by Carolina Lady
It’s pretty safe to say that all of us are genuinely excited about the Braves’ potential for this year’s diamond campaign.
A kid’s Christmas morning anticipation is nothing compared to a baseball fan’s sparkly-eyed, hyperactive grinning as his/her team gets ready to launch a shiny new season.
Raisins and Ber have already addressed many of the reasons why in the previous couple of leads.
My thoughts were are a little more in the ‘intangibles’ category: what, if anything, will be the impact of Bobby’s final year as field manager?
From everything I’ve read, it’s universal that Braves people want him to go out with another World Series ring, none more-so than the players themselves.
I sense it in the columns I read and in the interviews given by those associated in any way with the team. It’s as if there is a new purposefulness in the players’ attitudes, a certain determination in the eye. Have you noticed it?
They seem to have a more definitive goal this year rather than the annual generic “We wanna go to the Series” one. A mission. And they know what they have to do to make it happen: win ball games.
I don’t think there’s a way to measure this ‘swan song’ influence except maybe by seeing a player dig down a little deeper, try a little harder, successfully make that stolen base, make that extra-base hit, move that runner over and bring him in. I’ll sure be looking for it!
I just hope they can maintain this focus through the full, grueling 162-game schedule. Somehow I think they will. If this lady’s yelling and jumping up-and-down in front of the TV/computer during game time will help, I will be in the BSOML by Oct 2010!
With all his good points and bad, I’ll really miss Bobby when he retires. I cannot even imagine who will be tasked with trying to fill those spikes in 2011. Really don’t even want to go there right now. But it will be an almost impossible position to hold with any success.
Today I listened again to some of the interviews done after Skip died. When Don Sutton was asked what Skip was like to him, he responded, “He’s like the grumpy old uncle that I couldn’t wait to see again.” In a strange sort of way, that made me think of Bobby. Everybody loves the man. And that’s special in my book.
Speaking of Skip, wouldn’t you just love to listen to his comments through this final Bobby Cox season? Undoubtedly he would bring a perspective that would ring true in every aspect and would be unique and memorable – as only Skip could do. Don’t know about you but I can’t watch a game without hearing his voice in my mind commenting with humor and his own brand of caustic wit.
Anyhow, those are just a few thoughts on a cold February evening on the Carolina coast.
What do you think? What and/or how much influence do you think the retirement of No.6 will have on the season?
Gil, we’re all looking forward to your reports from Florida! Take photos! Lots of ’em!
~CL~
My favorite blog-mistress-author!!! Well done!
You’re right…who’s going to dig a little deeper this year for #6? I think we fans will be doing just that. It’ll be bittersweet, even winning a WS, knowing a remarkable era in baseball is coming to a close. Go Braves!
LikeLike
Hey, Salty! THANKS! It’ll sure add something to watch for, I think. Remember some years back when TBS did two documentary-type things on the Braves. (Can’t remember the titles! arggh!!) Wish something along that line would be done for this season to document Bobby’s finale.
LikeLike
Exxxxcelent job CL! 🙂 We didn’t have to beg or anything! 😉
You are so very right about the fact Skip would really have some good points to make about Bobby’s last year…a perspective that I just don’t think the crew working now can bring to us….
And as much as I bit…gripe about ol’ Bobby, I will miss him….
LikeLike
Great blog CL… All so very true. You always have been the perceptive type. Anyway, Braves fans everywhere have a bit of nervous anticipation about the season this year. Good reports seem brighter and negative ones a tad gloomier. Maybe it’s like we all know it’s the end of an era.
I can still recall the year (1991) when the Braves came with in a gnats eyelash of winning it all. While disappointed at the Twins final victory, I remember telling my co-workers I could not really be sad because the Braves had given me one of the most entertaining seasons I had ever experienced.
CL, you betcha I will get loads of picks and will try to report on our experiences at ST everyday. That is, the Good Lord willing and we don’t have to fight the impending snow storm Tuesday. Sigh… We may just take the old folks route and stay on US301 most of the way and avoid that parking lot known as I95.
LikeLike
Uh, Ber…you mean CL didn’t have to beg. 😆 She took matters into her own hands, rather like Bobby being in control of Spring Training. Now, she’s provided the time for the team to knock off the rust, shine up the keys, and pound out a pre-Opening Day blog. Pretty sure excuses won’t be accepted, too. So…who’s turn is it anyway? Anyone….anyone? Not me, I hope! 😕
I’m thinking SG! Or Hillbilly! I know, I know…EPrise! Welcome to the halls of Pulitzer-dom!!!! Of course, FBG likes doing the opening day thing, too…wouldn’t want to step on toes…or cupcakes…or cookies, for that matter!
I like this nominatin’ thang!! I’m good at it…really good at it!
LikeLike
That was a pretty huge earthquake in Chile in the wee hours this morning. Do you get the sense that these quakes are becoming more frequent and intense? I wonder if the dinosaurs woke up one morning and flipped on their blackberries and thought the same thing? Of course, I’ll bet they never thought they would leave a “BIG” carbon footprint by becoming oil one day…. Likely they were into fighting the ravages of global cooling were thinking “hey, let’s all start emitting “greenhouse gasses” so things can heat back up”… Just saying… 🙂
LikeLike
Cl… just fantastic.
This is my formal nomination of 94: “Hello again, everybody!” – can’t you just hear it?, Published February 26, 2010, by Carolina Lady for the esteemed Wurlitzer award.
There is nothing like a nice Saturday morning reading that evokes the emotions of the coming season.
It’s pretty safe to say that all of us are genuinely excited about the Braves’ potential for this year’s diamond campaign.
Truer words were never penned, er, keyed.
This is certainly no average season that is upon us. This has all the elements of the “perfect storm”.
1- Our own beloved HOF manager’s final campaign.
2- A much ballyhooed rookie’s introductory campaign.
3- The return to form of a HOF team icon and cornerstone player.
4- The comeback of some highly regarded, and heavily counted on veterans.
5- The emergence of baseball’s best 1-2 starter punch in Jair Jurjjens and Tommy Hanson.
Yep, I truly believe in this team. I believe it has the goods to go all the way. I believe it has the motivation to go all the way. I believe, regardless of the final outcome, they will be a team to enjoy and to be proud of.
I really and truly cannot wait.
A kid’s Christmas morning anticipation is nothing compared to a baseball fan’s sparkly-eyed, hyperactive grinning as his/her team gets ready to launch a shiny new season.
I am that fan. That’s me. And you?
LikeLike
Wow, y’all! THANKS!! (I know. You’re just glad YOU didn’t have to write one! 😆 ) Kind words bring a smile – and I’ve got one now.
Uh, Salty. My friend. Good buddy. I don’t recall seeing your name on a byline lately…. Hm? Gil’s gonna cover ST for us. Think you might do something to follow up??
And I just KNOW that somebody has a dynamite Opening Day lead waiting to burst forth!
Wildcat, you ready to make your debut?
FBG?
LikeLike
Well, back from the country… and I do mean COUNTRY…
We were so far into the backwoods that my GPS got lost. Ya’ll ever see Deliverance? Nice folks though… At least no banjo at the church.
Okay, enough of that. Only a couple of more days before this fan
flysdrives south…. Got the memory sticks formatted and the batteries charged on the camera…LikeLike
“We were so far into the backwoods that my GPS got lost.” 😆
LikeLike
Going, going, going… GONE!!! CL hits one out of the deepest part of the ballpark. You go girl!
Skip passing, Pete retiring, Bobby’s final season… too much for a Braves fan to take. The passing of an era, I’ll say! Quite a run by any standard. This team has plenty of motivation to indeed be on a “mission” CL. Correct mix of experience and youth… I think so. Should be a fascinating journey this 2010 season. Let’s get it on!
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
THANKS, wildcat! *blushes* I really can hardly wait for the season to begin!
Think you’d like to try a lead sometime? Just jot down some thoughts and send them to me – and I’ll do the rest. Not required but it adds to the interest and fun. Nobody here but us chickens. (Gil is co-mayor of Stuffville and handles everything when I can’t.)
It’s funny. When I first started this blog with the idea of everybody taking a turn a writing a lead, it was “Oh, BOY! We get to write the leads!!!”
Now I have to lock the back door (Gil), get out my 6-shooter (Ber), beg, threaten, even been known to use a few tears now and then. 😆
LikeLike
Oh my CL, I don’t know if I have the “stuff” to write a lead. I’m a hit and run commentator on things rather than a deep thinker. Will give the idea some thought though.
Getting ready for some Canada vs USA hockey. Can’t believe that the Miracle on Ice was 30 years ago. Where did the time go? The most memorable sporting event in history? I think so! How can an event ever pass the US college kids beating the Red Army on American soil. Still gives me chills to hear Al Michaels ask “Do you believe in Miracles… YES?”
USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
LikeLike
What a great hockey game. Makes me realize how much I miss the sport.
LikeLike
eprise…you’re a Braves fan…you have more than enough to write a lead. Follow the heart! 😆
That was an outstanding hockey game…exceeded my expectations. True sportsmanship…outstanding effort by both teams. Frankly, I would have enjoyed only a tad more had the US won, because someone had to lose. The teams delivered grace in victory and defeat…unlike what the ladies showed the other day.
Eprise…by the way…thirty years ago…I still get goosebumps watching the call of that game. I think, to this day, it’s my #1 sports moment…but the Braves have a couple of top 10 slots…as do my Tigers…of the Clemson persuasion…not your ‘neighbors’! 😆
LikeLike
Oh, and CL…I knew when I blathered that you’d call me to the front of the line. However, let it be noted that there are some others who…ahem…have been longer since taking the ‘lead’. Fear not, though, I will drum up something! And…if I have my way, you’ll be surprised beyond words!
LikeLike
Salty, you’re da man! Yeah, we have a few who are currently AWOL, but I know I can always count on you guys! 😀
Missed the game – went to visit Mother, took Kelly out to eat. She and I are still readjusting to having some time to ourselves and not having to rush back home so the sitter can leave, etc.
Got the carport completely cleaned off! That thing had become the ‘catch-all’ – and it did! It looks bigger than a hangar now. We can actually open the doors without hitting something! 😆
LikeLike
Most of you young folks may not remember the mood of the country in 1980. Malaise was putting it lightly. It seem the entire country was in a funk. The world weary, beaten down feeling one senses when it appears you are done. The Olympics were just a microcosm of our whole country at that time. To my recollection, I don’t think the US had won a single medal up to that point during those games. It was embarrassing that the Eastern European countries were eating our lunch.
I mean the whole Iranian hostage situation (for which I still think we owe them one big time), Inflation through the roof, Jimmy Carter (bless his heart) and well, just everything.
That hockey game somehow seemed to give the whole country a feeling of renewed spirit. Put a spring back in our collective step. It was incredible the turn around that took place after that. America got back some of it’s swagger. A real renewed sense of pride.
So yeah, it was a pretty big deal… To a lot of folks.
LikeLike
You’ve probably already read it but there is a great article on ajc about Chipper.
“the Braves’ 37-year-old third baseman reported to spring training last week not only bigger and more muscular, but also accompanied by Larry Jones Sr., his father and personal hitting coach.”
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/02/27/chipper-adds-muscle-adjusts-swing/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog
Good things always happened when Pop was near the batting cage!
LikeLike
Tim Hudson quoted by Steve Hummer, ajc:
“Hudson has a quaint way of putting into words the team’s mindset on this issue: “Everybody has looked at Bobby as that father figure around here for a lot of years. When you want to do something for somebody you care about, you really want to do it. It’s no different this year [with Cox] than if you wanted to make your dad happy.” “
LikeLike
Gil… I had just got back from a three year tour in Germany in early 1979. We trained to fight a seemingly unwinnable war in Europe against a Soviet bloc that outnumbered NATO forces nearly ten to one. The events that began with the Iran hostage crisis started a surge of patriotism in the US that was awe inspiring. The Miracle on Ice united this country more than any event since WWII. This tidal wave easily won the presidential election for Ronald Reagan.
Strange as I type this they are singing the Russian national anthem during the Olympic closing ceremony. Sochi Russia will host the 2014 games. Makes the hair stand on the back of my neck. More than the Mets I don’t think I’ll ever grow to like the stinking Russians!
LikeLike
Wildcat, MANY thanks for your service! Vets are highly regarded here in Stuffville.
LikeLike
Yes, it’s funny how a single event can have such an impact on the population. Most often it comes out of the blue. If you ask a thousand people what that event might be, few would have predicted it, although half would have said they had after the fact.
I worked with a young Hungarian immigrant back in the 70’s who absolutely despised the Russians but he told me that despite his dislike for them, he respected the fact they were very astute business men. He said they always had an ulterior motive.
LikeLike
While I think the military, like the public school system is over funded to the point they are frivolous with their money, I like many other folks are hesitant to cut the money flowing to them because often things get carried too far.
Two quips always come to mind when speaking of either. The first from Ronald Regan when he said “No country had ever been attacked because they were too strong.” the second is “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
LikeLike
Αναρωτιέμαι πόσο καιρό θα πάρει για κάποιο που υπολογίζει ότι αυτό είναι ελληνικά;
LikeLike
It’s all Greek to me Raisins… 🙂
LikeLike
I wonder how much time it will take for somebody that calculates that this they are Greek?
That was mean, Raisins!
LikeLike
And this from the blog across the street. A really good article on the Hurt Locker
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/25/AR2010022506161_pf.html
Unfortunately, far too many times the public forms it’s opinions based on fiction. Of course, that is not all that far from how MSNBC does it….
LikeLike
Nice Greek-in’ folks… very nice indeed.
It started out as “I wonder how long it will take someone to figure out that this is Greek.”
I ma impressed… such a cultured bunch of Stuffians.
LikeLike
And I am impressed as well. Now if I could only type…
LikeLike
680theFan is broadcasting live from the ballpark in Disney from 3-7pm all this week. Supposed to have a ton of players stop by during the broadcast.
Listen here:
http://player.dickeymedia.net/DickeyPlayer.aspx?WCNN-AM
or failing that, go here:
http://www.680thefan.com/
LikeLike
Nice piece on Bobby in the NY Times. I imagine there will be alot of those this year.
LikeLike
680’s John Kincade says he has been impressed with 2 sounds he has heard today: 1) the sound of the ball popping the catcher’s mitt when Wags is throwing, and 2) the sound that JHey’s bat makes when he hits the ball. He says it’s not just hype there. It’s for real.
LikeLike
Thanks for the heads up Raisins, nice blurb about Bobby.
LikeLike
Gil.. when are you traveling again?
LikeLike
Leaving about 6AM this morning… YIPEE!!!
LikeLike
Sounds like fun! But Gil will miss the snow, no doubt! 😉
Man, another chance for snow in the ATL area again. V probably has a better chance than me though.
FBG, your future neck of the woods is expecting 2-4 inches again….
The wind has been insane this morn, and the weather folks barely mention it….
LikeLike
I think we missed it this time… nothing but rain.
I probably confused God with my prayers, though. I prayed that school would be snowed out so that Mrs. Raisins could get caught up in her Masters work, but I also prayed that my sister could make it to her 2 job interviews today. Apparently, God chose to favor my sister…
LikeLike
Ya know… God has a funny way of working things out. It started snowing about 9:30am, as my sister was leaving for her 10:00 interview. It really picked up about 11:00 – enough to make the schools decide to let out early at 1:30pm.
Now it’s easing off, and the 2:00pm interview is still on.
And I thought I confused Him… I guess He showed me, huh?
LikeLike
Raisins, He must get a lot of laughs out of us. (Pray that Gil and Miss Josie have a safe, absolutely terrific trip!)
LikeLike
You may remember that Azalea, one of the bald eagles hatched in the huge nest in the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, was fitted with a satellite transmitter. Here is a BEAUTIFUL photo of Azalea in flight, the transmitter in clear view. The photo credit goes to Duane Noblick.
LikeLike
Okay – baseball news is slow right now – so – here’s an Italian auction:
A Chinese Ming vase is up for auction. The bidding opens at a half-million Euros. Bidding is brisk and each bidder is clearly identified as each raises the bid by 100,000 Euros. (The exchange rate today is 1 Euro = $1.54.) Within seconds, the biding stalls at one million Euros, and the gasp from the crowd identifies the excitement that prevails in the room.
The successful bidder is the last one who bid one million, and the auctioneer counts down the bid, “Going once, going twice, and sold to the gentleman sitting in front of me for one million Euros.”
Now, you will to have to see the video for yourself. The auctioneer is exuberant. The pace is fast.
LikeLike
Man CL, I sure hope that was a fake! 😛
Also it sure sounds like Italian, but reading the comments, the folks say it’s Finnish! 😯
LikeLike
As for baseball news…I saw baseball tonight highlights of Mets Braves game…Heyward smoked a ball by the Mets first baseman (I think more or less on the ground) and it was right at the left fielder, like it was a liner into left! He is going to hurt someone!
I still have a baseball tonight on the braves a few days back, and I’d love to put it up on youtube, but MLB hates people doing stuff like that…I will see if I can put it on one of the other weaker sites, or perhaps let folks download it from a site like rapidshare….
Great stuff from Bobby on comparing Hank and Justin, and what the B.T. folks thing of the JHey kid. It’s about 5 minutes.
LikeLike
Good morning all, Reporting from beautiful downtown Kingsland GA. Ya’ll know the place… Nears Kings Bay where Sen Nunn was able to coerce the Navy into building a state of the art Nuke Sub base… 🙂
Anyway, getting ready to grab a bite and then on to Disney. By the way, found a great BBQ place called Sonny’s here in town. No fooling, great BBQ!!!
Cute clip CL, yer Ber, it’s an ad for Aspirin… 🙂
Okay, later. I will upload some pictures from the game to CL tonight.
LikeLike
I’m so happy to hear from our intrepid Braves & Stuff reporter Gil! Hope y’all enjoy every second of your trip! And I’ll keep an eye out for the photos.
Ber, that was an AD. See the big aspirin box at the end?
