EW&F’s That’s the Way of the World album totally lit up my 7th-grade year. Those singles were on the radio all the time, but that album’s good all the way through. Another big turn-on from Columbia House Record club.
If you wanna hear one of the great Quiet-Storm, falsetto-vocal R&B tunes of all time, check out Phillip Bailey’s performance on “Reasons.”
Go Braves (and, um, Let’s Go Mets… this weekend anyway)
Nick
on July 15, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Perhaps they’re going to run with the Hudson/Ross battery thing. Either that or McCann did hurt his ankle a little bit when that guy slid into him at the All-Star Game (which I was worried about at the time BTW).
Those are the only two logical explanations.
c. shorter
on July 15, 2011 at 3:32 pm
logic?
JoeyT
on July 15, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@8, close, but I’d rather have Hinske over one of McLouth or Schafer (which one depends on my value-of-defense mood).
sansho1
on July 15, 2011 at 3:50 pm
I support the idea of giving McCann regularly scheduled rest during the heat of summer.
spike
on July 15, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Another big turn-on from Columbia House Record club.
Oh god yes – and I got a nifty Rush belt buckle too!
ryan c
on July 15, 2011 at 4:05 pm
I like Hunter Pence (from DOB’s latest blog entry):
About the Braves’ All-Star pitchers, he said: “Nasty. Unbelievable stuff. Kimbrel and Venters. Venters is throwing circus pitches up there. It’s circus. I was like, what the hell did he just throw me? There’s some pitchers in this National League, I’m glad they’re on our side in this All-Star game.”
I mentioned to him that Billy Wagner, another former Astros, mentioned last year that he’d never seen a lefty with the particular stuff that Venters features.
“I’ve never seen one, either,” Pence said. Like I said, circus pitch is the best way to describe it. He throws a 95 [mph pitch] that moves and drops off the table. Then he throws like, some split-knuckle-change thing, that comes really hard and goes down like a Yo-Yo. It’s funny.”
Before we finished, I mentioned to Pence that a lot of Braves fans would like to see Atlanta trade for him this summer.
“Really? That’s nice,” he said. “It’s good to be wanted, but I just focus on the challenges in front of me right now. There’s a lot of stuff going on. No one knows what the future holds. We’ll see. Take it one day at a time.”
ryan c
on July 15, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Jeff Francoeur is hilarious…
The Royals are looking for “near ready” starting pitching for Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick (on Twitter). Francoeur realizes the Royals may trade him, but he told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star that he would prefer to stay in Kansas City long-term. The outfielder has had casual conversations with GM Dayton Moore to express his desire to stay, but the sides haven’t discussed their $4MM mutual option for 2012 so far.
“At some point,” Francoeur said, “we’ll talk to Dayton about the option. Maybe get a two or three-year deal or something. I’ve told Dayton that I like it here. I’d love to stay here.”
ryan c
on July 15, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Triple post coming…sorry.
A guy over at talkingchop says there’s an espninsider story about the Braves throwing around Beltran’s name, but can’t get too serious unless they move some of their own salary elsewhere: Derek Lowe.
He also goes on to say that the Braves aren’t “actively shopping” Lowe, but are “listening”.
Sending Lowe to the Yankees for a mid-level prospect and acquirning Beltran from the Mets for a mid-level prospect might make me the happiest man on the planet.
Dan
on July 15, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@17: of course he would. There aren’t many teams in the majors that would start Francoeur every day, and that is what Francoeur reportedly desires the most.
csg
on July 15, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Are the Orioles really about to give Hardy 3/$21-25m? Yeah, best of luck.
Stu
on July 15, 2011 at 4:23 pm
I’d be elated for the Braves to have Hardy and that contract.
ryan c
on July 15, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@20
According to fangraphs, Hardy was worth 9.8 million last year and is at 8.1 million already this year. If true, it’s a pretty good deal.
csg
on July 15, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Was Hardy injured or just bad in 2009 & 2010? He’s SLG’ing .496 right now and I doubt that will continue. After his 2009/2010 seasons I would be very skeptical.
#15
And when did you retire that piece of sartorial splendor? Hemispheres?
Looking at that lineup, so-o-o nice to have the Prado back. Hope he can hit the ground running.
Fwiw, I’m fine with Ross playing. McCann’s in the wings if we need him.
csg
on July 15, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Im fine with Ross too. Just odd timing to play him today with two lefties the next two days. Bmac will also be catching a day game following a night game.
Adam M
on July 15, 2011 at 5:55 pm
I think it’s dumb to bat Alex Gonzalez 8th. Hacktastic hitters should not hit where pitchers are most liable to pitch around them.
