Minor league managers

Excuse my lack of posting over the last couple of days. Due to the big holiday tomorrow, I've been getting a lot of work done so I can relax. Yeah right, if you call cooking for the in-laws relaxing.
That, and my scanner and I have come to an understanding. It don't work, and there's nothing I can do about it. I'm sure some of you understand.

So I bring you this, from the Rome Braves, manager Randy Ingle gets into it with the homeplate umpire. To set the scene, in the top of the 10th inning, Rome hits a homerun to take the lead. Everyone on both sides saw it. No problem. Except the homeplate umpire, as the runner was rounding first, calls it a foul ball.



Randy did a pretty good job. I like him helping the ump by moving 3rd base a little.
But let's face it. Randy is in single "A". Let's let Phillip Wellman, manager of the Braves "AA" team show Randy how it's really done.



For me, the crawling through the rice paddy and lobbing the grenade is an All Time Classic.

4-0

Matt Wieters wears Tommy Hanson pajamas

If they let Tommy Hanson play the role of Jack Bauer, the show would be called "12"

Tommy Hanson, as a rookie, has won baseball's Lifetime Achievment Award. Twice.

When urinating, Tommy Hanson can weld titanium

Tommy Hanson doesn't play God. Playing is for children.

Woot!

The Calgary Flames have just acquired the rights to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester in exchange for the rights to defenseman Jordan Leopold and a third round pick in this years draft.
Should Calgary be able to sign Bouwmeester, and there's no reason they shouldn't, that will give the Flames two of the top defensemen in the league. Dion Phaneuf being the other.

The deal allows Florida to get something for their departing 2002 first round pick. Leopold is an excellent puck carrying blueliner, and can log the minutes, averaging over 23 a game last year. The main difference in the two is that the 6'4" Bouwmeester likes to hit people. Something the Flames, and their fans, enjoy.

2009 NHL Amateur Draft

this years first round had it all... blockbuster trades, pick swapping, surprise, you name it. For the first time since 1992, no goaltenders were selected in the first round. Seven players from Sweden were selected. And, like the NFL, teams traded up, down, and completely out of, the first round.

2009 NHL Draft Tracker: First Round

1. New York Islanders
John Tavares center London (OHL) 6-0 195
After weeks of suspense, a fan base exhales in abject relief. Central Scouting: "He is probably better than any other player in the draft from the top of the circle down at being a threat to score. He's an offensive player who is reliable in his defensive zone and getting better at that, but yet not asked to do that very frequently. He is pure offense and for his first years in the NHL will probably be asked to do just that."

2. Tampa Bay Lightning
Victor Hedman defenseman Modo (Sweden) 6-6 220
Central Scouting: "Victor Hedman brings to his game unsurpassed combinations of size, explosiveness in his skating, quickness and offensive ability. He is indeed the whole package."

3. Colorado Avalanche
Matt Duchene center Brampton (OHL) 5-11 200
Central Scouting: "Matt Duchene is a pure offensive player who also is a great penalty killer. He helps the Brampton Battalion in all facets of the game. A pure sniper, he plays the point on the power-play and is a threat to score on the penalty kill as well. He reminds me, probably most of the new breed of snipers, Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner and Steven Stamkos as he grows into his offensive position in the NHL."

4. Atlanta Thrashers
Evander Kane center Vancouver (WHL) 6-1 176
Central Scouting: "He has power forward qualities from the blue line in. He's the type of player who doesn't like being denied access to the net. You can almost see when he's got the puck he's going to the net and defying people to stop him. He'll be a 200-pound forward in the National Hockey League. He plays like he's 6-2, 6-3, bigger than his size. He's surprised a lot of people with his strength going to the net."

5. Los Angeles Kings
Brayden Schenn center Brandon (WHL) 6-0 198
Central Scouting: "Brayden is of the power-forward ilk. He has learned a little about the NHL from his older brother Luke Schenn and he knows how to go to the net. He is a threat to score at all times on the ice and dishes the puck very effectively to his linemates in getting the amount of assists that he does. He takes the puck to the net with the kind of authority that a Jonathan Cheechoo does, yet has puck dishing capacities that maybe a Joe Thornton does. Both are tough players, both are tough to move out in front of the net and Brayden fits that ilk perfectly."

