choock-choock.
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NEWARK, N.J. — Top of the morning, folks. Gotta run super quick, but just wanted to report two things I found pretty cool last night in the NYC:
1. At the Champs Sports in Times Square, on a shelf containing stacks of Mets and Yankees shirts, were a few Braves shirts, nicely folded.
2. I saw a big dude strolling through Penn Station with a Braves hat on; not some weird version of the hat, but the honest-to-goodness Braves hat the boys wear during the season.
Of course, there is plenty of Mets and Yankees stuff up here. Go figure. It’s New York, right. The predominant clothing of choice was Big East school gear, given the fact the Big East tourney tipped off yesterday at Madison Square Garden.
Gotta run, then jet home. Talk later.
–30–
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Now if we could only simulate Raisin’s comments. 😀
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ssi: How do you get that fish fryer through airport security?
Also, I’m glad you don’t have to jet, then run home. 😀
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I got to go take my dog to school. Back later.
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Nice article on one of my favorite players…. Honest, I liked this guy from day one.
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080310/NEWS/803100364
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Gil, I like him too. And I enjoyed listening to Pendleton talk about him and his swing last night.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAISINS!!!
😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
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Good morning everyone…and Paladin. 😕
What a way to wake up….Mother nature made an early call I simply had to answer, stumbled into the bathroom, flip on both switches, KABAMYOW!!!!!!!!!! lightbulb loudly blew out!!!! In fact, no lights(2 bulbs in fixture) and no fan!!! Great!!! Who needs lights, I know where everything is, I hope!!!!
Well, found out circuit breaker broke….but only one of the two bulbs blew out, I thought with the noise both of the suckers grenaded themselves!!!!
Always scares the crap out of my Dad when they blow out(They scare me too!) afraid he will have a heart attack one day from it! 😡 Anyone else notice they don’t just burn out like they used to, but now make a very loud exit????
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Great article, Gil!
“He just doesn’t profile as a professional star, but the numbers don’t lie. We’re playing a game of skill, not necessarily of great athletic ability.”
Perceptive!
Also liked his comments about Diaz’ instincts at 1b.
Just a really likable guy.
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Ho, Ho! It’s another birthday here on the blog!!! Happy Birthday son!!!!
😛 😛 😛 😛 😛 😛 😛 😛 😛
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And Hello Carolina Lady!!!! 😆 I was getting worried, was just going to ask if anyone knew why you were MIA!!!! Glad to see you back! 🙂
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‘Morning, Berigan! Super busy day yesterday – needed a Xerox copy of myself to cover all the bases! Thanks for noticing!! 🙂
Received the photo, will get it processed shortly! Glad to see some new photos coming in!
Haven’t a clue to what’s been going on in baseball the last day or two! I saw a “BRAVES WIN” comment above, so all is well in my baseball world! 😆
Last few sips of coffee from the morning break – and back to work!
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Gil, very nice story on Matt!!!! Let’s hope he gets to play in 140+ games this year, and perhaps gets a shot at a batting title!!!!
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Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Raisins, Happy birthday to you. We hope you get plastered, you dirty…whoops, USMC lyrics. Can’t say here. Seriously Raisins, many happy returns! 🙂 🙄 😀
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Berigan has a new photo up!
https://bravesandstuff.wordpress.com/our-own-candid-cameras/berigans-photos/
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Happy Birthday Raisins!
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Thanks everybody for the birthday wishes! 😀
This is how my birthday lays out for me: So far this morning, I’ve had to do some overdue music related work. Next, I get to go and give money to the gov’t in exchange for 2 car tags. Then I have to pick up my daughter early from school (early release due to end of semester report cards). Then, I get to return to my office to cram in a couple of hours of work for my real job before picking up my son from his school to take him for allergy shots before going to tae kwon do. I should be back home about 6:30pm. Mrs. Raisins, who is student teaching this semester, will be having parent conferences until 7:00pm. As soon as she sets foot in the door, I have to make my weekly hour+ drive to rehearsal. I’ll be home around midnight.
Who has time for birthdays? 😐
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Raisins, life is hell once you have to grow up, isn’t it?
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I hate it when some of my foilers/foilees get “humanized”. Case in point: Berigan. Here I thought I was giving “comeupance” to some acid-dropping hippie and he turns out to be another old man. Do I have to call you Sir, now? 😀
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klobber: Who’s grown up? 😛
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Paladin, I think that was Berigan’s father, at least the caption indicated that to me.
Berigan, Baby looks very comfortable there.
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Did anybody catch that Horacio Ramirez was released by Seattle? That trade turned out OK, huh?
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Raisins, Jimmy Buffett wrote a song years ago that I always liked called “Growing Older But Not Up”. Fitting?
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Raisins, that deal was an absolute fleecing of the Mariners.
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Birthdays are highly relative and should be discontinued at 21. After that, they just remind you of how little you have done with your life to that point, and that time is slipping away. Then, you come to the era that I find myself in where if candles representing each year were to be placed on the cake and lit, you would have a conflagration of epic proportions. Bah humbug.
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Growing Older But Not Up
Exactly…
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Note to self: Keep several fire extinguishers around the blog on April 28.
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you would have a conflagration of epic proportions
I had that; I took Imodium. (first on blog?)
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Imodium=chemical cork. First on blog? I don’t know, but am hoping for last.
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Oh dear, journalist jimmy smith won’t like that comment at all.
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I want to withdraw my birthday(April 28)from consideration. My dog and I celebrate our birthdays on Jan 1, when the new models come out.
