One Last Coolray Trip

Made one last 2015 trip out to CoolRay Field Saturday. Had to drive Matthew way out to Suwanee anyway, allowing me to arrive extra early to swap bobbleheads with Kevin. Then we had plenty of time to check out the clearance sale in the team store.



Wasn't hard to find RL at the front of the short line. We had plenty of time to chat with Johnny and Mack and others around us. When the gates finally opened the GBraves tweeted this picture. RL is the fan on the extreme left, and I'm next to him in navy.

We had nice seats behind the plate. To our right was the grandfather we'd sat behind on August 8, with his two precocious grandsons, along with their other grandfather. Once again the boys provided entertainment and fun - along with the constantly chattering young couple behind us on a date. Made me want to do something weird just to give them something to talk about, like take a bite from their helmet ice cream. But I didn't.

To our right was a fun older couple. The husband told an old joke I'd never heard: why does it take longer to run from second to third than it does to run from first to second? Because there's a short stop in the middle. I accidentally snapped a grainy photo of the guy's odd-looking trail shoes, made by the same manufacturer as mine. His wife is the lady in yellow on the left in the top photo.

As my custom in Gwinnett, I was able to keep score. With five outfielders and only four spots in the lineup, Todd Cunningham sat out and coached first base. Joey Terdoslavich DH'd. Before the game Decatur's Cedric Hunter was named team MVP.

With everything 50% off in the team store, I added a $5.00 St. Patrick's Day cap to my collection. Not too bad for being adjustable.

 

With Gwinnett trailing 4-2 both RL and I made our exit as the top of the 9th inning began. I turned left and drove 17 miles to pick up M in Cumming. Timed it perfectly, and we made it home in time to see the end of the Alabama Wisconsin game. 

Clemson 2015 Predictions

Clemson has hopes of making the college football playoff. To do so they have a rough schedule, with tough road games and games every Saturday for ten straight weeks. The key to the Tigers’ success in obviously sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson. As a freshman Watson missed games due to two different injuries. He must remain healthy for Clemson to have a chance in 2015.


Key number two: the Tigers must come to play, against not only the good opponents (Louisville, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, FSU, and South Carolina) but also the underdogs ready to take a bite out of Clemson’s season: App State, BC, Miami, NC State, and Syracuse. There can be no let up.

Key number three: Who will Clemson have besides Watson? Will there be a running game to take the load off Deshaun? Will be defense be as good as last year?

September 6 vs Wofford: A big, easy win. 1 – 0.

September 12 vs Appalachian State: Another win. Perhaps close for a half, then Clemson will pull away. 2 – 0.

September 17 at Louisville (Thursday Night): Key game number one. Clemson has been looking forward to this game for months. They have to show up and play. Otherwise the Cardinals will steal the game. 3 - 0.

October 3 vs Notre Dame: key game number two. Many pick the Irish to make the playoff. Clemson is one of their few tough opponents. The Tigers can’t be overwhelmed by the gold helmets, and after a two week layoff have to come in ready to play. Should Georgia Tech win in South Bend the week before, the Irish will be all the hungrier. But I’m not as impressed with the Irish as all the expects. Clemson wins a close one. 4 – 0.

October 10 vs Georgia Tech: the Tigers have a thing in their head about the Yellow Jackets, thinking they’re harder to beat than perhaps they really are. Justin Thomas will be the best quarterback Clemson will face all year – stopping him will be the key. Let’s say the Tigers edge the Jackets in a high scoring game, thanks to a couple of missed field goals by Tech. 5 – 0.

October 17 vs Boston College: Finally a breather. On the road after three tough games this game might be close. But at home the Tigers will pull away in the fourth quarter. 6 – 0.

October 24 at Miami: another possible upset. The 6-0 Tigers would hit South Beach thinking highly of themselves, then not know what hit them when the Canes kick off. But I’m thinking Clemson can right the ship and win – a close one, of course. 7 – 0.

October 31 at NC State: the Wolfpack always play Clemson tough. Should the Tigers come in undefeated, State will play even tougher. But Clemson wins another close one. 8 – 0.

November 7 vs FSU: the entire season rides on this game. Against the Noles Clemson often falls behind early then can’t quite catch up. Will FSU be potent offensively? Yet another close one – and Clemson wins again. 9 – 0.

November 14 at Syracuse: A Clemson win, perhaps another blowout like two years ago. 10 – 0.

November 21 vs Wake Forest: At home the Tigers cruise. 11 – 0.

November 28 at South Carolina: The Cocks will put a scare into Clemson early, but in the end the Tigers break hearts in Columbia. The undefeated Tigers are ranked in the top four and are a lock to make the four team playoff – if they win their conference. 12 – 0.