6. Phoenix Coyotes
Oliver Ekman Larsson defenseman Leksand (Sweden) 6-2 176
NHL European Scouting: "Oliver likes to play offensively, often carrying the puck into the neutral zone. He has the frame, speed and skill to dominate. He is a smooth skater and can handle the puck at top speed, but needs to use his size to his advantage more. He often quarterbacks the power-play and has a hard shot from the blue line."

7. Toronto Maple Leafs
Nazem Kadri center London (OHL) 6-0 167
Central Scouting: "He's big, lanky and skilled. He uses his size to accentuate his puck skills. Size, reach, stick handling ability, those long kinds of stick movements that Mario (Lemieux) used to make, like (Vincent) Lecavalier makes."

8. Dallas Stars
Scott Glennie right wing Brandon (WHL) 6-1 177
Central Scouting: "Scott Glennie was mislabeled earlier in the year as perhaps being only a finisher for often linemate Brayden Schenn. Yet Scott took matters into his own hands with an equal number of goals and assists and contributed greatly this season with a power forward type attitude. Glennie might remind the fan of NHL players with power forward abilities coming off the wall like Jonathan Cheechoo and Jonathan Toews -- that kind of offensive ability."

9. Ottawa Senators
Jared Cowen defenseman Spokane (WHL) 6-5 220
Central Scouting: "Jared Cowen made his name last year as a Memorial Cup winning member of the Spokane Chiefs and the comparisons that were thrown around at that time were that of Zdeno Chara. Physically he looks big, strong and rangy. Offensively he has that kind of contribution and if he, despite the pressure that we are putting on him, blossoms into half the player that Chara he is going to be a solid NHL player for years to come."

10. Edmonton Oilers
Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson left wing Timra (Sweden) 6-1 201
Central Scouting: "Magnus perhaps is the stereotype of the skilled Swede coming over here in recent years -- outside speed extraordinaire, ability to freeze defenders and make all his good moves work even more effectively. He was a good contributor to his team at the World Junior tournament and I think will be an essential member of any NHL team in years to come. He showed, at the World Junior championships, why the 1980 comparisons to Mats Naslund, Kent Nilsson and more recently a Peter Forsberg will follow him over to his NHL team. I'm sure he's going to be a combination of the kind of offensive flare and skills that have made those other three predecessors great NHL players."

11. Nashville Predators
Ryan Ellis defenseman Windsor (OHL) 5-9 173
Central Scouting: "He's a really smart, heady defenseman. His puck movement is excellent and the way he moves the puck around the zone is excellent. He's a real high-end offensive guy. He's got a great shot and he gets it through to the net. A lot of guys have their shots blocked, but he's got a real knack for getting it through, and that leads to a lot of tip-in and rebound goals. He's a smaller guy, but he's not afraid of taking the body. He shows no fear of getting involved in scrums, he's not intimidated."

12. New York Islanders
Calvin De Haan defenseman Oshawa (OHL) 6-0 170
Garth Snow continues to deal, landing this pick from Minnesota for #16, 77, 182. Central Scouting: "Calvin shows a lot of patience and poise for a young defenseman. He has high-end puck skill and passing ability. He has a very good shot, hard and accurate, and a very good ability to get the puck through traffic to the net. He sees the ice very well and moves the puck through traffic. His skating is excellent, mobility, agility and speed. His biggest asset is his hockey sense. He makes very few mistakes."

13. Buffalo Sabres
Zack Kassian right wing Peterborough 6-3 210
Central Scouting: "Kassian is one of the toughest guys in the OHL and probably the entire draft. Last season as an under-ager there were overage guys in the league who would not take him on. He has not fought much this season (because) he has not had to. He is at his best when he is playing physical and tough along the boards. He protects the puck very well and fights through checks. He has very good play-making and puck-handling abilities."

14. Florida Panthers
Dmitry Kulikov defenseman Drummondville (QMJHL) 6-1 183
Central Scouting: "In his first year (in the QMJHL) he's been an all-around good player. He's a great skater; he can carry the puck and shoot the puck well. He's strong too, he can take big hits and they don't seem to bother him. What we saw this year is likely what we are going to see from Kulikov in the future; he's going to play the same way in the NHL. He knows when to join the rush, he plays defense first, but recognizes the holes. He can shoot the puck well on the powerplay and I wouldn?t be surprised if he played in the NHL next year."

15. Anaheim Ducks
Peter Holland center Guelph (OHL) 6-2 185
Central Scouting: "When he is competing, he is very noticeable and effective. He is used both on the power-play and penalty-kill units, and at times he has been used at the point on the power-play. He skates very well, smooth, and he generates good speed. He has a very good shot."