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Raisins-Happy Birthday. I’d be more than happy to give you a present, but all I’ve got is this lousy cold-and about 50 billion tons of snow. You’re probably better off without them.
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Thanks, Lew, your well wishes are more than sufficient.
OK, I’m off to write a check to the gov’t. Happy birthday to me! 🙄
C-ya!
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birthday greetings to raisins from this journalist. and get well wishes to fbg. a nice poultice is on the way and jimmy smith hopes it helps. and jimmy smith lost two good friends yesterday and this is a sad day for the journalist.
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raisins, mention jimmy smith’s name and ask for a discount on the car tags. jimmy smith once went to school with al valorem.
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Happy Birthday, VOR!!!
I have a ballcap from Disney that reads “I am never growing up”. Must be a common thread with bloggers in B&S-land.
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Thank you, jimmy.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
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I’m sorry to hear about your loss journalist jimmy.
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Morning all! If I cared enough, I’d go over to the other blog and ask Head Coach what he thinks about the Seattle trade now. At the time, when I praised it, he told me things like “This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt you know nothing about the game of baseball! What part of 2 runs or less in 2/3 of his starts don’t you understand? Give up our #2 starter next year for a lefty reliever with a funky delivery and a kid nobody’s ever heard of? I’m laughing at you so hard right now beer’s coming out of my nose. Your and idiot!” I find that I don’t really miss that place much.
Check out my starting rotation in my Yahoo fantasy league:
Jake Peavy
Josh Beckett
C.C Sabbathia
Kelvim Escobar
Dice-K Matsuzaka
When Dice K’s your worst starter (he only won 15 games, the rest won 18 or more), you’re in pretty good shape.
Off to school (and Happy B-Day, raisins).
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Sorry to hear that, Jimmy. Alas, we must all come to it.
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Grinch, nice starting 5 you got there. Are you the only guy in that league? Or are you in a league with a bunch of ding-dongs? Can’t imagine that one team would be able to draft THAT many #1 starters.
I have to say though, that you disappoint me. It’s almost noon and you’re still drinking beer. Beer is for breakfast dude! You should have that bottle of Jager out of the freezer already!
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I’m truly sorry, jimmy smith. Sincere condolences to their family and friends.
😦
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I was quoting Head Coach from a year and a half ago; I’m on a diet that won’t let me start beer ’till after 5. My league has 9 teams in it; I just got really lucky with pitching. Notice I didn’t mention my position players.
I really am leaving now; y’all be good.
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Just got some bad news-not the life and death kind (unless you consider it the death of a dream). A friend of mine (from Florida AND Vermont) is Uncle of the wife of a guy named Chad Bentz. Chad is an Alaskan, born with only one hand, who actually made it to the majors with the Expos (Braves lit him up pretty badly) and also pitched briefly with the Marlins-in and of itself an amazing accomplishment. Needless to say his idol was Jim Abbot, the only other ML one handed pitcher.
Chad never did have much success in the bigs and pitched for an Independent League team last year when no big league club would offer him a job. He did not pitch well. He is now out of baseball.
It’s a shame, even if it is understandable-the guy bucked outrageous odds just coming from Alaska-much less having only one hand. It’s hard to call him unsuccessful given the odds he exceeded and left in the dust, but it is always sad to see a dream end. The kid did great just to get where he did. Unfortunately this is probably the only forum where his superhuman accomplishments will be praised. Ya did good, my boy. Ya did good.
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The Grinch thinks he has the best pitching staff. However, mine consists of Smoltz, Hudson, Brandon Webb, Roy Oswalt, Bronson Arroyo, Trevor Hoffman and Rafael Betancourt.
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And also Joe Nathan
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JJS,
Very sorry to hear about the passing of your two friends!
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OK, I am back after squeezing a few more drops of blood out for the Ga. Dept. of Revenue. Dirty @#$%^&*’s.
jjs: I am very sorry for your loss.
Lew: Sounds to me like the kid is very successful on many levels. Kudos to Chad!
Gotta work… C-y’all!
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Lew, while the story temporarily has a sad ending, I find it uplifting. To reach the majors, against the odds he faced, is truly an inspiring story. Something tells me that this young man has learned a lot about how to be successful in life. Perhaps being a star in the majors was not his destiny, but surely he will find that stardom elsewhere in his life.
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Chris-Just so he doesn’t become a motivational speaker living in a trailer down by the river, the ending will probably be prettyhappy.
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LOL Lew! Matt Foley was always my favorite Chris Farley character.
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journalist thanks all for the condolences. life is precious. life is fragile. try for no regrets.
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Sorry about your loss, jimmy. I am at an age where, when I use to start with sports, now I read the obits. I know how you feel.
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Any game reports today?
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I’m out until midnight or later…
C-y’all!
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so….who is the best of the best 5 tool players???? Hey, I just report, you decide!
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080313&content_id=2423760&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
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Berigan, I saw that list earlier today. Have to say that I’m puzzled by the absence of David Wright’s name. I thought he would be atop each category, including the pitching-related ones.
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Rasins… Sorry I missed your birthday this morning. I hope you have many happy returns of the day. One bit of advice from one who has been there and done that. Sometimes you really do need to stop and smell the roses because life speeds by faster than you may realize.
Burning the candle at both ends can make a pretty light but the like Berigan’s circuit breaker, the net results will be that loud boom heard by everyone else and the lights will go out…
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And from the “What it’s Worth” department. Another player traded by the Braves flops in his new environs. I don’t know about you folks but I would never, never, ever buy a used car form John Shurholtz.
