OH NO the Chinese are going to buy the Dodgers! Whatever shall we do?
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I suppose I should clarify that if Alyssa Milano asked me for sex I’d have to be a gentlemen and oblige the lady. I mean, a man has to do what a man has to do.
When I was young, my infatuation was with Cindy Crawford. In high school, it turned to Alyssa Milano. College, I was stuck on Jessica Alba. Now, I can’t stop looking at Mila Kunis.
Weird thing is, my wife is blonde and basically every girl I’ve ever dated is also blonde.
Speaking of hot brunettes and food (what?), uh, my amazing, beautiful and incredibly talented wife has a kickass new ebook out. A Year Of Georgia Food is a years worth of her local food columns in our barely-a-paper newspaper. Lots of food history that makes you go “wow”, killer seasonal recipes that couldn’t be easier, and stories from the past year on our farm.
Braves have been DeLugofied — outright release. Presumably Wilson will be activated from the DL in his place, or already has been. This according to DOB, who also says that Delgado will start Sunday.
So could Hicks, Diory, and or Wilson all be eligible for the postseason roster? Or would Wilson/another player have to be DL’d for the other two to make it?
Hey thanks, Mac. Hope you dig it. Of course I’m biased, but I honestly think she’s a truly amazing writer. It’s one of those kinds of books where you can read a single column or devour chunks of text about food. And since it is a Southern seasonal cookbook you can just skip to muscadines, peppers, okra or whatever else is in season in Bamalama right now.
And shoot, if you like the morbid, she’s working on a book about the blitz, British grandfather and all. Heavy stuff.
Give it another month. He’ll be back below a 650 OPS before it’s all said and done. Mark it down.
I know, he’s no Georgie!
So I was just looking at Strasburg, who pitched his last rehab game and will be back with the Nats to finish out the 2012 season with them. He made 6 starts in his rehab assignment, but what was curious to me was that they were for 4 of Washington’s affiliates: A-ball Hagerstown, A+ Potomac, AA Harrisburg and AAA Hagerstown. Why would they shuffle him around all over the place. What’s the point in that? I’m sure there’s a reason, possibly even a good one! Anyone?
Livan Hernandez will be pulled from the Natinals rotation after Sunday’s game and serve as a coach/mentor for the rest of the season. He’ll be teaching a clinic on “Throwing Junk, Beating the Braves.”
@9 “Pitcher can’t win”? Sort of a weird label for the argument that a player who only plays 35 times out of 162 games is the most valuable on the team.
The point is that Verlander shouldn’t get a bonus because the rest of the Tigers pitching staff is dreadful but then have his teammates’ offensive contributions ignored. Their offense is 3rd in the AL in OBP and 4th in OPS. This isn’t a scrub team by any stretch of the imagination.
If any pitcher deserves the award this year, however, it would be Roy Halladay. He actually leads the NL in WAR, and the next highest guy on a decent team would be Upton at 5th, with a full win less than Halladay’s total. Verlander’s FanGraphs WAR is only 4th in his league, under Bautista, Pedroia, and Ellsbury. He isn’t even clearly the best pitcher by WAR, as he is tied with CC Sabathia.
If you don’t buy it, though, you don’t buy it, fair enough.
In any case, Simmons’ article is nonsensical, as per usual. Yankees and Red Sox players this year can’t win because their team is loaded, but Pedro Martinez deserved the MVP award in 1999 when the runner-up in WAR (0.3 less) was on his team? What? Is there a principle here, or are Simmons’ arguments merely gut impulses (backed up by his anecdotal observations in Red Sox games) rationalized with post hoc statistical observations?
His arguments from precedent are also worthless because we understand so much more about the game today than the voters did in the 1930s-1990s. There is no reason to defer to past decisionmakers who used improper criteria.
I guess I should mark John R. off the Christmas list too.
I’m fat, an agnostic, and Alyssa Milano is carrying my baby. Not sure I fit your criteria for Christmas cards. I do believe in the Oxford comma, though!
Did anyone in the previous thread about Todd Coffey mention that the Dodgers are playing really well right now? 9 out of their last 10 and all?
Beachy 1-2-3. Sounds like a hit pop song from the early ’60s.
On the occasion of their “Girls Night Out” ticket promotion, the Atlanta Braves Facebook page is asking the question “Who is the dreamiest player on the Braves?” Your choices:
1. Craig Kimbrel
2. Dan Uggla
3. Chipper Jones
4. Brian McCann
5. Jason Heyward
Anyone got an opinion? Glad to see Heyward made the list over Georgie.