16. Minnesota Wild
Nick Leddy defenseman Eden Prairie (High School-MN) 5-11 179
Isles swapped their 26th pick with Columbus, then dealt this one to Minnesota for #12. Central Scouting: "He's such an explosive skater. It's pretty obvious he's a target of every opposing team because he's the engine that drives the train. Really, though, he's a world-class skater. I'd say he's in the same class as John Moore (Central Scouting's No. 8 ranked skater) and Josh Birkholz (No. 33) of this year's class."

17. St. Louis Blues
David Rundblad defenseman Skelleftea (Sweden) 6-2 189
European Scouting: "He has a very good shot. He is a right-handed shot and he is used on the power play, even in the (Elite) League despite being a young player. He is a very smart player. He could be a little more physical in his game, but that is something that he is learning."

18. Montreal Canadiens
Louis Leblanc center Omaha (USHL) 6-0 178
Central Scouting: "The most impressive things about Louis Leblanc are his hands and his evasiveness with the puck; that separates him from other players on the ice right away. He needs to fill out a little bit yet, but he has the frame to be a big center. The other part of LeBlanc's game that I noticed was his vision; his ability to see and dissect a play and to make the right play. He's also very competitive and he gets involved in the play."

19. New York Rangers
Chris Kreider center Andover (High School-MA) 6-2 201
Central Scouting: "Chris is an excellent skater with explosive speed and acceleration. His short-distance speed is exceptional. He sees the play ahead of time and knows what he's going to do with the puck as soon as he gets it. He is an excellent passer and playmaker. His foot speed, combined with his anticipation and quick stick, gives him the ability to create turnovers and gain puck possession. He is a constant threat to develop breakaways on the penalty-killing unit. He has both an excellent wrist and slap shot, which he disguises well and releases quickly. He can score goals in a number of ways."

20. New Jersey Devils
Jacob Josefson center Djurgarden (Sweden) 6-0 C 187
Devils landed this pick from the Flames in exchange for No. 20 and No. 84. European Scouting: "He is a very good two-way player. He has a very good responsibility for his defensive duties. He's more a playmaker, a guy who sees the ice really well, creates a lot of scoring chances with his passing skills. He's very good with the stick and very good in traffic because he is an excellent stickhandler. He's a smooth passer with very soft hands."

21. Columbus Blue Jackets
John Moore defenseman Chicago (USHL) 6-2 189
The Ducks grabbed this additional first-rounder from Philadelphia with their trade for Chris Pronger, then sent it to Columbus for No. 26 and 37. Central Scouting: "His first two strides are like Paul Coffey and he has been labeled as a world-class skater. He is poised with the puck, he gets his shots through to the net and he has gotten a lot stronger this season. He resembles (Calgary Flames) defenseman Jordan Leopold and similar to Leopold at the same age he needs to get a little bit better at playing more aggressive and more physical, but John is going to be a one-two defenseman in the NHL."

22. Vancouver Canucks
Jordan Schroeder center Minnesota (WCHA) 5-8 175
Central Scouting: "He's a dynamic player, a leader and a type of player that has developed into a complete offensive and defensive threat every time he is on the ice. He has a rocket of a wrist shot and he can beat you by putting the puck in the net, going around a defender, or freezing the goaltender and passing it off to one of his wingers. The concern is going to be his overall size, like there was with Scott Gomez, with Brian Gionta and with Patrick Kane, but at the same age he is probably a little thicker and a little bit more compact than they were. Hes a great hockey player."

23. Calgary Flames
Tim Erixon defenseman Skelleftea (Sweden) 6-2 190
Flames got this pick from the Devils, for No. 20. Central Scouting: "Tim Erixon brings to his Swedish Elite League club team, the same kind of elite hockey skills that perhaps his dad, Jan Erixon, did for over 500 games in the NHL. A smart defenseman who can either lead a rush or support the rush from behind, he was on display at the World Junior Championship in helping bring his team to the final game."

24. Washington Capitals
Marcus Johansson center Farjestad (Sweden) 5-11 189
European Scouting: "Johansson has a good selection of shots with a quick precise wrist shot. His overall skill level and stickhandling give him room to move the puck and shoot. He is a player with good offensive instincts and fine understanding of his defensive duties. He can play both center and wing with a consistent hard working presence."