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Jimmy Smith, I am sorry to hear of your loss. One is bad enough but to lose two friends in the same week is a blow….
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GIl, he surely does have an uncanny ability to sell high, doesn’t he? Amazing that anyone would consider doing business with him, as many times as he’s fleeced other GM’s.
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I see where the pitcher who the Braves traded Kansas City for Tony Pena Jr is having Tommy John surgery again on the same elbow.
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Nice report on Gregor Blanco on the Braves’ MLB site today.
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Amazingly little talk about today’s tie with Detroit. Looks to me like Jo-Jo is punching himself a ticket to Richmond and Bouchard(remember that name)needs to be house-hunting in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Chipper, L-bridge, Prado and Chucky done good. For those that don’t know: 6-6 tie, but Chucky pitched 2 innings with 1 hit, no bb and no runs.
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Looks as though the Yankee-Devil Ray games will be a good watch this season…if you like hockey(Go to a fight and a game breaks out). If this “payback” continues, somebody is going to get some serious fines and/or suspension(s).
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Seems I just “educated” the crickets. Oh well, I’ll go eat and then maybe someone will have come in by then. But, I may not be in the mood to talk baseball, then. 😈
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Listen up crickets: I remember the name, now if I can remember how to spell it. B-o-r-c-h-a-r-d.
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Happy birthday to the birthday boys and my condolences to Jimmy
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NEWARK, N.J. — Sitting at the ol’ airport, about an hour from cueing up the old rock song by (I believe) Wet Willie:
“On my way back to Georgia.”
Paladin, I wrote a short burst on my blog this morning at http://www.bigleagueblog.net about the Yanks and Rays brawl yesterday.
The funny thing, which I didn’t have time to get into on my blog this morning, was how in the papers up here yesterday, the Yanks really were downplaying the game and any talk of revenge. Either they were sandbaggin’, or ol Shelley Duncan just took things into his own hands.
The play Saturday where the Yankees’ minor-league catcher was injured was — unlike the slide yesterday — a good, hard baseball play. Yes, it’s an exhibition game, but at the same time, the Rays have been doormats for years. The point I made on my blog was Tampa Bay will be better this year, but they won’t contend. Whenever they play the Yanks, even in the spring, the game takes on more importance.
I’m already tired of hearing Joe Girardi whining. He needs to worry about beating out the Red Sox for the division title. The play at second yesterday with Duncan wasn’t clean and he should be suspended for it. Gomes accelerated things by sprinting in from right field and blowing it wide open; he should be suspended, too.
Now, the Braves (noted transition): Been behind while up here in the land of the Muts and Skanks (literary license by the Scribe; take note, JJS). See where Chuckie pitched today. See where Jo Jo punched his ticket to Richmond. See where Borchard is making things interesting for one of those bench spots. But can the dude play first base well enough if Tex were to get hit with a pitch and have to miss two or three days?
OK, time to get ready to fly back to Atlanta. I’m so thankful to live in the South. It’s so pretty. The weather is so warm. The women are so beautiful, especially one in particular and the two little boys who are waiting for me to make it to the house later this evening.
Enjoy your evening.
The Scribe abides.
–30–
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NEWARK, N.J. — Just glanced at a few posts above.
Jimmy, our sincerest prayers and thoughts go out on the loss of your friends. You are right about life being fragile. Do not have regrets. Live it to the fullest. Pour your heart and soul into doing what is right, in trying to honor God and make your family proud in all your efforts. Again, best wishes, my friend.
Lew, you are so right. Chad has much to be proud of in his life and career. I hope others out there notice what he has accomplished.
Grinch, you got a good staff. Mine consists of Huddy, Maddux, Glavine, Wainwright, Acosta, Penny, Valverde, Jonathan Broxton (could be L.A. closer if Saito gets hurt or falters), and a ninth spot that will consist of either Doug Davis, Claudio Vargas or Chris Capuano. I feel pretty good about my pitching. Offense? That’s another story.
Raisins, Happy Birthday dude! Party time up there in the land of the mighty Dragons, right? (covered a few games up that way many moons ago). And who’s next? Hillbilly? Somebody else. Lotta birthdays in March.
And I hope HoRam lands on his feet. Nice guy. Lakers fan (never held that against him). Wish him the best.
Need a cup o’ joe before flying home. Later, denizens.
The Scribe abides.
–30–
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Scribe; Welcome home! I don’t live in the Atlanta area any more, but then, I don’t have a wonderful wife and two loving boys waiting for me, either. Enjoy your homecoming and we look forward to your future posts, as usual.
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Happy Birthday, mon ami!
Ironically, I spent much of Tuesday evening writing a long letter to my son … entitled “42 going on 16” … and sent it to him just before reading yesterday’s posts. It contained the following wisdom … borrowed from one of the great minds of our times, methinks … “My only advice to anyone would be to find that thing in their heart that causes the most passion, excitement and fulfillment, then go after it with everything they’ve got … because whatever that might be, it is the defining essence as to their purpose in life … that thing that they just can’t imagine living without … it can only be found lurking somewhere within the heart, never within the intellect … when it is discovered, embrace it, then use the intellect to bring it to realization … passion … then vision … it is a rough road if you lack either!” … strong stuff!