Nice to see we’re going to continue the trend of letting the Nationals kick us around.
Tom
on July 15, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Might still win 14-1 though.
Adam M
on July 15, 2011 at 6:46 pm
It’s crazy that the Nationals are at .500 despite the awful seasons they’re getting from Werth, Zimmerman, and Desmond. They’re actually a pretty good team.
Just think of every run you score against Livan Hernandez as another gob of spit for Eric Gregg’s grave. Why, yes, I’m still bitter, why do you ask?
Nick H
on July 15, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Eh, I think sending Ross there was the right move – it took a nearly perfect throw from LF to get him. If you don’t send him, it’s bases loaded, one out for Hudson, and odds are against him driving in Ross from third.
Getting Prado back…IF (and big IF) Uggs is back to form…
folks, we could do some damage given the pitching depth.
With Freeman coming on so strong, and a legend at 3B, big money at 2B, and young fan favorites in LF & RF…it would be tough to see the right trade scenario for a big bat that will start every day.
I’m close to going ALL IN with who we’ve got…and seeing what happens.
If anything, I hope the back end of our pen doesn’t blow up due to every day duty.
Thank you for handing down penalties that only adversely affect the players who did things the right way. This reeks of an organization desperate to prove that it has some sort of control over its member institutions despite lacking the ability and firepower to police the serious offenders and protect the student-athletes whose interests you purport to have at heart.
While I realize that all violations merit some kind of punishment, I have a hard time grasping the notion that one of the proudest moments in my life (and the lives of every other individual that was a part of the team and program in 2009) is apparently worth $312 in your eyes. If that truly is the case, I’d be happy to provide you with that same amount of money (cash or check, your choice) in exchange for the reinstatement of the title my teammates and I earned through our blood, sweat and tears.
It took months of hard work, dedication and personal sacrifice by a team of over 100 players, 10 coaches and countless staff members to achieve that championship, but, evidently, it only takes the handful of pencil pushers, lawyers and professors on your infractions committee to strip us of it.
I was a part of the 2009 ACC Championship team and, while you can pretend retroactively that it didn’t happen, I have vivid memories of an incredible season that was, and continues to be, one of the most fun, meaningful, important, and very real times in my 23 years on this planet. I’ll be wearing my championship ring with pride and if you want that too, you’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead finger.
Use code “Journal” for a 5% discount.
This album was totally the shizzle when I was in high school – and it actually holds up quite well today.
DOB tweeted that the actual signing price on Gilmartin was 1.13, not the previously reported 1.15.
Mac, I hope the All Star break was good for you and for Chipper and the Prado as well.
Not so great for me, health-wise (I am assured it will get better) but the Prado is in the lineup at third, hitting second.
Schafer 8 Prado 5 Heyward 9 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 Ross 2 McLouth 7 Gonzalez 6 Hudson 1
Yes, McCann needs a day off, apparently.
DOB:
Ok.
edit: What ryan c said.
aaaand we’re back
Schafer 8
Prado 5
Heyward 9
Freeman 3
Uggla 4
Ross 2
McLouth 8
Gonzalez 6
Hudson 1
My hatred for AAG is now much less. He has to bat 8th.
Why is BMAC sitting vs Livan? His foot hurt from the ASG?
Apart from Ross, that’s actually close to an optimal lineup given the available folks.
Ok MRSA is just giving him the day off which doesnt make sense since the Braves are facing lefties the next two days. Yep, Braves baseball is back!
edit: Nevermind… per Bowman…This will mark the fifth straight start that Ross has served as Hudson’s catcher. Hudson 3-0, 1.98 ERA in previous four
#1
I know, right?
EW&F’s That’s the Way of the World album totally lit up my 7th-grade year. Those singles were on the radio all the time, but that album’s good all the way through. Another big turn-on from Columbia House Record club.
If you wanna hear one of the great Quiet-Storm, falsetto-vocal R&B tunes of all time, check out Phillip Bailey’s performance on “Reasons.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o4QaBs3beM
Go Braves (and, um, Let’s Go Mets… this weekend anyway)
Perhaps they’re going to run with the Hudson/Ross battery thing. Either that or McCann did hurt his ankle a little bit when that guy slid into him at the All-Star Game (which I was worried about at the time BTW).
Those are the only two logical explanations.
logic?
@8, close, but I’d rather have Hinske over one of McLouth or Schafer (which one depends on my value-of-defense mood).
I support the idea of giving McCann regularly scheduled rest during the heat of summer.
