While we work our way through this muddled week of games that don’t count really but really they still do, refresh the mind and stir the senses with these two happenings outside of that parochial circle – one took place last night in a NYC ESPN studio so is already on tape, the other, weather permitting, will start in San Francisco at 4pm this Wednesday afternoon ET, NBC Sports Channel.
The last first…Americas Cup, the incredible flying machines…if our World Series was constructed to be the best of 17 matches- first one to 9 wins – and the Braves were at one point down 8-1 then we might all give up, right? The USA team were that a week or so ago but then went and won seven in a row culminating in a double header yesterday. So today it’s one final race for all the bananas with the Kiwis reeling – now it would be their comeback for the ages if they could reverse their nightmare loss of momentum.
There’s one other reason to watch – aesthetics. These boats are twin hulled catamarans 6 stories high with all the hi tech that Larry Ellison and all his money can cram into them. As they accelerate they rise out of the water on their foils , can do 35 mph upwind and 50 something down (wind permitting). They round the markers at 40 sometimes one hull miles out of the water, 10 guys working furiously to avoid the capsize. It is a strangely beautiful and stirring sight.
Yes, this is a baseball blog so last night the man some love to hate, KO, was doing his late night one hour gig and lo and behold there was Richard Lewis for a 12 minute spot and for those of us so inclined this combination was orgasmic even before it got started. It did not disappoint. Lewis in full manic mode could not wait to get Olberman out of his comfort zone which as we all know is a wide one. For you haters check out his immediate quasi panic as Lewis wound up. It was wonderful television with two men who share a long friendship and a passion for sports with a sense of humor that’s part Cleese, part Freud. Lewis had much contact with Mantle over many years, both were drunks, and some of the stories are sad, some very funny, several new to me. Lovely stuff, precious.
Now back to what remains of this strange week for the Braves.
I watched Olberman last night too. “So Babe Ruth was running naked down the isle of the train…” Good stuff.
USA! USA! USA!
A pleasant thought?
Nats’ Jordan Zimmerman going for win #20 this afternoon in St. Louis.
definitely pleasant…
such motivation.
Cool, let’s have Garcia start a crucial playoff game because of three starts with the Braves (and “he a veteran!”)
Reminds me of people saying Ben Sheets was back after three starts with the Braves last year.
Garcia would be fine with me over Maholm.
Did Alex Wood die? Why are people only talking about Maholm and Garcia?
Freddi already announced Wood is in the pen for the playoffs.
Oh, we won last night, btw.
Just in case you were wondering. 🙂
@8. I heard a rumor about it being a walk-off win. Simmons may have been involved somehow.
@9 – Yeah, and I bet the Kraken had a coupla three strikeouts in the top of the 9th as well.
*Snort.*
😉
parochial seems well chosen now…
@5 This is exactly how I feel, and I also agree with Fredi that Wood will have greater impact coming out from the bullpen instead of starting one game in a series. He can simply come out and take care of whatever the gap between the starter and Kimbrel.
Garcia has been steadier than the Hawaiin. I’m ok with it. I know SSS but it’s the correct decision right now.
Got JC’d. If we play the Reds I still think it should be Maholm in Game 4. Choo, Votto, and Bruce aren’t nearly as good against LHPs.
So, the Cardinals took over that playoff spot after the Braves collapsed in 2011. Then beat them in that one-game wild card thing in 2012. Now in 2013, you just know they’re probably going to take away home field from the Braves.
Hopefully, there is no game 4. Either way, Maholm should not get any start in the post season. I’d rather have Wood over him if we need the lefty starter. Paul has a 6 ERA since the break, a 5 ERA in September. That game would be a road start also and he’s been awful away from home.
#15
And then… we all die?
16 — I would agree that I prefer Wood to start, but I think the Braves are trying to limit his innings.
17 — If the Cardinals take home-field, then we almost certainly have to face Clayton Kershaw twice in the NLDS. I’d rather take my chances against literally anyone else.
#19
Like we don’t already know that?
I’m sorry, but at a certain point, relentless fatalism just becomes comedy.
I used to stress about how the Tar Heels would play in March Madness and how to avoid the good teams, and who the Braves wanted to miss, etc etc.
But, I realized that if you’re going to win a title, you’ll have to beat great teams anyway. So, quit worrying about possibly facing Kershaw and just beat who is in front of you and let tomorrow take care of itself.
I’m exhausted and just want to hibernate until the Braves first series, whoever it’s against, and whatever record they finish with. This month has been a real slog.
Braves were 5-2 against LAD this year only allowing 17 runs in 7 games. Granted we missed Kershaw completely and only faced Greinke once (one of the losses). Maholm pitched really well against them twice.
I’d actually argue if we played the Dodgers you go Medlen, Teheran, Minor then Maholm/Garcia. Dodger Stadium is where you want to pitch if you are having trouble with the homerun ball like Minor is. Also sets him up to start Game 1 of the NLCS on regular rest and lets Teheran start at home for his first playoff start.
Magic number is 4 for home field advantage. There is no reason why we can’t win 4 of 5 to close out the season.
Recapped.