Sam, your “breeders” taunt in the previous thread makes me think you might have an opinion on the matter.
28- It’s called ticket sales, John. Minor league affiliates enjoy the chance to sell extra tickets, and that makes it easier for major league teams to retain them.
38: I understand that logic. But why would the player be interested in something like that? Why should Strasburg be hopping all over the place to help out minor league clubs with their ticket sales?
37: You like the stocky types that look like they should be a midshipman in the Merchant Marines, huh? Pull that sleeve up and I bet he’s got an anchor tattoo on his bicep!
39- I imagine that it’s easier because those affiliates are no more than 120 miles from Washington, except for Syracuse. Pitching at Potomac or Harrisburg involves a day trip rather than going from Atlanta to, say, Lynchburg or Mississippi. As for Syracuse, he really did need to pitch against the best minor leagues before returning to the bigs.
Off topic: what’s Wilson’s contract status? I assume pending FA?
Any chance he’s our stop-gap to Pastornicky rather than AAG? They’re basically the same player, but I prefer an offensive blackhole be a little fast, rather than run into a few homeruns.
56: Surly and mean does make the heart flutter, doesn’t it?
After his double, Jim Powell just said “I’m sure it’s coincidental, but as soon as it was announced Jack Wilson was acquired, Alex Gonzalez put together three fantastic at bats last night.” I think I made a joke to that effect, but Jim sounded sincere.
63: Yeah, and we’re back in O’Ventbrel territory. Yeesh. Beachy needs to get back on track and our offense needs to score more runs! I’ll be peeved if they get to our bullpen before we get to theirs.
UPDATE: Nice! Boy, I really start to get nervous whenever a pitcher throws to second. Whew!
Looking @ the big board in the Trop sports book & Vandy’s not on it. I was beginning to like the idea of betting on Vandy football. Oh well, guess I gotta get serious about UGA & LSU. Not sure if I can get it up for Ole Miss (plus the spread just dropped).
If Kimbrel hadn’t pitched Tuesday night during a seven run deficit, he might be available tonight which would have made EOF available earlier…so glad he needed to get that work in on Tuesday.
Assume we lose and the Cardinals win (tied at present). If we go 13-12 for the rest of the year, the Cardinals have to go 19-5. With what would be a 5 game winning streak after tonight, that would be a 24-5 finish. Color me skeptical (sort of a light ecru).
So there were three ground balls to second by Jason tonight. One scored a run, one was a double play, and one ended the game. Throw in a strikeout and a fly to right, and it’s not a great game for the kid.
Well, the Jack Wilson Era is 0-1 on the year. But the Second Matt Diaz Era is 2-1, so there’s that.
Nice lineup tonight
Bourn
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pmPrado
McCann
Uggla
Jones
Freeman
Heyward
Gonzalez
Beachy
I’m even more concerened by the dismissive attitude about sleeping with Alyssa Milano.
In the 90s, banging Alyssa Milano was like hitting 20 HRs. Everyone that laced up a pair of spikes had even odds to get it done in any given year.
I’m a little perturbed by the list of “greatest Mets” that doesn’t include Mike Piazza.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pmIf I were a Mets fan, I’d feel insulted the Chinese government didn’t try to buy out Wilpon first.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pmI hope that’s the line-up we see a lot of this month.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pmOh, and by the way, Constanza is no longer hot, and any time he plays going forward it will be to get a regular rest, not as a regular himself.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pmAlyssa Milano has aged a lot better than many ’90s-era sluggers.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:05 pmBill Simmons makes a good case for Verlander for MVP in his mail bag. The Tigers are a .500 team when he doesn’t pitch. That is a hell of a stat.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:22 pm@7: But he doesn’t pitch 4 out of every 5 games. What kind of team would they be in those games without Miguel Cabrera?
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:25 pm@8
I get the “pitcher can’t win” argument. I just think it is stupid.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pmI suppose I should clarify that if Alyssa Milano asked me for sex I’d have to be a gentlemen and oblige the lady. I mean, a man has to do what a man has to do.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:30 pmWhen I was young, my infatuation was with Cindy Crawford. In high school, it turned to Alyssa Milano. College, I was stuck on Jessica Alba. Now, I can’t stop looking at Mila Kunis.
Weird thing is, my wife is blonde and basically every girl I’ve ever dated is also blonde.