December 5 vs Georgia Tech (ACC Championship Game in Charlotte): In the rematch, the underdog Yellow Jackets rebound to beat Clemson, who are caught looking ahead to the playoff. 12 – 1.

Worst case: Clemson loses at Louisville and the things get worse: losses to Notre Dame, Tech, Miami, and FSU, finishing the season 7-5.

GT 69 Alcorn State 6

Nice win by Georgia Tech. For the most part they did everything right. The new crop of running backs look capable of competing against better opponents. The defense did their job. Tech only punted once. Justin Thomas only played one quarter, and I wished Johnson pulled him earlier. Thomas jittered like a waterbug all over the field and displayed an accurate arm. As expected backup Byerly proved able, but there’s not much talent behind the top two QB’s. The third-string QB was fast and tough, but that’s about it.

 

Alcorn State did little right, literally tripping over themselves time and time again with stupid penalties and dropped passes. Not to mention their ugly Russell uniforms – worse than Tech’s and even Maryland’s. The 2015 GT uni was thankfully plainer than previous variations. The jersey only had a partial navy color pain under the arms, and the pants had their usual disambiguous “stripes” running here and there. I wouldn’t call it an improvement, just less ugly. No wonder they didn’t have a big unveiling like every other school with new uniforms.

 

While Tech fullback Patrick Skov bulled for 72 yards, freshman Marcus Marshall (above) broke off two long touchdown runs in his debut. He will be fun to watch. Like past “greats” Jonathan Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt, I predict Marshall will add a dark helmet shield, gain weight, and slow down by his senior year.

 

The announcers did a decent job, providing personality as well as stories about both teams. The little known George P Burdell story was told. Line of the night came from the color analyst after Marshall’s second run TD run: “Tech fans will be reminded of the Brady Bunch – it’s Marshall! Marshall! Marshall!” Pretty good. Nice shots of the Atlanta skyline. On the bad side they seemed fixated about fellow announcer Wes Durham, mentioning him a few too many times during the broadcast.

 

Tulane, Tech’s next opponent, was drubbed by Duke. This bodes well for next week – another Fox Sports South telecast.

 

UNC handed their game to South Carolina. The Gamecocks did not impress on offense nor defense. Poor tackling. Any TV announcer this fall opening their broadcast by gushing praise about Marquise Williams will have quickly forgotten how the veteran UNC QB lost this game with two interceptions in the end zone.

 

Speaking of quarterbacks, this ridiculous Yahoo Sports article does a terrible job ranking all 128 college QB’s. Clemson’s Deshaun Watson ranks fourth after one injury-plagued season, yet Orange Bowl MVP Justin Thomas supposedly only merited a number twelve rank. No way does Williams deserve 13. Thomas finished in the top five in the 2014 Total QB Rating while Williams was in the 30’s. For the past two years Penn State’s Christian Hackenburg ranked among the worst QB’s in the nation while “leading” the Nittany Lions to mediocre finishes - but here is ranked among the tops in the country. Many small college QB’s are ranked in the middle, far ahead of QB’s deemed talented enough to start for schools like Georgia. Doesn’t make much sense. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/college-football-s-quarterbacks-ranked-1-128-185449884.html

UGA: 2015 Predictions

Fans complain about the Dawgs not winning the toughest conference in the nation. They call for Mark Richt’s head. Yet most still predict a division championship – even without a proven quarterback. That’s expecting too much. Nick Chubb may very well be the best back in the country. He just wears you down. The coaches weren’t given enough credit for wearing down opponents defenses with a cadre of running backs, then using a fresh Chubb in the fourth quarter. This year should be no exception, with a healthy Michel, Marshal, and others.

 

Two keys: (1) keeping Chubb healthy and getting consistent quarterback play. (2) can an average UVA QB up his game to beat Auburn and Alabama? I don’t see how. Could one of last year’s backups come through? I sure hope so. Otherwise Georgia is in for a long year.  

 

September 5 vs Louisiana Monroe: too easy of a win to find a quarterback. Keep everyone healthy. 1 – 0.

 

September 12 at Vanderbilt: this isn’t the Commodores of two years ago, but playing in Nashville ain’t easy. Vandy can’t stop the Bulldog running game, and Georgia wins. 2 – 0.

 

September 19 vs South Carolina: this aren’t the Gamecocks of two years ago. Last year in Columbia the Dawgs were one or two plays away from victory. This time they win. 3 - 0.

 

September 26 vs Southern: a big win on Parent’s Day. By now hopefully one of the QB’s have stepped forward. 4 – 0.