Sir James, news of your loss saddens us and we offer our sincere condolences to you, yours, and theirs. Perhaps now is not the best of times for foolishness but I’m for some reason reminded of one of George Griffin’s stories, which may bring a smile … this one about a young man Coach Alexander recruited to play football at Tech … touted as the next “Galloping Ghost” … he had but one weakness … mathematics, especially quadratics in algebra.
He flunked the freshman entrance examination but he was so good that Coach Alex hired a full time tutor just for him … he studied hard all summer, with Alex checking his progress every week and things seemed to be going quite well.
The night before he was to retake the examination, he seemed truly excited and full of confidence … told Coach Alex that he had nothing to worry about! As the coach breathed a sigh of relief and was walking toward the door, the young man said … “there’s just one thing … why can’t they make up their minds?”
Puzzled, Coach Alex asked “What do you mean … make up their minds?”
“Well, it’s nothing really important … just ‘2’ and that letter ‘X‘ … sometimes they put the two (2) in front and alongside the ‘X’ … and sometimes it’s behind and above the ‘X’ … Coach, why can’t they make up their minds?”
Dean Griffin always swore that it was a true story … the kid didn’t pass the test and didn’t play for us … but, he had gumption … not to be confused with common sense and, as memory serves, methinks he became a successful beet righter … that, or a professor in Athens.
With deep onion layered transition … I hate it when some of my foilers/foilees get “humanized”. Case in point: Berigan. Here I thought I was giving “comeupance” to some acid-dropping hippie and he turns out to be another old man. Do I have to call you Sir, now? … I assume it’s supposed to be humorous … but, like the young man with the quadratics, I somehow missed the point.
Time for a Charlie Chan movie and supper …
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There you go again, Bob, involving yourself in something that is not only none of your damn business, but which you admit you don’t understand. Have your movie and supper, get in the tub, and chill. That is a mixed methaphor, but you are as well. Good night.
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Paladin, do you need a hug?
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And BTW Bob, before you make any more snide comments about professors at UGA, check the number of Rhodes Scholars and leaders of industry in GA that graduated from Athens as compared to those who chose to do differential and intregal calculus at North Avenue PU. And, I know both differential and intregal calculus.
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NEPHEW!!! Where you been? I can always use a hug.
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Who needs some gardening tips from Gene Garber? Here is an old CNN profile out there on youtube about the garden the 1987 bullpen losers for the Braves grew. It’s no wonder they stunk.
Can’t tell what is funnier about that clip: the line from the anchor at the end or that Craig Sager was wearing a normal blazer.
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Paladin, I’ve been around but not posting much. Just reading. How’s school going?
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Paladin-The whole situation could be dealt with by taking out Girardi in the next fight-before he destroys the Yankees’ young pitchers like he did the Marlins’. If he decides to tell a Steinbrenner to shut up during a game in public, he might have a hit put out on him instead of just getting fired like he did in Florida.
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Further the affiant sayeth not. How am I doing?
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Lew; I’m a fighter by nature and getting upset over a young player playing hard(but clean) baseball, trying to make the team, is ludicrous.
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Some pitching tips for kids from Zane Smith:
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“There you go again, Bob, involving yourself in something that is not only none of your damn business, but which you admit you don’t understand. Have your movie and supper, get in the tub, and chill. That is a mixed methaphor, but you are as well” … perhaps you consider it your prerogative to so express yourself but I wasn’t attempting to involve myself in anything … i considered your post to be for public consumption and response … I truly didn’t understand your comment … still don’t.
As an aside, I’m not sure what a “methaphor” is but neither do I see a mixed metaphor in that which you wrote.
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ww; I was there during those days and ANYTHING that took attention away from how bad the team was, was welcome.
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Have a great day, and night, Bob.
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I’m not in a turn the other cheek mood tonight.
“Metaphor (from the Greek: μεταφορά – metaphora, “a transfer”, in rhetoric “transference of a word to a new sense”, from μεταφέρω – metaphero, “to carry over, to transfer”) is language that directly compares seemingly unrelated subjects. In the simplest case, this takes the form: “The [first subject] is a [second subject].” More generally, a metaphor is a rhetorical trope that describes a first subject as being or equal to a second subject in some way. Thus, the first subject can be economically described because implicit and explicit attributes from the second subject are used to enhance the description of the first. This device is known for usage in literature, especially in poetry, where with few words, emotions and associations from one context are associated with objects and entities in a different context.”
Get in a HOT tub and CHILL. Get it? No, I didn’t think so.
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Paladin-I agree. That was a clean play and if the catcher is trying to prove to his manager how tough he is by blocking the plate like he did, then he opens himself up to getting laid out, like he did.
I can’t stand Girardi. As Marlin’s manager, he not only proved himself a complete jerk-you just do NOT call your owner out on National TV right on the field like he did. I mean can you imagine Bobby Cox pulling that crap?
Then to compound matters, Girardi took that wonderful young pitching staff and by attempting to prove how great a motivator he was by having that extremely young team over-exceed themselves at a very young age, devastated those pitchers. Four of them have seen surgery and Sanchez, who pitched a no hitter is STILL out two years later-maybe never to be the same. Another one just went on the DL again this week. Dontrelle has NEVER been the same. All just to make Girardi look good.
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Paladin, I agree. Girardi didn’t hit that triple off the wall in Game 6 of 1996 off Maddux crawling up in the fetal position just because he was facing the greatest pitcher of his generation. You think Joe Torre liked having a fighter like Girardi hanging around up in the Yankees broadcast booth itching to take Torre’s job AFTER Torre had positioned Girardi to become a manager by making Girardi his bench coach?