LikeLike
Today’s Grapefruit League game starting lineup:
1. Melky CF
2. Marteeen 2B
3. Chipper 3B
4. Glaus 1B
5. JHey RF
6. Esco SS
7. MattyD LF
8. DRoss C
9. Brent Clevlen DH
Huddy pitching
LikeLike
Hey guys, I did the 😛 emoticon, thought that was enough to show I knew the real deal. 😉
Man, did I mention I have been battling a sinus infection the last several weeks?? Went to the doc, got some weak antibiotics and the day I was finished with them, it was like I got a bad cold. Had a temp all last night, around 101(which is high for me, normally 97.9) that motrin didn’t touch. Finally broke this afternoon, feeling a lot better….
They are talking mid 60’s this weekend, can’t wait! 🙂
LikeLike
Gil, yep Sonny’s is pretty good! If you ever see a Shane’s Rib Shack, check them out(They may just be around Atlanta) They have the best pulled pork sammich I’ve ever had….
LikeLike
Braves 9
Mets 5
Yea!
LikeLike
Remember me trying to get the JHey kid to catch on…which it didn’t???
From DOB’s blog today…
Another writer, veteran New York scribe Bill Madden, interviewed Bobby for a good while this morning and just asked me while ago about Heyward’s nickname. “Are they really calling him the J-Hey Kid?” Madden said. “That’s pretty good.”
Sigh…but, but, I said it first! 😦
At least here! 😉
Man, I am still coughing up a storm, so to say I am feeling a lot better is a bit of an exaggeration, but at least I am not freezing/then burning up, like last night.
LikeLike
Playing catch-up (Ketchup?)with previous DOB blogs…
Liked this part to…remember the hard hit single I saw on baseball tonight??? this is about that(hit)
He didn’t hit any tape-measure homers like he has during car-denting batting-practice displays at Braves camp. But he scorched a single down the right-field line that drew a few oohs and ahhs.
Former Mets star and broadcaster Keith Hernandez called it a “Willy McCovey shot,” and Cox said it was “the hardest-hit single you’re ever going to see in your life.”
April 5th can’t get here fast enough! 😀
LikeLike
Female knuckleballer impresses Tim Wakefield
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/news/story?id=4961259
LikeLike
Greeting from sunny “finally” Lake Buena Vista. I am working on a full report but in the interim let me say, that kid Heyward is the real deal. A least I’m impresses. No, he won’t bat a thousand nor hit 60 home runs but man, this kid is a ball player. Shows great presence in the batter’s box and has a good idea of the strike zone. Made three absolutely spectacular catches in right field that allowed Huddy to escape in his outing without any damage. (Huddy wasn’t exactly fooling then today).
Yep, scorched a liner to right center for a double and scored from second on an infield hit/error. Oh, and stole a base too. So, Francouer who????
I’ve got some other insights I will pass along later but then, that is why I love seeing kids play. So nice surprises.
LikeLike
Troy Glaus… I keep trying to think of who he reminds me of. The guy is tall… but 90% of his tall is legs. He looks pretty comfortable around the 1st base bag. He crushed one “at-em” ball to the third baseman in his last at bat. I think he is going to be just fine.
Freddie The Freeloader Freeman. Good looking ballplayer. I sure hope Glaus doesn’t get too comfortable in Atlanta because I don’t think the Braves are going to keep this kid in Gwinnett for long. He has nice soft hands around the bag and a wicked stroke at the plate.
Brent Clevlen… I know, you are all asking, WHO??? Man, this kid can hit. Bobby had him DHing today and batting 9th. I guess he had to have him hitting somewhere and 9th was as good a spot as any. 5 quality at bats today. No, he didn’t go 5 for 5 but he made solid contact in all five at bats. One in the 400 foot verity and was easily the longest hit ball today into a stiff breeze.
LikeLike
GIL’S GREAT PHOTOS ARE POSTED! Look at the banner; they are on the listed page I so brilliantly named ‘ST 2010 – Gil’s Pics’.
LikeLike
Good er.. morning, Yeah, that’s it.. it’s morning… Anyway, I thought I would pass a little judgment on the Baves’ pitching today.
Very spotty… Hudson was in spring training form today. The Mets hit some ball pretty hard but Heyward ran them down and saved his bacon at least three time. Even Chipper made a few comments to Hudson about it. Now, I was not privileged to the exact words but body language speaks volumes and Chipper was basically telling Huddy to get his head out of his butt.
Peter Moylan looked pretty good, we were sitting behind the third base bag so while we had a great idea of the strike zone north and south, east and west was not all that apparent. And all of you know, Peter makes his living east and west. That said, he managed to get most of the leftys he faced out but the southpaws seem to see him better and thus make him a bit more hittable.
Steve Merek. This remnant from the Texieria trade to LA had pretty good velocity but Lordy, it was like he was putting it on a tee for the Mets batters. The ball just didn’t seem to have any life to it. 91 -92 isn’t all that fast to a major leaguer (or a good minor leaguer for that matter) when the trajectory is flat. It’s still early yet, after all, this was only the second game of spring training. Of course the pitchers have been working out since early February but that’s being snide….
LikeLike
Baseball America has their list of 100 top prospects – and Heyward is #1.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/03/02/top.prospects/index.html
Hey, Gil! Love the info you’re posting from FL! MANY THANKS!!
LikeLike
What engineers do after they retire…
http://www.chilloutzone.de/files/player.swf?b=10&l=197&u=ILLUMllSOOAvIF//P_LxP92A42lCHCeeWCejXnHAS/c
LikeLike
Great info Gil! Gives us a you are there feel….
LikeLike
GAnderson signs a minor league deal with the Dodgers.
Big whoop. 🙄
Yawn…
LikeLike
Good morning folks, getting ready to head over to the old ballyard. I different line-up today so we’ll get a chance to see McCann and McLouth. New line up, new faces, means new pictures… Will do my best.
Also see where Miss Carroll Rogers will be in attendance today so might get a chance to say high. She is really a pretty nice person…for a reporter that is…
LikeLike
Lots of vets looking for employment Raisins… Only so much BIG money to go around.
LikeLike
Braves win 4-2.
Yea! 😀
LikeLike
More later on today’s game but first a quick recap… ZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
LikeLike
from visitor Ben Jones who blog-rated our little place as 9.7 out of 10:
“Coming from a huge braves fan, the Braves articles here are awesome, especially the spring training ones going on right now. The updated pictures are pretty cool…check out some of my Braves, hawks, and falcons articles here at a fellow sports blog. http://letsblogsports.wordpress.com/ ”
Thought y’all would enjoy seeing that. 🙂
THANKS, BEN!
LikeLike
Very nice of Ben!
Man, what a day! I found that my temperature was back with a vengeance last night….up to 101.1 and wouldn’t get knocked down taking Motrin, or Alka seltzer with aspirin.
All I did was rest or sleep. I think at one point I was in bed 20 of 24 hours. Sinuses felt like I had been snorting chlorine. I was so listless didn’t even have it in me to drive to the doc, so asked my Pa to take me. Pretty bad when you have to lean on a 78 year old, but thank God he’s up to it!
Apparently, a lot of folks are sick right now,(even the Nurse had laryngitis!) never could get an appointment with my Doc earlier in the week, and was just going to ride it out, but no dice. So saw the P.A. 101.2 was the temp then. So, when she asked my Doc a question about what Antibiotic to put me on(seemingly got sick the day the previous 10 day antibiotic ran out) found out he wanted to check me out since it’s not that common for someone to have that high a temp from just a sinus infection. Anyway, listened to lungs(coughed my fool head off after a few deep breaths) Thought he might have heard the beginning of Pneumonia (But knows I am not rich, so didn’t do the x-ray thing) so got a new Antibiotic(Gee, only $92, downright cheap! 🙄 ) an antibiotic shot, and a strong decongestant. Man, what a difference that made! Temp came right down, I almost felt human! 🙂
Got tired later, but still, modern meds are amazing!
LikeLike
Ber, you are starting to scare me… Don’t be fooling around with being sick. Pneumonia is serious business. Take care of yourself. Stuffians are scarce enough as it is.
LikeLike
Okay, I woke up about an hour ago with terrible cramps in my feet. Whew!!!!!! Not really sure what precipitated them but now I am afraid to lay back down. Could be a long night. Maybe Ber and I can get space on the same hospital ward….
LikeLike
So, the pass the time I thought I would update you folks on some of the events of the game.
I’ll critique the Braves first but I’ll pass along some insight on the Buccos later for FBG’s dad’s benefit.
Kershin looked pretty good today. I have noticed that when he speeds up his tempo he is much more aggressive in the zone. He kept the Pirate hitters off balance in the first inning with a lot of changing speeds. Nothing out of the infield. I can’t see any difference from what we saw from him last year. I think he is going to be a big plus for the Braves as a number five. Not many teams will match up with the Braves with so many good starters available.
Okay, J-Hey looked human today. At least by his standards. Not that he looked bad, just did not do anything spectacular other than nearly beat out a broken bat dribbler to the pitcher. Kid is pretty fast for a big dude.
Nate McLouth started in centerfield today. He looked good. Drew a first inning walk and then promptly stole second. Later scored on a single by Glaus. following Chipper’s DP ball. Nate looks older in person than he does on TV by the way.
Matt Diaz DHed today. Same old Matty… Diaz has become one of Josie’s favorite players along with Chipper and Brian McCann. Chipper is still 0 fer March as far as I can tell. Hey, it’s a process….
They managed to shut down Clevlan today, yep, take the hot bat right out of the line up. Perhaps making too good a start. Okay, I know that’s not very fair… Got to give the other rookies some at bats too, right? Anyway, Brooks Conrad is back in form. One thing about him, he’s not afraid to get dirty… he even started the game with his uniform dirty. Proceeded to get it more so. You got to love a guy like that. He is not the slickest field out there and sometimes he gives the appearance of fighting the ball but the guy can really swing it. Drove in two with a ringing double and then managed to get himself thrown out because he overran second base. That’s okay, a lesson learned. It is what spring training games are for, right?
Brian McCann looks absolutely like a different guy. Okay, same face and same nice swing but no more dumpy, frumpy appearance. Reminds me of Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway after being on the island for a couple of years. very lean and mean. Brian really motored into second when he tagged a double to right center. Now, this is not to say Brian is going to set speed records but he is at least as fast as Ross. Well… almost…
Okay, more later. I am going to upload some pic to CL now…
LikeLike
Just super terrific, Gil!! LOVE reading your posts! Pics haven’t arrived yet (11:06pm) and I’m about cross-eyed sleepy so I’ll get them up tomorrow.
Hope y’all are having a blast down there!!
LikeLike
Ber, you take care of yourself!!! That is an order!
LikeLike
I see Troy Glaus and all I can think of is “Big Bird”… Maybe we can just start calling him “Stork” for short… Even better if he delivers…
I included a picture of him standing next to Glenn Hubbard. he is a really tall dude… Kind of like Shaq and Ben Stein.. Heck of a power forward I’ll bet. Short stop in college says Carroll Rogers… must have grown some since then because I just can’t wrap my mind around that one.
LikeLike
Well, I was going to skip the game today but I see that Lowe and Wagner are scheduled to pitch today… Sigh… No rest for the weary. Guess I’ll drag myself over to the game. Got to get this seating thingee down anyway.
LikeLike
I see Troy Glaus and all I can think of is “Big Bird”… Maybe we can just start calling him “Stork” for short… Even better if he delivers…
I can’t think of a better line in recent memory… 😀
LikeLike
FYI:
I thought y’all would like to know that Scribe’s Father-in-law passed away Wednesday evening… as he said, exactly 7 months to the day that he lost his own father.
If you are a Facebooker, his profile is Here:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/bud.ellis?ref=nf
LikeLike
Gil’s latest photos are posted on his ST 2010 page above!
Gil, you’re right about that one with Glaus and Hubby. Poor Hubby barely comes up to Stork’s shoulder. (Great nickname!)
Raisins, sad news from The Scribe. He’s had a lot to deal with.
Sure wish things would improve so he, Chris and SG could get back with us. Miss ’em!
LikeLike
Gil, I wrote a post about a wonderin’ if you had sweated a lot yesterday, needed vitimin E, or if you had stood on those tootsies(Blog first?) for way too many hours. I deferred to your medical experience too. But, all lost.
Perhaps Hubbards legs are really short, which makes Glaus’s legs look so long! 😉
V, please give my condolences to Scribe and his family.
LikeLike
A long article on the 4 older braves players recently coming off of injuries. CL, you might find the talk about Glaus’s rotator injury interesting…
http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=mlbdk2k10bravesinjuries
LikeLike
Good article from a knowledgeable writer, Ber. Rotator cuff surgery – stay as far away from it as possible! I do have to admit, despite the year of painful recovery/rehab, that it hurts much less than before the surgery – and for that I’m most thankful! Don’t have much more ROM but for my lifestyle it’s adequate.
HA! Braves 11, Nats 8! Gil and Miss Josie must be ‘good luck’ charms!
LikeLike
Greetings from sunny Sarasota, stop number three on our itinerary. Wow, feel like I have been rode hard and put away wet. Checked into the motel and soon about to go visit with my youngest and his bride. We opted to stay in a motel rather than infringe as a small house can get even smaller when parents are involved. They closed on their new house today so the timing might be a little askew. Another reason to have separate quarters. They will get tired enough of me when I move in with them in my old age… A joke there… I hope.
Will update the game and our observations later.
Condolences to Sscribe and his family. Tis a sad thing to lose a dad.
LikeLike
From old friend Carroll Rogers:
Oops, baserunning mistake costs Freeman homer
5:43 pm March 5, 2010, by Carroll Rogers
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In his youthful enthusiasm, Braves first base prospect Freddie Freeman ran his way out of a home run on Friday in the Braves’ 11-8 win over the Nationals.
Freeman was rounding first base in the fourth inning, legging out what should have been a three-run home run over the right field fence. But he overtook Joe Thurston, who had gone back to first base to tag up, thinking Freeman’s flyball might be caught.
Freeman passed Thurston between first and second, was called out at second base. As a result he had to settle for a two-run single, rather than a three-run home run, his first of spring training.
“I got excited,” said Freeman, who could laugh about it afterward. “I can. It’s spring training.”
Freeman said he didn’t look at Thurston and just took a step past the first base bag.
“I was flying I guess,” he joked.
It was a spring training snafu, but one Braves manager Bobby Cox said he’s seen his fair share of during the regular season too.
“That should never happen but it happens,” he said.
😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
LikeLike
Are y’all looking at Gil’s pics??? I’m not seeing any comments…
LikeLike
I clicked on the star, how do you comment????
LikeLike
Ber, I don’t believe you asked that. YOU WRITE IT HERE!!! 😛
LikeLike
Greetings again. Just got in from visiting with the kids. Of course had to go see the new house and give my approval… 🙂 A rite of passage I suppose. Anyway, I will comment about today’s game.
First, Derek Lowe looked really really good. If he can pitch just like he did the first two innings of today’s game the rest of the season, his team mates will all be wearing World Series rings come next fall. Looks to me that what ever flaw he developed in his delivery last season is gone. Not saying he will pitch all no hitters or have an era of less than 1.00 but it’s really tough to hit home runs when the ball can only skip across the ground.
Wagner and Saito… Well, both have an ERA of 18.00 so far this spring. At least Billy kept the ball down. Will just have to put today behind them and move on.
Say what you want about the Nats, they can drop some crooked numbers on you PDQ. They have some boppers in that line-up. If they can just get some pitching and defense to go with their offense then they are going to beat a lot of folks. More about them later.
Well, Heyward and Freeman both showed they were human today. Heyward who managed to get himself thrown out at third trying to steal with no outs with McCann at bat. Freeman running past Joe Thurston and costing himself a three run homer and making an out. Yes, spring training is a place to learn but these guys have been playing ball a long time now, the Braves have been hurt far too many times with bone headed plays just like that through the years.
Other observations… I really like this kid Brent Clevlen. Twice he showed real poise with the bat. First with the bases loaded and two outs, he crushed a ball that unfortunately was right at Dukes but no question he can hit. He had worked the count full and had foul off several tough pitches up to that point. The second was a beautiful bunt that advanced the runners to second and third and allowed a runner to score from third on a sac fly hit by the next batter. I told Josie that they should have credited Clevlen with a RBI for that bunt because it led directly to a run.
I’ll send some more pictures to CL as soon as I can sort some of them out. About 300 hundred of them I think all together today. Sure glad I don’t have to buy film any more…
LikeLike
Just a reminder folks, don’t get too excited about spring training games. A lot of folks who figured in the scoring will not be in an Atlanta uniform come April 5th. While good pitching is always good pitching. A poor performance does not mean a lot unless said performance continues to be poor. Lots of touch and feel necessary for a major league pitcher to get a major league batter out.
Still, it’s better to be 4-1 than 1-4 no matter what league you are in.
LikeLike
Thanks, Gil!! We really do appreciate your posts! More pics! SUPER!! You send ’em and I’ll put ’em up! (Can’t tell you HOW much I appreciate what you’re doing!!)
LikeLike
NEW SET OF PHOTOS UP! And they are great!! THANKS, Gil!
LikeLike
After I looked at the pictures of Derek Lowe sitting in the bullpen before the game, I noticed he had three different grips on the ball.
LikeLike
Those are some great shots, Gil! I especially appreciate seeing the ballpark and the various settings. You’re really GOOD at this! 🙂
LikeLike
CL, did ya notice that Wildcat and FBG seemed to have disappeared since you suggested they might want to write a blog??? 😉
As for Gil’s photos…I did comment on them…kinda…sorta. I was looking at all of them and saw the one of Hubbard next to Glaus, and made the comment that perhaps Hubbard has very short legs.
Didn’t everyone know what was on my mind???
Hey, I am sick…I have an excuse for being…being…more me than normal.
Great photos Gil, hope you keep posting more our way!
Oh Gil…you were bundled up there in that one picture, must be pretty nippy in the AM, eh ???
LikeLike
And as for being able to comment after photos…I remembered seeing the comments you have made under pictures, and was thinking somehow the rest of us could do that…
Cough, cough…did I mention I am really sick? 😉
Actually, I feel much better, but no matter what meds I take, as soon as I get in bed, I have what sounds like a death rattle in my chest, and can’t sleep! 😥
so sleepy….zzzzzzzzzz
LikeLike
You’re forgiven, Ber! 😉 Meds will do that!
