The Case For Christ

Currently I am reading “The Case For Christ, by Chicago investigative reporter Lee Strobel, where he interviews expert “witnesses” to determine whether Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Of course Connie has already read this book, 13 years ago. She rated it 5 stars. Interesting to read all the negative reviews of non-Christians / "atheists" voicing their displease with the book.

You can ask Connie Morris what she thinks about the books I read. Sometimes a book she reads looks good, so I will read it. She read 70 books in 2025, and has read 1510 all time – twice as many as me.

Not sure when I started tracking the books I’ve read on the Goodreads app, surely only in the past ten years. I’ve added books that I remember reading, but there are a few others that I read as a youth that I don’t remember the titles. Currently I have read 717 books that I know of. Read 59 books in 2024, a record. Since I listen to books on my commute, I’m not sure how many I will be reading once I retire. Will have to resort to reading real books.

With Goodreads you can see what books your friends on Goodreads have read. So I see what Connie reads. Also Catherine Norman, Ed Dudley’s daughter Margaret, Victoria Taylor, and others. Former SPdL members Bert Norton and Frank Tait read some very heavy books on Christian faith. Anna is on Goodreads. I have one friend who likes to see what I am reading so she can suggest books for her husband to read.

A couple of years ago we had to come up with our own goals at work, so I made a goal of reading books that would help me at work (since I was reading them anyway). In 2023 I met my goal of reading 3 books. My boss gave me a B. To get an A I had to surpass my goal, which I did last year. I’ve already read at least one book this year toward my goal, plus my next book will also count.

Many Christian books seem to all say the same thing, or are like self-help books. Andy Stanley has written some good books though.

I have read Ken Follett’s “Pillars of the Earth” and “World Without End” and enjoyed them immensely.

Braves win again. With the resurgence of Sean Murphy’s bat, and the progress of newcomers Alex Verdugo and Drake Baldwin, it’s all the more likely Marcel Ozuna will not be resigned by the Braves. He could be traded in late July. Plus the Braves have the suspended Profar and the great Eli White. Maybe Drake Baldwin can play shortstop.

Some think the MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa will replace Snitker as the Braves manager. I say no way. Though DeRosa is a former Brave, the team has a history of promoting from within the organization. While it may be time to bring in new blood, I say it’s much more likely the Braves promote their third base coach, Matt Tuiasosopo, who previously managed at Rome and Gwinnett. Another candidate would be long time bench coach Walt Weiss.

FREDDIE FREEMAN [B-R Bio] hit more doubles in a season than any Dodger in history, with 59 in 2023. He led the majors three times. He hit 47 for LA in 2022 and 23 for the Braves in the shortened 2020 season, his MVP year. He also led the NL in doubles for Atlanta with 44 in 2018. 2 Eight times he has finished in the Top Ten in league MVP voting: 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Romans 8: Gifts From God

Bryant Wright JFBC

Romans 8:1-11

Gifts from the Cross and Resurrection

One of the greatest chapters in the Bible. Thousands were at the Easter sunrise service on top of Stone Mountain last week.

The solution is Christ, at the end of chapter 7.

v 1 - Presidents have the privilege to give pardons. When the pardon is given, there is no further condemnation against that person. Similar to verse 1. The difference is that Jesus paid our penalty. That's the first gift we see in the chapter.

Then as we begin to walk with Jesus, the devil will begin to tempt us. Since there is no condemnation we could continue in sin, but there are many reasons not to.

v 2 the second gift is the Holy Spirit, and the gift of forgiveness. The Spirit changes our desires with its power. We are set free to not sin. We can resist sin.

v 2 we've received eternal life through faith in Christ, an abundant life.

John 10:10

v 3 we recognize the gift of the Cross, how Jesus took our place, being the perfect sacrifice. The law reminds us how weak we are. Jesus came to Earth and experienced all our hurts.

v 4 Jesus didn't come to replace the law, but to fulfill the law. In the Old Testament there were 28 sins that called for the death penalty. We deserve the death penalty for some of our sins, but Jesus was executed in our place. That's an incredible gift.

v 5 we see the difference between life in the Spirit and life in the flesh. We can only do so much in our own power.

