This is this week's Score Atlanta cover story. For the record, this was Kotchman's first interview since arriving in Atlanta. That's right. Fletcher got first crack at the newest Brave. Before the Radio stations, before the newspapers (though the papers have since gotten him on a news call). Just saying, I am a STUD.
In 1987, the Atlanta Braves sent veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander to Detroit in exchange for a 20 year old pitcher that would go on to ring up 210 victories, 154 saves and 3011 strikeouts for the Braves over the next 21 season. At the time the trade seemed to favor the Tigers, but looking back we can say perhaps the Braves got the better end. Has lightning struck twice in Atlanta? Last week, the Braves sent first baseman Mark Teixeira to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for Class AA-pitcher Stephen Marek and 25 year-old first baseman Casey Kotchman. When Teixeira was dealt, several Braves went on record saying it was like losing “a brother,” but the team has seemed to welcome in its newest player. “It’s been a warm welcome honestly, and I’m looking forward to contributing,” said Kotchman of how he was fitting in.
Though he had been starting for a team destined for the playoffs with a huge chance of taking home its second World Series title this decade, Kotchman now bats third for a team whose playoff chances are slim. “I try to see the positive in any situation and to try and do anything other than that is not good. To leave my teammates [in LA], we were all real close, but you come here and you meet new ones and you look forward to the future,” said Kotchman about his new situation. Kotchman was leading the Angels with 107 hits at the time of the trade and his 12 home runs this season were a career high. He also had 54 RBI for the Angels and the Braves might remember two of those, in the form of a two-run home run against Atlanta earlier this season. Kotchman will also bring a vacuum-like glove to the right side of the infield and possibly even be an improvement over Teixeira’s fine defense. For his career the Braves new first baseman has a .997 fielding percentage and he has just five errors in the past 300 games at the position.
It would be unfair to ask Casey Kotchman to replace Mark Teixeira on the Braves roster. True they both play first base, but while Tex was a constant threat to go deep and play a fine first base, Kotchman is more of an on-base guy with a higher average and a better glove on defense. Though Kotchman is just a lefty at the plate, he hits for a higher average against lefty pitchers and he can crush the ball off right-handers. The Braves front office and Bobby Cox don’t expect the power numbers of a Teixeira from Kotchman; they just expect him to be Casey. Said Kotchman of his role with Atlanta, “I think it’s the same as with any team. You’re showing up and you’re ready to play and you’re trying to win.”
When Kotchman heard of the trade, he was in Boston, so a cross-country flight wasn’t necessary, and the newest Brave was excited to be playing close to where he grew up. Kotchman is originally from Florida and says that he watched Braves games on TV as a kid. He has played with the Angels organization every since he was drafted No. 13 overall in 2001, but this change to Atlanta has him excited. “I just try to get the most out of the present time and have no regrets in the future and just try to make the most out of each day,” said Kotchman and expectations could begin to swirl as soon as next season. Kotchman is under contract through 2011 and with his affordable salary, the team might begin to rebuild and reload as early as this off-season, with Kotchman a central building block to the franchise. At only 25 years old, he certainly could have a long run in Atlanta and Frank Wren was excited to acquire him. “He's going to be a real key piece for our club as we move forward,” Wren said recently, and you get the feeling the Kotchman’s no-nonsense approach will help this club. Kotchman seems focused at all times and took extra fielding and batting practice last week, as he tries to bring a winning mentality from Anaheim to Atlanta. “I have heard it is a great city, a great town with great fans and everything. I just look forward to getting settled in.”
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Midweek Entertainment report 8/6/08
Paris for Prez, Does America have Talent?, Michelle Tanner won't talk, and Who is the Riddler?
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
John McCain used a shot of Paris Hilton in a negative Obama ad and that made the Hiltons all pissy. First off, I thought it was funny that Mr. and Mrs. Hilton were mad at McCain for making fun of their daughter, if you don't want her to be the butt of jokes, don't let her be a butt in real life. Then they said they felt backstabbed because they had donated money to McCain's campaign. Ummm 4600 is nice, but that is not enough for him to say, "Oh I am SOOOO SORRY. I should bow down to you Hiltons!" But I need to move on. Paris released a video saying how she now thinks she is running for president. I understand it is all a joke. What I have to say is, Johnny, why did you bring up Paris? Now you have to deal with that and it is being pointed out how OLD you are. Just saying. This NEVER would have happened if Josh Lyman or Jill Taylor were running your campaign!