It’s hypocritical for Girardi to question how tough or scrappy people are in trying to get ahead in this game. He was a crappy player that made it all those years by being scrappy himself. It’s the reason Don Zimmer got rid of Mike Stanley and brought Girardi to the 1996 Yankees in the first place.
I’m hoping the Braves take Jose Reyes out hard at second in the first series against the Mets this year. The Braves need to land the first punch against the Mets this year. The Mets have no heart. Landing the first punch just might finish them.
From what Lew keeps saying and what I keep hearing from others, Josh Anderson just might be the kid who lands that first punch for the Braves. I also would bet that Yunel does it. I also would not put it past Jair to dust someone. I hope he does.
The Braves have so many young hitters and pitchers. I just have a very funny feeling that they they are angry about the lack of respect being shown to them and they will not leave that first series against the Mets without bloodying the mouth of at least one Met. Or at least I’m hoping.
Something has to change. I’m tired of hearing these kids claim those 14 division titles. These kids really had no part of that.
It’s like when someone asked Derek Jeter after the 2003 World Series what it was like for the team to suffer disappointment after so much success and Jeter corrected the reporters and said this team with these players have not had any success. That was a different team with different players that won those World Series games.
The 14 divisions are a thing of the past. These kids really had no part of it. It’s time for them to claim their own identity and stop pretending to be a part of a something that they really weren’t. It would be great if they come out swinging and fighting hard against the Mets the first week.
Something has to change. I remember towards the end of last season, Journalist Jimmy said something about having all of these young kids who don’t act like young kids and how it disturbed him. I thought it was the most astute observation of the entire season from a blogger. It is past time for these kids to take the team from Smoltz, Chipper, and Bobby and claim it as their own. Those punks in the early 90s were not sitting around, waiting for permission
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Lew; I can’t understand why George gave the job to Girardi but Im betting he doesn’t last out the season. Want to bet?
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ww; I really missed your insights. As I have said before, you know your baseball. But, your and idiot. 😀
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I know Raisins said he wouldn’t be back until midnight. But, where are Klobber, Berigan, FBG and the other regulars for this time of night? Are you waiting for the old man to go to bed? Soon.
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OK, I can take a hint. No body wants to talk. So, I’ll head in for a fantasy encounter with Ashley Dupre. The satisfaction, I would think, will be decidedly less, but so will the consequences. C y’all.
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All right, now that Paladin has gone to bed, the rest of us can come out and play!
Just kiddin’ Paladin. Been gone since about 4.30. Son had a loooong baseball practice and my daughter had a chorus performance (where she had a solo and did an outstanding job, thankyouverymuch) so I just got home a little bit ago and have been trying to get caught up.
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G’Nite Paladin. i’ll talk to you more tomorrow. I miss feeding off of ya and SG and Jimmy and Grinch and SJA and hell, everyone on here, when we would all decide to ridicule and torture and dance circles around the And Idiots. It’s not the same wandering around the Land of the Thinking Dead without you hellraisers
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Willy Wally, if you miss us so much, why the hell don’t you come around a little more often?
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Funny thing that no one give R Braves Guy Hansen any credit but everyone of the projects sent to him last year is much improved due to corrected mechanics.
Boyer, Bennett, Carlyle, Moylan, Acosta….. Sounds like a good track record to me.
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Klobber, I know you love your kid but I don’t know how the heck you sit through Little League practices. It must be hell. I guess having your kid playing makes it halfway tolerable. But I always found them quite boring and tedious when I was playing. Probably because I spent the rest of the day practicing and playing with my brother.
But, then again, I watched my niece play soccer the other day when I was picking her up from daycare. I was prepared for the worst. Watching a bunch of pre K kids play soccer was not my idea of fun. But it turned out to be just about the most fun I have had in quite a long time. The game ended in a 7-7 tie. My little niece scored all 7 goals for her team. You should have seen the little brute. She was charging into the piles and scrums and knocking everyone over. I have never laughed and cheered so hard. It made me so darn proud. She is such a rough brute like my brother and his wife. But she’s still a princess like her momma. Won’t wear anything but sandals and dresses like her momma does. When I went and bought her some food afterwards, she refused to eat it because a fly hovered around the table at one point. Such a female. I had to go buy her another meal. No different than alot of dates I have been on throughout the years. My little future Mia Hamm.
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WW, I’m assuming you don’t have any children of your own (that you are aware of). Always gotta put the qualifier in there for legal reasons! 🙂 You know that pride and joy you felt watching your niece? Multiply that by 100 and that’s what it’s like to watch your own child perform. Seriously.
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Oh and Mia Hamm? Hopefully not in the personality department. I met her and Nomar a few years ago. He was very nice and stopped and talked a little Boston/NY baseball. She came off as a stone cold witch.
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chipper has been talking with terence moore. making use of some new cliches. did not say repertoire, though. have a read:
“You can’t ever let your hair down,” said Jones, with a slight sigh, while glancing toward the field from the dugout at Champion Stadium. “You can’t ever let up, because whatever you do or say, it’s constantly placed under a microscope by everybody. Not just by the media, but by the young guys. So it’s imperative that you dot your i’s and cross your t’s and make sure that you do everything spot-up.”
pretty deep. taking ’em one at a time and making ’em count.
oh, the humanity!
jimmy smith likes to talk baseball hear and welcomes ww back to the blog known for multi-syllable posts. sometimes spelling and grammer are not too good but intentions always are honorable. few and idiots hear.
and borchard and james – night have predicted both from reading this blog early on. chucky threw no cheese and that is the issue.
and a sad day for this journalist but jimmy smith thanks all for the nice condolences. two funerals in one day will not make for a happy weekend. remember to extend kindness to friends at all times – never know when the opportunities will end.
and now, blossom watch. jimmy smith is again watching cnn. can hardly stand it but certainly worth it to see beautiful blossom. also have to see james carville and larry king though – so balances out. not fair and balanced. more like beauty and ugly balanced.