25. Boston Bruins
Jordan Caron right wing Rimouski (QMJHL) 6-2 202
Central Scouting: "Jordan is a very steady, dependable player. He works hard. He's not a flashy player, but he plays his position well and also gets his fair share of points."

26. Anaheim Ducks
Kyle Palmieri center/rw USA U-18 USDP 5-10 191
Originally belonging to the Sharks, the Blue Jackets got this pick from the Islanders, plus slots at 37, 62 and 92, then sent it to the Ducks for No. 21. Central Scouting: "I think Kyle's got a little bit of Chris Drury in him. I look at his passion, his natural skills and his tenaciousness, and that's what I saw in Chris. He's a lot of fun to watch because he has that vision along with a wicked shot. He very seldom passes up the opportunity to make the right play -- he's in position to shoot the puck and has that insight into whether to freeze and dish or just let it go."

27. Carolina Hurricanes
Philippe Paradis center Shawinigan (QMJHL) 6-1 196
Central Scouting: "I think Philippe has more skills than his offensive record shows and a good upside. He?s a good skater, with good size at 6'2" and he can shoot the puck. He goes to the net well and has good ability to score."

28. Chicago Black Hawks
Dylan Olsen defenseman Camrose (AJHL) 6-2 206
Central Scouting: In his second full season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Olsen led Camrose defensemen in scoring with 10 goals (10-19-29) in 53 games and was selected to the CJHL Prospects game. He has committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for 2009.

29. Tampa Bay Lightning
Carter Ashton right wing Lethbridge (WHL) 6-3 205
The Lightning ended up with this pick when the Red Wings bailed out of the first round, taking Tampa's slot at 32. Central Scouting: "Carter is a solid prototypical power forward; he knows the game and really is astute at the power-play and penalty kill, offensive and defensive parts of his game. He has been complimented for being hockey smart, perhaps the savvy coming from his dad who played 998 games in the NHL." .

30. Pittsburgh Penguins
Simon Despres defenseman Saint John (QMJHL) 6-4 205
Central Scouting: "I think for a potential pro player, he's got the size and mobility. I've seen him many games, and he never seems to make a bad play. He's never going to get 100 points, but definitely, when you want a guy to play defense, he's your guy. He does it all, he'll block shots and he moves the puck at the right time."


BIG WINNERS - Tampa - coming out of the 1st round with Hedman and Ashton. Hedman is a beast.
Anaheim - Holland and Palmieri, plus a whack of extra high round picks will keep them at the top for seasons to come.
Philadelphia - no pick in this round, or next years, but adding Chris Pronger is huge. Great move.


thanks to cnnsi for central scouting info

Huge trade...

Defensman Chris Pronger has been traded by the Anaheim Ducks to the Philadelphia Flyers for defensman Luca Sbisa (the Flyers 1st round pick last year) this years 1st round pick, #21 overall, and next years 1st round pick, along with forward Joffrey Lupul and a conditional 3rd round pick.

This is huge for the Flyers. Pronger, 6'6" 225lbs, is the kind of physical blueliner Philly has been missing since Derian Hatcher retired. In a division with Alexander Ovechkin and Sydney Crosby, the Flyers needed to bulk up on the back line.

Anaheim gets younger with Sbisa, along with 3 more draft picks, and some offensive help on the second line with Lupul. Interestingly enough, this is Lupul's second stint with the Ducks. He was traded from Anaheim to Edmonton three years ago for, Chris Pronger. What goes around I guess.

who ya gonna call?

That's right. Ghostbusters. uh.... 2. In the spirit of Slap Shot 2, Caddyshack 2, and Highlander 2, Topps brings you Ghostbusters 2. All of them should NEVER have been made.

Harold, what is with the hair?

these cards are grainy and out of focus. Good job Topps.

that hair you see on the scan around Harold Ramis' face, is not on the scanner, but rather in the picture itself. Nice.

oohh! This is the ultra rare one per case sideways variant all the kids were after back in the day....

and the one per pack sticker insert

There you have it. 1989 Topps Ghostbusters 2.

he's back...

Josh Womack,of the Long Beach Armada, took time out while in Edmonton to show us a few more tricks.
I wish I could find video of him doing this in a game. Maybe I'll have to go the next time he's in Calgary to play the Vipers.

total retard...

You see ball players... athletes of any sport, test positve for performance enhancing drugs all the time it seems. It's almost common now. While I disagree with it, hate it, and think it's cheating, all in all I respect it. Follow me...