Yes, I did notice that. *sigh* Hey, y’all! It’s safe to come back now!!! Really! You do not have to write a lead! I promise! 😆
I just feel that it is appropriate to extend the invitation now and then…. 😛
LikeLike
I really haven’t vanished, you just haven’t seen or heard from me in a couple of days. I’d rather be talking Braves and stuff with y’all then working like I’ve been. Oh well, I see the Braves are on the warpath. Encouraging to see more W’s than L’s, but lets get everybody tuned up and in great health for the upcoming campaign.
Love the pics Gil. Glaus “The Stork” could really be the steal of the off-season. I’m with CL, I really like the shots around the stadium. No place I’d rather be on most days than a ballpark.
Prayers on the way for the Scribe. God Bless!
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
Hey, Wildcat! Glad to see ya!
Chipper has a ‘jammed thumb’ – taking a few days off. How do you jam your thumb in an at bat?
In the ‘Wow’ Dept:
“Major League Baseball, angry over the abundance of blown umpiring calls in the 2009 postseason, has fired three of its seven ump supervisors.
Marty Springstead, Rich Garcia and Jim McKean, each involved in umpiring for 40 or more years, were fired on Jan. 12. They received the news by telephone.”
more: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2010-03-07-umpire-supervisors-fired_N.htm
However –
“SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Major league umpires Monday night overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year contract that included increased flexibility on postseason assignments.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2010-01-19-umpires-contract_N.htm?obref=obinsite
LikeLike
This article is a must-read:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/teaching-the-fine-art-352483.html
LikeLike
Very nice story CL! 🙂
LikeLike
Hey, Ber! Feeling better?
LikeLike
JHey pops a 2 run jack for the Bravos in the 1st inning today. Is he to good to be true?
LikeLike
Here is how Mr. O’B described JHey’s shot:
Jason Heyward hit a majestic two-run homer in the first inning off Max Scherzer, a towering shot that bounced off the top of a metal building beyond right field and over the building. Packed house had a collective gasp, so long and impressive was this homer, the first of the spring for the 20-year-old right fielder.
Man, am I ever looking forward to the start of the season…
LikeLike
Braves up 8-1 in the 4th against Le Tigres, with Diaz and JHey the only “regulars” starting today. And rolling, apparently…
LikeLike
CL, getting better, still sound like a chain smoker… thanks for asking! 🙂
LikeLike
Greetings all from sunny Savanna GA. Hurump!!! 2 run jack in the first you say? And here I was making the conscious decision to skip the game today and head for the green green grass of home. 😦 SIGH!!! Did not think there would be anything really to comment on as it was an away game…. Oh well, will have to catch the high lights on sports center.
Ber, glad you are feeling better. Can’t have you under the weather with spring right around the corner… Got to get ready for hey fever…. HA HA.. made a little joke there….
Eprise, glad you could come back, that work thing is to much like… well, work…
Great article CL, shows folks can make a difference in this world. Just need to keep trying to make that positive influence.
LikeLike
Have a safe trip home, Gil. And MANY thanks for the photos and comments on ST! Just tremendously appreciated!!
LikeLike
It is now officially the 9th – so I can be the first to wish a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WILDCAT!! Many happy returns, sir! Where’s the cake??
LikeLike
And speaking of cake… Anyone seen FBG lately?
Happy Birthday Wildcat! Hope you have a grand day.
Well, at home or on the road, my internal clock says wake up at 4 AM whether I want to or not… 😦
LikeLike
Hey, Gil! Where are you?
Found a great article on Heywood by Gammons:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100309&content_id=8723826&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb
LikeLike
Good morning CL… Killing time until Josie wakes up so we can hit the road. Will make it home today. I could have made the drive from Sarasota to Richmond in one day in the past but I don’t have to torture myself like that any longer.
I was just getting ready to post the Gammons link when I noticed you had beat me to the punch.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Wildcat!!!! 🙂 Hope it’s a great one!
Man, both CL and Gil up early??? That’s no good! 😦
V, I hear ya, I CANNOT wait til the season starts! I sure hope the JHey kid stays healthy for the whole season, I mean, it reminds me of being young and the game of the week having Reggie batting…didn’t care what the score was, just wanted to watch him swing! Same with JHey. To heck with the games, team, it’s all about the longball! 😛
Ok, it’s not what we watch braves games for, but still, we simply haven’t had someone exciting like this to watch since..well, I don’t know when!
Ok, this link should give you the video highlights from espns game with Heyward and the homer. If you want it to be more than microscopic, hover the mouse over the clip, then click on the box in the lower right hand corner
http://espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl
LikeLike
Happy B’Day, epwc!!!
LikeLike
Howdy!
Godspeed, Gil. Let us know when y’all get home.
Hey, Ber. Yeah – ya never know when Gil or I will be around… 😆 The meds are great when they work, but when they don’t, I find myself tiptoeing around in the dark waiting for the sun to come up. By then, of course, I’m cross-eyed sleepy! 😡
Cute little clip on Pitcher’s Superstitions – UNCW staff:
http://showandtell.blogs.starnewsonline.com/10425/superstitions-of-a-pitcher/#respond
LikeLike
Sorry, Gil. Didn’t mean to step on your thunder! 😆
Happy Birthday, wildcat!
LikeLike
CL… I got over “who gets the credit” thingee a long time ago… 🙂
Whew… I had the strangest dream… Dreamed I went to Florida for spring training, visited with the youngest son and helped him work on his new house, drove 1800 miles and … OH WAIT!!!
LikeLike
Wow! Are you home already? Glad you made it safely! And a million thanks for all the updates and photos!! You really got some great shots!
LikeLike
I just finished entering everything (charges etc), going through my snail mail and posting my bills and reconciling all the accounts. Might have been cheaper to just take the cruise… 🙂
Anyway, it was a great vacation. I think we will plan to do it again next year. It was great getting to see all of the players and gain my own perspective on the upcoming season.
I did not post my observations on the Mets, Nats and Pirates and will do so for a lead before the info gets too stale. No CL, not tonight… but soon.
As hard as Heyward can hit the ball, there are three guys on the Nats (not including Dunn) who can hit them just as far. Like I said, not enough pitching and defense to make a difference. Think 2007 Braves when they had Texiera.
LikeLike
“No CL, not tonight” 😆
LikeLike
Gil, glad you made it back safe and sound…sure seemed like a quick trip! But, like you said, it might have been cheaper to take a cruise! 😉
Saw just a clip of that kid from Cuba the Reds signed over the winter, on ESPN last night. He looked really good. Leftie starters that throw 100 MPH do tend to look good!
Seems he is all that and a bag of chips!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_posnanski/03/08/chapman.debut/
LikeLike
Thanks for all the nice birthday wishes! Great to have a little attention every now and then. The years are flying by. Hope this next year takes a little longer. Went out for a shrimp and scallop dinner, one of my favorites, and then home for German chocolate cake. Outstanding! Got home in time to watch the last half of the Phils vs. Braves game on MLB network. Looked a little chilly down in Orlando. Welcome home Gil!
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
Slipping in under the wire… Happy Birthday Wildcat!!!
Sorry for my absence, y’all. I got tapped at the last minute for a trip up to Tiger & never touched the laptop the whole time. I just cleared 115 emails. Yeesh.
LikeLike
Nice pics, Gil! The ballpark is beautiful, isn’t it?
We got to the house in time to see several large swaths of snow left from the last storm. The one across the driveway contained… bear tracks. Really. My cousin & her boyfriend came over the first day & since Corey is an outdoorsy country boy, we had him take a look & he confirmed it. 😯
Got a lot of work done & the upstairs is nearly finished & ready for new carpet. The leaves of my tulips & other bulbs are just peeking out of the ground & I saw the first daffodil opened this morning as we left.
LikeLike
Lions and tigers and bears.. oh my FBG… especially bears … Yep, those critters have been known to roam far and wide and when you think about it, not so far and wide. After all, you have really encroached more on the bears’ habitat.
Discovered the same thing when I first moved here several years ago. Went out and bought some buck shot just in case. Thankfully for me and the bear, he hasn’t been back. Still have a lynx around though…
Now baseball, didn’t Oregano (yes, I know it’s not his real name but he was so bad I don’t think he deserves the time necessary for me to look it up) stink up the joint last night? It is why people should never get exited about spring training games. It is time for which a player can work on things and figure them out. You really have to look more at individual performances. His performance… maybe not…
That said, Troy Glaus looks really good at the plate. Kershin looked a little less sharp than when I saw him last week. My goodness, Heyward is bigger than Howard. Nate seems a little lost st the plate right now, maybe not use to seeing the ball so well. Maybe he is used to playing by sense of smell… Apologies to the Who… 🙂
Brandon Hicks continues to show why he is not ready for prime time. Then, Brian Jordon does too…
LikeLike
Yes Ber… The time went by really quick. Time really does fly when you’re having fun… It’s why birthdays seem to come at such and alarming pace I suppose. Look out Eprise, next year will be here before you know it. Enjoy each and everyone one of them folks…
FBG, Florida is nice, but I don’t think I would want to live there.
LikeLike
Good morning Stuffians… Last night’s game was a reminder of why you have to take it all with a grain of salt.
An observation on Heyward… I like him in the 2 hole and Yuni batting 6th or 7th. I think it suits hims and the team right now.
I am just a little bit worried about McLouth. He has not looked good so far this spring. Because I don’t have anything to reference from in that I have not watched him early before, I don’t know if he isn’t just a slow starter or that he is having trouble adjusting to actually being able to see. I don’t think it hurts him in the outfield but some guys don’t really see the ball and just swing at where they think a pitch is suppose to be.
The guy that drove the American bobsled was like that. Drove more by feel than sight and when he could see, he was more erratic. I know, sounds crazy but stranger things have happened.
Maybe spring training will let him adjust to that. Personally, I think Nate is just holding the fort until Schafer is ready this summer or next year.
LikeLike
When baseball commissioner Bud Selig named a 14-person “special committee for on-field matters” four months ago, he promised that all topics would be in play and “there are no sacred cows.” The committee already has made good on Selig’s promise by discussing a radical form of “floating” realignment in which teams would not be fixed to a division, but free to change divisions from year-to-year based on geography, payroll and their plans to contend or not.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/tom_verducci/03/09/floating-realignment/index.html?eref=sihp
You have got to be kidding me! 😯
Bud Selig almost made me cuss. He should be fired immediately for even considering something as ludicrous as this. 😡
LikeLike
Personally, I think Nate is just holding the fort until Schafer is ready this summer or next year.
Agree 100%. I think it will be mid-season, and the odd OF out – either Melky, Diaz or Nate – will be traded to fill a 2nd half need.
LikeLike
Selig and that committee have absolutely lost their minds. There is no way that can work. It would completely negate Div titles, etc. How could any team even know where they stood.
If they did in fact do that, they would have to do away with the two league system and have everybody in one big league. The top ever-how-many at the end of the year would play for the WS.
Ludicrous!
That sounds like something you would find on the Onion.
LikeLike
from Raisin’s article above:
“”But if there is something that comes up we feel should be addressed during the season, we can make a recommendation then,” said committee co-chair and Braves president John Schuerholz, referring to less complicated issues such as pace-of-game directives. “This is all about any ideas that help make the game better.”” 😯
LikeLike
from SI (thanks for finding that, V!):
“• The only thing louder than the buzz surrounding Braves outfield prospect Jason Heyward is the sound of the ball coming off his bat. The buzz is reminiscent of the noise for Albert Pujols in 2001 and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989, when Pujols, then 21, and Griffey, then 19, simply were too good for their clubs to send them back to the minors. Heyward, 20, is that good.
The kid hit his first spring homer on Monday, but you had to be there to understand how impressive it was. Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer jumped ahead of Heyward with two called strikes, but then Heyward did not bite on three pitches (one fastball, two breaking balls), two of which were borderline pitches. On the sixth pitch Heyward swung, and launched a tremendous drive off the metal roof of a batting tunnel well beyond the right field wall, after which the ball bounced over the other side of the structure. “And the legend grows,” said Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, shaking his head. Heyward has come to bat 18 times this spring and reached base 10 times, with five hits and five walks.”
I. Can’t. Wait!
LikeLike
So… you could theoretically have a division (league) made up of AAAA players that no one would want to go see but would grab a share of the pie because they exist… Sounds a lot like the idea to “Spread the wealth around” to me…
That said, spring training ticket prices are way out of line when you consider you are only going to get about 1/2 a game of the major league players.
LikeLike
Yes, Heyward’s bat has “that” sound to it but so does the bats of Ryan Zimmerman, Chris Duncan, Adam Dunn and Elijah Dukes of the Nationals. Did not see Adam Dunn in spring training but saw him against the Braves last spring in DC. Zimmerman was hitting them half way up the batter’s eye in center field at Disney. That said, Washington may still be the “other white meat” for the rest of the NL East until they can keep the other folks from scoring 10 runs a game. It’s still all about the pitching and I don’t see anyone else in the division matching the Braves this year.
LikeLike
Gil, I don’t want to live in Florida either. Who’s your furry friend?
I do not ever want to hear any team say they don’t plan to contend. We all know there are times when it’s impossible for some teams due to financial reasons but for them to just say “We’re not even trying”?!? That’s just garbage. MLB should be trying to prevent that situation, not encourage it.
LikeLike
Hey, FBG! We missed you!
I agree. That the committee is even ‘considering’ it is staggering. Baseball has to have a formal structure in which to function. Take away that structure and it becomes just a bunch of teams.
If they actually did that, would they make all ticket prices the same? Seems that a generic entity would have to have generic prices.
The whole concept is so totally absurd, it just boggles the mind.
Wonder what the Players Assoc. would think about it??
LikeLike
That be Miss Kitty FBG… She thinks the mouse is installed for her personal enjoyment.
LikeLike
I am happy to report that through our old friend the Scribe, I am now a Facebook friend with our old friend The Grinch. Very cool…
LikeLike
Ah ha… Facebook, so that’s where you are off too… yep, wife does the Facebook thingee too.
LikeLike
And Lowe’s outing cut short due to a blister on his big toe… Oh the humanity, where is JJS when such a toe story is to be had???
LikeLike
I kind of “hit and run” on FB… it’s a place where I can re-connect with old friends. It’s not a place to “hang out”, not like the ol’ B&S.
LikeLike
Hello again everybody!
Been quite a while since I dropped in to Stuffville to visit with my Stuffian friends. Hope all is well with you good folks. Ber, couple shots of bourbon will knock that silly illness right out of ya!
I’ve been pretty far out of the loop lately. Too busy and pre-occupied to really follow what’s been going on. I have heard a few rumblings about a kid coming up that might hit pretty good for the team this year. Can’t remember his name…. Henry something-or-other…….
Seems as there is a new member of the crew. Wildcat, I sure hope that someone told you that members of the United States armed forces drink for free at Klobber’s Knob Creek Saloon. Speaking of which, this place is a MESS!! In one corner there’s a pile of empty diet coke cans. In another I see a bunch of Irish whisky bottles. There are plates with remnants of what I can only guess are pieces of red velvet cake!
I DO hope that each and every one of you are well. My absence can only be explained by saying that sometimes life gets in the way of living. Things haven’t been easy, and like too many of us I find myself working too hard to make less than I once did. My attention has been centered on too many things that take up too large a part of my mouse-sized brain. Baseball hasn’t taken a back seat — I might as well have left it sitting on the curb. I was literally shocked to learn that the Braves had signed Billy Wagner. That’s how far away from it I’ve been.
Anyway, I hope to get back to you good folks on a more regular basis. I was pleasantly surprised to find a spring game on mlbnetwork not long ago. I felt something burn inside that I hadn’t felt in a while and this time it wasn’t acid reflux!
Take care folks.
LikeLike
CHRIS!!!!! I cannot tell you how HAPPY I am to see you here!!!
WOW!
Uh – Diet Coke cans? heh heh uh, sorry? Um, you see I was going to pick those up – and uh – I had to go do something – uh, yeah – and then the wind blew the door shut behind me and I couldn’t get back in. Yeah. That’s what happened. sorta….
Nevermind, I’m just thrilled to see you again and hope you will be here MUCH more frequently.
WELCOME BACK!!!
LikeLike
CL, at the very least you could recycle those cans! Don’t forget all those empty bottles too! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, sir. I promise. But the bottles aren’t mine. Don’t know who is the culprit with those.
(IT IS SOOOO GOOD TO SEE YOU!!!!)
LikeLike
Burp… What bottles?? So good to see you again Chris.. Josie says hi too…
LikeLike
And Happy Birthday to our old friend the Sscribe…. I hope your day is a special one.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, Scribe!!!
LikeLike
Klobber!!! Wassup!?!
Great to hear from you, dude…
LikeLike
3 ibuprofin, 1 Sudafed and 1 multi-vitamin taken with an Airborn dissolved in water. All with a strong coffee chaser. Breakfast of champions!
LikeLike
J-heyfever Raisins????
LikeLike
Chris… Chris Klob…kinda, sorta rings a bell! 😛
Good to see you back! 🙂 Life can get in the way of fun stuff, can’t it??? Hopefully, we will see you more here…taking a break from life, and talkin’ fun stuff!
LikeLike
Gil, LOL! J-heyfever, catch it!
V, man that sounds like a lot of crap to take at one time!
If you take 3 motrin all the time, that can get to be hard on one’s belly over time…I know….I used to take 4 at a time( you know, prescription strength) before I had back surgery,and was trying to be on my feet for 8-10 hours a day. Really wish I had told the job where to go sooner….
LikeLike
Hey, ever want to generate your own conspiracy??? Of course you have!
Sorta like mad libs!
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/02/pl_print_conspiracy
My work for the ages….
Are you kidding me? Michael Jackson’s death was a total sham! Think about it! Everyone knows that Celebs never die untimely deaths!. And have you noticed that Bankers has started to act very strangely? They obviously don’t want this story getting out. I mean, what would happen if people began asking why did his skin turn white? Well, they may be able to fool the sheeple, but the members of fluoride is controlling our minds aren’t swallowing their story. Look, don’t take it from me; the Sham-Wow Guy is convinced as well. But we have to act fast, because Look at what just happened to Corey Haim. I just wanted you to be aware of this, in case I disappear.
LikeLike
Happy birthday to scribe! Wish he could be around. One great guy!