So America's Got Talent is moving to Vegas. (I am guessing that is their Hollywood? I don't know, I've never watched the show) Could someone PLEASE explain to me the point of this show? Is it a singing competition? Is it a stupid human pet tricks show? How do you judge a guy that swallows swords v a 4 year old singer? Who wins these things? What happens to them? I would start watching the show, but I think I'd get frustrated with it since I cannot seem to grasp the concept without watching.
Why won't Mary-Kate Olsen talk to the DEA? Apparently she wants immunity before she answers any questions regarding the accidental overdose death of Heath Ledger. The Feds want to know how he got two painkillers (oxycodone and hydrocodone) likely with falsified prescriptions. Hey half-of-Michelle Tanner, just answer the questions. The blonde hoebag from Dawson's Creek answered the questions. (PS, I am calling Jen Lindley aka Michelle Williams that because I am 4 episodes into season 2 and she IS acting like a hoebag. Just saying) Just go along with the questions, you can't get yourself in trouble. The fifth amendment prevents that, if you have a good lawyer. And if you got him the drugs, then maybe you should go to your room and wait for Uncle Joey to come make you feel better by doing Bullwinkle
Finally, speaking of Heath Ledger as a former Batman villain (well, not really, but I am trying here) the rumors are spreading faster than Jen's legs on Dawson's Creek (ba-da CHEEE!). Who will be the next villan in the Batman series. Right now, some of the rumors out there include Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Penguin, Johnny Depp as Riddler (And he'll probably win MTV's Actor in a comedy for that role) and/or Angelina as Catwoman. Jessica Biel and Amy Adams have also been linked to that role, but COME ON, Angelina Jolie as Catwoman? That sight of her in a Catwoman leather suit would break EVERY boxoffice record EVER. Chris Nolan needs to make this happen, Cap'n. All I am saying. And the good part about this is, the Dark Knight TOTALLY set up for a third movie. It was a two-run home run and I can't wait for the grand slam.
Until next week, Everybody!
PS, big ups to 1250 WSSP in Milwaukee for letting me talk a little Braves baseball on their State Farm pregame show.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
John McCain used a shot of Paris Hilton in a negative Obama ad and that made the Hiltons all pissy. First off, I thought it was funny that Mr. and Mrs. Hilton were mad at McCain for making fun of their daughter, if you don't want her to be the butt of jokes, don't let her be a butt in real life. Then they said they felt backstabbed because they had donated money to McCain's campaign. Ummm 4600 is nice, but that is not enough for him to say, "Oh I am SOOOO SORRY. I should bow down to you Hiltons!" But I need to move on. Paris released a video saying how she now thinks she is running for president. I understand it is all a joke. What I have to say is, Johnny, why did you bring up Paris? Now you have to deal with that and it is being pointed out how OLD you are. Just saying. This NEVER would have happened if Josh Lyman or Jill Taylor were running your campaign!
So America's Got Talent is moving to Vegas. (I am guessing that is their Hollywood? I don't know, I've never watched the show) Could someone PLEASE explain to me the point of this show? Is it a singing competition? Is it a stupid human pet tricks show? How do you judge a guy that swallows swords v a 4 year old singer? Who wins these things? What happens to them? I would start watching the show, but I think I'd get frustrated with it since I cannot seem to grasp the concept without watching.
Why won't Mary-Kate Olsen talk to the DEA? Apparently she wants immunity before she answers any questions regarding the accidental overdose death of Heath Ledger. The Feds want to know how he got two painkillers (oxycodone and hydrocodone) likely with falsified prescriptions. Hey half-of-Michelle Tanner, just answer the questions. The blonde hoebag from Dawson's Creek answered the questions. (PS, I am calling Jen Lindley aka Michelle Williams that because I am 4 episodes into season 2 and she IS acting like a hoebag. Just saying) Just go along with the questions, you can't get yourself in trouble. The fifth amendment prevents that, if you have a good lawyer. And if you got him the drugs, then maybe you should go to your room and wait for Uncle Joey to come make you feel better by doing Bullwinkle
Finally, speaking of Heath Ledger as a former Batman villain (well, not really, but I am trying here) the rumors are spreading faster than Jen's legs on Dawson's Creek (ba-da CHEEE!). Who will be the next villan in the Batman series. Right now, some of the rumors out there include Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Penguin, Johnny Depp as Riddler (And he'll probably win MTV's Actor in a comedy for that role) and/or Angelina as Catwoman. Jessica Biel and Amy Adams have also been linked to that role, but COME ON, Angelina Jolie as Catwoman? That sight of her in a Catwoman leather suit would break EVERY boxoffice record EVER. Chris Nolan needs to make this happen, Cap'n. All I am saying. And the good part about this is, the Dark Knight TOTALLY set up for a third movie. It was a two-run home run and I can't wait for the grand slam.