You're a young up and coming player. The cock of the walk in high school. Pretty damned good in college. Now you're in the minors and everyone else around you was like you in high school. You're not the man anymore. You need an edge.
Or you're an aging veteran. That young buck is looking to take your spot. You need the last contract. The one that will solidify your family's needs for good. You need a boost.

All understandable. Wrong, but I can see where they're coming from. There's reason behind it.

But you have to be a special kind of stoopid to be like this idiot. What in the hell goes through people's minds? Give your head a shake man.
I love how he says "this is an isolated incident."
Riiiiggghhhhhttt. Because a major league ball player who just won (wrongly so) rookie of the year, is exactly the type of person to give drugs a try for the first time in his life. Sounds like the right time, doesn't it?
What a mental midget...

so from what I've heard...

This.....
becomes official tonight. And that's about all I'm going to say about it.

All Star votes...

I'm getting further and further behind in my posts.... so rather than catch up, I thought I'd annoy a few people first.

What the hell are people thinking with their "All Star" votes? I know this a fan friendly event (notice I didn't say game) but really people.

Yadier Molina????????? Holy crap.

David Wright? He's not even the best 3rd baseman in his division, let alone league...

Alfonso Soriano?????

Jimmy Rollins????

Josh Hamilton??? At least Josh is an All Star, but being injured should have removed him from contention long ago.

Apparently there are 1.7 million mentally handicapped people running around in Yadier Molina jerseys with crumpled all star ballots in one fist and broken crayons in the other. Who knew his mom knew so many "special" people?

Donald Fehr is gone, when can we get rid of Selig and just START THE HELL OVER?

frikkin' beautiful...

yet another blown call to the favour of the Yankees... that's 4 in two games. It's getting kind of tiring watching the bias towards the Yankees game after game....

Believe it or not MLB, there are other teams competing in baseball...

my humblest apologies...

it finally happened. I'm ashamed to say that after blogging for almost 8 months, I have completely lost track of a trade.
today I received this beauty in the mail....
Awesome.
But I don't remember asking for it in a trade, or being told it was coming. Okay, no big deal. Gifts are exchanged between friends. I, myself, usually go this route. I send stuff out, and if you'd like to send something back, great. Sometimes if I'm really after something, I'll trade to make sure I get it. But gifts are usually the way.
Who's this gift from? Wait, I don't recognize the address or name. I've searched my address book, combed through emails, frantically went back through comments left on the ole blog. Nothing.
I am the lowest of the low.
So D. Wright of Brantford Ontario, please, please forgive me, and accept my utmost thanks for such an amazing card.
And please shoot me an email so I can remember where I know you from.


EDIT: none other than my bud Tunguska from a Long Fly Ball to Because... I thought it might be you, but I had no idea this was coming. Thanks Dave!!!!

Know what a baseball looks like insideout?

1975 Topps Carl Morton

Carl signed with Milwaukee in 1964 as an outfielder. After watching the way Carl hit, they converted him to pitcher.
Montreal was so impressed that they drafted him in the expansion draft.
Carl won rookie of the year honours in 1970 going 18-11 for the last place Expos.
Atlanta acquired him back in 1973, and watched Carl win 15,16,and 17 games over the next three seasons.
Morton was traded after the '76 season, along with four other players and cash, to Texas for Jeff Burroughs.
Carl never played another major league game.
After retirement, Carl suffered a heart attack and died while jogging near his home in 1983.

2005 UD All Star Classics

the 2nd place winner in our little poll was 2005 UD All Star Classics. A set I had not heard too much about. Certainly no packs/boxes of this made their way across the border back then.
Carlos Beltran. Carlos made the team as an injury replacement for Griffey Jr. (there's a shocker) Carlos went 1-2 with a run scored.

David Ortiz. David had a pretty good game as he went 1-1 with a HR, 2 RBI's, 2 runs scored and 2 walks.

Lance Berkman started the game, replacing Griffey Jr. Lance went 0-2 in front of the home crowd.

Torii Hunter never even came close to the All Star game. They wouldn't even sell him a ticket. I have no idea why he is in this set.

Adrian Beltre is a "Future Star"

so is Justin Morneau

Tom Seaver is from the "Legendary All Stars" subset. I always think of Tom as a Red, not a Met. Certainly not a White Sock.

and some guy named after a bear who brought the wrong glove to the game. Smooth.

there you have it. Nice cards. I might grab some of these packs IF I can ever find them. I want to find the card the commemorates the 1st inning meltdown by Roger Clemens, allowing 6 runs before the N.L. could even bat. Nice.