LikeLike
Oh yeah, I forgot, happy B Day Scribe! 🙂
LikeLike
Great site Ber, I will attach that one with my campaign speech generator.
I keep waiting for the rain to begin… The SUV needs a bath after the trip south but why go to the trouble when mother nature is just going to undo it all. Been piddling around the house today, trying to
lookstay busy but my heart is just not in it. Not that I don’t have plenty of things that I could do. Maybe a nap is in order, sure seems to work for the cat…Josie is taking her daughters out to dinner later on so it will just be Miss Kitty and I at home tonight. Hope the ballgame is on. Baseball is my personal alternative programing to Idol… In spite of the networks’ best effort to throw in the towel to Idol, I have manged not to watch any of it so far this season. Hurrah for HD-DVRs…
Now baseball… I sent a suggestion that the Braves supply a sock called “Blister Guard” to all the players this year. They are like any other cotton sock except they have a Teflon toe and heel. Absolutely will prevent blisters. The army started issuing them to soldiers to reduce blisters from long hikes. DuPont gave some of them out to the employees and man, did those things work great. Only about $8.00 a pair but if you have trouble from blisters they will solve your problems. And no, I don’t get a commission… Just know they work. And you can’t wear the dang things out either…
LikeLike
Chris!!!! (((hugs))) 😀 ( I didn’t leave the crumbs, I’m compulsively tidy.)
Happy Birthday to our Scribe.
Gil, you haven’t missed much on Idol. This week was far & away the best so maybe they’ve finally gotten the hang of it.
LikeLike
The first baby eagle hatched today! Two more to go.
LikeLike
Man, phone lines were down much of today(and therefore DSL)
Chinese could take over our country in about an hour if they knocked out the power grid. I’d be as bad as anyone, sad to say.
LikeLike
Dang… Got woke up this morning by a cramp in my right calf… Owowowowowowow… Now, I have to figure out what is causing it. Talk about walking funny….
So, Braves rained out last night. No make up game for spring training…
LikeLike
Gil, I hate when that happens. Does it help you to point your toes back at you?(For want of a better description) It’s something I only found out about a few years ago. Sure seems like the wrong thing to do…Don’t get the cramps like I used to…
V, give us some baseball news already! I’m dying here!
They even took baseball tonight off of espn for the stoopid college basketball stuff that is on each and every espn channel…
LikeLike
OK… how about this:
Mark Bowman tweets that if today’s game is played (weather issues), Prado will bat leadoff and McLouth in the second spot. Might see same arrangement Saturday.
Could this be a portent (FOB?) of the regular season?
I believe that if Bobby feels Prado can bat leadoff (he had a .358 OBP last season, but only drew 36 walks), he’d drop McClouth to 7th or 8th in the lineup. No way JHey bats below 6th.
LikeLike
Today is Dale Murphy’s birthday.
Happy 54th, Murph! 😀
LikeLike
Ahh, thanks V! 😉
Interesting…I don’t know why, but this lineup often seems to be be lacking a leadoff guy (remember Marcus Giles?)
Yunel has only 29 homers in 3 years in the bigs. But, I think everyone thinks of him as an RBI guy(76 last year) but he or Prado would make more sense than Nate, IMO. Of course I understand why Nate has batted leadoff, but really, he hasn’t stolen more than 23 bases in any season.
Did ya know he had 46 doubles in 2008? I didn’t til I just saw that.
And V, I sure hope JHey doesn’t bat 7th or 8th, but Schafer batted 8th, which has to be really tough on a rookie.
Hopefully, since Bobby clearly senses he’s not the typical 20 year old, he will put him whereever it’s best to play him!
LikeLike
Hot off the press tweet from Mr. O’B:
Doesn’t look like Braves are going to announce anything until at least noon, and Pirates are on their way. But it’s raining harder now.
LikeLike
Man, all of the sudden, mozilla got verrrrrrry sllllllllooooowwww.
Pandora radio stopped, couldn’t copy or paste what I had typed, but see the post went through, and after closing the windows, all is well now.
LikeLike
Ber, I have found that sometimes I have to use the ctrl/Alt/Del on my Foxfire application to clear the memory build up. Not sure why it does that. Then I reopen it an it’s fine. All I can say is “It’s a computer!!!!”
And Toyota thinks their computers don’t develop glitched?
Like I said, my Mom’s ’81 ElDorado did the same thing…
Looks like no game again today. While it was plenty cold in Florida last week, at least it was dry.
LikeLike
Ber, with what I perceive to be the opening day starting lineup, I would go with this:
1- N8 (L) I think he’ll be fine…
2- Yunel (R)
3- Chipper (S)
4- Glaus (R)
5- JHey (L)
6- Mac (L)
7- Prado (R)
8- Matty/Melky
I might switch Mac and JHey… can’t decide…
It’s really a pretty darn solid lineup.
LikeLike
And I might switch the M/M platoon with Prado, depending on who’s hot…
LikeLike
Pretty good lineup, I was going to ask why you would put JHey ahead of Mac, but then I thought, to protect him????
LikeLike
The biggest reason I’d put JHey ahead of Mac is that I expect JHey to play every day, and I expect Mac to get a day off once a week. I like consistency in the middle of my lineup.
LikeLike
JJ got in his scheduled 2 inning before the bottom dropped out in “sunny” Central Florida. 7 hitters, 6 outs (leadoff single in the 2nd). No problems, no pain. All good.
Meanwhile, Troy Glaus’ streak of 8 consecutive singles was broken in the 1st inning. He drew a walk. I think I am going to like Troy Glaus.
(How’m I doin’, Ber?)
LikeLike
Well, apparently while none of the Grapefruit league pitchers have had much success keeping JHey off the bases, God has no such problem. JHey had just stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 2nd when the frog-strangling rains began. That’ll do it…
LikeLike
4-stars today, V! 😀
LikeLike
Well, it appears that Miss Josie managed to bring back a flu bug of some type from Florida. Might possibly be from two days of wind and cold… 😦 Occupational hazard? Do I qualify for workman’s comp CL?
LikeLike
Someone on the blog across the street ask DOB if Troy was fit as he appeared a bit “heavy” from a photo in the AJC… I don’t care if he looks like Prince Fielder as long as he continues to hit.. What an idiot…
LikeLike
You got it, Gil! Also, Co-Q-10 and B12 tablets will help with the leg cramps. Works for both Kelly and me. (Lowest cost I’ve found locally is at Sam’s.)
“I don’t care if he looks like Prince Fielder as long as he continues to hit” AMEN!
LikeLike
Gil, I was just looking at your great ST pics again. Who is the tall guy with the umps in photo 2? And the ballboy in the background of (3 maybe?) looks like he’s closely related to LaRoche.
GREAT PICS! Love how you caught the ambiance of the stadium itself. And the little peek into the broadcast booth was terrific!
LikeLike
Yes, Gil…
If somewhere along the way I failed to tell you how awesome those pics, are… well, they are.
I still long to make it down there one spring, but for now I can live vicariously through your very descriptive accounts and terrific pictures.
Thanks again.
LikeLike
I hope it’s not the stomach virus that’s been running rampant down here, Gil. Very nasty stuff.
LikeLike
Picture #2 is of none other than old #3 Dale Murphy. It was tough getting a better picture of him as the umps kept getting in the way.
The ball boy you see over Huddy’s shoulder didn’t make any friends down there. At least not with the fans. He was very stingee with the foul balls. The players (not named Chipper Jones) went out of their way to be friendly,however, giving out balls and bats and signing things. I was particularly impressed with Heyward. Absolutely no attitude. Signed autographs for as long as there was someone asking.
LikeLike
Murphy! Wow, I didn’t recognize him! He must have had the mole removed from his face – or it just didn’t show at that angle.
You have no idea how much I’d love to get down there one of these years! They’d have to chase me out with a stick when they were turning off the lights! 😆
I can see a Heyward-signed ball on my cabinet now! Or maybe not. By the time I get down there he’ll be in the HOF or somewhere. NYY? Lord, I hope not!!! His agent is – Boras?? Dunno.
LikeLike
I was just looking over some of the other 400 pictures I took. I am going to send some more to you.
LikeLike
Okay, you’ve got mail CL… Some pics of Wagner and Diaz and others.
LikeLike
Surprizingly, Boras is not Heyward agent… yet…
LikeLike
Nice little write up by Bowman on Brooks Conrad…
The kid doesn’t mind getting his uniform dirty. He is not the most graceful guy on the field but what he lacks in talent, he makes up in moxie. I hope he makes the team..
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100312&content_id=8773158&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
LikeLike
Interesting piece on Andruw Jones. Lost 25 pounds while working out in Scott Boras’s fat camp. I guess there is something to being hungry… I’m sure Scott is not going to continue to represent Andruw if he is only going to command minor league money. I still have to laugh at the Dodgers for throwing their money away on him a couple of years ago.
LikeLike
Would help if I pasted the link, huh…? DUH!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-spt-0308-white-sox-chicago–20100307,0,4929919.story
LikeLike
Good morning!
Gil, thanks for the pics! I’ll get them up shortly.
Aaaaand HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our own RAISINS!!!! What is it, V – 29? Again? 😆 Have a great one, my friend!
LikeLike
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN… ROCK ON!!!
LikeLike
Gil’s additional Day 3 photos are posted!
LikeLike
Hey CL.. Thanks, That lefty pitching is Wagner, Hinski in the cages.
LikeLike
Been busy trying to save data off the daughter’s computer. I don’t know how they managed to get it so screwed up. Ended up having to reformat the hard drive. Did all I know to save it in tact. And somehow lost data to my Quicken program. At least I only have a couple of days to reenter…
LikeLike
Very nice photos Gil! I didn’t know Freeman was white. Weird, obviously doesn’t really matter, just assumed….
LikeLike
And Happy Birthday V!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Ber, There is a reason they call ’em “Salt & Pepper” 🙂
LikeLike
Happy Birthday VOR!!!! (((hug)))
LikeLike
I know what you mean, Ber. You hear “Jason Heyward & Freddie Freeman” and are told 1 is white and 1 is black, the first guess would be the opposite of which they actually are. I know it sounds kind of bad but it’s what you assume based on typical names.
LikeLike
Whew… There is a legitimate reason computer folks charge so much
LikeLike
Gil, Hope you are charging your Daughter by the hour! 😉
LikeLike
Ber, it’s kind of like trying to deduct your imaginary wage from doing volunteer work off your taxes… By the time you claim the imaginary income, you end up paying very real money in taxes… So…
I’m just glad I can do it. I finally just bought her a new 320 meg hard drive and added more memory.
Also kept getting the blue screen of death because of a conflict between microsoft and the video card drivers. Takes about 15 seconds to fix the problem, takes several hours to figure out what the problem is… and why it decided to show up.
Now thunder sounding in the distance… Spring might just be officially here now.
LikeLike
Gil, it was 60+ yesterday morning, then it got windy, rainy and cold(ish) low 50’s in the afternoon…a sure sign of spring. Now they are talking about several days in the 50’s again. Yuck!
Has this not been the longest winter ever??? Not just from a weather standpoint, but even with the playoffs lasting into Nov. I swear it feels like 9 months since I saw any baseball.
April 5th seems like 2 months away….get here already!
LikeLike
Ber, have you had any experience with converting MP4 files to MP3s? I have a bunch of music (off daughter’s computer) hey, you have to make it worth your while… Anyway, they have a bunch of IPods but I use an old fashion MP3 players. I know there are programs that are available to perform the task but hate to download a problem if you know what I mean…
And baseball… Split squad game. I wonder how you can tell the difference?
LikeLike
Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes.
I am truly blessed by your friendship. 🙂
LikeLike
Raisins… Happy, Happy Birthday!!!
Tried to update myself on happenings in spring training on the blog across the street and got a headache. Wish there was a program that allowed you to sift out all the nuts. Oh well, I shall continue to scroll and take aspirin.
Lead off hitter seems to be our biggest worry. Well, at least it’s my biggest worry of the spring. I’m a big fan of Nate and want to seem him start squaring up the ball. Maybe, just maybe, he’s seeing the ball too good. Will take him quite a few at bats to work it out.
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
Gil, the program I mostly use for ripping and converting is CDex which is very easy to use and extremely reliable.
http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=CDex&searchtype=downloads
(I make a lot of my own CDs.)
But it doesn’t do MP4s – I don’t think.
Anyhow, this one looks like it would do what you want:
http://www.maniactools.com/soft/m4a-to-mp3-converter/index.shtml
LikeLike
Berigan… Happy Birthday Bro… 🙂 Hope you have a great day..
LikeLike
Thanks CL…
LikeLike
Yes EP.. McLouth has become McLost at the plate. Seeing the ball so well he is thinking about things he never worried about before. Pitch recognition, pitch location etc… Needs to stop thinking and just hit.
LikeLike
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BER!!!
LikeLike
Ever think our life is like this sometimes?
http://www.thedoghousediaries.com/?p=1306
LikeLike
Happy BERthday!!!
😀
LikeLike
Thanks Everyone!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
V, good one!!!!
LikeLike
Gil, that is FUNNY!!! And – true?? 😆
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Ber!!! (((hug)))
Wow, we have a lot of bithdays this month.
LikeLike
The March of birthdays, so to speak…
LikeLike
My dad use to always tell me, “beware the Idas of March”… 🙂
LikeLike
Braves first round of cuts made today:
Right-handed pitchers Steve Marek, James Parr, Todd Redmond, Erik Cordier, Chris Resop, James Abreu and Kyle Cofield; left-handed pitchers Mike Minor, Lee Hyde and Jose Ortegano; catchers Braeden Schlehuber and Jesus Sucre, and outfielder Cody Johnson.
LikeLike
Well I’ll be dipped…Look what site ain’t blocked at work anymore. 👿 Did I miss anything?
LikeLike
You might check out my spring training pictures HB.
Welcome back by the way…
LikeLike
HB!!!!! Wassup Brutha!!!
Great to see you, er, uh, hear, uh… see the results of your typing again!!!
LikeLike
Hillbilly! You are a welcome sight for sore eyes! WELCOME BACK!!!
LikeLike
Ber… Happy Birthday!!! Lots of really cool people born in March. This really cool person wishes it would warm up already! I’m ready for some baseball. We’re planning a trip to Atlanta on 18 April for a Sunday afternoon game against the Rockies. The way this winter is going there will be snow. Can’t wait!
LikeLike
Happy (belated) birthday roll-call greetings to:
Wildcat
Sscribe
Raisins
Berigan
and….an on-time greeting to Hillbilly, who has come in from the fog!
Did I miss anyone?
Nice photos, Gil!
OK, back to the grind…see ya in…a month, or so? Cheers, all!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Hillbilly, so glad you could mark another one off the wall…
LikeLike
HB to HB!!! 😀
LikeLike
Interesting note from Mr. O’B this morning, in response to someone’s comment on Xavier Nady:
Braves had Xavier Nady atop their free-agent list… until their doc saw the MRI. The team’s doctor who checked it out said the MRI of his twice TJ’d elbow raised red flags. 😯
Wow… yet the Cubs still gave him #3.3MM plus another possible $2MM in incentives. The guy has not seen one inning in the field yet this spring.
Then again, Oakland’s uber-genius Billy Beane gave Ben Sheets $10MM…
You did see Sheets’ line yesterday, right? 10 batters faced, 9 runs, 8 hits, 1 BB, 1 error (made by Sheets himself), 0 outs.
I like our team. I like our GM, and how he constructed our team.
LikeLike
Good to be back. Thanks all. Good pics Gil.
VOR, with the extremely high success rate of TJ surgery these days, it makes you wonder if XN is rehabbing like he’s supposed to. Seems a bit beyond the norm to me.
LikeLike
I was able to watch the game last night via MASN. Lowe looked really good. Like the guy I saw pitch against Washington two weeks ago. I was pretty impresses with the movement of his two seamer which tailed away from leftys. Reminded me of the way Maddux’s pitches moved.
Washington is a team in transition right now. I do hope they can put together a good enough team to win some games against the rest of the NL East instead of just the Braves.
McLouth looked better at the plate last night. Maybe he is figuring some things out. I sure hope so.
Prado looks like he is ready to go. He sure doesn’t let any pitcher’s mistakes get past him.
Going to be tough for Bobby to decide between Joe Thurston and Brooks Conrad. I hope he doesn’t let Hank Arron make the pick.
Dibble said on TV that one of the scouts told him that in two to three years, Heyward would be the best player in the National League. I can see that as a possibility.
LikeLike
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HILLBILLY!
Hey, Salty! Missed ya!
LikeLike
A comment about Ben Sheets’ line… John Smoltz saying.. SEE?! I wasn’t so bad…
LikeLike
Yep, HB, TJ is pretty routine these days… but twice? That’s alot tougher. I wish him all the best, but dang…
As to Sheets, tough to put too much stock in spring numbers. Just ask N8. 😉
LikeLike
Seriously, though, with pitchers especially you can’t point too closely to their spring numbers. Many are working on things like specific pitches, location, etc. They aren’t really concerned about getting “outs” as much as they are about getting “results”. My guess is that Sheets was simply working on making pitches, period. He got his work in, and being still kind of close to his surgery, that was as important as anything.
In fact, I’ll go on record as saying that his ERA will definitely go down from yesterday. I mean, you can’t go up from ∞, can you? 😀
LikeLike
I hadn’t heard anything about Mike Hampton in a while and did a quick Google search. From Wikipedia:
“On September 15, 2009, Hampton underwent full rotator cuff surgery to repair a tear and will miss the entire 2010 season.”
Guess nothing has changed.
LikeLike
Thanks FBG, and Wildcat!
Well got not one, but two free meals yesterday!
My ol’ boss from waldenbooks took me to Olivegarden for lunch, then Dad took me to Outback!
Yet I am hungry right now. 😉
Wow, a hillbilly siting! I would have lost some money cuz I almost made a bet here saying what are the odds of HB signing in on his B Day! Never bet on anything less than a sure thing.
Oh, I watched yesterday’s baseball tonight, and Dick Vitale and Bobby Knight were making baseball picks and both picked the braves as their dark horse picks. Of course, it seemed mainly to do with Bobby Cox, but still…gotta take what you can get!