😆
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Klobber, the last time I blogged here substantially I got into it with Lew for reasons I don’t think either of us understand which caused Paladin to tease us which caused Bob to get on Paladin which caused Paladin to go after Bob which caused SJA to go after me and Paladin which caused SG to tangle with SJA which ended up with SJA leaving for good (he says) and CL being angry and the rest being uncomfortable and sad. All over Pedro and Sandy. Imagine that.
It made me feel very bad because this is a very special and peaceful place where friends come to meet without any drama. Knowing my limitations and my harmful tendencies to argue, often in a fashion uglier than intended, instead of merely discussing the topic, and how that unfortunately creates drama like that last time, I’m trying not to ruin everyone else’s enjoyment of CL’s great place.
So, not blogging more here is not a sign of disrespect. It’s more of a sign of the utmost respect.
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Rick Sutcliffe has colon cancer. I hope he recovers and beats it. Joe Torre and Eric Davis did. He’s too young to succumb to something like that.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3291777
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ww, are you a lawyer or a salesman?
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or maybe a politician?
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Klobber, did you see that article about Nomar recently by that Pearlman punk on Espn.com? Of course, that punk who took out Rocker all those years ago is doing his usual practice of being a jerk of a journalist and doing a hatchet job by attacking Nomar throughout the entire article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/080303
Maybe Nomar is a jerk and deserves a story like that just like Rocker arguably deserved it. The story doesn’t paint the prettiest picture of Nomar. But that Pearlman punk is a loser who has no business being a journalist. When you contrast his negative style with that of Peter Gammons, you can’t have any respect for Pearlman whatsoever. Gammons loves the sport, the players and everything and everyone involved with the game. This Pearlman punk only seems to love himself and trying to make a name for himself by destroying players at their worst moments.
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The man can make his case, that’s for sure barkeep. But his niece oughta pass the ball once in a while.
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WW, haven’t read this article but I will right now. I subscribed to SI from the time I was about 10-11 up until the Rocker incident — probably 25 years. Between that article and the one about David Wells, I discovered that they were just a sports-related version of National Enquirer or some other low level rag. I dropped that junk immediately. I may have bought five or six since then (and I’ll bet those were mostly swimsuit issues) 😀
Rocker was taken advantage of, plain and simple. Small town boy, immature and full of himself because of his mlb success. Some pinhead sticks a mike in his face and finds out he hit paydirt because Rocker doesn’t know when to shut up.
You know, I hear on sports radio all the time that interviewers are sick of the cliches. “One day at a time”, “I’m just happy to be here”, etc., etc. Don’t those idiots know that these athletes train themselves to use these tired old cliches because they’re afraid they might say something stupid and get the Rocker Treatment?
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The usual Steve?
What, you trying to say that she’s the Kobe Bryant of small-fry soccer?
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Oooh…not that bad. AI maybe. Good to see you again ww.
and please on the whiskey.
Belated thoughts for the journalist (lower case one). And Mr. Savannah.
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WW, you know, I think I might have to agree with Pearlman, as much as it pains me to say so.
My Dad has a saying: “It doesn’t cost extra to be nice to people”. I try to remember that little saying every day. Saying please and thank you, holding the door for someone, looking someone in the eye and smiling and saying hello, just little things.
Granted, we don’t know what was in his head today that may have preoccupied his thoughts but Nomar could have very easily been cordial to people. I don’t know if you read the blog that I wrote back in January about Jeff Francoeur being the keynote speaker at a banquet my son and I attended. Frenchy couldn’t have been any nicer without people wondering if he was a phony or on drugs. He spent a couple of minutes speaking with my 10 year old, took pictures, signed autographs, everything. Matt will remember that day forever and thankfully it will be a good memory.
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Klobber, the last time I blogged here substantially I got into it with Lew for reasons I don’t think either of us understand which caused Paladin to tease us which caused Bob to get on Paladin which caused Paladin to go after Bob which caused SJA to go after me and Paladin which caused SG to tangle with SJA which ended up with SJA leaving for good (he says) and CL being angry and the rest being uncomfortable and sad. All over Pedro and Sandy. Imagine that.
Days of our Lives? OH…I have a headache! 😦 Klobber…can you pour me three fingers?
Welcome back, WW! 😆
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Welcome back Salty. How’s your project coming along?
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chrisklob, if chipper is trained to talk that way then all of humanity is in trouble. not wanting to say something stupid is an interesting concept. better to avoid the interview altogether rather than validating the fear. and jimmy smith does not share terence moore’s opinion that chipper is a leader. mccann, maybe. chipper, not yet. still needs some time. and why mccann? why do bloggers think jimmy smith considers mccann a leader?
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Moving at glacial speed! Trying to wrap the final 1% detail seems to bring out the ‘am and idiot’ in otherwise smart folks. Or, perhaps they really aren’t that smart. Regardless, it’s very close now! 🙂
And you?