Lineup tonight is as purty as Mila Kunis.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:48 pmI still have an unholy fascination with Hope Sandavol.
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:50 pmThat first Mazzy Star record is just perfect.
Speaking of hot brunettes and food (what?), uh, my amazing, beautiful and incredibly talented wife has a kickass new ebook out. A Year Of Georgia Food is a years worth of her local food columns in our barely-a-paper newspaper. Lots of food history that makes you go “wow”, killer seasonal recipes that couldn’t be easier, and stories from the past year on our farm.
Kindle, Nook, etc. Sample chapters at the link.
/pimp
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:27 pmBraves have been DeLugofied — outright release. Presumably Wilson will be activated from the DL in his place, or already has been. This according to DOB, who also says that Delgado will start Sunday.
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:40 pmHuzzah!
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:46 pmI bought the book, Url. May be a while before I can read it; I’m currently working through The Emperor of All Maladies. Yes, I’m morbid.
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:47 pmWow, we released a useless ballplayer. Bobby wouldve kept him around I think.
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:47 pmSo could Hicks, Diory, and or Wilson all be eligible for the postseason roster? Or would Wilson/another player have to be DL’d for the other two to make it?
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:49 pmMedlen’s DL will allow someone not on the 25 man or 15-day DL to be on the postseason roster. I think Wilson will be eligible anyway.
September 2nd, 2011 at 4:08 pmHey thanks, Mac. Hope you dig it. Of course I’m biased, but I honestly think she’s a truly amazing writer. It’s one of those kinds of books where you can read a single column or devour chunks of text about food. And since it is a Southern seasonal cookbook you can just skip to muscadines, peppers, okra or whatever else is in season in Bamalama right now.
And shoot, if you like the morbid, she’s working on a book about the blitz, British grandfather and all. Heavy stuff.
September 2nd, 2011 at 4:25 pmAs heavy as Todd Coffey?
September 2nd, 2011 at 4:31 pmPoints to Joey for the callback.
September 2nd, 2011 at 4:36 pmThe circle has been completed AND gets the square.
/the next round is on me.
September 2nd, 2011 at 4:37 pmI love this bar.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:16 pmSam is the angry drunk prone to wistfulness after he pukes on himself and/or gets his ass kicked.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:18 pmChecking in on Success: After 10 games played with Houston, he’s a 324/.405/.405.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:20 pm26 – Give it another month. He’ll be back below a 650 OPS before it’s all said and done. Mark it down.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:25 pmGive it another month. He’ll be back below a 650 OPS before it’s all said and done. Mark it down.
I know, he’s no Georgie!
So I was just looking at Strasburg, who pitched his last rehab game and will be back with the Nats to finish out the 2012 season with them. He made 6 starts in his rehab assignment, but what was curious to me was that they were for 4 of Washington’s affiliates: A-ball Hagerstown, A+ Potomac, AA Harrisburg and AAA Hagerstown. Why would they shuffle him around all over the place. What’s the point in that? I’m sure there’s a reason, possibly even a good one! Anyone?
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:32 pm13—Anyone who supports the Oxford comma is alright by me.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:33 pmI guess I should mark John R. off the Christmas list too.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:43 pmLivan Hernandez will be pulled from the Natinals rotation after Sunday’s game and serve as a coach/mentor for the rest of the season. He’ll be teaching a clinic on “Throwing Junk, Beating the Braves.”
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:55 pm@9 “Pitcher can’t win”? Sort of a weird label for the argument that a player who only plays 35 times out of 162 games is the most valuable on the team.
The point is that Verlander shouldn’t get a bonus because the rest of the Tigers pitching staff is dreadful but then have his teammates’ offensive contributions ignored. Their offense is 3rd in the AL in OBP and 4th in OPS. This isn’t a scrub team by any stretch of the imagination.
If any pitcher deserves the award this year, however, it would be Roy Halladay. He actually leads the NL in WAR, and the next highest guy on a decent team would be Upton at 5th, with a full win less than Halladay’s total. Verlander’s FanGraphs WAR is only 4th in his league, under Bautista, Pedroia, and Ellsbury. He isn’t even clearly the best pitcher by WAR, as he is tied with CC Sabathia.
If you don’t buy it, though, you don’t buy it, fair enough.
In any case, Simmons’ article is nonsensical, as per usual. Yankees and Red Sox players this year can’t win because their team is loaded, but Pedro Martinez deserved the MVP award in 1999 when the runner-up in WAR (0.3 less) was on his team? What? Is there a principle here, or are Simmons’ arguments merely gut impulses (backed up by his anecdotal observations in Red Sox games) rationalized with post hoc statistical observations?