Galatians 5:19-21. In Christ we are forgiven and made right with God so we can be gifted with the fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23.

With the Spirit inside us, we start to want to live like and become more like Jesus.

v 6 the gift gives us life over death, and gives us peace. We seek to be at peace with other people, though others may not want to be at peace with us. Sin can give us heartache.

v 7-8 life in the flesh is expounded upon. Better to give up and live for Jesus.

v 9 God's Spirit indwells us. It never leaves us. If you don't have the Spirit inside you, you are not a Christian. It's futile to life life in the flesh.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. What a gift!

v 10 we are made right with God not because of anything we do, but through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

v 11 if the Spirit dwells in us, God gives us eternal life. The promise of eternal life in a new heavenly body.

v 20 our resurrected body never sins, never gets sick. Our mortal bodies may die, but our souls will be with God in heaven.

1 Cor 15:51-53 we won't have to think about sickness and death ever again.

Decide to stop trying to live life in your own power. Instead receive the greatest gift that you'll ever receive.

The Emperor's New Clothes: NFL Edition

Now we know why the Falcons and every other NFL team didn't announce any new uniforms during the NFL Draft: Nike unveiled a series of new "Rivalry" uniforms for every NFL team to wear once a year, to go along with the home unis, road unis, alternate unis, throwback unis, and icy white unis that teams wear.

Man when a team plays their long time inter division rival, that's when I most want to see teams wearing their regular uniforms  - or throwbacks. Falcons / Saints. Packers / Vikings. Bears / Lions. Used to be that you could turn on a game and know who's playing based on the uniforms – in all sports, college and pro. Now with almost every team wearing a different uniform every week, you have to look closer to figure out who's playing who. Whom. Ugh.

Braves win again. So they won 3 then took 2 of three twice, then another win last night – that's 8 of 10, right? Plus the GM keeps making player move after player move. Demoted 2 pitchers and Kelenic and adding Ian Anderson and Rosario. Can't hurt. Just adds to my theory that if the Braves trade Ozuna, they could bring him back next year.

Some want outfielder Eli White to play shortstop, since he played SS years ago in college. Maybe he can, but so many fans forget that the major leagues ain't like little league, where you can switch positions every game. Fans want that free agent outfielder that got suspended for drugs to play SS as well. There's probably a reason those guys are in the outfield. What you'd gain in offense you would lose in defense. Whenever the Braves shortstop makes a great play, people need to say "Eli White wouldn't have made that play". With a runner in scoring position, that's be another run on the scoreboard.

Ceil fixed the beef tips for supper. I had rice and gravy.

Lifted weights at the gym this morning. I have been able to add more weight to lift recently. Need to keep added more weight, a little at a time.

Stopped by Cozy Coop this AM since I had yet to try out their chicken biscuit. A big piece of chicken. Hot and pretty good. Now that I'm having disaster after disaster this AM, I'm glad I got the biscuit.

Well this past weekend I busted my lawnmower trying to cut over a stump. Bent the blade. My bad. Thinking about just buying a new mower. It's always something. I am looking into buying a new lawnmover. Current one isn't super old, and runs well. I need to make a move real soon. If I were to take this broken one somewhere I would have to take off work. No telling how long it would take to fix. And there repair cost would be half the cost of a new mower. Then take off work to pick it up.

Gwen Stefani Says She and Blake Shelton Have God in Their Marriage.

Proverbs 3:5-7: "Trust in the Lᴏʀᴅ with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lᴏʀᴅ; and turn away from evil"   

ANDRUW JONES [B-R Bio] is the only National Leaguer to hit home runs in his first two World Series at-bats. In G 1 of the 1996 WS, Jones homered off Andy Pettitte in the 2nd inning and off Brian Boehringer in the 3rd. At 19 years, 180 days old, he became, and still is, the youngest player ever to hit a home run in the World Series, bringing Mickey Mantle's record. Jones is a member of an elite club with only hall of famers Willie Mays, Mike Schmidt, and Ken Griffey, Jr. with both 10 Gold Gloves and 400+ home runs. In 1997, at 19 years old, Jones was the youngest Opening Day starter in the history of the Braves franchise, which dates back to 1876, when they began as the Boston Red Stockings.