LikeLike
Well, I have not shared alot of political views here lately, but I have to share this one…
Neil Boortz has this on his web site today:
Let me share with you a portion of an email I received from a long-time member of the House of Representatives. Here’s a look at process… and you’re not going to like what you see:
“It is official: the President and the Speaker have decided to ram a health care bill through the Congress this week. The first step for this newly introduced 2,300 page bill is for it to be rushed through the Budget Committee this afternoon. As you saw if you clicked on the link to the bill, the legislation is moving so fast that it hasn’t even been assigned a bill number yet.
While you can read this new bill here [link], it won’t be worth your time. Why? Because these 2,300 pages aren’t even the 2,300 pages that the President and Speaker Pelosi want us to vote on. That’s right: the pages that they want us to vote on haven’t even been completed yet. The bill that the Budget Committee is working on is simply a placeholder because the Speaker is still working out new language. The plan, we’re told, is that Budget Committee will finish its work today [actually yesterday being Monday] to move the process along and then tomorrow [actually today being Tuesday] –likely deep into the night–the Rules Committee will take up the bill. The Rules Committee will completely erase the 2,300 pages approved by the Budget Committee and insert thousands of entirely new pages into the bill. Don’t worry, though: the Speaker has promised us at least 1 hour to read those several thousand new pages before the Rules Committee votes. No, I’m not laughing either.
Obviously, this is not the way that any bill should be considered in Congress, butt his is definitely not the way to handle something as important as health care reform and something so enormous that it accounts for almost 20% of our entire economy.”
Wow…
LikeLike
But wait, there’s more. Here’s how it will work:
The public pressure on the Democrat House members (is) intense. Many are telling Princess Pelosi that they just can’t vote for this monstrosity [ObamaCare]… if they do, they’ll be kicked out of office by angry voters. [Let’s pray they are!]
So .. what we need here is a way to get this bill passed without jeopardizing the political careers of reluctant Dems. If they could just pass the bill without actually voting on it everything might work out. But how do you do that?
This is where the “Deem and Pass” rule comes into effect. Princess Pelosi has ordered her chairwhatever of the House Rules Committee to create a “rule” for the Senate ObamaCare bill that would allow it to become law without house members actually having to put themselves on the record by voting. Louise Slaughter, the Rules Committee Czarina, has done just that. It’s called a “self-executing rule,” or “Deem and Pass.”
Here’s how it will work:
If you’ve been paying attention you will know that the plan up until the last few days was for the House to simply pass the Senate Bill as it stands and send it to The Community Organizer for his signature. Then the House and the Senate would get together and agree on some fixes to the new law and pass them by majority votes in both chambers. Well … that’s not working any more. House Democrats are frightened. So the new Pelosi Plan is to have the House and the Senate pass the fixes without the House actually voting on the Senate bill. Buried in the fixes – which would be rammed through the Senate with 51 votes – would be a little clause which states that the House will have been “deemed to have passed” the Senate bill. So … ta da! The Senate bill and the fixes become law without the frightened House members actually having to vote on the Senate bill!
Nancy Pelosi is actually going to give the congress all of 60 minutes to read this bill before it gets voted on. This is how the Democrats seize control of almost 20 percent of the American economy.
😡
LikeLike
So… Does this mean that when the Republicans re-take control of Congress, they will be able to deem and pass legislation to their heart’s content? Sounds more and more like a Banana Republic to me. How long before Obama starts wearing fatigues?
LikeLike
In less depressing news… This just in, John Smotz to the broadcast booth…
http://www.ajc.com/sports/john-smoltz-to-the-374925.html
LikeLike
Now that is good news…
LikeLike
Great news! I recall that when JS (recovering from surgery) sat in the booth a few times with Skip and whoever that Skip made the comment that he (JS) would do well in a booth when his career was done.
POLITICS: On Pelosi’s plot: when the Republicans regain control of Congress in the coming months, this faux-legislation can be reversed, can it not?
I can see suits being filed now on constitutionality, can’t you?
The Unholy Three should be impeached. Strictly IMO, you understand.
LikeLike
I hope some of you folks got a chance to watch a bit of the Braves game today on Sports South/MLB channel. Tom Glavin was in the booth and he makes a pretty nice buffer between Joe Simpson and Chip Carey.
Team looked good today. I was a bit late turning it on so I did not witness the first inning debacle by JJ. Got his head in the game by the second inning and looked good.
Wags tossed one 101mph today… that will elicit a few oohs and ahs from the denizens.
Several interviews today during the game. If nothing else, the Braves have some very articulate folks on the team. Matty Diaz has a very witty sense of humor.
LikeLike
Be sure and check out Peter Moylan’s outtakes for a promo.. My belly is hurting from laughing so hard.
http://www.foxsportssouth.com/pages/video?PID=jexSm0ru8RvtvyMcKKelJXljsi2mQVCQ
LikeLike
So funny, Gil! Wags was right in there, wasn’t he?! Glad you found that!
LikeLike
What’s funny is Peter could not even get it straight while reading the script. I guess he has no career in politics because it does not appear he can read a teleprompter.
The game tomorrow in Jupiter is suppose to be televised too.
LikeLike
ooh… ah…
LikeLike
All right…. Looks as if tomorrow’s game will be televise on Sports South for all you folks that live in the Braves territory and will be on MLB TV for the rest of us. Game time is 1 PM.
I think Huddy is scheduled to pitch tomorrow.
LikeLike
Not a Brave, but a young man of character…the kind we pull for, regardless of uniform.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-jimenez031510
LikeLike
Great story there Salty….
LikeLike
You have to root for good guys no matter who they play for. It is why I hate to blindly root for a team, country etc… Hate to be rooting for a scum bag….
And speaking of scum bags… I told the wife that I think I’ll boycott watching the Masters this year on principle.
LikeLike
Really nice story, Salty. Character. Invaluable.
LikeLike
Yep, Gil… I am sooooo tired of hearing all of the crap about how good it will be for him, for golf, etc.
When did willfully being a turd make you a victim? I will cheer loudly every time he misses a shot. It’ll be interesting to see if the media darling continues to get the same pass he has always gotten for breaking the traditional decorum of golf by swearing, losing his temper, etc. His fellow golfers have already started sharing their frustration with his behavior ON the course.
We don’t even have to discuss his behavior OFF the course…
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Hillbilly! Good to see you!
LikeLike
Good game today, once JJ settled in. I loved Matty’s interview. He cracks me up.
My dad is going to the Masters ( a practice round specifically) with his buddies, not to see any particular golfer but to see the course in person. That said, he shares y’alls’ opinion of the weasel & would probably be happier if he chose to sit it out this year.
LikeLike
It’s my opinion that we as a nation have become a bunch of co-dependent enablers for bad behavior. It disgust me. As for Tiger Woods, well, the PGA and CBS are just two more of his whores. No principles, only concerned about their ratings and the all mighty dollar.
What is it that makes us as a nation so obsessed with this sort of bad behavior? I am not perfect nor do I profess to be but I am not out there trying to sell myself as a role model.
The only thing I can do personally is refuse to support these folks endeavors.
LikeLike
Happy St. Patty’s to ya!
LikeLike
Weather forecast is not promising for today’s game in Jupiter. It is the other “H” guy pitching today… Tommy Hanson.
Question? When St Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland, where did they go? Into politics? Just asking…. With apologies to the snakes….
LikeLike
As all good Irish folk do, I am having a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast. If I was truly Irish, I’d be having it with Guinness. But that would lead to an entirely new “green” experience…
LikeLike
Okay, gotta snap out of this negative vibe today…. Sun is shining, birds are singing… Cold though… really really cold…. 🙂
LikeLike
I was always told by my mom that her daddy’s folks (the Monroes) were run out of Ireland for fighting, arrived in this country with a boatload of horses , likely stolen (her words). 🙂 May be true maybe not, I have found all sorts of links to the “Old Country” via genealogy searches. Miss Josie, who it turns out is 7/8th native American says that we can all go back from where we came and take our beads with us…
LikeLike
My Dad’s line is from the Worcestershire section of England. My Mom’s line is from Germany.
Henceforth, I would like to be referred to as a European-American.
LikeLike
Very funny…
http://blogs.ajc.com/mike-luckovich/2010/03/16/march-17-cartoon/
LikeLike
One one side of my family are Padrick, Carney, King, Moore and Smith – all from Ireland. The other side was here when the Europeans arrived. I agree with Miss Josie. (GREAT LINE!)
LikeLike
Gil that clip was funny! I felt sorry for him though. He seemed to do it well enough at first( I honestly didn’t notice whatever he had backwards) and he kept getting worse! Yikes!
V, for once Luckovich is funny!
Nice to be able to read whole Peter Gammons columns again.
More interesting, IMO after the LaRussa stuff. He sure likes the jerk coaches in sports. Winners, true, but still jerks in my book.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100315&content_id=8802418&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
LikeLike
Braves lineup today:
1. N8 CF
2. Marteeen 2B
3. Chipper 3B
4. Glaus 1B
5. Mac C
6. Yunel SS
7. JHey RF
8. MattyD LF
I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the regular season lineup…
LikeLike
Quote from the esteemed Irish writer, David O’Brien:
By the way, Heyward added to legend today in BP: He hit a ball out in right-center field that went completely over the Cardinals’ office building. At least 480, and that’s probably conservative estimate. Granted, it was BP. But it was epic.
This is gonna be a fun year…
LikeLike
7. JHey RF
8. MattyD LF
I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the regular season lineup.
V on the 12th…
No way JHey bats below 6th.
Getting ready for politics Mr. V??? 😉
LikeLike
Uh… I was taken out of context. Yeah, that was it, taken out of context…
😀
LikeLike
LikeLike
Tommy made some pretty good pitched today against the Fish. That said, Clay Hensley, the second Marlins pitcher today looked pretty good too. Going to be a fun year in the East.
LikeLike
Hope y’all had a nice St. Patrick’s Day. I have some Irish on both Mom & Dad’s sides of the family, mixed with many other lineages. Guess I would be a Czech-Italian-Irish-German-Dutch-English-Welsh-Swiss(French)-American. I should put that on the census. There’s probably more that I don’t know, we know virtually nothing about my paternal grandfather’s family.
LikeLike
coffee… must have coffee…
LikeLike
Still going green I see….
LikeLike
That picture of me would not be so sad if I were wearing sunglasses….
LikeLike
POLITICAL
What the Comedians are saying about Obama:
The liberals are asking us to give Obama time. We agree . . . and think 25 to life would be appropriate. Leno
America needs Obama-care like Nancy Pelosi needs a Halloween mask. Leno
Q: Have you heard about McDonald’s’ new Obama Value Meal?
A: Order anything you like and the guy behind you has to pay for it. Conan O’Brien
Q: What does Barack Obama call lunch with a convicted felon?
A: A fund raiser. Leno
Q: What’s the difference between Obama’s cabinet and a penitentiary?
A: One is filled with tax evaders, blackmailers and threats to society. The other is for housing prisoners. Letterman
Q: If Nancy Pelosi and Obama were on a boat in the middle of the ocean and it started to sink, who would be saved?
A: America ! Fallon
Q: What’s the difference between Obama and his dog, Bo?
A: Bo has papers. Kimmel
Q: What was the most positive result of the “Cash for clunkers” program?
A: It took 95% of the Obama bumper stickers off the road.Letterman
LikeLike
I don’t know about you folks but I’m ready to change back…
LikeLike
That’s me right beside you, Gil. He ‘doesn’t worry himself with procedures’ – in other words, he has total disregard for the foundation of this nation. Wasn’t there something in that oath he took about defending and protecting the Constitution of the United States?? He couldn’t care less if he (and Pelosi et al) rip it to shreds.
LikeLike
If anybody cares, there are three little fluffy white eaglets in the nest now. (Link up on the right – Eagle Cam)
LikeLike
Two women were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a
while one looks at the other and says, ‘I can’t help but
think, from listening to you, that you’re from Ireland .’
The other woman responds proudly, ‘Yes, I sure am!’
The first one says, ‘So am I! And where about in Ireland
are ya from ?’
The other woman answers, ‘I’m from St. John’s , I am.’
The first one responds, ‘So, am I!! And what street
did you live on?’
The other woman says, ‘A lovely little area, it was in the
west end. I lived on Warbury Street in the old central part
of town.’
The first one says, ‘Faith and it’s a small world. So did
I! So did I! And what school did ya go to?’
The other woman answers, ‘Well now, I went to Holy Heart of
Mary, of course.’
The first one gets really excited and says, ‘And so did I.
Tell me, what year did you graduate?’
The other woman answers, ‘Well, now, let’s see. I graduated
in 1979.’
The first woman exclaims, ‘The Good Lord must be smiling
down upon us ! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding
up in the same pub tonight. Can you believe it, I graduated
from Holy Heart of Mary in 1979 me self.’
About this time, Michael walks into the bar, sits down and
orders a beer.
Brian, the bartender, walks over to Michael, shaking his
head and mutters, ‘It’s going to be a long night tonight.’
Michael asks, ‘ Why do you say that, Brian?’
Brian answers, ‘The Murphy twins are drunk again.’
LikeLike
Murphy twins… 😆
LikeLike
Salty, terrific!! 😆 😆
LikeLike
Buster Olney:
“The velocity of Baltimore closer Mike Gonzalez has been down noticeably this spring, according to evaluators: in the range of 85-86 mph. “He touched 87 once on my gun,” said an evaluator, “but that was as high as it got.” Power pitchers like Gonzalez build velocity throughout spring training, but it’s unusual that a pitcher who throws in the mid-90s would be at that current range at this time in camp.”
Ouch!!!
And Wagner hit what? 101?
Frank is no dummy…
LikeLike
Chipper hit a bomb today. 450 footer just to remind everyone he is still relevant.
Now, if we can just get Nate on the right path, anyone know if Chipper’s dad is available as a hitting coach?
LikeLike
N8 better look over his shoulder at Melky, who just seems to find a way to get on base. I think he’s on a mission to prove he’s more than just a throw-in with a prized prospect.
LikeLike
He may be a bit long in the tooth – but he can still bite!
LikeLike
V, I think Bobby notices that about players, too. Runners on base = scoring opportunities.
LikeLike
What I’m trying to figure out is what is it that Nate is doing different. This started last season after he returned from the DL.
That said, he could put together 20 good at bats to end spring training and all this would be a bad memory.
Other former Braves who are having a pretty good spring are Kelly Johnson, Adam LaRoache, Andruw Jones, Willie Harris and Ryan Church. Not sure about Francoeur but then I have not heard and negatives on him.
I still maintain that Terry Pendleton is not a good hitting coach.
LikeLike
Yes Raisins, if we the everyday fan can see it, I’m sure that Wren and Co notice it too. Bobby won’t throw Nate under the bus quite yet but he can afford to wait only so long before he too has to do something.
Not like the kid is the face of the franchise or anything. Sometimes a player just doesn’t work out.
LikeLike
You can always hide him down in the order and flip flop between Melky and Diaz leading off. A role that I think either could fill pretty well. I think Prado works better in the 2 hole than anybody else. Escobar would really flourish batting sixth. Heyward could bat 2nd too depending if there were a lefty or righty pitching and if Diaz or Melky were leading off.
LikeLike
Thurston and Conrade are really making it tough for bobby to pick that final bench spot. Both are having really good springs.
LikeLike
What I meant about Heyward batting second is that he could flip flop with Prado between the two hole and hitting seventh. I think Heyward would see better pitches hitting 2nd though.
LikeLike
Bottom line… I have not yet given up on McLouth but I am concerned. Nate simply has not been making solid contact this spring.
LikeLike
Back from stomach virus rehab and I have a couple of thoughts:
1. VOR, seems like I remember Mike Gonzalez’s velocity being low at the beginning of ST last year and we were all concerned. He claimed that he usually keeps it mild until the last week or so of ST and then he dials it up. I wouldn’t count him out just yet.
2. I post on a Razorback message board, and one of the members is currently working on the grounds crew at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL. I asked him for a first-hand report on Heyward when they passed through. Here is his response:
“Kid is a beast. Put on a show during BP. The weather today kept me from being able to watch the game due to the need to be ready to pull the tarp at a moment’s notice. He’s huge though. I was impressed. Only BP so far that has been more impressive was Mike Stanton from the Marlins who was putting them on the roof of the clubhouses. Mike Morse from the Nationals can also crush the ball.”
LikeLike
Mornin’, y’all!
I can’t wait to see Heyward in regular season play. I just hope and pray that we – all of us – aren’t putting too much pressure on him!
LikeLike
Pressure… nah.
He can handle it. After all, he’s a future HOF’er. You know… and the whole team’s 2010 fortunes depend on him. Yeah, I know he’s only 20, but that’s 140 in dog years, ya know? He’ll be fine. So a kid like him only comes along once in a lifetime… so what..?
He’s no different than any other prospect… that has been compared to Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter.
I mean, all of our kids are being watched and talked about by national media, right? What makes him different..?
No biggie. He can handle it. It’s just baseball. It’s just a kid’s game played by grown men… and some kid named JHey.
LikeLike
Spot on, V!
LikeLike
Compared to Hammerin’ Hank and Junior Griffey…
LikeLike
…as well…forgot that part!
LikeLike
No Heyward feats of daring do tonight as the Braves and Tigers play to a 4-4 stand off in 10 innings.
Scott Proctor looked sharp in his one inning of work. Another check mark for the Bravos if he can stay healthy.
LikeLike
Two chickens walk up to the circulation desk at a public library and say, “BukBukBUK.” The librarian decides that they want three books and gives them to them. The chickens leave.
A while later, the chickens return and say “BukBukBUKKOOK!” The librarian gives them three more books and the chickens leave again.
Later still, the chickens return looking somewhat annoyed and repeat the “BukBukBukBukooook!” The suspicious librarian gives them the books but decides to follow them.
The chickens go straight to the nearby park and start throwing the books at a frog in the pond to which the frog was saying, “Rrredit, Rrredit, Rredit…”
LikeLike
Good one CL 🙂
LikeLike
yep! 😀
Ok, are use guys ready for the greatest performer….ever???
http://trololololololololololo.com/
LikeLike
OMG Ber…. Where do you find these?
LikeLike
Do you think he needed a cue card to remember the lyrics?