Where do they go?

Where in the hell do all the cards go? You bust a box of cards, put them in Zistle, push them aside for awhile...... and *poof*... gone.
I am missing so many cards right now.... I hate it. Where do they go?
I know I have them, but heck if I can find any of 'em...
Where do they go?

the pack bust winner!

thanks to turncoat dayf, the winner of the pack bust is none other than Pacific's 1988 release of Eight Men Out. It's a 110 card set that can be found on ebay for around $5.

the cards consist of a mixture of vintage photos and movie stills.

the usual nonsport corny lines on the front

I'm embarrassed to say I've never seen this movie....

because I've never been a fan of D.B. Sweeney

can't fault Dickie Kerr... 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in the Series...

card backs are the usual monochrome '80's look with a blurb about the movie, or stats of the player
ah... when reporters were reporters... and NOT journalists. Those were the days. Just the facts ma'am.

the Grand High Almighty Dictator himself

not a bad little set. Especially for 1988. The photos are really sharp and crisp.

Now I have to go and download the movie....

1 hour left..

there's one hour left in the poll to the right on which pack to break. And it's all tied up. Someone break the tie while I get ready to watch the Braves game.

and while you're at it, leave a comment here on the over/under of how many times we see a shot of John Smoltz in the Red Sox dugout.

Pack busts... You choose

Shane from Shoebox Legends sent over some cards the other day, and like me, he likes to include a little extra in each package.
He sent over a few random packs to keep me entertained until my damn OPC gets here.

Take a look at the poll on the right... choose which pack I bust first.

new left fielder

I would sign this guy to play left field for the Braves just to watch him in the batters box... he can't be worse than Garret Anderson, and would be far more entertaining...

Mickey Fickey Upper Deck!!!

I can't.. I just can't.. I don't have the words... I pre-ordered two boxes of this stuff....

Sonofabitches

Cocknobbers

Bastards.... that's it... I've had it...

at long last...

I was reading a post by Ed at Roll out the barrel in which he stated a desire for Dave Bush cards. I don't question such things. I understand. I had a couple of extra Brewer Wal Mart Black cards, including Mr Bush, and proposed a trade. I ended up with Jo-Jo and Tim, which you see here.

Ed also include this Heritage James Parr rookie that I needed for my team set. Thanks!

and a Chipper I didn't have! Turkey Red style...

But then it got interesting... I saw in Ed's "For Trade" list, that he had a card I've been wanting for a very long time. Since I first laid eyes on it, I knew it must be mine... but what did I have for trade? Think man, think! Wait! Remember this???
Way back in April, some ebay scammer sent me that.... now, will Ed want it? Why yes, yes he did. And in return, I got my card...

Awesome.

Thanks Ed.

1975 Topps Vic Correll

The man Ernie Johnson referred to as "the Mayor of Statesboro Georgia." I suppose Ernie had to say something nice about Vic. There wasn't much else to say.
Vic played one game for the Red Sox in 1972, going 2-4 with an RBI. He should've quit then. Not playing again until 1974 with the Braves, then lasting 4 seasons, before being released by the Braves in 1978.
How bad do you have to be to be released by the '78 Braves??? They were horrible.
I guess 13 errors in only 97 games while batting .215 will do it. Although Cincinnati thought enough of him to pick him up for 3 more years. I guess with Bench, you just want a guy who's happy to be there and not whine about lack of playing time.

Sadly, just another in a long, long list of horrible Braves catchers.....

The Great Waxaholic Playoff Hockey Winner Announced!

The Grand prize winner is..... Madding! Congratulations Madding. Please email me your address and your prize will be sent out.

A special thanks to all who participated... I hope for those of you who didn't follow hockey before, that maybe you took a peek at a game or two because of this contest. It was a great playoff year.

Congrats to the Penguins! The similarities between 1983 and '84, and 2008/2009 are a little spooky. Could the Penguins be set to go on a Oiler-esque type run the way Edmonton did after finally dethroning the Islanders? Time will tell.

Final standings...

madding - 34 points
thehamiltonian - 30 pts
Greg - 25 pts
Zman - 23 pts
kevincrumbs - 23 pts
dayf - 22 pts
Matt R - 21 pts
Shane Diaz - 19 pts
tunguska - 18 pts
roofgod - 18 pts
theghostofcorysnyder - 15 pts
nightowl - 12 pts


if Detroit had won Game 7, Greg would've been champ, with dayf in 2nd. What could've been, eh?