Bananas Sell Out Death Valley

The Savannah Bananas sold out Clemson’s 81000 seat football stadium Saturday night. Before the game the Bananas ran down the hill to enter the stadium, like the Tigers do – led by Dabo. My favorite niece Victoria drove down from Charlette to attend. The Bananas have sold out future games at football stadiums in Nashville and Charlotte. Might be interesting to watch some time. Saturday night’s game was televised on ESPN2. Tough to get a ticket. They’ve sold out several MLB stadiums as well, including Fenway Park and Truist Park.

In March 2008, the LA Dodgers played a preseason exhibition game in the LA Coliseum against the Red Sox, and the game drew 115300 fans. I think the highest ever attended NBA game was win the Hawks were playing in the Georgia Dome after the Omni was torn down, and State Farm Arena was being built. It was Michael Jordan’s last time playing in Atlanta, and the Hawks sold upper deck tickets. I should’ve gone.

Other events I “regret” missing, besides MJ’s last Atlanta game and seeing the Bananas at Truist: Paul McCartney in Piedmont Park. Randy Johnson’s perfect game against the Braves. The 96 Olympics Dream Team. The last game at Turner Field? Maybe.

Games / events I’m glad I saw, in no particular order: Michael Jordan vs GT at the Omni. Joe Montana vs GT as well as against the Falcons. Falcons vs the 12-1 Vikings. Braves Yankees in the 1996 World Series – the last game at Atlanta Stadium. Herschel’s freshman game against GT. Mark Price & John Salley for GT. Seeing Larry Bird’s Celtics, Michael Jordan’s Bulls, Magic & Kareem’s Lakers, LeBron’s Cavs, the Spurs with David Robinson & Tim Duncan, the Sixers with Dr J, Charles Barkley, & Moses Malone. Artis Gilmore for Jacksonville against Mercer. Aaron, Mays, McCovey, Rose, Bench, Schmidt. Harmon Wages TD run, pass, & return against the Saints. The Rams Fearsome Foursome. The Rolling Stones. Billy Graham (twice – 20 years apart). REM. Namath. Bart Starr and the Packers. Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus. Games in NYC, Houston, Miami, Chapel Hill, Auburn, Athens, Birmingham, St Louis, Chicago, Arlington, New Orleans, San Francisco, Fenway Park. Hawks at Alexander Coliseum. The 1996 Olympics: track & field, team handball, field hockey, volleyball, water polo, baseball, and the torch relay. Also saw the torch relay in 1980, 1994, and 2000. Freshman Bo Jackson scoring the game-winning TD against Bear Bryant’s Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl at Legion Field. For sure the handful of times I was able to attend the Masters.

Friday lunch: both my coworkers received their entrees 5-10 minutes before I got mine. Then it was super hot, which slowed me down as well. Of course the others finished long before me. Picked up a pie from Pizzaria Lucca on the way home from work on Friday afternoon. Kept up with the NFL Draft but watched a non Hallmark Channel movie. Kinda campy but it featured supporting actors Lauren Holly and a central character in the old TV drama “24”.

Should’ve gone to the gym with Ceil on Saturday morning, but didn’t. Later we took her sewing machine to be fixed way over west of downtown Marietta, then doubled back to Perimeter Mall. I stayed in the car and caught up on emails and the draft. Came home and watched the last two rounds. And another non Hallmark movie, starring the late Brittany Murphy.

Sunday School and worship. Saw David Hall. Learned my friend Tommy has prostate cancer, which saddened me greatly. He’s confident it’s only a short term setback, and has a great attitude. I seem to be getting all the more sensitive as I grow older. I fixed quesadillas for both lunch and supper, with a nap in between. Made a late night excursion to gas up C’s car and get my RaceTrac drink.