LikeLike
Gil, honest I don’t go out of my way to find ’em, they find me! 😉
Good question, about the cue cards!
LikeLike
Daily Braves post.
(Wow, that was full of insight and info, wasn’t it?)
LikeLike
Report on Nate McLouth on hitting in the minor league camp today, 2 singles, a double and a walk in 6 plate appearances but he said best of all, he was able to hit he ball hard. To be honest, not a lot of difference between the pitching in either camp so good news. Is able to get an at bat every inning if desired.
Maybe Terry Pendleton was not there… Okay, I know, that was bad….
LikeLike
Gil, Gil, Gil…everyone knows TP is a great hitting coach. Just look at the great work he did with Frenchy before he left, and Chipper last year, and umm….ok. You comment was bad, but very true! 😉
LikeLike
Well, as I am sure most of us expected, healthcare “reform” has passed. Amazing how many votes you can buy with someone elses money.
I gave up my insurance last year as it was just too expensive for me….so, where do I sign up for the swell free insurance??? What??? I have to have insurance now??? I can’t afford it! Oh, you guys will be footing the bill??? Cool, thanks guys and gals! You shouldn’t have!
Well, my back has been bothering me a bit…so, when will I get this insurance???? 2014???? Oh well, might as well call and make an appointment now….after a third of the doctors quit or retire, and people like me, and all the illegals get this too, the waiting time is going to be a bit longer….
LikeLike
Yes Ber, I too suspect I will be part of the problem rather than part of the solution. I know first hand however who will game the system. The same folks who already have their hand out.
So, only thing to do is get in line with the rest of the malcontents. Having been in the union, I already know how to become an automaton and check my brain at the door.
And that’s all I have to say about that….
LikeLike
Amazing, isn’t it? When private lobbyists pander for and buy votes, we call it a travesty and a scandal.
When the White House does it, we call it reform.
Elections have consequences.
For the first time in my life, I am embarrassed to be an American.
LikeLike
So on a Sunday, when they should have been at church on their knees seeking guidance, they were in session, ramming this monstrosity down our throat on a day that they hoped we weren’t looking. Shameful. Typical.
Instead of seeking God, they were playing God.
Here is the list of thieves and robbers:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/22/house-roll-health-care-overhaul/
LikeLike
The Major Causes for the Fall of the Roman Empire:
-Antagonism between the Senate and the Emperor
-Decline in Morals
-Political Corruption and the Praetorian Guard
-Fast expansion of the Empire
-Constant Wars and Heavy Military Spending
-Barbarian Knowledge of Roman Military Tactics
-Failing Economy
-Unemployment of the Working Classes (The Plebs)
-The ‘Mob’ and the cost of the ‘Games’
-Decline in Ethics and Values
Source – Roman Colosseum.info © 2008
Philosopher George Santayana: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Voice of Raisins: “Well, there goes the neighborhood…”
LikeLike
Most interesting article by DOB if you haven’t already read it:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/03/22/braves-say-newcomers-have-helped-team-unity/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog
LikeLike
Great article, CL… really good…
Wonder who the “weeded out young guy” was Chipper was referring to? (Actually, I don’t have to wonder. It’s pretty obvious.)
LikeLike
Most people never really know what a good job looks like until they have had a bad one to compare it to. That is why experience is such a valuable teacher. One guy can make a difference. That said, I will forgive Frank Wren for all his transgressions if he can deliver a pennant winner this year.
After all, it’s tough winning the Derby if all you own is a bunch of field caliber horses.
Will the Braves finally get a chance to see Francouer Tuesday? or is it Wednesday? I know they are on ESPN 3 days this week. Mets, Phillies and Yanks I think…
LikeLike
ATL vs NYM 1:05
LikeLike
Good morning folks, pretty day here in the heart of the Old Dominion. Calling for thunder storms this evening with possible hail. I guess I should enjoy this day as long as I can. Sigh, doctors appointment today. Time to reload my pain medicine. maybe there is some new wonder drug on the market…. That is legal…. Oh well, sometimes you just have to push through the pain…
On a lighter note, home opener for the Flying Squirrels is nearly sold out. I wasn’t planning on attending that game anyway. I am sure there will be lots of good seats available soon enough. If not in Richmond, there are always seats available in Washington… 🙂
I think the Braves are playing the Nats the first week in May.
LikeLike
‘Morning, Gil! Gorgeous day here, as well! A little chilly.
Have you tried gabapentin? generic for Neurontin. I take it at night and it’s helpful.
Back later!
LikeLike
Ya know… I keep reading that all of these games are broadcast on Braves.com, but I have yet to figure out how to access that.
Anybody know the answer?
LikeLike
Raisins, you have to sign up for the MLB package. I think it cost around $15 bucks a month. It’s not free…
LikeLike
What is anymore..?
LikeLike
Oh, my!
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/03/24/terrorists-use-explosives-breast-implants-crash-planes-experts-warn/
Talk about a bobby-trap!
LikeLike
uh, make that a booby-trap… man, killed the timing on THAT joke… 😳
LikeLike
Man! Talk about cruelty…
I finally stuck a small TV in my office (moved back downstairs a few weeks ago) so that I could put today’s game (on ESPN) on while working. TV is on, works fine, but I can’t find my Dish Network remote for this room. Without it, I can’t “turn on” the receiver or change channels. The TV is on, with a floating “Dish Network” logo moving around on the screen mocking me.
I still have an hour to find the remote…
Work? Who cares? Gotta find the remote!!!
LikeLike
Melky! Leadoff triple!
Dang, N8… you picked a bad year to suck in ST…
LikeLike
Hello… hello…
Echo… echo…
I’m an idiot… you’re an idiot…
😡
LikeLike
B-Mac – 2 for 2 with 2 HR’s…
Not a bad day. Now, go sit down and save some of this for the regular season, OK?
LikeLike
V, 😆
LikeLike
V, it could be a Bobby trap as well…a Jim, Dave, Ralph, Tim, etc trap….
LikeLike
Marteeeeeeen!!!!!
LikeLike
Man, this blog is sloooowwwwww.
So, espn is going to have Ravich, Kruk, and Valentine doing games this year???? 😯
Well, I like Steve Berthiaume , the very biased Red Sox fan much more, anyway. Didn’t like him at first, but he’s really passionate about the Sox, doesn’t try to hide it anymore…and he’s really funny.
I saw Valentine late last year, after they fired Steve Phillips, and I thought he was just horrible. But the more games he does on tv, the less baseball tonight show!
Really wish I could get MLB tv, but alas, I cannot.
LikeLike
Heard Kruk say he asked TP what he does with JHey and that TP said he stays out of his way. Glad to see TP is smart enough to realize not to mess with the kid!
LikeLike
“Man, this blog is sloooowwwwww.” Ber, you know the solution! 😆
LikeLike
Too much Phillie love for my taste… 😐
LikeLike
Oh I don’t know V, they have interviewed Hudson and McCann….and The Phils were in the W.S. last year, and we came in…3rd. (Had to look it up! 😳 )
LikeLike
Notice how I expertly side-stepped CL’s suggestion? 😉
Hey, I did the one before this one! 😉
Braves Win, Braves Win! JHey was interviewed as well….
LikeLike
Rasins, you realize I could create an entire comedy routine from that little Booby Trap routine?
Everything from being the guy from TSA wanting to check for explosive to dynamite sex….
Talk about profiling….
Now baseball… Braves looked very good today. Ignore the announcers, especially when one of them is John Krunk. Doubly when the other is Bobby Valentine.
LikeLike
I nice column on the spring from Tim Kurkjian
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2010/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=5018602
LikeLike
Why does this thing keep logging me out? 😡
Hope y’all enjoyed the Brian McCann Show today. The only bad thing is that I’m sure he won’t make the trip over here tomorrow. Oh well, it’s still my Braves & hanging out with my dad at the ballpark. Probably my last day of rest before baking a large Easter-themed order & bracing for the wedding frenzy to descend upon us.
LikeLike
Have a good time FBG! Can you take/upload pictures???
LikeLike
Have a great time FBG….
LikeLike
Awesome, FBG… sounds just awesome…
Gil, I understand that the TSA has had a whole new wave of applicants seeking jobs as explosives inspectors. I was about to type something else, but I think I’ll just leave this topic alone…
LikeLike
And Ber, any Phillie love is too much Phillie love for me…
LikeLike
V, I understand! 😉
Hey, a DISH network question. My Dad’s best friend is in town, is a huge Kentucky basketball fan, and as I was showing him how to use the remote, he saw something interesting on espn classic, ch 143. Well, he put it on, and what did we see??? It was a channel you could upgrade to! It’s always been free! I have seen channels temporarily go to an extra cost channel, but it’s been a glitch. Can you get espn classic????
We are going to the High Museum this afternoon. to see 18 classic cars from the 30’s, 40s and 50’s. Some are worth more than a million dollars. Heres some info, if anyone(besides Gil, 😉 ) is interested.
http://www.high.org/main.taf?p=3,1,1,17,1
LikeLike
Well, Ber… it seems that I no longer have channel 143 either. And that was ESPN classic, huh? I’ll have to check that out…
LikeLike
V, still here…found out what the story was…hmmmm….
http://hubpages.com/hub/DISH-Network-Moves-ESPN-Classic-from-Top-200-to-the-Multi-Sports-Pack
LikeLike
And being a research kind of guy, I have found the answer:
DISH Network Moves ESPN Classic from Top 200 to the Multi-Sports Pack
52
rate or flag this page
By DISH Network Talk
ESPN Classic is a cult favorite, but may be losing traction as indicated by DISH’s recent move of the channel to the Multi-Sports pack, instead of the Top 200 (formerly Silver 200)
ESPN Classic is a cult favorite, but may be losing traction as indicated by DISH’s recent move of the channel to the Multi-Sports pack, instead of the Top 200 (formerly Silver 200)
DISH Network moved ESPN Classic from the America’s Top 200 to the Multi-Sports Pack
On March 20, 2010, in the early morning, DISH Network moved a popular cult classic TV channel, ESPN Classic, to their Multi-Sports Pack. ESPN Classic used to be in the America’s Top 200 channel package (formerly known as the Classic Silver 200). The road is split right down the middle; some are upset by this unannounced change to their channel line-up, others don’t really care.The untold story is; Where DISH stands in all of this?
Quite frankly, the decision was not really DISH’s to make, but a carefully planned move by ESPN themselves!
DISH Network Moves ESPN Classic from Top 200 to the Multi-Sports Pack
52
rate or flag this page
By DISH Network Talk
ESPN Classic is a cult favorite, but may be losing traction as indicated by DISH’s recent move of the channel to the Multi-Sports pack, instead of the Top 200 (formerly Silver 200)
ESPN Classic is a cult favorite, but may be losing traction as indicated by DISH’s recent move of the channel to the Multi-Sports pack, instead of the Top 200 (formerly Silver 200)
DISH Network moved ESPN Classic from the America’s Top 200 to the Multi-Sports Pack
On March 20, 2010, in the early morning, DISH Network moved a popular cult classic TV channel, ESPN Classic, to their Multi-Sports Pack. ESPN Classic used to be in the America’s Top 200 channel package (formerly known as the Classic Silver 200). The road is split right down the middle; some are upset by this unannounced change to their channel line-up, others don’t really care.The untold story is; Where DISH stands in all of this?
Quite frankly, the decision was not really DISH’s to make, but a carefully planned move by ESPN themselves!
Do you actively watch ESPN Classic?
* Yes.
* No.
See results without voting
DISH Network receivers, and other accessories
Dish Network VIP 211k HD Satellite Receiver Dish Network VIP 211k HD Satellite Receiver
Price: $109.90
List Price: $199.99
Dish 1000.2 Dish 1000.2
Price: $73.99
Dish Network VIP 722k Dish Network VIP 722k
Price: $248.00
Dish Network 625 DVR Dual Tuner (2 TV) Satellite Receiver Video Recorder Dish Player Dish Network 625 DVR Dual Tuner (2 TV) Satellite Receiver Video Recorder Dish Player
Price: $115.99
List Price: $399.99
ESPN required DISH, Directv, and Comcast to reposition ESPN Classic into different packages.
In a deliberate move by ESPN to reposition some of their channels, ESPN Classic fans may find themselves at a disadvantage. ESPN is specifically trying to increase its viewership on a channel called ESPNU, or ESPN University (clearly focused on delivering college sports content). In a deal with DISH, Directv, and Comcast, ESPN has specifically requested they make ESPNU available to more customers in exchange for moving ESPN Classic to a more exclusive, or premium subscription package.
That is exactly what happened.
So ESPN Classic was moved out, and ESPNU was moved in. Except I already had ESPNU. How was that? Oh, I guess I need to continue:
DISH Network moved ESPNU to the America’s Top 120 (formerly known as the Classic Bronze 100) in late 2009. Several months later, it followed this move by repositioning the ESPN Classic channel in their premium sports add-on package, called The Multi-Sports Pack, which is priced a la carte at $5.99 per month. So, customers with the Multi-Sports pack, or the America’s Everything Pack, will not notice a change at all. But, customers who thought they were sitting pretty with the America’s Top 200 [That’s me!] will have to upgrade to watch ESPN Classic.
So, did I get anything back? It really doesn’t matter. What’s the difference between 199 channels of crap and 200 channels of crap? If it were not for the Braves broadcasts, I’d have it all taken out…
LikeLike
Weird… it pasted more in than I had cut…
Either that or I screwed it up. I’ll choose to believe it was a random act by an inanimate object… 😉
LikeLike
Didn’t take pics this time as our seats were not really conducive to good shots. KK looked strong, did a good job of keeping the ball down. Happy to see Nate hit one out. It was really fun ’til Chavez came in to pitch & imploded. I’m not impressed with him. Heyward & Freeman are big, big boys. We got there in time for BP so we got to hear JHey hit & there is a noticeable “snap” when he hits the ball.
LikeLike
Hey, FBG! Glad y’all had a good time!
Mark Bowman has a nice article on Heyward and a video of his TV interview is also there.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100325&content_id=8934254&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb
LikeLike
Another great article on the Braves:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/albert_chen/03/25/braves.postcard/index.html
LikeLike
Glad you had a good time FBG! Thanks for the links CL!
Ok, V, Salty, anyone else in or around the ATL. You really ought to check out the cars at the High Museum. Even if you are not a huge car fan, these suckers are rolling works of art.
Not quite sure if this will work, but here are the photos I took with my lousy cell phone….
White car with the pipes out the side of the hood is a Duesenburg. The other white(cream actually) car is a Packard(both from the 30’s. Darker gray car is the best looking Mercedes ever!
Other cars….Blue car from 50’s is a Dodge concept car designed in Italy. Other blue car is a Tucker, one of 51 cars.
One gray car is a Hispano-Suiza (From Spain, it’s the one against wall) the other is a Delage, I think.
Oh, much cheaper on Thursdays, after 4 pm, $9 instead of $18. Seniors are 7.50 instead of $15.00
http://www.imagebam.com/gallery/33d69f8f87fff60fbabb732a89c7fa9c/
LikeLike
Hey, it worked! Ok, the gray car with whitewalls is the Delage, a french car.
I forgot about the Pierce Arrow, the gray car with the very narrow back window, near the end of the images, just before the Tucker. My Camera didn’t do it justice. It’s really amazing. Spare tires are hidden in front fenders.
You can’t use a flash there, and my Digital camera is old, and always flashes. No flash(If I cover it with my hand) the pictures turn out dark. Oh well….
Aren’t you glad not to get these in an email, CL??? 🙂
LikeLike
Heh, I took photos from phone, to email account(My main one wouldn’t work) then saved them in a folder, so my Dad can send them to everyone he has ever met in his life. 😛
And putting them on the web so I could share here, and on a couple of car forums. Anyway, doing so much at once, I missed the black and yellow car, which is a Bugatti. Funny to see a fairly small one, I saw one at the Henry Ford museum many years ago, and it was HUGE! I think it was the longest car ever(that wasn’t a silly stretched limo)
Yep. Probably just a link for Gil, but found into on that car. Man, only made 6 of them! 12.7 liter engine. Can’t you just imagine the great economy you would get with that sucker????
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Royale
LikeLike
What a great ride that Bugatti must be with that long wheelbase. Great pictures Ber… All my cell phone will do is make phone calls. Of course, that’s all I ask of it but that is another story…
Glad you had a good time Jenn, yep, “Salt & Pepper” are a pretty big pair. I’m not a little guy but all these kids make me feel short.
So, if not Chavez and Acosta, who makes the team as the extra bullpen guys? I know one spot is being held for Proctor, Dunn has already been sent to minor league camp. I don’t think they want to bring up Kimbrel yet. Do they keep Acosta and Chavez so they will have a couple of sacrificial lambs for blowout games?
LikeLike
And Raisins, while I still have problems sometimes with DirecTV being a fair weather friend. Over-all I have to say I’m pretty satisfied. No matter how much I whine about it, if I want to watch the Braves I’m going to have to pay for it. MLB figured out that WTBS and WGN made a ton of money off televised games so they are not going to let that cash cow escape them.
Gone are the days when I could just tune in to WTBS and watch the Braves. So, I shell out the $150 or so to watch most of the games. Still subject to the whims of Fox and Saturday black outs. Now, if I were a Yankee or Red Sox fan, I would not have problems seeing games. Same for the Nationals and the Orioles. Heck, I can even get the majority of the Mets games.
As for ESPN Classic… I guess I am one of the folks who never watched it. Kind of takes away a little bit when you know the outcome. Also makes you realize how far they have come with television.
LikeLike
I was one of the supposed few who actually did enjoy some of the programming on ESPN Classic, even if not frequently. MY main enjoyment was from watch old baseball and basketball games, recognizing the old stars, and chuckling at the old unis.
As to “classic” football games, those are over on the NFL network, which the NFL freely offers to everyone. See, the NFL, which also starts it’s championship game at a decent hour of the evening, recognizes that the best way to build and keep a fanbase is to be accessible. MLB, on the other hand, long ago forgot about grooming younger fans to become long-time fans, and prioritizes it profits over its profit-suppliers. That is why it is no longer America’s pastime…
LikeLike
Gwinnett Brave caught in prostitution sting
A Gwinnett Braves pitcher was arrested Thursday night in a Kissimmee, Fla., online prostitution sting, according to televised reports.