Until next week, Everybody!
PS, big ups to 1250 WSSP in Milwaukee for letting me talk a little Braves baseball on their State Farm pregame show.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Sure the game will go on, but it will never be the same.
Sportsbyfletch correspondent Paul Mac offers a tribute to the late, great Skip Caray
As I sat at my computer playing a clip from the broadcast of the 7th game of the 1992 NLCS with the current braves broadcast out in San Francisco it hit me. This is historic, and it will never be the same. It’s not 2004 and no amount of justified letters to the editor are going to bring Skip back on the air. With all due respect to John Sciambi who calls a fine game, it’s impossible not to feel a little or a lot depressed that Skip Caray won’t be there anymore.
Skip got it. He was our eyes and our ears… I know the rest of you turned had your radios turned to “our guys” and had your televisions down like we did back in the days before digital TV and 7 second satellite delay. There I was in the peak of my baseball fandom just having turned 13 and full of hope. “A lot of room in Right Center if it hits it there we can dance in the streets…” It must have been 10:30 or 11:00 at night, my mother and sister had gone to bed, and my father and I were on the edge of our seats as Francisco Cabrera stood at the plate. “ The 2-1… swung line drive left field One run is in here comes Bream, Here’s the throw to the plate…. He is……SAFE!!!! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! They may have to hospitalize Sid Bream; he's down at the bottom of a huge pile at the plate. They help him to his feet. Frank Cabrera got the game winner! The Atlanta Braves are National League champions again! This crowd is going berserk, listen to this CROWD!”
That moment to me is the most memorable of all and it has been made so mainly because of that call. Whenever I see the picture of Bream mobbed at the plate, Braves Win pops into my brain.
I‘m not sure why I remember specifically jumping up and shouting my dad subsequently high fiving me and giving me a hug while telling me to be quiet because my mom and sister were sleeping but Sid’s slide and the subsequent Skip Caray radio call made it immortal. Jay Bell had no shot at Cabrera’s line Drive, but one of the best 5 tool players in the history of baseball in Barry Bonds was bearing down on it and Sid Bream formerly of that same great Pirates team with 2 really bad knees coming all the way from second represented the game winner…. Impossible right? I guess not. The throw, Bream and Mike Lavallier’s glove got there pretty much the same time even though I visually saw the umpires arms outstretch. “He is SAFE BRAVES WIN!” gave me the ability to exhale and celebrate.
Through the exuberance of Skip Caray’s voice I knew victory; I knew triumph; I knew joy. It’s almost as if last nights braves broadcast was a reminder of all we took for granted for so many years. He laughed with us, cried with us, never talked down to the audience like others have. He called the game exactly the way he saw it with no BS and he spoke his mind and that’s incredibly rare in today’s PC media world. He had the perfect sense of humor that the great ones have. The braves broadcast for so many years with Skip Caray; Pete Van Wieren; Ernie Johnson and Don Sutton among a few others we simply didn’t know how good we had it. I can’t count the number of times I’d be in the middle of nowhere in Georgia trying to find a crackly AM station to tune into the game as I drove across the state be it north or south Georgia Summertime I’m always game for baseball on the radio. It’s almost more fun listening than it was watching what happened. I think I preferred listening on the radio because Skip and Pete were as good as or even better on the radio than they were on TBS. Pete always ready with a stat or information… Skip always on point to tell the perfect joke.