Ran for 30 minutes at the gym this morning. Lots of visitors at work this week, means food to eat at lunch. Today was Jason's Deli. Received a FaceTime call from Millie.

MORDECAI BROWN [SABR Bio] had the lowest ERA in any of the first 13 seasons of the Deadball Era. Brown’s 1.04 ERA for the 1906 Cubs was the best until Babe Ruth’s teammate, Dutch Leonard, posted a 0.96 in 1914. Deadball Era = 1901-1919. Brown was born in Nyesville, Indiana. Made it to the HOF in 1945, the first of twelve Hoosier inductees. He got the nickname “Three Finger” because of a childhood farming accident. He lost parts of two fingers on his right hand which, counterintuitively, gave him an advantageous grip on the ball. It led his pitches to have some dramatic movement, in fact, his curveball was said to be among the most unhittable ever.

Denison on Pope Francis, and his funeral.

How Many Teams Needed a QB?

If a NFL team is using their number one draft pick on a QB every other year or so, they’re not doing a good job. Most teams are already set at QB. At most seven teams needed a QB going into the 2025 draft – six after the Titans justifiably picked Cam Ward first overall. With Tua at QB I’m not sure the Dolphins should be included. So really there were 27 teams not really in the market for a QB. The Falcons excluded, most teams know they can’t have two high priced QBs on the roster, taking up salary cap room needed for other positions. If a team invested a high draft pick or free agent signing on a QB, they're going to spend a few years developing that QB before bringing in someone else.

Bears Caleb Williams 2024 top pick

Bengals Joe Burrow 2022 top pick

Bills Josh Allen All Pro

Broncos Bo Nix 2024 top pick

Browns Deshaun Watson Joe Flacco need a QB

Buccaneers Baker Mayfield division champs

Cardinals Kyler Murray top pick

Chargers Justin Herbert top pick

Chiefs Patrick Mahomes MVP

Colts Anthony Richardson top pick Daniel Jones Riley Leonard

Commanders Jayden Daniels 2024 top pick

Cowboys Dak Prescott highest paid NFL player

Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa top draft pick

Eagles Jalen Hurts Super Bowl champ

Falcons Michael Phenix 2024 top pick Kirk Cousins

49ers Brock Purdy Super Bowl QB

Giants Russell Wilson need a QB

Jaguars Trevor Lawrence top pick

Jets Justin Fields need a QB

Lions Jared Goff Super Bowl

Packers Jordan Love top pick

Panthers Bryce Young 2023 top pick

Patriots Drake Maye recent pick

Raiders Geno Smith need a QB?

Rams Matt Stafford Jimmy Garafalo Stetson Bennett

Ravens Lamar Jackson MVP

Saints Derek Carr Spencer Rattler need a QB

Seahawks Sam Darnold just signed

Steelers needed a QB

Texans CJ Stroud 2023 top pick

Titans Cam Ward 2025 top pick

Vikings JJ McCarthy top pick Sam Howell

Rumor: should the Braves fall out of playoff contention, they could possibly trade Marcell Ozuna at the deadline. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season. But remember: the team has a recent history of bringing back beloved players after trading them away: Soler, Duvall, Chavez, Luke Jackson, Kimbrell, Rosario, etc. Ozuna could be traded away, but re-sign with the Braves this off-season.

Pet peeve: athletes that insist on adding “JR” to their names on the backs of their jerseys. The “III”’s are even worse. How often do you need a JR to really identify or distinguish the player from someone else? I know it wasn’t Chipper and Andruw’s fault, but did they really need C.JONES and A.JONES on the backs of their jerseys to be able to tell them apart? Wasn’t the great big number 10 and 25 enough? Goodness. Is Ronald Acuna’s father still playing? Is there any chance of getting them mixed up? I know Acuna wasn’t the first. But as Ricky Bobby used to say: “If you ain't first, you’re last.” Or "When everyone's super, nob one will be".