 

October 3 vs Alabama: a close game, at night, on national TV. Perhaps College Game Day visits. The team with the best QB wins. As usual, it’s Bama. 4 – 1.

 

October 10 at Tennessee: tough to travel to Knoxville a week after playing Alabama. The Vols coach will scream and complain to the refs. You’d think this would get old after a while, but the Vols have improved. But they can’t stop Georgia’s running game. The first of three straight close ones. 5 – 1.

 

October 17 vs Missouri: the Tigers come in thinking they’ll win. Maty Mauk is the still the QB. He still has nightmares about last years’ game. Close, but Georgia wins. 6 – 1.

 

October 31 vs Florida in Jacksonville: nice to have momentum in this series. The Gators will be improved, but Georgia wins a close one. 7 – 1.

 

November 7 vs Kentucky: The Wildcats are no pushover, but they’re easier to beat between the hedges. 8 – 1.

 

November 14 at Auburn: two years ago Auburn needed a miracle to beat Georgia at home. Both teams are moving up in the rankings. Another game won by the team with the best QB. Auburn squeaks by again. 8 – 2.

 

November 21 vs Georgia Southern: the south Georgia Eagles fans will predict victory. They’ll be wrong. The Dawgs make a statement. 9 – 2.  

 

November 28 at Georgia Tech: UGA lost last year – barely. Jacket fans have long forgotten the four or five crucial plays that went Tech’s way last year. Georgia won’t let it happen two years in a row. 10 – 2.

 

December 5 vs Auburn (SEC Championship Game in Atlanta): Same result in a rematch. Instead of getting credit for winning the division without a decent quarterback, Mark Richt is derided for not winning the conference and national championships. Despite rushing for 2000 yards, Nick Chubb is not invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation. 10 – 3.

 

January 1: Citrus/Outback Bowl: Chubb and company wear down one more opponent. And more good news: Mr. Eason arrives on campus in time for spring practice. 11 – 3.  

 

Worst case: Chubb goes down. No QB steps up. Georgia loses not only to Alabama and Auburn but also Tennessee and Florida (and someone else?). No division championship.

Tech: 2015 Predictions

The big question: can Tech recapture their late-season swagger? If they can play with confidence there is no reason the Jackets can’t run the table. I’m just not sure they can.

 

Paul Johnson starts the season with a new stable of running backs. Usually whoever he trots out there can produce in his offense. Hopefully that will be the case this year.

 

Junior signal-caller Justin Thomas was named pre-season ACC player of the year and placed on several Heisman watch lists. Should he have two more seasons like last year he will easily supplant Joe Hamilton as the greatest QB in school history. Not only does he run the option better than any other QB during the Johnson regime, he is also an accurate enough passer to surprise the defense with a completion. Chuck Oliver says that for all twelve of Tech’s opponents, the most talented and dangerous QB they’ll face all season is Thomas. That gives Tech a leg up in every game – if they can use the advantage.

 

In addition to his play, Justin Thomas the leader sets the tone for the entire team. His teammates don’t want to let him down. In the past Tech has been guilty of playing down to a lesser opponent’s level, especially to a Duke or Pitt. With Thomas in control that’s less likely to happen. In the past two seasons Thomas has not missed time to injury. I have my fingers crossed that his streak will continue. As tough as he is, he takes a beating and often looks hobbled at the end of games. Should Thomas miss time to injury Tim Byerly is an able backup – a tough runner who runs the option well, with a decent passing touch to boot. An able replacement, just lacking the magic touch of Thomas.

 

While many prognosticators stick with popular picks like FSU and Clemson, experts like Kirk Herbstreit know Tech is a force to be reckoned with. There are few easy wins on the schedule, so Tech must bring their A game every week to be successful. Just showing up won’t be enough.     

 

September 3 vs Alcorn State: when on TV Tech usually disappoints. Luckily more people will be watching NC/SC. Looking forward to a big game from backup QB Byerly. Tech will be held to less than 50 points. 1 – 0.

 

September 12 vs Tulane: last year Tech struggled to beat Tulane in New Orleans. At Grant Field a victory won’t be a cakewalk, but I expect to see more of young Mr. Byerly. 2 – 0.

 

September 19 at Notre Dame: are the Irish over-rated? Probably. Tech has the team to beat Notre Dame, but actually doing it in South Bend is another matter. The Irish won’t beat Tech. The Jackets beat themselves. 2 – 1.

 

September 26 at Duke: losing to Notre Dame will make Tech hungry for a win in Durham. Good thing. Usually Tech struggles on the road at Duke, the only place in the ACC with less energy than Grant Field. Not a blowout, but a win nonetheless. 3 – 1.