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Man, tough article on Nomar. Yet, when Chris met him, he was nice. Maybe just a bad day….with the SI guy watching VERY closely. The thing I wonder is if the same could be said for many others in the league. If so, seems unfair to single Nomar out.
And what the heck happened to him? I remember people wanting Nomar over ARod, Jeter, and Tejada all those years ago. And my mind immediately thinks of PEDs…fair or otherwise.
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journalist jimmy smith, if you or I say something stupid it doesn’t generally cause a big stink. Well actually if you say something stupid (which of course you never would) it would be a big stink given your status as journalist. But for us mere mortals, it’s typically not a huge deal. For someone like Chipper, uh, with all the, uh, you know, cameras and, uh, microphones around all the time it can be, uh, very damaging. I can only believe that is why you hear so many “canned” responses in interviews.
I don’t see Chipper as a leader, at least not as a vocal one. You can’t fault him for that. Leadership skills are something that you are born with, like the color of your hair. You can either lead, or you can’t. I don’t fault Chipper for not being more of a leader.
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Good evening, gentlemen. Nice to see WW join us today.
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Still looking Salty. Glad to hear you’re about to put pen to paper. That’s awesome.
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Good grief….trying to think along with jjs….I think my head’s going to explode. Can’t just be because he’s a catcher. Folically challenged? Appropriate number and condition of toes? I need help.
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yes, journalist can remember getting into the occasional fray on that other blog. sometimes with the personable host. but jimmy smith did enjoy some of the other bloggers – remember the one that gave us pole and poll and fowl pohl? or was that last one foul powl? not sure. miss that. and who can forget glenbo , elephant blogger? miss that, too. and pre-madonna. not saying this baseball blog is cerebral but can say with certainty that most hear know what cerebral means. and whither the headline writers hear? more than one controversy was blamed on the headline writer there. call it accountability. call it wearing big boy pants. or call it weak character. must decide for one’s self.
and carolina lady must be researching tonight. so, jimmy smith will leave with the word “keytodoghouse”. oh, what is jimmy smith thinking? sure to be banned now. but not until carolina lady comes back.
sorry, carolina lady. jimmy smith will behave better on tuesday for a — remark today.
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BAS, I met Nomar under very strange circumstances. A few years ago, the US National Women’s Soccer team (or whateverthehellitiscalled) was in town for a week or so training at a local minor league soccer facility. It happened to be just before Valentine’s Day, which was just before Nomar had to report to ST in FLA and just a few months before they were to be married.
A friend of mine and I connected the dots and had a real strong suspicion that he might be in town. Young lovers, Valentine’s Day, preparing for a long separation, etc. etc. I found out when her practices were and went to one of them and he was there. There were about 20 kids (all girls) who had come to get soccer autographs but there were only two of us waiting for Nomar (another of my friends). Basically, there was a small “throng” of people there but they weren’t there for him. As I said, he was quite nice and signed a baseball (sweetspot) and a card for a set I’m working on. I also had Mia sign the top panel of the ball just above him. Pretty cool.
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Don’t say ‘pen to paper’, Klobber! CL will think I’m writing a lead…don’t know if I have that much time…yet! Actually, she knows it will just show in the ‘mail’ one day (hopefully soon) and she scrub it up and make it presentable.
Top o’ the evenin, FBG!
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Hi FBG, feeling better?
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Salty, you do owe the team one still, dontcha?
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Because Mac never makes excuses, plays dinged-up, tries to play the right way?
Although I think Chipper is more of a leader than you’re giving him credit for. He’s not the vocal rah-rah guy because that’s not his personality but I think he does a good job of taking the young guys under his wing & teaching them in a quiet way.
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I think I’m on the mend. Thanks.
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Even worse, Klobber. A lawyer who works for a politician. But not after tomorrow. I’m quitting and gonna move my practice into other areas that might make me happier. I’m tired of the wrong thing being done or nothing being done and being a part of the machine that justifies it. I have been absolutely miserable the last year doing what I do. I wish I could get into more detail about it but I can’t for the obvious reasons. Money makes you hang onto things you should never hang onto.
I hopefully won’t be blogging much at all over the next few months because I am about to move on to doing some things that are more exciting and more challenging and outside my areas of expertise and I won’t need to escape to the blogs as much as I have over the past year in order to get some relief because I was so frustrated with my job.
When I took it 5 years ago, I thought I could make a difference from within the system. I was dead wrong. So I am gonna switch to the other side and try to change it in small ways by attacking the system and the incompetent buffoons who participate in it. I probably won’t make the slightest bit of difference from outside the system either but at least I can prove my point to some of the participants within the system who don’t want to know just how ignorant they are about how screwed up, incompetent, and out of touch they truly are with what is going on with the lives of the people we play God with everyday…. well that is when we are not pretending we are Godlike because it is so convenient to do so when the outcome becomes so horrendous … but of course we pay lip service, even shed a few crocodile tears but none of us want to accept any of our shared responsibility in making the tragic outcome inevitable
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I’m in the line-up, yes, but there are others who need to come off the ‘inactive list’ and do some publishin’ of their own.
I am chipping away and, I guess could be working on it now rather than bloggin’, but doggone it, I haven’t done this in ages…pent up demand, so to speak.
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“It is better to remain silent and have half the world think you are a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt” Mark Twain….
I really should heed that sage advice more often myself… 🙂
Yes WW… as a veteran of many youth league sporting matches with 7 kids, I can tell you it is never really boring, especially when you realize how fleeting the moment can be. I think it is better to have witnessed an offspring score the winning goal, pass for the winning touchdown, drive in the winning run than it ever was to have done so myself.