His arguments from precedent are also worthless because we understand so much more about the game today than the voters did in the 1930s-1990s. There is no reason to defer to past decisionmakers who used improper criteria.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:17 pmI guess I should mark John R. off the Christmas list too.
I’m fat, an agnostic, and Alyssa Milano is carrying my baby. Not sure I fit your criteria for Christmas cards. I do believe in the Oxford comma, though!
Did anyone in the previous thread about Todd Coffey mention that the Dodgers are playing really well right now? 9 out of their last 10 and all?
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:35 pmBeachy 1-2-3. Sounds like a hit pop song from the early ’60s.
On the occasion of their “Girls Night Out” ticket promotion, the Atlanta Braves Facebook page is asking the question “Who is the dreamiest player on the Braves?” Your choices:
1. Craig Kimbrel
2. Dan Uggla
3. Chipper Jones
4. Brian McCann
5. Jason Heyward
Anyone got an opinion? Glad to see Heyward made the list over Georgie.
Sam, your “breeders” taunt in the previous thread makes me think you might have an opinion on the matter.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 pmPretty sure this was discussed a few weeks ago and I think the consensus was Beachy is the best looking.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:46 pmBad assumption, but nonetheless, everyone knows the working girls swoon for Dan Uggla’s arms, while the suburban princesses dream of Brian McCann.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:47 pmJason is a very handsome man, but I’ve had a thing for Uggla since before he was a Brave.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:49 pm28- It’s called ticket sales, John. Minor league affiliates enjoy the chance to sell extra tickets, and that makes it easier for major league teams to retain them.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:58 pm38: I understand that logic. But why would the player be interested in something like that? Why should Strasburg be hopping all over the place to help out minor league clubs with their ticket sales?
Sounds like Beachy’s in command so far…
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:02 pm37: You like the stocky types that look like they should be a midshipman in the Merchant Marines, huh? Pull that sleeve up and I bet he’s got an anchor tattoo on his bicep!
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:04 pmI had you pegged as a Hanson girl bethany.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:05 pm39- I imagine that it’s easier because those affiliates are no more than 120 miles from Washington, except for Syracuse. Pitching at Potomac or Harrisburg involves a day trip rather than going from Atlanta to, say, Lynchburg or Mississippi. As for Syracuse, he really did need to pitch against the best minor leagues before returning to the bigs.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:07 pm@41 Ugh. Don’t start.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:07 pmIf I remember correctly, Bethany was the only one who agreed with me that Minor was the most handsome starter.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:10 pmBeachy knows how to win.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:12 pm@44 Oh, definitely.
Yeah!!! You know, we’ve been getting some small-ball runs lately (along with a lot of homers, granted).
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:13 pmI wasn’t aware the “dreamiest Brave” question had been discussed around here already. So allow me to offer up a new question just for Braves Journal:
“Who is the dreamiest manager in Braves history?” Your choices:
1. Fredi Gonzalez
2. Bobby Cox
3. Eddie Haas
4. Joe Torre
5. Ted Turner
We already know Sam’s answer…
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:15 pmCrappy Dodgers defense… brings back really great memories…
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:16 pmOkay Brian, let’s ice ‘em here.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:17 pmWe deserve these kinds of rallies. We really do.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:18 pmOkay…. DAN, let’s ice ‘em here.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:19 pmSorry. Dan hit it too hard.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:21 pmOff topic: what’s Wilson’s contract status? I assume pending FA?
Any chance he’s our stop-gap to Pastornicky rather than AAG? They’re basically the same player, but I prefer an offensive blackhole be a little fast, rather than run into a few homeruns.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:29 pmFREDDIE! Way to go, kid.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:33 pmDid A-Gon just hit a RBI double? Do my ears deceive me???
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 pmJust getting home… Mac, The Emperr of Maladies is a great book… but it takes balls to read it in your condition. I wouldn’t even know how to react….
On another note, my bromance Braves manager is Eddie Mathews. Surly and mean.. that’s what you’re looking for.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 pmBEACHY!!!! Nooooooo!
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:36 pmAlex Gonzalez is really slow
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:36 pmBad slide, he’d have been safe if he slid straight in.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:37 pmAnyone who throws an offspeed pitch to Alex Gonzalez is a fool.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:37 pm56: Surly and mean does make the heart flutter, doesn’t it?