 

October 3 vs North Carolina: the Tar Heels are easier to beat when you have them on the road, but they’re no slouch. The Jackets avenge last year’s high-scoring lost where the defense completely fell apart. 4 – 1.

 

October 10 at Clemson: to beat the Tigers in Death Valley the Jackets must strike quick and control the game. The loser will be the team making mistakes, turning the ball over, and not getting the ball in the end zone. Tech will miss a field goal or two, and that will be the difference. 4 – 2.   

 

October 17 vs Pittsburgh: the Panthers always play the Jackets tough. Another close game, but Tech wins the day. 5 – 2.

 

October 24 vs FSU: motivated, Thomas rises to the occasion and beats the Noles in an exciting game. 6 – 2.  

 

October 31 at Virginia: another place the Jackets struggle. Thomas slumps but Byerly picks up the team. Tech wins on a late field goal. 7 – 2.

 

November 12 vs Virginia Tech (Thursday night): the Jackets usually struggle in these Thursday night ESPN games, but not so much this time. A close game, but Tech wins. The nation is beginning to appreciate Justin Thomas. 8 – 2.  

 

November 21 at Miami: another tough game, but Tech once more finds a way to win a close one. 9 - 2

 

November 28 vs Georgia: with a five game winning streak Tech is riding high. When the Jackets edged the Dawgs in last year’s thriller a succession of 4 or 5 unlikely plays went Tech’s way – goal line fumble, short kickoff, long field goal, overtime interception. This year the ball won’t bounce Tech’s way every time. As so often happens in this classic series, the road team finds a way to win. Jackets lose. 9 – 3.  

 

December 5 vs Clemson (ACC Championship Game in Charlotte): in the rematch a determined Tech team doesn’t quit, and upsets the undefeated Tigers – much to the chagrin of the entire ACC community, who like Clemson were looking forward to placing a team in the playoff. Unfortunately Heisman votes were cast before the game, and Justin Thomas remains on the outside looking in. 10 – 3.

 

Bowl Game: like last year, the big bad SEC can’t solve Paul Johnson’s option, and Tech wins their second straight Orange Bowl. Tech finishes in the top ten for the second straight year. 11 – 3.

 

Worst case: Thomas misses considerable time to injury. Tech loses to Notre Dame, Clemson, FSU, Georgia, and once or twice more…missing the ACC Championship Game. Distraught, the Jackets also lose their third-tier bowl game. Certainly a possibility – it’s happened before. But that was before the Justin Thomas era.

September October Bobblehead Schedule

There need to be a bobblehead of Fonzie jumping the shark. Has the craze peaked? Not if you asked the teams – 2016 should be another banner year with even more bobbleheads. But I'm wondering if the collectors are starting to look elsewhere.

 

I'll get Maddux and Teheran, and make an effort to sell off my doubles and perhaps others. Billy the Marlin, the Giants Chewbacca, and any Clayton Kershaw will be in demand. Also the Cubs Kris Bryant and the Cardinals Harry Caray. Fights might break out in the Bronx for Babe Ruth. With so much inventory lots of Fernando's and Vin Scullys will be on the market. Perhaps I can swing a trade.

 

9.01 TUE Cards Vince Coleman

9.01 TUE Dodgers Justin Turner

9.04 FRI Marlins Star Wars Billy the Marlin Storm Trooper

9.04 FRI Quakes Kershaw Trout MVP BH

 

9.05 SAT Gwinnett Greg Maddux

9.06 Marlins Marcell Ozuna

9.07 MON Cards Harry Caray (want)

9.08 TUE Cards John Tudor

9.09 WED Yankees Peanuts bobblehead

 

9.10 THU Braves Julio Teheran

9.10 THU Yankees Babe Ruth

9.12 SAT Indians Terry Francona red scooter 10000

9.12 SAT Reds Stars of the Queen City

9.12 SAT Rays Star Wars Han Longoria

 

9.16 WED Dodgers Fernando Valenzuela (batting!)

9.19 SAT Rays Fan Vote BH

9.22 TUE Cards Willie McGee

9.23 WED Dodgers Vin Scully

 

9.25 FRI Nats Jordan Zimmermann no hitter

9.26 SAT Reds All Star Player

9.26 SAT Cubs TBD (probably Kris Bryant)

9.27 SUN Tigers Anibal Sanchez

 

10.03 SAT Giants Talking Chewbacca

10.04 SUN Orioles Fan Choice Bobblehead

Gehrig > McGriff > Ortiz

This weekend Boston Designated Hitter David Ortiz hit his 494th home run, passing Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff on the all-time list. As a ballplayer Ortiz hardly deserves mention in the same sentence as Gehrig.