Article: Jeff Francoeur’s rant about Ronald Acuna.

JUDY JOHNSON [SABR Bio] was so overcome with emotion during his Hall of Fame induction speech that he could not continue. Johnson, born in Snow Hill, Maryland. went into the Hall in 1975. In spite of his youthful appearance during his playing days, he became an elder statesman for many young Negro League players. He mentored a young Jackie Robinson and later recommended Larry Doby to Bill Veeck. “Judy” came from a comic strip character or possibly a vaudeville routine, or is possibly a corruption of his middle name Julius.

Article: Transhumanism, the New AI Religion, and the Globalist Agenda for Your Future.

Article: using shorthand like ‘thx’ and ‘k’ in texting and other messages is hurtful for your relationships.

Zero Hour!

Ever watch the old black & white movie “Zero Hour”? Former LA Ram Elroy Crazy Legs Hirsh played the pilot. Zero Hour was spoofed by the 1980 movie Airplane! – which also spoofed the series of 70’s “Airport” disaster movies.

Currently listening to the audiobook “Surely You Can’t Be Serious: the True Story of Airplane!” by the writers & directors of the movie: Jim Abrahams and brothers David & Jerry Zucker. The three grew up together in Wisconsin and took their zany brand of humor to Hollywood. Fun stuff. Lots of guest celebrities lend their own voices, making the audiobook. Better than a regular book.

Airplane! featured a cast of serious dramatic actors and a hilarious script. Starred Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Robert Stack, Ethel Mirman, Leslie Neilson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Barbara Billingsley of Leave It to Beaver fame. Sie athletes like Hirsch and later OJ were such stiff actors, Kareem's role as copilot Roger Murdoch spoofed actor athletes, and took offense when little Timmy visited the cockpit and recognized him. Writer Jerry Abrahams used all the critiques the Milwaukee newspapers had thown at Kareem into Timmy's "my dad says" comments.

RUMOR: the Falcons may announce some sort of uniform change. Probably not a major redesign of their primary uniforms. Might be that they’ll be making their classic throwback uniform their primary uniform, and / or perhaps adding a white throwback jersey to wear on the road. Maybe a third alternate helmet, which most probably would be all white (to follow the NFL’s latest icy white trend). Heck, you can already buy one from NFLShop.com.

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter had a 3.7 GPA at Colorado.

Speaking of Easter, I stumbled across a pizza place in downtown Alpharetta that posted a “He is Risen!” photo of empty crosses on Instagram. Very nice.

TED WILLIAMS [SABR Bio] hit safely in all 14 opening day games he played in, from 1939-42 and 1946-60. Williams compiled a .449 batting average with three home runs. Both Williams (1946) and Al Rosen (1954) each had five RBI in one All Star Game, but only The Splendid Splinter accumulated 12 career All-Star RBIs. Williams once said, “All managers are losers. They are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the earth.”

Braves won again Friday night. That's what, six wins in their last 7 games? No team in baseball has a better record in their last ten games (7-3).

First Bite: Kang's Table

Lunch today with Eric and Daniel at Kang’s Table in Duluth. Korean. I had the chicken fried rice, a safe choice. It was good.

Luke 22:54-62 Peter disowns Jesus 54. They seized Jesus and led him away to the high priest’s house. Peter followed at a distance. 55. A fire was kindled in the middle of the courtyard. Peter sat among the people. 56. A servant girl saw Peter in the firelight and looked closely at him, and said “This man was with Jesus”. 57. Peter died knowing Jesus, saying “Woman, I do not know him”. 58. A little later someone else saw Peter and said “You are one of Jesus’ followers”. But Peter said “Man, I am not”. 59. An hour passed. Another said “Surely this man was with Jesus, for he too is a Galilean”.  60. Peter said “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about”. Just then, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61. Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what Jesus had said, that before the cock crowed that Peter would deny him three times. 62. Peter went out and cried.

QUESTION: when Jesus looked at Peter, what was the look on His face?