BEARDY !!!

Click HERE .

almost time...

Game 7 tonight. 8pm est. Pittsburgh @ Detroit.

Contest winner announced soon after....

I need this. No, really. I do.

EDIT: this is a reposting of something I posted on April 11/09... it still applies...
Ineed this. No, really. I do.



I showed this to Dave over at Indians Baseball Cards, and he and I are in agreement.
I need this.

If anyone has access to one of these on June 15th when Cleveland plays Milwaukee, count me in. Whatever you want, I'll try to get. And since it's Milwaukee, if there is any way to get Harry Doyle (Bob Uecker) to sign it, do it.

1975 Topps Mike Lum

In his 9th season with the Braves, Mike was traded after this 1975 season to the Cincinnati Reds. Just in time to win a World Series with the '76 Big Red Machine.
Mike only hit 90 homers in 16 seasons, but managed to hit 3 in one game for the Braves in 1970.
After the Reds, Mike signed on with the Braves again, finishing his career with one season in Chicago in 1981.
Mike was the second player of Asain descent to play in the majors.

And finally, quiz your friends on this one.... Mike Lum, he of the .247 Avg in 1517 games, is the ONLY player to EVER pinch hit for Hank Aaron. It only happened once. And he was the one.

Pirates @ Braves LIVE

I'm bored, so let's chat about the game as it happens...

Atlanta called up Barbaro Canizares 1B to replace Greg Norton who went on the D.L.
Barbaro will wear #25. the first player to wear that number since Andruw left.
Apparently, Canizares is a monster hitter, but wouldn't know which end of the glove to hold if you drew him a map. He gets the start today at 1st base... sounds like fun.


Top of 1st

- Javier Vazquez comes out nasty, striking out the first three batters on 11 pitches.

Bottom of 1st

- Braves go quietly. Pirates pitcher Maholm gets a fly out and two ground outs.

Top of 2nd

- one of several "A. LaRoche"s in Pittsburgh's lineup grounds out to short.
- another "A. LaRoche" singles to right.
- Vazquez then strikes out Young and Diaz to end it.
- that's 5 strikeouts for Vazquez already

Bottom of 2nd

- Barbaro strikes out. Welcome to the Big Leagues kid...
- Matt Diaz strikes out. Looks like the pitchers are serious today....
- Francoeur with another infield single. We'll take what we can get at this point.
- with McCann getting the day off, backup David Ross strikes out in his first at bat.

Top of 3rd

- Jack Wilson strikes out
- Maholm grounds out to 1st base unassisted. Canizares figured it out all by himself. Way to go kid!
- McCutchen flies out to McLouth.

Bottom of 3rd

- Kelly Johnson strikes out
- Javy Vazquez strikes out.
- Nate McLouth walks, 1st walk of the game for either pitcher...
- Yunel Escobar strikes out.
Jesus. 12 K's through 3 innings? Great pitching or poor hitting?

Top o' 4

- Nyjer Morgan *surprise!* strikes out.
- Freddy Sanchez grounds out to short.
- Roach lines out to the pitcher.... only one K this half inning.

Bottom 4

- Chipper pops out to LaRoche
- Canizares grounds out LaRoche to LaRoche (they're everywhere!!!!)
- Matt Diaz an infield single
- I don't know how it happened, but Matt Diaz STEALS SECOND BASE!
- Frenchy singles to right, Diaz SCORES! Braves up 1-0
- Francoeur STEALS SECOND BASE! It's an epidemic!
- David Ross walks on a full count
- Kelly Johnson grounds out to end the inning...

Top of the 5th

- LaRoche flies out to right
- Young HOMERS to right. BOOOOO!!!
- Diaz flies out to right
- Wilson strikes out.
Score tied 1-1

Bottom of the 5th

- Vazquez grounds out to his counterpart
- McLouth grounds out to 2nd
- Escobar strikes out
that's 15 K's through 5 if you're scoring at home. Maholm 7 Vazquez 8

Top 6

- Maholm flies out to center
- McCutchen strikes out
- Morgan grounds out to Canizares. Alright! That's two in the same game! Gold Glove anyone?