I know the Braves will go on and Pete will still be there calling the games for a while at least on the radio… but it’s never going to be the same without Skip. The unique nasally voice and acerbic wit that sometimes left you running for a dictionary to find out just what he meant. Boog does a fine job along with Joe Simpson who has been there for quite a few good years too but summer will never quite be the same without Skip. A career spanning the entire Atlanta Braves history to date from the roughest times to the top of the world has come to an end and Atlanta and the Braves will never be the same. Well done Will Ohman for your fitting toast in San Francisco. I sure hope we can find a way to hang on to you next season.
Thank you, Skip. for everything,
Paul
You can hear Paul Mac following every Braves weeknight Home game on Sports Radio 790 The Zone. Paul will next bring his football prowess to the airwaves starting August 23 with the Corky Kell Classic, to air on 790. Catch him in a booth, calling a game at his Mecca the Georgia Dome, with Fletcher and Trey McDaniel at 2:30 and 5:30.
As I sat at my computer playing a clip from the broadcast of the 7th game of the 1992 NLCS with the current braves broadcast out in San Francisco it hit me. This is historic, and it will never be the same. It’s not 2004 and no amount of justified letters to the editor are going to bring Skip back on the air. With all due respect to John Sciambi who calls a fine game, it’s impossible not to feel a little or a lot depressed that Skip Caray won’t be there anymore.
Skip got it. He was our eyes and our ears… I know the rest of you turned had your radios turned to “our guys” and had your televisions down like we did back in the days before digital TV and 7 second satellite delay. There I was in the peak of my baseball fandom just having turned 13 and full of hope. “A lot of room in Right Center if it hits it there we can dance in the streets…” It must have been 10:30 or 11:00 at night, my mother and sister had gone to bed, and my father and I were on the edge of our seats as Francisco Cabrera stood at the plate. “ The 2-1… swung line drive left field One run is in here comes Bream, Here’s the throw to the plate…. He is……SAFE!!!! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! They may have to hospitalize Sid Bream; he's down at the bottom of a huge pile at the plate. They help him to his feet. Frank Cabrera got the game winner! The Atlanta Braves are National League champions again! This crowd is going berserk, listen to this CROWD!”
That moment to me is the most memorable of all and it has been made so mainly because of that call. Whenever I see the picture of Bream mobbed at the plate, Braves Win pops into my brain.
I‘m not sure why I remember specifically jumping up and shouting my dad subsequently high fiving me and giving me a hug while telling me to be quiet because my mom and sister were sleeping but Sid’s slide and the subsequent Skip Caray radio call made it immortal. Jay Bell had no shot at Cabrera’s line Drive, but one of the best 5 tool players in the history of baseball in Barry Bonds was bearing down on it and Sid Bream formerly of that same great Pirates team with 2 really bad knees coming all the way from second represented the game winner…. Impossible right? I guess not. The throw, Bream and Mike Lavallier’s glove got there pretty much the same time even though I visually saw the umpires arms outstretch. “He is SAFE BRAVES WIN!” gave me the ability to exhale and celebrate.
Through the exuberance of Skip Caray’s voice I knew victory; I knew triumph; I knew joy. It’s almost as if last nights braves broadcast was a reminder of all we took for granted for so many years. He laughed with us, cried with us, never talked down to the audience like others have. He called the game exactly the way he saw it with no BS and he spoke his mind and that’s incredibly rare in today’s PC media world. He had the perfect sense of humor that the great ones have. The braves broadcast for so many years with Skip Caray; Pete Van Wieren; Ernie Johnson and Don Sutton among a few others we simply didn’t know how good we had it. I can’t count the number of times I’d be in the middle of nowhere in Georgia trying to find a crackly AM station to tune into the game as I drove across the state be it north or south Georgia Summertime I’m always game for baseball on the radio. It’s almost more fun listening than it was watching what happened. I think I preferred listening on the radio because Skip and Pete were as good as or even better on the radio than they were on TBS. Pete always ready with a stat or information… Skip always on point to tell the perfect joke.
I know the Braves will go on and Pete will still be there calling the games for a while at least on the radio… but it’s never going to be the same without Skip. The unique nasally voice and acerbic wit that sometimes left you running for a dictionary to find out just what he meant. Boog does a fine job along with Joe Simpson who has been there for quite a few good years too but summer will never quite be the same without Skip. A career spanning the entire Atlanta Braves history to date from the roughest times to the top of the world has come to an end and Atlanta and the Braves will never be the same. Well done Will Ohman for your fitting toast in San Francisco. I sure hope we can find a way to hang on to you next season.