After the gym Wednesday morning I came back home and took a shower. Most of my underwear was downstairs in the dryer so I had to put on a rarely used pair that are a little tighter than usual. But on a pair of black pants, not too tight. Went to the dentist, then back home, then to small group, then home and eventually to bed. Then I felt something over on my side – there had been a clean sock that had gotten stuck in my underwear from the last time they were washed. Great.

Since I worked from home Wednesday, I ate too much: Ceil’s blueberry muffins for breakfast. For a late lunch I made cheese quesadillas, then added chicken salad before folding them over. Vegetable soup for supper.

THURSDAY: at work there were leftover sandwiches and salad and cookies from Jason’s Deli to eat. And cake from Administrative Professionals Day. And a cannoli from Sugo restaurant. Man I got to get to that NFA Burger place in Dunwoody. Might go next Wednesday when C has small group. Next week my small group has been moved to Thursday. I love tater tots. There’s always so many leftovers at the house.

Work wasn’t too terrible this week. Making a little headway. Thursday evening a hot order came in at 530, so I didn’t leave until six. Supper was grilled chicken, grilled vegetables, jasmine rice, and fresh organic tomatoes. Watched the NFL Draft while playing on my computer. Falcons finally made a good pick.

Friday: slept through my alarm, so I wasn’t able to make it to the gym. My other two teammates worked from home today.   

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

I like it when a coworker or friend calls me brother. At work it means we’re working together toward the same goal. In the same way a teammate is supposed to be like a brother. A brother should never work against his brother, or exact evil on his brother. The story of Cain and Able was sad. Brothers / teammates are supposed to work together, and not only for their own personal interests. There’s nothing I dislike more that someone trying to call me their brother, while only doing so to try and gain something for themselves. So easy to see through such scams. Reminds me of the following passage…

Philippians 2:3-5: Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than yourself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

Lots of young men at JFBC on Sunday morning were wearing white sneakers with their Easter suits. Saw a pair of white Jordans. I went with my white Cole Haans that I’m not really crazy about. When we went to eat at Kimball House I had changed to my white Hokas. Told Monsie that I was dressed too suburban and should’ve changed into more of an intown took. She was wearing bedazzeled Air Force Ones.

Few of the sneakers I’m trying to sell are not flying off the shelves. I’be lowered the prices. After the Marty Smith Masters fiasco I’m about ready to get that pair of Nike Dunks.

Monday: left work just before six. Stopped by the post office on the way home, then boxed the two bobbles I’d sold on Saturday. Quiet evening. Cole slaw, rice, greens, and Ceil’s leftover chicken from Kimball House.

Tuesday: up early to left weights at the gym. Worked until 6 pm. Bought a heavy navy sweatshirt for five bucks on the way home. Also stopped by Kroger. Spaghetti night.

Wednesday: ran / walked. First two miles were pretty fast. Was on the treadmill for an hour. 

Tonight: grilled chicken, jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, and fresh organic tomatoes. 

Manager MAYO SMITH [SABR Bio] his move of CF Mickey Stanley to shortstop for the World Series is widely admired as one of the savviest in memory. The Boston Globe called it "the gutsiest move in history". Smith had the nickname “America’s Guest” for the amount of time he spent in ballpark press rooms. During Smith’s time as the New York Yankees’ superscout, he became well-known and well-liked for his generosity of spirit and of time. He was named Edward Mayo Smith because of his grandmother’s positive experience at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The Richest Neighborhoods in Georgia. Always heard that Berkeley Lake was one of the richest. Can’t believe East Cobb isn’t listed. Written by a real estate agent.