Another big turn-on from Columbia House Record club.
Oh god yes – and I got a nifty Rush belt buckle too!
I like Hunter Pence (from DOB’s latest blog entry):
About the Braves’ All-Star pitchers, he said: “Nasty. Unbelievable stuff. Kimbrel and Venters. Venters is throwing circus pitches up there. It’s circus. I was like, what the hell did he just throw me? There’s some pitchers in this National League, I’m glad they’re on our side in this All-Star game.”
I mentioned to him that Billy Wagner, another former Astros, mentioned last year that he’d never seen a lefty with the particular stuff that Venters features.
“I’ve never seen one, either,” Pence said. Like I said, circus pitch is the best way to describe it. He throws a 95 [mph pitch] that moves and drops off the table. Then he throws like, some split-knuckle-change thing, that comes really hard and goes down like a Yo-Yo. It’s funny.”
Before we finished, I mentioned to Pence that a lot of Braves fans would like to see Atlanta trade for him this summer.
“Really? That’s nice,” he said. “It’s good to be wanted, but I just focus on the challenges in front of me right now. There’s a lot of stuff going on. No one knows what the future holds. We’ll see. Take it one day at a time.”
Jeff Francoeur is hilarious…
The Royals are looking for “near ready” starting pitching for Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick (on Twitter). Francoeur realizes the Royals may trade him, but he told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star that he would prefer to stay in Kansas City long-term. The outfielder has had casual conversations with GM Dayton Moore to express his desire to stay, but the sides haven’t discussed their $4MM mutual option for 2012 so far.
“At some point,” Francoeur said, “we’ll talk to Dayton about the option. Maybe get a two or three-year deal or something. I’ve told Dayton that I like it here. I’d love to stay here.”
Triple post coming…sorry.
A guy over at talkingchop says there’s an espninsider story about the Braves throwing around Beltran’s name, but can’t get too serious unless they move some of their own salary elsewhere: Derek Lowe.
He also goes on to say that the Braves aren’t “actively shopping” Lowe, but are “listening”.
Sending Lowe to the Yankees for a mid-level prospect and acquirning Beltran from the Mets for a mid-level prospect might make me the happiest man on the planet.
@17: of course he would. There aren’t many teams in the majors that would start Francoeur every day, and that is what Francoeur reportedly desires the most.
Are the Orioles really about to give Hardy 3/$21-25m? Yeah, best of luck.
I’d be elated for the Braves to have Hardy and that contract.
@20
According to fangraphs, Hardy was worth 9.8 million last year and is at 8.1 million already this year. If true, it’s a pretty good deal.
Was Hardy injured or just bad in 2009 & 2010? He’s SLG’ing .496 right now and I doubt that will continue. After his 2009/2010 seasons I would be very skeptical.
#15
And when did you retire that piece of sartorial splendor? Hemispheres?
Looking at that lineup, so-o-o nice to have the Prado back. Hope he can hit the ground running.
Fwiw, I’m fine with Ross playing. McCann’s in the wings if we need him.
Im fine with Ross too. Just odd timing to play him today with two lefties the next two days. Bmac will also be catching a day game following a night game.
I think it’s dumb to bat Alex Gonzalez 8th. Hacktastic hitters should not hit where pitchers are most liable to pitch around them.
Just in case y’all hadn’t seen this…
“The women’s bathroom at last night’s Rush concert…”
Medicated as I am, the recap may come at any odd time from the end of the game to mid-morning tomorrow.
It’s a hell of a lot better than AAG hitting 2nd, though.
I like 8th. It’s not terribly important, but any time you increase the odds of giving him one fewer plate appearance, it’s a good plan.
I’m watching half a Criminal Minds rerun before the game. They just used the phrase “blunt force trauma to the face.” That’s an awesome phrase.
*Sigh*
So good to have baseball again.
29 – True.
1-0.
Nice to see we’re going to continue the trend of letting the Nationals kick us around.
Might still win 14-1 though.
It’s crazy that the Nationals are at .500 despite the awful seasons they’re getting from Werth, Zimmerman, and Desmond. They’re actually a pretty good team.
Way to go, Freddie!!!!
Uggla stays hot!
Uggla is so clutch.
Well, maybe they’re not that good.
The one question mark is his defense, Chip? He is LAST in the league in OPS. The one question mark is his defense, of course.
“Might still win 14-1 though.”
Maybe…
This is pretty fun. We should have week-long breaks more often.
3 errors and bernadina was playing mcclouth way to deep. I’ll take it
Is Brian Jordan really crediting Martin Prado for this 4-run inning when Prado is thus far the only Braves player to have made an out?
