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Thursday, May 29, 2014

The Reluctant Centerfielder

Tommy LaStella had a good debut, with the two hits and several decent plays in the field – including turning the clutch DP with the baserunner bearing down on him after CJ hesitated. BJ had plenty of time to catch that pop fly, even though he ran a long way and TLS was right on top of it. Later BJ deferred to Justin on a ball in the gap. Aren’t centerfielders supposed to take charge and go after the ball? I almost tweeted “BJ Upton: the reluctant centerfielder.” At least BJ’s bat is coming around.

The only bad thing about the TLS debut was his number: the cursed number 7, previously worn by Frenchy, several other second-baseman (Pete Orr and/or Brooks Conrad?), and the dreaded Nick Esasky. When Reed Johnson switched to seven he got hurt and his production plummeted. Has anyone good ever worn that number? According to the Sac Fly blog’s “Braves by the Numbers” post from back in 2010, the following luminaries have donned the Mick’s number in Atlanta: Jeff Burroughs, Joe Pepitone, Jeff Francoeur, Gil Garrido, Brad Komminsk, Kenny Lofton, and JD Drew. Ol’JD did lead the Bravos to a division championship.

Perhaps number 13 might’ve been a better choice for young Tommy. Couldn’t tell, but TLS might’ve been wearing Pumas. Nice story about talking to his dad about Pawtucket hotels, and saying some rooms might be available in Boston. When Jenn Hildreth was interviewing the LaStellas I was only reminded of when Tom Hart was interviewing Evan Gattis’ dad – but LaStella didn’t homer.

Too bad TLS couldn't pull off a miracle at the end of Thursday night's game.

Will said there was a deal at Turner Field where they’d give you an Andrelton bobblehead if you filled out 250 all-star ballots. He didn’t do it. Not sure how it worked, but at one per minute it would take four hours. For a $30.00 bobblehead that is twelve cents per ballot, or $7.50 per hour. Glad I’ve got my Andrelton.
The lead story on Uni-Watch.com today was last night’s Braves batting helmet change from the thick A they’ve worn for years to a thinner A to match the cap. I didn’t notice until I saw today’s blog post. A few weeks ago the ESPN.com Uni-Watch column was about hard-to-notice uniform discreprencies, like how the old-English D on the Tigers caps doesn’t match the D on the jersey. The Braves helmet was mentioned, and I guess the Braves decided to switch. I always kinda liked them being different.

The “Driven” show about Dr. James Andrews was pretty good.   

If the Williams sisters are so good, why do they so often lose in the early rounds? I say they don’t give all their effort all the time – they tank matches (and therefore tournaments – even majors). For that reason they shouldn’t be ranked amongst the all-time greats. I watched the recent Jimmy Connors / John McEnroe match, played in Nashville. McEnroe could’ve beat Connors bad, but kept hitting the ball right to him. Connors is 61 and is coming off hip surgery. He can’t move, and even played in long pants. McEnroe beats guys younger than himself – and he is 55.

Boss’s boss asked me for restaurant recommendations in Marietta. Her sister was staying at the Hilton, I suppose at the conference center. While I researched the Marietta Square I asked for suggestions on FB. Didn’t know if it would be a business dinner or what. After I submitted a list Sue told me it would just be she and her sister. Chicken and the Egg looks best, if not the South City Kitchen in Smryna or Canoe in Vinings. Didn’t know if any of the restaurants on the square would be trendy enough for two ladies.   

What I submitted:
Chicken and the Egg, on Whitlock Ave west of the Square
Smryna’s South City Kitchen is where the stars dine (& me)  
Canoe is Ceil’s favorite, on the Chattahoochee.
Meehans Public House in Vinings
Garrison’s Boiler & Tap in Vinings
Social Vinings.
Maggiano’s Little Italy, at Cumberland Mall.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is supposed to be good.
Schillings on the Square
Sugar Cakes Patisserie looks good, though I’ve never been.
Stoney River Cumberland
Cheesecake Factory Cumberland
Papasito’s Mexican Cantina is ok. East of I-75 on Windy Hill

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