Bottom 6

- Chipper grounds out to short
- Barbaro Canizares singles to left... his FIRST BIG LEAGUE HIT!
- Diaz grounds out to first, Canizares to 2nd
- Francoeur walks
- Ross pops out to 2nd

Top of 7

- Sanchez safe at first on throwing error by SS Escobar. Either that or Canizares forgot to catch it. I'm not sure which...
- LaRoche the elder flies out to CF
- LaRoche the younger sacrifices, out at first, Sanchez to 2nd.
- Young strikes out.
That's 10 K's for Vazquez, 7 for Maholm

Bottom of 7

- Kelly Johnson doubles to center
- Javier Vazquez sacrifices, out at 1st, Johnson to 3rd
- McLouth strikes out
- Escobar flies out to center. CRAP!

8th

- Diaz strikes out
- Wilson grounds out to short
- Brandon Moss pinch hitting for Paul Maholm
- Moss strikes out.
Final Line for Maholm - 7IP 4H 1R 3BB 8K no decision

Bottom 8

- Steven Jackson in to pitch for the Pirates
- Chipper lines out to 2nd
- Barbaro strikes out
- Matt Diaz singles to left. Will he steal 2nd again?!?!?!
- YES!!!! Diaz steals 2nd again!
- Francoeur grounds out to short....

Top 9

- Rafael Soriano pitching for the Braves
- McCutchen singles to left
- Morgan sacrifices, out at 1st, McCutchen advances to 2nd
- Sanchez grounds out, McCutchen to 3rd
- Senior LaRoche intentionally walked
- LaRoche Junior singles to center, McCutchen scores, LaRoche scores.
- CRAP!
- Young singles to center, LaRoche to 3rd
- Diaz flies out to right
Score Pittsburgh 3 Atlanta 1

Final Line on Vazquez - 8IP 2H 1R 0BB 12K No decision....awesome.

Bottom of the 9th

- Matt Capps pitching for the Pirates
- Gregor Blanco pinch hitting for David Ross
- Blanco grounds out to LaRoche
- Kelly Johnson grounds out to LaRoche
- Brian McCann pinch hitting for Rafael Soriano
- McCann strikes out. Fitting.

Final Score Pirates 3 Braves 1

Jackson (1-1) the win in relief, Soriano (1-1) the loss, Capps the save (15)


Well, this was going to be a chat about the game as it happens, and turned into a talk to myself for two hours. And the Bravos offense lets down another superb effort from their starting pitcher. Vazquez was awesome today. 8 innings, 2 hits, 1 run 12 K's.

On to Baltimore.

1975 Topps Buzz Capra

Buzz spent three rather pedestrian seasons with the Mets before being purchased for the '74 season by the Braves.
Then it all fell into place. One of those magical story book seasons all kids dream about.

16-6, a league leading 2.28 ERA and an All Star berth.

Buzz didn't appear in the All Star game. Three N.L. pitchers didn't. Buzz, Steve Rogers, and Steve Carlton. Sound like they left the best ones on the bench to me...

An injury in '76 and Buzz was done after the '77 season. But what a memorable 1974 for Buzz and the Braves.

Upper Deck oops...

so you're a young up and coming writer for the brand new Upper Deck Blog. It seems all the kids are doing it... and you publish an article on some baseball predictions with liberal sprinklings of fancy Upper Deck baseball cards scattered throughout the article for an added spice, not to mention free advertising.

Good idea, right?

It was, until you scroll down far enough to see the Matt Holliday Sweet Spot auto.

oops. Maybe should've tried to find one not so faded...

1975 Topps Ron Reed

Ron was traded part way through the 1975 season to St. Louis. Then Philly from '76 to '83 before finishing his career with the White Sox in '84.

Ron appeared in two World Series ('80,'83) and one All Star game ('68)

Reed is one of 8 pitchers with at least 100 wins and 100 saves. (I came up with four of them, the others, not so much.)

pleasurable side effects...

Greg from Lake Effects Cards sent over a small package. Inside I found a stack of random Braves.
The first is a beautifully centered and sharp Brett Butler rookie card! You know how I know it's his rookie card? Simple. It's his first card. No '81's for Brett. And no. His '86 Topps cards are not considered rookies. Even if they had a stupid logo on them claiming they were. Stoopid MLB players association and their stoopid logos.
a 3D John Smoltz coming right at ya!

Tommy had better be on his game. There's no way Andruw is going to be able to see anything with that huge flag just behind 2nd base.

What is the fascination with gold?

A couple of die cuts of old friends

that's Mr Maddux to you....

a nice shiny All Star card of Big Bob Horner

and of course some Chippers...

love those framed cards...

these, and some others found their way into my collection. Thanks Greg!