Haha Snitkered!
Why, Snitker? Why? You may have just killed the rally.
Well at least now Fredi can’t squeeze with hudson
Snitker…ugh
What makes that even more stupid is that the pitcher is coming up next, which is basically an out, and now it ends the inning.
Snitker’d
Just think of every run you score against Livan Hernandez as another gob of spit for Eric Gregg’s grave. Why, yes, I’m still bitter, why do you ask?
Eh, I think sending Ross there was the right move – it took a nearly perfect throw from LF to get him. If you don’t send him, it’s bases loaded, one out for Hudson, and odds are against him driving in Ross from third.
Lovely DP there.
why two errors on ball Success hit? It was tough play? He had chance to get him if first if LH was not so slow
only 31 pitches for LH in first. Seemed like more.
55 — Throwing error allowing him to reach 1st. A second throwing error allowing him to reach 2nd.
Prado’s hit the ball hard twice now, even if he didn’t reach.
See, Fredi knew what he was doing starting Ross.
Yes, keep hitting it at Morse, Schafer. Maybe he’ll make another error.
Ross is the best back up catcher in baseball and the sub we can trust the most.
MARTIN!
Prado has now hit it well 3 times.
good thing LH did not get to plate and was not hit for.
Prediction: Braves win 66 games in the second half to win 120 for the season. They lose in the NLDS to the Brewers
Nats announcers on LP: “Great guy and he’s really done a great job with these Braves hitters.”
It won’t be long until they will have to tether AAGs bat before it does anything really bad when he loses the grip.
Think Hudson could handle right-field between starts?
If Schafer walks and Fredi has Prado bunt, I will lose it.
Maybe this is Fredi’s plan; whatever they might lose with not having McCann in, Tim is going to pick up.
Prado is on fire.
I’ve really missed Martin.
Looks like Detwiler is going to take one for the team.
They finally got someone else warming up.
They’ve done it: The Nats now have as many errors as base hits.. Hard to do, unless you get one-hit or something.
Damn, Freddie is so good.
NLROTY
Kimbrel looks to be leading the ROTY at the moment, though. Nice to have them on the same team.
Was the answer to the trivia question Kenny Lofton?
#36 – i want to hit up vegas with you!
Top 9, braves up by 10.. So is fredie going to go with Venters, Kimbrel or EOF in this spot?
I guess not even 10 runs is enough for Proctor.
It’s totally awesome how Proctor is not being used here. I mean, who wants to use your worst pitcher with a lead?
I mean I’m really glad he’s using a guy with both an ERA and FIP under 2.50 here. Any lead can slip away, you know.
78 — It was Todd Zeile.
10,000 wins. That is nuts
Sherill had not pitched for a while
I hate this f’in team.
Getting Prado back…IF (and big IF) Uggs is back to form…
folks, we could do some damage given the pitching depth.
With Freeman coming on so strong, and a legend at 3B, big money at 2B, and young fan favorites in LF & RF…it would be tough to see the right trade scenario for a big bat that will start every day.
I’m close to going ALL IN with who we’ve got…and seeing what happens.
If anything, I hope the back end of our pen doesn’t blow up due to every day duty.
@84 Thanks!
Although I didn’t see any of it, great win.
Fear the Prado.
I may have to become a Tech fan:
“Dear NCAA,
Thank you for handing down penalties that only adversely affect the players who did things the right way. This reeks of an organization desperate to prove that it has some sort of control over its member institutions despite lacking the ability and firepower to police the serious offenders and protect the student-athletes whose interests you purport to have at heart.
While I realize that all violations merit some kind of punishment, I have a hard time grasping the notion that one of the proudest moments in my life (and the lives of every other individual that was a part of the team and program in 2009) is apparently worth $312 in your eyes. If that truly is the case, I’d be happy to provide you with that same amount of money (cash or check, your choice) in exchange for the reinstatement of the title my teammates and I earned through our blood, sweat and tears.
It took months of hard work, dedication and personal sacrifice by a team of over 100 players, 10 coaches and countless staff members to achieve that championship, but, evidently, it only takes the handful of pencil pushers, lawyers and professors on your infractions committee to strip us of it.
I was a part of the 2009 ACC Championship team and, while you can pretend retroactively that it didn’t happen, I have vivid memories of an incredible season that was, and continues to be, one of the most fun, meaningful, important, and very real times in my 23 years on this planet. I’ll be wearing my championship ring with pride and if you want that too, you’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead finger.
Sincerely,
Sean Bedford”
Belated recap.