Right-handed pitcher Deunte Heath was caught in a police operation that used Web sites like craigslist.org to advertise potential sexual liaisons, Orlando ABC TV affiliate WFTV reported.
More: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/gwinnett-brave-caught-in-405125.html
Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid…
LikeLike
Who does this kid think he is, Tiger Woods? Jesse James? Oh well, stupid is as stupid does…
And speaking of stupid…. Decided to replace the toilet in the master bath yesterday. Nothing really wrong with the old one. Just the beginning of a bathroom makeover… Wow… Talk about being up to your keister in alligators… Sigh, off to get a larger wax ring as the one supplied did not allow for the added height of my tile floor.
And the mower blades on the John Deere stopped. Has an electric clutch and while the switch still works, the clutch no longer engages…. grrrrrrrr….
Regardless, the Braves game is on TV again today. Only a week to go and I am sure everybody is ready for the season to start. I sure am. I hate wishing my life away but….
LikeLike
Who does this kid think he is, Tiger Woods?
😆
LikeLike
Heyward will open season as Braves right fielder
9:58 am March 26, 2010, by Carroll Rogers
Braves manager Bobby Cox informed Jason Heyward this morning that he has made the team.
The top Braves propsect will open the season as the Braves right fielder.
Cox said he told Heyward: “I’m delighted to tell you you’re on the team, Jason, simply because you make us a better team.”
Woo-hoo!!! 😀
LikeLike
OK… let the game begin:
What will JHey’s uni number be?
Hopefully he’ll have it on rather than the very temporary #71 he has sported in camp this far. (By the way, the game is on ESPN again today, and I have TV access! Yea!)
OK… I will go ahead and make my official guess: 5
2nd guess: 22, followed in order by 33, 27 and 7.
No real rhyme or reason involved other than gut.
I hope he has it today…
LikeLike
So the brass outrighted Todd Redmond to AAA last night to open the spot on the 40man for JHey rather than make the simple and expected move of transferring Diory to the 60-day-DL.
I wonder why they would do that? Is there another move afoot? Just wondering to myself…
… well and to all of you now. 😀
LikeLike
So, the Jason Heyward era begins today…. How many jersey’s do you think he(the Braves) will sell in the first year?
However, no question he does make the Braves a better team.
LikeLike
Yes he does, Gil…
And it’s great to see that the Braves are as interested in putting a winning team on the field as they are about saving that one year of team control.
As you said, though… a one of a kind player like that won’t reach that last arb year without a real contract offer anyway.
LikeLike
A John Deere with mechanical problems? Really??
I am SO glad about Heyward! I truly hope his inevitable ‘faulters’ this year won’t be blown out of proportion by stupid people. Too many “fans” are all flap and no throttle.
LikeLike
Carroll Rogers says JHey will wear 22…
… that was going to be my first guess, but I talked myself out of it. 😡
LikeLike
Frank on JHey: “Those are decisions you make in different circumstances with your club,” Wren said of weighing the financial part. “If your club is a competitive club and you think this player is going to be an integral part of a competitive team, I’m not sure how you face the other 24 players, the staff, the fans and say ‘We’re going to keep him in the minor leagues.’ I couldn’t do that.”
LikeLike
Today’s game against the Tigers almost had the look and feel of a real game. Troy Glaus looked a little bit shaky but heck, not as bad as Thorman. Bobby Valintine reminded me of why I think he is an idiot, but I digress….
Now, more baseball… I thought Lowe looked decent. Not perfect mind you but solid. Brooks Conrad really made two outstanding plays at second. He looks much improved over how he has looked there in the past.
And Brian McCann really looks locked in. I bet he wishes he could bottle what he has going, and last but not least Nate McLouth looks like he has found his stroke on the back fields and brought it to the show. Maybe he decided he really does want to stay in Atlanta.
Josie says this is the best Atlanta team she has seen in 20 years. I think she might be right…
LikeLike
And she thinks ESPN is a bunch of idiots for telling Jason Heyward he is an African American… Think he didn’t know? Does it really make any difference to anybody but the race pimps? I guess somebody feels the need to always play the race card. Personally, I just thought he was a very gifted and grounded youngster who can really play baseball.
Okay, where did I put my hood????
LikeLike
hey, can’t go 24 hours without a post here! 😡
😉
Anyway, very good stuff posted here at stuffville!
Still have company, so playing catch-up with work…yuck.
Very happy the braves didn’t get cheap with Heyward!
Cannot wait for the season to start! Better not rain where ever they open the season….
LikeLike
Ber, according to the 2010 Braves schedule, the link to which I most thoughtfully listed for your convenience under BRAVES in the column to the right, the Braves open at Turner field on April 5
vs CHC
4:10 PM
SPSO / ESPN
MLB.TV
Braves home opener
😀
LikeLike
Thanks for the 411 CL! 🙂
LikeLike
Greetings all… Braves continue to get good pitching both from the starters and the relievers. Now it’s just a matter of staying healthy and winning every series beginning with the first one against the Cubbies.
Can’t expect to hold the other teams scoreless for the whole seasons but it looks like the pitchers should a least keep us in the game.
LikeLike
Good Morning!
This is…wild. A bit long, might want to watch in two parts…but those two guys are amazing!
LikeLike
Oh My…..
LikeLike
😯
LikeLike
Yesterday’s scrimmage against the Nats was pretty ugly. A reminder of two things, the Nats have a few boppers of their own and secondly, it’s still all about the pitching.
LikeLike
Is it April 5th yet????
Is it April 5th yet????
Is it April 5th yet????
Is it April 5th yet????
Is it April 5th yet????
Is it April 5th yet????
Have I done this “joke” before???
And why is it in the low 50’s and cloudy again??? 😦
LikeLike
V, I need my fix man, give me some news man!
😯
LikeLike
Poor AETNA, they will be sorry for this guy daring to say this!
Aetna: Premiums Will Go Up
http://minx.cc/?post=299974
LikeLike
All along for me it has been that my insurance rates would go up, I’m just waiting to see how much… I am suspecting about $2000 a year.
LikeLike
And while we are speaking of up… The Braves “B” team whipped the Phillies today. Good pitching by a bevy of relievers, some who we know are headed to Gwinnett. Would liked to have seen it as I hate relaying other people’s observations but it’s the best I can do right now.
LikeLike
Good afternoon all, I was hoping the game would be available here in Mechanicsville but alas, I get to watch the Red Sox today… 😦
Only one more week for the game to really count. Tough schedule for the Braves to start the season but like the old saying goes. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.
LikeLike
Man, where is everyone??? Enjoying the nice weather????
LikeLike
Hey Ber, I was hoping I would get to see the Braves game today but they did not show it nationally today. Josie checked on Mom’s house today and reports there is about 6 inches of water in the basement… Sigh… guess what I am going to be doing tomorrow…
Visited a bit on the DOB blog today. Lots of new folks. Really kind of like a revolving door over there. Of course O’Brien still has the “tude” but it’s his blog and so we know that going in.
Looks like the Braves are really going to have a decent team this year. I won’t make the pilgrimage to Atlanta to see a game this year. Really had a disappointing experience the last time I was there but I do plan to go up to see them play in DC this year. They have a three game set the first week of May. I will see how the pitching lines up before I set my plans in stone. Not like the Nats are going to sell out or anything.
LikeLike
Be careful in that basement Gil! Many years ago, my Dad’s dentist electrocuted himself after a washer developed a leak in his basement.
Amazes me how much traffic DOB’s site gets. I mean, stuff on MLB.com don’t get a 10th of the comments….
LikeLike
“Hello again, everybody!” Well… I don’t have quite the same spark that the old master Skip possessed. I sure do miss him! And hey… I’ve missed y’all as well. Been busy getting stuff done so I can take some time off. Going to take a bunch to the home opener in less than a week. Man that sounds good. Taking my son and his friend as well as one of our pastors and his two sons. Look for me up there in the terrace reserved section on the first base side. I’m the fan from Enterprise, AL. Oh yeah, only Skip had the ability to identify fans and their hometown. Oh, and I’ll be the one with a Braves hat on. That should help out a bit. Ha!!!
Going to take my daughter and grandaughter to a Sunday afternoon game on 20 April against the Rockies. Like Gil said our early schedule is a bear so hoping the Braves can start with a little hot streak. Seems like we play the tough teams tough and take a day off against lesser opponents. Optimistic than we can change that this year! Can’t wait!!!
Oh, when I see the J-Hey Kid I’ll be sure to say, “Hey!” from the whole bunch here.
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
Hey, wildcat! Man, that sounds like a fantastic trip! Hope y’all have a blast. Let us know how it goes.
Wow, Gil. Hope ya got a pump of some sort!
Ber, I think the weather has a lot to do with it as well as some spending a lot of time of facebook.
LikeLike
I read this earliar and thought that Carolyn Lowe would make a great contributor to the blog. Enjoy the article.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100330&content_id=8997132&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl
LikeLike
Hi, everyone!!!
The family and I went out of town on a kinda spur-of-the-moment mini vacation to Pigeon Forge for a few days during spring break. I have missed everything going on in the real world since Saturday. Can anyone fill me in? (Readers’ Digest version, please, or else my ADD will take over.) 😀
~~~Oh, and FBG… Goats On The Roof was rained out going up, and closed coming home… bummer!
LikeLike
Man, I could see him having success with say Dave Duncan, don’t think it will happen in Mutts land!
Mets Claim Manny Acosta
By Tim Dierkes [March 30 at 4:35pm CST]
The Mets claimed reliever Manny Acosta off waivers from the Braves, tweets MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Acosta, 29 in May, posted a 4.34 ERA, 7.7 K/9, and 4.6 BB/9 in 37.3 innings for the Braves last year. He was better in his 27.3 minor league innings, but walked too many there as well.
Acosta throws a mid-90s fastball and racked up groundballs in his better years. He even served as the Braves’ closer in early ’08 when Rafael Soriano went down. Hamstring and shoulder injuries cut that season short, however. The Mets snagged a quality arm from their division rivals, but now they must help his stuff translate to results.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/03/mets-claim-manny-acosta.html
LikeLike
Sorry, VOR. I’ll be seeing the goats before too long myself.
OK, most of you know I now have a facebook page. I hope to get tech support (Melissa) to help me set up pics, mostly of cakes & cookies, etc. but probably some house pics too. Be patient, it’s still very much under construction.
LikeLike
Ber, it’s such a pain to get signed in with Bowman’s blog. Want to scare people off, then make it tough…
Glad to see everyone get back all in one piece by the way.
I’ve had a facebook page for about a year but seldom go there. Just not my bag I guess.
Yep, sump pumps anonymous Ber… Or maybe “Have Pump, Will Travel” 🙂 I just hate having to do it but as anyone who has had a house with a basement, If you build it, it will flood…. Still, a pain…
Oh by the way, got the blade to work on the John Deere. Turned out a field mouse decided to have a snack a chewed through a wire leading to the clutch. Other than it being a real pain to get to, not too bad a job.
Now baseball… maybe the Mets can get the same results out of Manny as they have managed with Jeff… Yuk Yuk…
Okay, that was bad.. Uh, anybody else remember when the Braves use to wait until the end of spring training when other teams would cut their dregs and Atlanta would fill out their playing roster? The bad old days… 🙂 Of course those were the same teams that would have 1000 fans in the stands for most home games.
LikeLike
Wildcat, that was a delightful article by C Lowe. Really enjoyed it! Wish she could come by here. Wouldn’t that be fabulous??
Hey, FBG! I too have finally gotten a page on facebook. Found MANY people I used to work with. It’s so good to have contact with them again. I really don’t know exactly how, but I also find myself farming in FarmVille. A friend sent me an Egg gift and all of a sudden I was raising all kinds of crops – and now I have a chicken, 2 goats and a cat. What a hoot!
Raisins, we sure missed ya! Glad you had a great trip.
LikeLike
Ahh, V and Wildcat back…things are starting to get back to normal! Now, where is Salty, Chris, Savannah Guy(talk about a long time since a last visit!) Steve in Ohio???
Steve showed up for about a week, then Poof!
LikeLike
Man, what a fantastic tale by Mrs. Lowe! 😆
LikeLike
Gil, I didn’t know it was so hard to sign up to comment on MLB.com…funny, never even tried. Thought it was weird to see only 40 comments after a nice
Bowman article…
Need some baseball talk!
Gammons from the 27th.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100327&content_id=8973224&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
One from 29th. Talks up the west, which doesn’t bode well for us. We need to win the East!
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100329&content_id=8980514&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
LikeLike
LikeLike
V, Salty, do you know this guy??? I have seen him on TV before, finding racists everywhere…but this is truly….stunning.
All time stoopidist politician ever!
LikeLike
I don’t plan on hanging out on Facebook all the time either, Gil, just don’t have the time. But I thought it would be good to get my cake pics online somewhere in case I need to have a client look at them to choose. Not quite ready for my own website. 😉
Everyone made it through my cousin’s wedding without any catastrophes or major meltdowns so I’d say that was quite a success. It was really lovely.
LikeLike
I’m on facebook as well. It’s fun to see old girlfriends who have wised up and gotten hitched after dating me. 😕
I am really funny there, I find! 😀
LikeLike
That idiot on the video could hardly form a complete sentence. It’s amazing that he was elected. I have thoughts on the HOW but I’ll just leave it there.
Ber, I’m on fb. Add me to your Friends list.
One thing I’m enjoying is the FarmVille game. Got myself a farm! Don’t have much time to mess with it, but it’s fun to play with.
Just a few more days ’til the season starts! Can’t wait!!
LikeLike
Starting your own “farm system” You must be major league CL… 🙂
Mom’s basement had 6 inch of water in it… Whew, what a mess. Thankfully, most of the junk had been thrown away previously but still a chore. At least no alligators down there.. I think…
Last ST game in FLA for the Braves today against the Tigers at Lakeland. I’ll bet it is a fast one. The no walk rule will be in effect. Everybody is ready to break camp and head north I think.
LikeLike
umm, Ma’am….I have tried the formal and informal way of spelling your first name….and I am pretty sure I am not misspelling your last name…can’t find you on facebook! HALP!!!!!
LikeLike
Wow…
Actually, I have met Hank Johnson. He was a, uh, dignitary at an event I attended once. It is not so amazing that he was elected. There is much gerrymandering in Georgia. The shapes of some of the districts would blow your mind. Candidates are hand picked by special interests not based on their actual qualifications, but rather on their “electability” within their district’s demographics. Then, they simply toe the party line, so to speak. They follow the carefully crafted marching orders. As long as they do, they have the full support from their party and the related lobbying groups. I have seen it first hand. It is much more common than you want to believe…
LikeLike
ESPN.com:
Source: Mets’ Reyes to DL
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Despite feeling great making a headfirst slide into second base while playing against minor leaguers Wednesday, New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes will open the season on the disabled list, a source familiar with the situation told ESPNNewYork.com.
Reyes had been idle for three weeks during spring training after doctors detected a hyperactive thyroid. He returned to camp and resumed working out last week. Team officials have concluded out of caution that Reyes ought to work into baseball shape deliberately and not be rushed for Opening Day.
Aw…. 🙄
LikeLike
Wow… Mr. O’B has picked the Mutts to finish last in the East this season… really, he did.
I love it… I revel in their misery. 😀
LikeLike
Yep, Gil. Getting that farm all fixed up but I’m having a heck of a time getting the tractor to create a diamond shape. All it wants to do is make little square plots. Hmm. Must be a John Deere. I keep asking for pitchers and I get water containers. I asked for farm hands and I got 3 goats, some chickens and a cat. I don’t understand…. 😆 Anyhow, it’s fun!
Raisins, that is exactly what I figured. (re: Johnson) The man made a complete fool out of himself and the people who elected him. The island might tip over??? This I have to congratulate the Navy admiral for maintaining his cool and not just collapse in laughter. Did Johnson ever even attend school???
And I’m also in full agreement with you on DOB’s estimation on the Mets! 👿
LikeLike
Courtesy of the AJC, here is Hank Johnson’s formal response to allowing his stupidity to show:
Via his spokesman:
“I wasn’t suggesting that the island of Guam would literally tip over,” said Johnson. “I was using a metaphor to say that with the addition of 8,000 Marines and their dependents – an additional 80,000 people during peak construction to the port on the tiny island with a population of 180,000 – could be a tipping point which would adversely affect the island’s fragile ecosystem and over burden its already overstressed infrastructure.
“Having traveled to Guam last year, I saw firsthand how this beautiful – but vulnerable island – is already overburdened, and I was simply voicing my concerns that the addition of that many people could tip the delicate balance and do harm to Guam.”
Yeah. Sure. That was some fancy two-stepping there by some menial staffer. That’s almost as long a stretch as the limo that almost certainly carts Mr. Johnson around to his various functions.
Idiot…
LikeLike
The printed word cannot negate having heard his own words – or his attempts at speaking. He obviously never mastered things like nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, etc. See Spot run.
😆 Do they really think anyone believes he would even know what a metaphor is??
LikeLike
CL, thanks for the link to you! You know, that’s just flat out weird. A glitch in the matrix or something. I could not find you, and yet it was there, just the way you would expect!
I think I had the same thing with an ex I looked up(Haven’t friended her yet, shy for some reason when I saw she just got married in Jan) found her sis, then I found her under friends! Very simple name as well.
Oh well, cool, found you! Now, being nosy, I looked under your friends and see Chris and FBG. Do I friend them to, or do they not want to mix baseball with real life? 😉
LikeLike
Ber! You’re there too? I didn’t see you listed. Once I started friending, tons of people popped up on the suggested list. Still making my way through finding people. (And so far everyone there is Braves blogging buddies.)
LikeLike
Found him! You’re a furry fellow, aren’t you, Ber?
LikeLike
Sasquatch. 😈
LikeLike
Ber, click on Chris’ page and send a Friend request.
LikeLike
Do I friend them to, or do they not want to mix baseball with real life?
Blasphemy.. baseball is real life… isn’t it?
Same… but different….
LikeLike
I hide the shame, that is my face. 😉
Friended FBG, and sent a request to Chris. I am up to the year 2006 or 2007 now!