After his double, Jim Powell just said “I’m sure it’s coincidental, but as soon as it was announced Jack Wilson was acquired, Alex Gonzalez put together three fantastic at bats last night.” I think I made a joke to that effect, but Jim sounded sincere.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:38 pmHow can you love surly and mean but hate me? That makes no sense at all.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:44 pmHere’s the patented Beachy Breakdown.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:49 pmDo I detect some hurt feelings in that last comment, Sam?
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:51 pm63: Yeah, and we’re back in O’Ventbrel territory. Yeesh. Beachy needs to get back on track and our offense needs to score more runs! I’ll be peeved if they get to our bullpen before we get to theirs.
UPDATE: Nice! Boy, I really start to get nervous whenever a pitcher throws to second. Whew!
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:53 pm44—I certainly agree with you.
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:00 pmGreetings from Vegas…
Looking @ the big board in the Trop sports book & Vandy’s not on it. I was beginning to like the idea of betting on Vandy football. Oh well, guess I gotta get serious about UGA & LSU. Not sure if I can get it up for Ole Miss (plus the spread just dropped).
Go Braves
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:03 pm@53
Wilson is an FA after this year.
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:11 pm53 — Wilson will be a free agent, yes. Second year of a 2 year $10M (!!) contract.
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:14 pmIs that two steals this inning that have been incorrectly called safe?
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:34 pmGordon was out. I think Kemp got in at 3B.
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:37 pmGood job by Beachy getting out of that without further damage.
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:38 pmThe Jack Wilson Era begins…
…with a whiff. Get ‘em next time, Jack!
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:41 pm#60,
Anyone who throws a
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:44 pmn offspeed pitchstrike to Alex Gonzalez is a fool.Oh no. Are we going to lose this game?
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:01 pmThis isn’t very cool
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:01 pmApparently the Jack Wilson Era isn’t going so well…
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:01 pmBummer.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:02 pmWhile the Cardinals came back from a 5-0 deficit, the Braves blew a 5-0 lead.
A game the Braves might have won if they had gone with their usual trio starting in the seventh inning.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:02 pmHow big are the missed calls and AAG trying to score, now?
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:05 pmIt’s a shame they made that rule that every pitcher must complete one inning before he can be relieved..
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:06 pmDamn it, I’m out.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:11 pm82- Good call, Bethany. No amount of running can salvage this one.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:12 pmIf Kimbrel hadn’t pitched Tuesday night during a seven run deficit, he might be available tonight which would have made EOF available earlier…so glad he needed to get that work in on Tuesday.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:13 pmWith the way the Cards are playing lately, this wild card thing is going to be interesting in a hurry.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:13 pmThree outs in the inning, all by Barajas. That can’t be any fun for him.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:17 pmWhere’s Moylan? No more Vizcaino.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:18 pmAssume we lose and the Cardinals win (tied at present). If we go 13-12 for the rest of the year, the Cardinals have to go 19-5. With what would be a 5 game winning streak after tonight, that would be a 24-5 finish. Color me skeptical (sort of a light ecru).
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:19 pmCardinals losing by two. Make that 20-4 if it holds.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:20 pm84: Getting work in is important. You underestimate it at your peril!
Hey, the most important thing is that we helped Kuo lower his ERA to under 10.
Okay, one out single from Uggla, let’s get Chipper to smack a 2-run homer. Maybe we can get Bethany back in this game.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:21 pm2B umpire is screwin’ the Braves tonight.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:27 pmWTF? He was safe by a mile!
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 pmMan, did Fredi run over Tony Randazzo’s dog or something? That call was awful.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 pmIt’s really tough to win when the umpires bet on the other team.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 pmI feel inexplicably furious at Bud Selig right now.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:36 pmWell, the Braves have avoided Hibernation Mode. Sadly, they’ve also avoided Get Hits With Runners In Scoring Position Mode.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:45 pmDan’s trying to win it for ol’ Rusty.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:04 pmI note that Fredi is not pinch-hitting with Georgie. Okay, it’s all up to you, Jason!
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:09 pmSo there were three ground balls to second by Jason tonight. One scored a run, one was a double play, and one ended the game. Throw in a strikeout and a fly to right, and it’s not a great game for the kid.
Well, the Jack Wilson Era is 0-1 on the year. But the Second Matt Diaz Era is 2-1, so there’s that.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:11 pmInsty-recap.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:12 pmHeyward is in Hibernation Mode
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:12 pm