1. Tuxedo Park / Buckhead

2. Chastain Park

3. Ansley Park

4. Druid Hills

5. North Buckhead

6. Springlake / Atlanta

7. Decatur

8. Peachtree Heights West

9. Garden Hills

10. Virginia Highland      

11. Inman Park

12. Collier Hills

13. West Paces Ferry

14. Morningside Lenox Park

15. Brookhaven

16. Candler Park

17. Blue Ridge

18. Alpharetta

19. Sandy Springs

20. Milton

21. Johns Creek

22. Roswell

23. Big Canoe

24. Sea island

25. Sawnee Ridge in Forsyth County

26. Vinings

27. Reynoldstown

28. Grant Park

29. Midtown

30. Old Fourth Ward

As the Braves Turn

What are your thoughts on the Braves? They are 10-7 in their last 17 games – a winning percentage of .588%. Won 5 out of their last six. All without Acuna and their free agent outfielder. Two of their best starting pitchers have each only pitched in one game. Maybe it was too early to panic after all.

You can’t parent every child exactly the same way. Same with ballplayers. Its easy from the outside looking in to say what should happen - but we don’t know each player’s personality, their strengths and weaknesses, their motivations, whether or not they’re hurt, etc. Many factors go into each decision. Players don’t all blossom at the same time. Look at Evan Gattis. Greg Maddux and Phil Niekro didn’t have the same  natural talent as Pedro Martinez or Randy Johnson, but got far more results out of their ability.

Kelenic didn’t hustle. Was it the first time? Is he frustrated about his hitting? What does he need to perform his best? Perhaps what works best for Kelenic is different than for Acuna. Acuna is 27 years old. In seven years he’s only played 119 games two times. Snitker has been a coach and manager for 40 years. He’s around these guys every day. I’ll give Snit the benefit of the doubt.

Francoeur berated Acuna for throwing his teammate under the bus. Where was Acuna encouraging his teammates during the losing streak? Who was first out of the dugout when the Marlins beaned Acuna? It was Snitker. Acuna wasn’t pulled every time he didn’t hustle. He wasn’t taken out the first time he didn’t hustle. For sure Snitker had a talk with Kelenic. In private. Acuna should be happy every conversation isn’t played out in the media. So many fans don’t understand this.

That said, when a player and team are struggling and you see them not hustling, its frustrating to see. As a player when the hits aren’t falling in, oftentimes even when you hit it good they often seem to be right at someone, or a defender will make a great catch, or the borderline calls seem to always go the other way. The Braves have the analytics to see when these things are happening. They got loads more info than what I see.

Makes you think though, that the Braves would sure hate to have to fire Snitker in the middle of the season. You wonder if he may step down at the end of this season. We’ll see.

Will took Millie to today’s victory. Braves may have never lost a game that Millie has attended.

Will was talking about that Ozuna bobblehead. For the most part I’ve retired from the bobblehead world, but can get them when needed. Last Saturday I was going to the Gwinnett game anyway and it just happened to be a bobblehead game. Ozuna is a Wednesday and my small group will be meeting. But I might be able to swing a deal to get one. Don’t pay more than $40 for the Ozuna, including shipping. I am going to see what kind of deal that I can swing. Might be able to trade a bobblehead that I have sitting around for an Ozuna. Lots of time before May 14th.

Hawks fired their GM. Looks like their draft pick may be in the running for rookie of the year, but he should be in the running, since he was the #1 pick. For last Friday night’s game the Hawks offered me free tickets. The Atlanta Dream had also offered me free tickets to a recent game. I saw where Caitlin Clark was at a recent Indiana Pacers game, wearing a yellow Pacers t-shirt.

JULIO FRANCO [SABR Bio] is the first Texas Ranger to lead the majors in hitting. Franco hit .341 in 1991. Michael Young (.331 in 2005) and Josh Hamilton (.359 in 2010) have joined him. Franco was the first Dominican to be named MVP of the All Star Game, in 1990 at Wrigley Field. Pedro Martinez (1999), Alfonso Soriano (2004), Miguel Tejada (2005), Melky Cabrera (2012), and Robinson Cano (2017) have since been the ASG MVP. He was the first Cleveland Indian since Hall of Famer Earl Averill in 1929-34 to collect 180 hits in three consecutive seasons. Franco had 188, 183, & 183 in 1984-86. Averill did it for the first six seasons to start his career.