Now, I’m just happy to be here, blogging one post at a time, trying not to do too much and keeping my focus between the lines… 🙂
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Good luck, WW. Money isn’t worth being that unhappy in your work.
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WW…wonderful passion and conviction. I wish you absolutely the best!
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WW, I always knew you were a slick bass turd.
You know what, I just quit a job I absolutely hated too. Miserable job, working for miserable people. Worst part is that two years ago it was a great job and great people. It’s the absolutely most liberating feeling in the world when you can walk away from the B.S. of work.
I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and certainly hope you won’t become a stranger at Klobber’s Knob Creek Saloon. I’ll keep your spot at the bar open though, just in case.
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Hey Salty, Jimmy, and FBG, what’s going on?
Klobber, I have always liked Nomar. Thought it was so tragic when the Bosox traded him. Kinda broke my heart even though I hate the Red Sox. He’s one of those guys that should have played in Boston forever no matter how bad he got. If he left, it should have been on his own terms like when Dale Murphy requested that he be traded. But that Pearlman story does not paint a pretty picture. But then again, it is Pearlman painting the picture and I don’t trust a word that jerk ever says even when he is telling the truth.
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Now, revisiting an earlier topic: Pics I saw today showed Duncan doing his best Ty Cobb impersonation. His spikes were most definitely too high. He put a 3-inch gash in Aki’s thigh. I think a suspension is in order. And Girardi is annoying the heck out of me.
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Damn Gil, seven kids? Did it take you THAT long to figure out what causes that? 😀
You’re right about the fleeting moments. Mine are still “only” 10 and 12 but it’s amazing how fast they grow up. I look at our daugher (12) and see her becoming more and more independent every day and it makes me sad. Hopefully she’ll keep a warm spot in her heart for old man.
Love your last paragraph. Sound like you could be a professional athlete at heart!
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journalist recalls baby seal’s little league games with great fondness. cap would cover baby seal’s eyes – no ears to hold cap up. bungee. yes, bungee. and baby seal became an all-star.
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Chris, I can tell you from a daughter’s perspective that Daddy is always Prince Charming #1 & the example that all other potential Prince Charmings are compared to. 🙂
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WW, you’re right about Nomar even though it was obviously the right thing to do for the Red Sox as they won the WS that year. You know what is always pointed out across the way is the team result when so-and-so is playing. They never won with Nomar. They traded him and won that year. Hmmmm….
FBG, that was definitely a disappointing, and IMO, a very dirty play. I surely hope that a suspension is in short order for him and Girardi too.
The lick that Elliott Johnson (who is not a very big guy, btw) laid on that catcher was a good play. The catcher was blocking the plate and any time you do that, you have to expect to get hit. The Duncan play was not a good one. He very clearly came in with his foot aimed at Iwamura’s knee.
People get hurt in sports all the time. It’s one of the lessons I’m trying to teach my son. The difference is the intent. Johnson had no intent to hurt the Yanks catcher but Duncan surely did.
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journalist jimmy smith, those must have been proud moments. I’ll bet you didn’t have to do many sliding drills with Chop Seal, did you?
FBG, I hope so. But those are such high expectations to live up to!
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Oh, yeah, Klobber, Gil, I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to have a kid of your own out there doing his/her thing. But watching my little niece the other day was amazing. I just can’t stop smiling thinking about it. One thing that bothered me though was that they were keeping score of the game. Very troublesome. They were only freaking 4 and 5 years old. They should never keep score at that age. One really funny moment was when she kicked a goal, then ran into the net, grabbed the ball and started trying to score another goal. Little nut.
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Good luck WW on your new career path. Just remember the two things that corrupted individuals covet the most are money and power. Anything you can do that will cause them harm in those areas will make the greatest impression upon them.
Yes Chris, being true to yourself can be quite liberating.
And you folks wonder why I was so pro union…. Self preservation and trying my best to keep the playing field level. All most folks ask is to be treated with dignity and respect. Something many persons of importance have a difficult time being sincere with.
Welcome back Salty…. FBG… glad you are feeling better..
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WW, from experiences with my kids, they couldn’t care less about the score of the game. Everyone gets a trophy at season’s end anyway. Of course, that’s not cool in my book, but that’s another story. I do find it odd that they were keeping score though. None of my kids’ games were scored at that age.
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Okay folks, time to put this old hoss to bed, catch ya’ll in the morning.
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Goodnight Silver!
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Thanks for the well wishes guys. Sorry I unloaded like that. I really wish I could get into the details.
Klobber, like you, I once loved the job because I was surrounded by some really likable and highly competent go getters but then they moved on because they had more courage to walk away from the b.s. money lets you tolerate
Then I was completely surrounded by idiots who caused some pretty horrible things to happen and that I knew and told them were gonna happen
But that’s enough about that.
Pour me a drink Klobber before I kill everyone’s mood.
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Thanks, Gil.
Now I guess it’s my turn to ask for prayer/good vibes/ positive thoughts. My cousin is an accomplished rider & has done barrel racing & drill team trick-riding for many years. She was doing a figure-8 drill with her team when another rider collided with her, throwing her to the ground. She was trampled, breaking her arm & leg & giving her a concussion. Most of her teeth were broken off at the gum. She had surgery tonight, putting many plates & pins in her leg. She will be months in recovery.
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WW, you will be a lot happier someday very soon! And you know….you don’t have to be unhappy to blog here or that other blog! 🙂