Thank you, Skip. for everything,
Paul
You can hear Paul Mac following every Braves weeknight Home game on Sports Radio 790 The Zone. Paul will next bring his football prowess to the airwaves starting August 23 with the Corky Kell Classic, to air on 790. Catch him in a booth, calling a game at his Mecca the Georgia Dome, with Fletcher and Trey McDaniel at 2:30 and 5:30.
You can't let the inmates run the asylum
I know I am supposed to write about Hollywood today, but I have been following this story through the AJC and since I am again doing High School Football for 790 the Zone this year (High School High 5 Saturday Mornings 9-10 am, and be sure to tune in August 23 for the Corky Kell Classic as I will be part of the play-by-play team for the 2:30 and 5:30 games. I will also be the voice of North Springs High School Football this season. whew!)
Apparently last year's coach Rodney Cofield was given a promotion which he took to become an assistant principal, but that means he must give up football coaching duties, even though he held both positions last season. After interviewing candidates, the principal decided to go with former Atlanta Falcon FB Stanley Pritchett as the new coach (he was an assistant with Douglass Last year, if I am correct), but this has upset the players.
According to the ajc: A group of senior football players and their parents walked out of a meeting with Washington High School's principal on Monday after lodging a protest to get head football coach Rodney Cofield back on the field.
They plan to meet again Wednesday with principal Carter Coleman and newly hired coach Stanley Pritchett. But what they want hasn't changed: Either Cofield reinstated, or one of his assistants to be his successor.
More than 20 players were at the meeting with Coleman on Monday morning. Afterward, several, including standout wide receiver/cornerback Branden Smith, said they would evaluate the situation before deciding what to do next. Some said they were considering transfer options.
In late June, Cofield was informed by e-mail that he would not be allowed to coach the team this season because he had signed an assistant principal contract during the spring. Cofield held both roles last season and oversaw spring and the majority of the summer practices before his removal.
Hi, this is cute and all, but come on. I know you loved your old coach, but HE took the promotion ON HIS OWN and you guys need to move on. Would you have liked for an assistant to get the job? Probably, but now you seniors are upset because you will have to learn a brand new system for just one year. I don't really get this. If you DO pressure the school into changing coaches, that will set a dangerous precedent. You just can't do this if you are the school. Oh the students don't want class on Friday. They protest. They don't want homework. They protest.
You have to say, "Sorry, but this is how it is KIDS." If you want to transfer and possibly NOT be eligible, GO AHEAD. But why not just suck it up, learn a new system, and try and win. The star CB, you REALLY want this hanging over you and you get a label as a whiny crybaby before the colleges come recruiting you? Go ahead.
Just remember, this coach TOOK THE PROMOTION, knowing it could cost him his coaching job. He took the money. Too bad, so sad. Get on with it.
And if the seniors DO transfer, the team will stink this year probably, but, as Michigan says, "Those who stay will be champions. Well, maybe not champs, but they will have the respect of a new coach and he will likely be grateful. Just play. this is HIGH SCHOOL after all. You guys have seen Varsity Blues a little too often. Paul Walker is NOT walking through that door. James van der Beek is NOT walking through that door. Billy Bob might be though. He needs the work....
Apparently last year's coach Rodney Cofield was given a promotion which he took to become an assistant principal, but that means he must give up football coaching duties, even though he held both positions last season. After interviewing candidates, the principal decided to go with former Atlanta Falcon FB Stanley Pritchett as the new coach (he was an assistant with Douglass Last year, if I am correct), but this has upset the players.
According to the ajc: A group of senior football players and their parents walked out of a meeting with Washington High School's principal on Monday after lodging a protest to get head football coach Rodney Cofield back on the field.
They plan to meet again Wednesday with principal Carter Coleman and newly hired coach Stanley Pritchett. But what they want hasn't changed: Either Cofield reinstated, or one of his assistants to be his successor.
More than 20 players were at the meeting with Coleman on Monday morning. Afterward, several, including standout wide receiver/cornerback Branden Smith, said they would evaluate the situation before deciding what to do next. Some said they were considering transfer options.
In late June, Cofield was informed by e-mail that he would not be allowed to coach the team this season because he had signed an assistant principal contract during the spring. Cofield held both roles last season and oversaw spring and the majority of the summer practices before his removal.