I looked for Gil Mechanicsville, but couldn’t find anyone named that! 😦
LikeLike
Or should I have looked for Gilin Mechanicsville! 😕
LikeLike
And, now it is time to don the regular season cap, and get rid of the odd looking white piped spring cap…
LikeLike
Thanks Ber for the Arnold quotes! What a great American, err… Austrian, actor. Lot of work went into splicing all those bits into a 10 minute clip. The funny thing is I really like Arnold movies and I think I have copies of almost all of them.
The Mets in last place… oh the joy! I don’t what’s better, the Mets trudging through the year in last place or blowing a huge lead late in the season. Oh well… either way is cool by me.
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
I bought my dad a shirt that reads “Baseball is life. The rest is just details.”
I think the piped hat looks weird too, VOR.
LikeLike
Wildcat, glad you enjoyed it! I thought that guy(or gal) did a great job!
LikeLike
“… and the power of Hell was broken, as He gave His life away.” Thank you Jesus for who You are, and for what You did. Hallelujah!
LikeLike
Amen Raisins…
LikeLike
Amen and amen.
LikeLike
from Europe:
http://www.eutimes.net/2010/03/world-mourns-as-communist-darkness-falls-upon-america/
LikeLike
According to Carroll Rogers across the street:
Brooks Conrad beat out Thurston for the final bench spot. Jo-Jo Reyes beat out Venters for final bullpen spot. It’s official.
Hmmm… interesting. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jo-Jo isn’t traded early in the regular season.
LikeLike
Wow… just took a stroll across the street…
They have some new posters over there that are, well, let’s just say that they are either very young or rode the short bus. 😯
LikeLike
ajc doens’t care, Raisins. They just want the numbers. I used to go by there once in a while looking for news, but I’ve quit even that.
LikeLike
Friday afternoon before Easter + Sam’s Club = 😯 😯 😯
LikeLike
I bet the Honeybaked Ham store is crazy too. At least the one here always is for holidays. Our Easter will be a little different this year. Dad is leaving that morning with his buddies for the Masters and Mom, Melissa & I are going to Stars On Ice that afternoon. Usually the tour comes to Tampa in late Feb./March but they backed it up due to the Olympics. So we’ll be bundling up, even though it’s turned warm the past couple of days.
LikeLike
FBG,it’s funny to think of you bundling up in April, to go out, but I guess they have to have the place pretty darned cold, eh what???
Well, off to do some shopping at a flea market.
I slept only 3 hours night before last then met with a friend for lunch. Then I slept from 7 pm til 10. Went to bed at 3 am and woke up at 6.
Somehow, I don’t feel refreshed! 😕
Had a steak sammich then a slice of lemon poundcake!
Tell me that isn’t a breakfast of champions! 😀
LikeLike
Oh, I did eat an Orange too….
LikeLike
On Ice seats, Ber, which means we are in front of the boards in chairs placed on rubber matting around the edge of the ice. When I put my program under my chair it gets a little frost on it. Double socks & boots or your feet become popsicles.
LikeLike
He is risen indeed!
Happy Easter to all of my B&S buds. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Resurrection Sunday! 😀
LikeLike
Happy Easter, my dears! Hope you all have a wonderful day.
LikeLike
God bless y’all this Easter morning!
LikeLike
Happy Easter everyone! God bless!
LikeLike
A wonderful, joyous RESURRECTION DAY to each of you, my friends! Oh, what a day!!!
LikeLike
Well, its the Yankees and Red Sox, but the season has started!
LikeLike
Opening day, baby!!!
Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
LikeLike
And the lineup for today’s game has already been posted:
1. Melky (S), LF
2. Marteeen (R), 2B
3. Chipper (S), 3B
4. Mac (L), C
5. TGlaus (R), 1B
6. Yunel (R), SS
7. J22 (L), RF
8. N8 (L), CF
9. DLowe, P
I gotta tell ya, I really like this lineup. Seriously. (And we shall not have to hear anyone complaining of the Braves lineup being “lefty heavy” in 2010.)
One thing, though. I’m a little surprised to see Mac ahead of TGlaus. But then again, the way Mac is raking, I guess I’d rather him get as many AB’s as possible.
Look at it, though. There is not an easy out 1-8. Not one. I like it.
LikeLike
7 hours, 5 minutes ’til the 1st pitch of 2010… not that I am counting or anything…
😀
LikeLike
Did anyone watch any of the Yanks-Bosox game last night?
I think the C.C. in C.C. Sabathia stands for Cardiac Crisis.
Dude is fat plain and simple. Fat and sloppy. Yikes! :(:)
LikeLike
And from the “credit where credit is due” dept., Mr. O’B wrote a very fine piece of prose today about the ol’ Skipper starting his final campaign. It may be the best thing I have read from him, and it’s definitely worth the stroll across the street.
It’s gonna be a long, strange season. I can imagine that on those final trips into the various NL and AL cities this season that it will be quite emotional.
Dang… I miss the ol’ coot already! 😯
LikeLike
HEY!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s opening day!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is everybody?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? 😮
LikeLike
Bobby Cox fact of the day:
As a minor leaguer, Bobby hit a Grand Slam against Steve Dalkowski, widely regarded as throwing the fastest fastball ever in his`prime.
Typical Bobby later commented, “He had me down 0-2, and he hit my bat.”
Fun read: http://www.thetoppsvault.com/pages_greatfinds/gf7_dalkowski.htm
LikeLike
I’m here, VOR, just trying to get stuff done around the house so I can focus on the game later.
LikeLike
OK… the pre-game is already on FOX SportsSouth, and they are all over Turner Field. It is getting me very pumped up for this game! I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Wow…
And the ceremonial first pitch today was from The Hammer, Hank Aaron, and was delivered to guess who..?
Young Jason Heyward.
Somewhat symbolic, huh?
LikeLike
Just 15 minutes away, and the streets of Stuffville are deserted. 😐
I just kicked a tumbleweed away.
Oh, well…
LikeLike
I’m desperately trying to find a feed!
LikeLike
HEY!!!! I was sleeping in that tumbleweed….
Been busy, will catch up after the game.
LikeLike
Bobby took his own lineup out to the umps today. Very cool! 😀
LikeLike
espn or sports south
LikeLike
CL, it should be on espn…eventually….I didn’t even know it was on sports south since I heard yesterday that it was on espn at 4 pm….
watching some of the Cards vs Reds…that central is going to be a tough one. I think the Reds may have the best starting pitching in the central right now…and when the Cuban lefty gets there(Aroldis Chapman), they might have the best starters in the NL.
The kid(Mike Leake) that is their 5th starter made the jump from college to the majors. First guy in a long, long time. Sounds like he is more the cerebral Greg Maddux type, only throws in the upper 80’s most of the time.
Man, a lot to get excited about this year, all over baseball!
LikeLike
Wow… where is the strike zone?
LikeLike
Ball not sinking for Lowe. Looks like it’s setting on a tee.
LikeLike
uh-oh….
hey, time for so0meone to give Chip grief about talking about the cubs! Of course Joe started the talk 😛
LikeLike
Man, Chipper pounded that one! 😀 Then McCann did as well! Double 😀
LikeLike
Finally!
JASON!!! Could this have been scripted anyh better???
LikeLike
Yep, Heyward is allllll Hype!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Oh Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😯
LikeLike
WOW… Nothing cheap about that one…
LikeLike
Hmmm.. Zambrano hurls 39 pitches in the 1st.
I don’t expect a complete game outta Z today… 😀
LikeLike
7-3 after one inning, I don’t know if I can stand this….
LikeLike
OOPs make that 6-3
LikeLike
Nice D at 1b, Glausey!
LikeLike
But that dance was a little weird… 😯
LikeLike
So… who gets it for the Cubbies? 😡
LikeLike
I flipped by espn 2 to see the Bluejays and rangers tied at 4. Heard the Jays starter, Shawn Marcum, who missed all of last year, had a no hitter thru 7. Salty drove in the game winning run in the bottom of the 9th.
Excitement everywhere!
Man, I am glad Zambrano is out,I would really fear Heyward getting a pitch at his head, or at his hands. They say he will get a lot of inside pitches up high to see if he can handle high heat. Don’t like that.
LikeLike
Do you retaliate for Prado (definitely intentional) with a 5 run lead? Especially since he came around to score, and the offending pitcher has already been chased?
Probably not now… not in the 3rd…
LikeLike
Josie says the ump is squeezing Lowe. A strike zone the size of a postage stamp…
LikeLike
On the Prado thing… Hit somebody tomorrow….
LikeLike
Okay, looks like Lowe is calming down and so is the ball…
LikeLike
Boy, Sean Marshall looks impressive.
LikeLike
This team is giving me chill bumps!
LikeLike
Yeah Gil, don’t know why the Cubs don’t have Marshall in the rotation…. 12 to 5, I like laughers! 🙂
LikeLike
Toldya I like this lineup…
LikeLike
I think I predicted Hinske getting a triple today! 😉
LikeLike
Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
LikeLike
So… does J22 get the shaving cream towel in the face in his first post-game talk with Jerome Jurenovich?
I hope so… 😆
LikeLike
Aw………. 😦
LikeLike
Only Jerome would be tall enough to reach his face! In fact, he may be taller than JHey!
LikeLike
Come on Wildcat! Waitin’ for the inside scoop story!
LikeLike
The wildcat is home from the most amazing baseball game I’ve ever seen. WOW!!! The opening ceremony was fantastic. Well… except the fly-by which was mistimed and showed up half way through the national anthem. From my vantage point in section 225 we could not see the planes at all. Oh well… that was the about the only thing that went wrong for the Braves. Well… there was D. Lowe’s first inning. Yuk!!! From our vantage point there was no strike zone and there was no sink to his sinker. We’re lucky they only scored three!
As for our young right fielder Mr. Heyward there is now way to describe the excitement he generated with that blast deep into Braves bullpen. The Ted went absolutely crazy. The ball he hit was still rising from my vantage point deep into right field. It was a shot!!! I should also mention how smooth and graceful he is in the outfield. Amazing! This kid will be a fixture for the Braves for many years. The symbolic first pitch from Hank to Jason tells the story perfectly.
Good gosh there were Cub fans everywhere. It would be easy to over estimate their numbers but 15-20 percent wearing Cubs gear is probably pretty close. The obnoxious one in front of me left in the 7th inning. He’d seen enough. Atlanta needs to wake up and get behind this team and fill the seats.
I can remember a lot of speculation this winter about Marian Byrd and picking him up as a big bat. He may swing a pretty big stick but he can’t field a lick. Can’t imagine the Cubs will keep him in centerfield.
What a great day for Braves fans. For this Braves fan it was a great way to share a day with his son. What a shame they take tomorrow off. This line-up is strong with youth and veterans and the pitching is first rate.
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
Good morning all, Yes, it appears that Mr Heyward is the real deal. Let’s hope the naysayers and boo birds will rein it in when he hits a slump. After all, he is still a rookie. That said, he is a pretty level headed kid and what can you say about this Braves team? They look real strong.
The Nats rolled over for the Phillies yesterday and the Mets snuck up on the Marlins. I guess the Fish won’t be running off 6 straight to begin the season this year.
Wildcat, your observation on the strike zone was pretty astute. No corners given. When you tighten up a zone like that, major league hitters will have a feast. For the most part however, it was the same for both sides.
Now, a few random musings …. Chipper looks to be taking a different approach this year. He took some vicious cuts today. At least he cut down his swing after two strikes. Well, that is the way a power hitter is suppose to play. They are not paying him $10 million a year to be a singles hitter. You can get that from a Willie Harris.
Troy Glaus’s bat appears a tad slow to me. Explains why he couldn’t catch up to those 94 mph fastballs. I think he is still a work in progress however. I look for him to get it together by June as he gets stronger. If not, Freddie Freeman will be ready by then.
And Molan looked nasty. He threw one pitch you could only describe as unfair. I think he will be better than last year.
And yeah, Lowe’s sinker was not sinking…. The Braves were lucky to get out of the first only down three runs. That’s okay though, Derek was not the only pitcher to get lit up yesterday.
LikeLike
Why I’m awake so early I don’t know. Just a couple more observations of a great opening day for our Braves.
* The stadium staff and security could not be nicer. Very friendly and helpful.
* The stadium looks great! Upgrades to the electronic scoreboards and new graphics abound. The new Coke bottle is really cool. There have been major improvements to the sound effects played during the game. Long overdue! The Ted is a great place to watch a ballgame!!!
* The Chik-fil-A chopping cow appears to be having technical difficulties. He only managed to get into a full chop only once.
* The baritone singer in the tux that sang God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch was awesome! Should be a fixture at every home game. Sure beats Steven Tylers awful rendition during the Yanks-Red Sox game Sunday night. Yuk!
Really looking forward to going back in a couple of weeks. Hope the weather is as great!
GO BRAVES!!!
LikeLike
The Chik-fil-A chopping cow appears to be having technical difficulties. He only managed to get into a full chop only once.
Budget cuts…
LikeLike
‘Morning, friends!
What a game! I think we (mostly) saw everything we have wanted to see for quite a few years now. Even Chipper commented on the noise level from the stands. I’m really happy to see EXCITED supportive fans in the seats!
We need to keep Jason in our prayers. He’s going to have pressure on him that the rest of us probably can’t even imagine. I am so proud of us parents for the truly magnificent job they did in raising him! Even the ESPN guys kept talking about it yesterday.
Wildcat, thanks for the report! We love reading about things straight from the source! I’m so glad you were able to go. Those of us who can’t get there will live the games you attend through your eyes. THANKS!
LikeLike
Excellent job of reporting Wildcat! 🙂
CL, might that/those posts make a decent lead??? We know this sucker is going to fill up now that the season is upon us…and no, I can’t do one right now, thanks for asking though! 😉
LikeLike
Not a bad idea there, Ber. Combine the game report and the later reflection, and you’d have a pretty good lead.
Something to think about, CL, especially when you can begin to hear some creaking and popping under the strain of 492 posts…
(Of course, you have to wait ’til we break the 500 mark. 😀 )
LikeLike
Make that 493…
😆
LikeLike
Pollen count on the ATL area today is 2,967 particles per cubic meter. Anything over 120 is considered extremely high.
Being about an hour north of the city, and in a much more tree-populated rural area, it may be even higher here. I am thankful that I work indoors. Even at that, it is still killing me. I have the sniffles something awful! 😥
LikeLike
While I am thinking about it, I think the Cabrera/Diaz platoon is going to be a really good one. I also think Melky could play a little more at times in CF as well. And I have kinda grown to like the Melk-man.
He isn’t flashy; he doesn’t particularly stand out in any way; nut he is solid and knows how to win. Yesterday is a perfect example. I cannot think of any one thing that really stands out, other than taking a leadoff walk, yet he did have a impact on the game.
Did you realize that in his 5 plate appearances yesterday, he had 1 walk and 0 hits, but he faced 39 pitches from Cubs hurlers. 39 pitches. Sometimes it’s the little things that add up to big results. Gads… between his patience, and that of one young Mr. J22, opposing pitchers might have to work a little harder this year.
Heck, with the subtraction of French-twist, and the addition of J22, opposing pitchers will have to work twice as hard just from RF alone!
LikeLike
Sorry about the pollen, V! I can really be bothered by it as well…I think the fact I never got over a cold I got in early March has helped me deal with the pollen so far….at least that’s the theory I am working on right now! 😕
LikeLike
* The Chik-fil-A chopping cow appears to be having technical difficulties. He only managed to get into a full chop only once.
Too bad the Braves did not sign a deal with the Piggly Wiggly instead of Chik-fil-A. Then the Atlanta faithful could have all had “Pork Chops”….
LikeLike
Thanks, wildcat! I’m jealous but I’ll get to go in a couple of weeks. Dad’s talking about the 18th & maybe a few other games while we’re up this spring. We’ll go to Gwinnett too, it’s very easy to get to from Tiger.
VOR, I empathize, buddy. Mom’s black car is yellow. It is bad here, I have to stay indoors as much as possible.
LikeLike
OK, so Dad & his buddies had their day at Augusta yesterday. He gushed on the phone about it, said it was so impossibly beautiful that it didn’t look real. Said the fairways looked better than any greens he’d ever seen & the rough better than most fairways ( & that exhausts the extent of my golf knowledge).
LikeLike
that exhausts the extent of my golf knowledge
But you did well.
Many things surreal at Augusta National yesterday, like Tiger trying to come across as a sympathetic figure. I turned on ESPN SportsCenter right after the Braves broadcast in an attempt to catch the highlights right away, and had to endure practically the entire friggin’ press conference AGAIN. This was after 680theFan broadcast the stupid thing live earlier in the day. Why is this “news”? Tiger’s a bum, he wants to play golf and have everyone forget he’s a bum. This is not news. We have known this for months. Golf tournaments in their entirety are not fun to watch. Augusta on Sunday usually is fun to watch. I watch the Masters final round every year.
I won’t watch this year. The PGA sold it’s soul to the Tiger machine. They put all of their eggs in his basket, and kept them there even after he was putting his eggs in baskets all over the country. Whatever. The Tiger/PGA marriage appears to be mutually committed even if the Tiger/Elin marriage isn’t.
LikeLike
I understand MLB’s scheduling of off days during the first week of the regular season in case of rainouts, but yesterday’s game generated so much buzz and hype and excitement only to have it all put on hold on day 2. Just dang…
Then again, once they took the first game honors from the long-time traditional first game team Cincinnati, and gave it to MLB favored children NYY and BOS, what difference does it make anyway. Yet another item to place Bud’s long list of shame…
LikeLike
New lead. Well, I could, but I thought GIL was going to do one when he got back from ST. *scratches head* Could be mistaken, I guess.
Okay. I’ll work on it. *sigh* grumblegrumblemutterdarkly
LikeLike
To answer the question asked earlier:
“After the game, Braves reliever Peter Moylan crept behind a crowd of reporters and hit the rookie with a towel full of shaving cream.”
LikeLike
Yes, I know, I was suppose to do it…. 😦 Just became so easy putting it off.
I’ll see if I can grind something worthwhile out tonight.
LikeLike
That last rope is looking a mite frayed so I’ve worked and sweated and slaved over a new lead. whew… Well, actually Wildcat wrote it – but still – – –
NEW BLOG IS UP!
LikeLike