Hi, this is cute and all, but come on. I know you loved your old coach, but HE took the promotion ON HIS OWN and you guys need to move on. Would you have liked for an assistant to get the job? Probably, but now you seniors are upset because you will have to learn a brand new system for just one year. I don't really get this. If you DO pressure the school into changing coaches, that will set a dangerous precedent. You just can't do this if you are the school. Oh the students don't want class on Friday. They protest. They don't want homework. They protest.
You have to say, "Sorry, but this is how it is KIDS." If you want to transfer and possibly NOT be eligible, GO AHEAD. But why not just suck it up, learn a new system, and try and win. The star CB, you REALLY want this hanging over you and you get a label as a whiny crybaby before the colleges come recruiting you? Go ahead.
Just remember, this coach TOOK THE PROMOTION, knowing it could cost him his coaching job. He took the money. Too bad, so sad. Get on with it.
And if the seniors DO transfer, the team will stink this year probably, but, as Michigan says, "Those who stay will be champions. Well, maybe not champs, but they will have the respect of a new coach and he will likely be grateful. Just play. this is HIGH SCHOOL after all. You guys have seen Varsity Blues a little too often. Paul Walker is NOT walking through that door. James van der Beek is NOT walking through that door. Billy Bob might be though. He needs the work....
Monday, August 4, 2008
And the ballgame is over.
The Braves family suffered a tragic loss Sunday as long-time announcer Skip Caray passed away in his sleep. He was 68. Skip aka Harry Christopher Caray Jr. had been calling Braves games for 33 seasons and was elected to the Braves Hall of Fame in 2004. Throughout his illustrious career, Caray called the St. Louis Hawks and Atlanta Hawks games before focusing solely on the Braves. For years Caray’s “Braves win! Braves win!” calls were made famous with division title after division title, and he may be remembered most after Marquis Grissom squeezed the Braves lone title in 1995 with just “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Though Caray had reportedly been in less than fair health in recent years, the passing was still unexpected. “Our baseball community has lost a legend today," said Braves President John Schuerholz in an official statement. "The Braves family and Braves fans everywhere will sadly miss him. Our thoughts are with his wife Paula and his children."
Caray was of course the son of the great Cardinals and Cubs announcer Harry Caray, and the Caray name will continue to call baseball games as two of Skip’s sons have taken up the business. Chip calls Braves games as well as the TBS game of the week and Josh is the voice of the Class-A Rome Braves.
I personally will remember Skip’s feistiness in the booth and his long-running joke about the day games and “all those men bringing their daughters and nieces to the games.” Even over the last few years, Skip seemed to enjoy calling the games, despite a lesser role in the broadcasts. You could tell this is what he did. After his health problems began a few years back, if he had had another interest, say fishing, Skip probably would have left the booth to relax a bit and not let the rigors of travel and calling games get to him. But he stuck around. Baseball was in his blood and he called games right up until the end. This season was probably not the season he thought it might be at the beginning of the year, but at least the last game he saw was a winner. Jorge Campillo outpitched Brewers ace Ben Sheets and for one last time, Skip could say, “…and the ballgame is over. Braves win! Braves win!”
We will miss you Skip.
Though Caray had reportedly been in less than fair health in recent years, the passing was still unexpected. “Our baseball community has lost a legend today," said Braves President John Schuerholz in an official statement. "The Braves family and Braves fans everywhere will sadly miss him. Our thoughts are with his wife Paula and his children."
Caray was of course the son of the great Cardinals and Cubs announcer Harry Caray, and the Caray name will continue to call baseball games as two of Skip’s sons have taken up the business. Chip calls Braves games as well as the TBS game of the week and Josh is the voice of the Class-A Rome Braves.
I personally will remember Skip’s feistiness in the booth and his long-running joke about the day games and “all those men bringing their daughters and nieces to the games.” Even over the last few years, Skip seemed to enjoy calling the games, despite a lesser role in the broadcasts. You could tell this is what he did. After his health problems began a few years back, if he had had another interest, say fishing, Skip probably would have left the booth to relax a bit and not let the rigors of travel and calling games get to him. But he stuck around. Baseball was in his blood and he called games right up until the end. This season was probably not the season he thought it might be at the beginning of the year, but at least the last game he saw was a winner. Jorge Campillo outpitched Brewers ace Ben Sheets and for one last time, Skip could say, “…and the ballgame is over. Braves win! Braves win!”
We will miss you Skip.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Glavine headed to Myrtle Beach
Braves lefty Tom Glavine is getting better and may be close to pitching again this season for Atlanta. The forty-two year old who has not pitched since June 11 is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment in Class-A Myrtle Beach this Monday and if all goes well, Glavine will follow up with an appearance in Class-AA Mississippi next Saturday. Glavine suffered a “small tear at the origin of the flexor tendon in his pitching elbow” according to GM Frank Wren in a June contest in Chicago and while doctors said surgery wasn’t necessary, the wound had to “scar over” before he could pitch again. Glavine, Wren and the rest of the organization watched as Glavine resumed throwing a few weeks ago and feel that he is ready for the rehab assignment, despite the fact that the Braves post-season chances are slim. Glavien has missed 40 games this season with his first trips to the DL in his long career and as a team, 869 games have been missed by 18 different players with 23 total DL appearances.
Glavine’s return to the rotation though would certainly help the staff as the team ERA for July was 5.27, the highest it has been for one calendar month since July 2006. If Glavine can come back this season he has a chance to make some history: with only eight strikeouts, he can pass Chuck Finley for 23rd on the all-time strikeout list. This season, Glavine is 2-3 in 12 starts with a 4.85 ERA.
Glavine’s return to the rotation though would certainly help the staff as the team ERA for July was 5.27, the highest it has been for one calendar month since July 2006. If Glavine can come back this season he has a chance to make some history: with only eight strikeouts, he can pass Chuck Finley for 23rd on the all-time strikeout list. This season, Glavine is 2-3 in 12 starts with a 4.85 ERA.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Might have been THE SADDEST season finale ever
Before I get into the reason for this blog, I want to say that I've caught up on Mad Men (aka the entire first season plus the season premire of Season 2) and I must say I don't know what to think. Some of the episodes from Season 1 were just FANTASTIC, then others, I just get confused and think, "Wait, that's it? That's the episode? Huh?" All of the critics say this show is fantastic, but I think they are all trying to be uber-cool and hip. While it had some good episodes, I wouldn't say they ALL were Zone-tastic. I just wouldn't. And especially the season 2 premire, when the wife gets jealous of her former roommate, the current call girl, and decides that she wants to sell herself for $6? I didn't get that. Oh well.
But back to THE SADDEST season finale ever. I never thought anything could surpass The OC's Season 1 finale, but then I saw Dawson's Creek's Season 1 finale last night. (we have decided that's the next full series the Wifey and I was checking out on Netflix. I never watched it growing up and Wifey says that it is right up my alley) But with Gramps dying and Joey visiting her father in prison, I had some tears. At least with the OC, you knew Ryan was coming back, but in DC, Gramps is REALLY DEAD. you can't come back from the dead like you can from Chino. And Mr. Potter is in prison, that's now exactly right down the road. The only bad part about this whole thing is........I hate Dawson. I think he is a little wuss. I am OPENLY rooting for Joey to pick Pacey, and I was HAPPY when Jen dumped Dawson for Scott Foley. How often is it that a series is successful when you have a HATEABLE main character? Just wondering.
It's no West Wing, but the season was enjoyable. Looking forward to when/if Joey and Pacey hook that up (I know they eventually end up together, I saw the series finale.)
But back to THE SADDEST season finale ever. I never thought anything could surpass The OC's Season 1 finale, but then I saw Dawson's Creek's Season 1 finale last night. (we have decided that's the next full series the Wifey and I was checking out on Netflix. I never watched it growing up and Wifey says that it is right up my alley) But with Gramps dying and Joey visiting her father in prison, I had some tears. At least with the OC, you knew Ryan was coming back, but in DC, Gramps is REALLY DEAD. you can't come back from the dead like you can from Chino. And Mr. Potter is in prison, that's now exactly right down the road. The only bad part about this whole thing is........I hate Dawson. I think he is a little wuss. I am OPENLY rooting for Joey to pick Pacey, and I was HAPPY when Jen dumped Dawson for Scott Foley. How often is it that a series is successful when you have a HATEABLE main character? Just wondering.
It's no West Wing, but the season was enjoyable. Looking forward to when/if Joey and Pacey hook that up (I know they eventually end up together, I saw the series finale.)
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