To out-homer the Iron Man it took Ortiz two more seasons and 65 more games. Gehrig has 448 more hits, has scored 565 more runs, drove in 385 more runs, hit 145 more triples, walked 283 more times, struck out a whopping 855 fewer times, had 700 more total bases, and stole 87 more bases. Ortiz may have more doubles, mostly due to the friendly confines of Fenway Park. Gehrig’s career batting average is 60 points higher, his On Base Percentage 69 points higher, his Slugging Percentage 87 points higher, and his OPS 157 points higher. of course, almost all modern day players fall short of Gehrig's marks.

Gehrig played first base every day, never missing a game. Traveled by rail. Hotels without air conditioning. All day games. Despite all the modern day luxuries, Ortiz rarely plays in the field.

.PL.AVG.OBP.SLG..OPS...TB...SB

LG..340.447.632.1.080.5060.102

DO.284.378.545.0.923.4360.015   

FM.284.377.509.0.886.4458.075

In his day McGriff was one of the most feared sluggers in the game, particularly during his time in Toronto. Aside from his time in Atlanta, the Crime Dog played for teams out of contention – unlike Gehrig and Ortiz. McGriff’s stats equal or better those of Ortiz. McGriff was an everyday first-baseman, as opposed to a one-dimensional DH like Ortiz. Is one more deserving of the Hall of Fame? I would think so – McGriff.

.PL.YR.games.AB…runs...hits..2B...3B...RBI

LG. 17.2164.8001.1888.2721.534.163.1995

DO.19.2229.8006.1323.2273.572.018.1610

FM.17.2460.8757.1349.2490.441.024.1550

Both Gehrig and Ortiz made famous on field speeches: Gehrig for his farewell, Ortiz in memory of the Boston bombing victims. While both speeches were moving, one was humble and classy, the other actually vulgar. Ortiz’s on field actions and comments to the media show his true side. He thinks he is bigger than the game, which he is clearly is not.  

No DH has ever been elected to the Hall of Fame. Will an exception be made for Ortiz?

CoolRay Saturday

Broke out my newest pair of New Balance 990s for Saturday's John Smoltz bobblehead night at CoolRay Field in Gwinnett. Arrived over an hour before the gates opened and was soon joined in line by Cumming Justice of the Peace Johnny Tallant (green shirt above), his friend Max, and my newest bobblehead friend: former Single A general manager RJ.

Above: obligatory photo of the GBraves relievers make their way to the bullpen after greeting the starters warming up in short left field.

That's RJ above, sitting behind Old Max, dressed in tan. Max always brings his glove to the game. Gotta like that. Also saw five other bobblehead friends, including Bobblehead Bobby Myers, Joe da Kid Shirley, and Jessica from work. Saw another co-worker as well.

Several condo-dwellers took in the game from their deck. John Smoltz made a brief appearance to throw out the first pitch - caught by his son, who apparently works for the GBraves.

Centerfielder Mallex Smith led off the bottom of the first for the GBraves with a bunt single, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Rightfielder Todd Cunningham sacrificed Smith to third. Smith scored on a 5-3 groundout by the Braves latest acquisition: Cuban third-baseman Hector Olivera.

In the first five innings the GBraves leadoff hitter reached base on a hit, but they were the only five hits the team collected.

Since I was nearby I snapped the above photo of the Can Race, quite artfully choreographed by the three participants. Earlier in the game the fella in the white Heyward jersey (two rows in front of me) muffed a foul ball. Luckily for him the ball dropped down to his wife (dark hair in blue).

In the eighth inning I walked back down the right field line and noticed a visitor in the Norfolk Tides bullpen wearing street clothes. Didn't take long to figure out who it was: Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, a frequent visitor to CoolRay Field. Niekro was in deep discussion about his signature pitch: the knuckleball.

I wasn't the only one snapping pictures, by the way. RJ walked by and I directed his attention to the bullpen visitor.

Before I left I happened to notice the crocked right field line (above).

Comparison Time

Another update comparing the seasons of several former Braves players to their replacements. For the most part every current Braves has out-performed the player they replaced. The lone exception: the Braves should’ve signed Ichiro instead of Jonny Gomes. Ichiro has appeared in 40 more games than Gomes, has almost twice as many hits and half the strikeouts. His average is 40 points higher, he’s stolen 11 bases, and played better defense. Gomes may have 7 home runs but Ichiro has 7 triples and home runs combined. Unquestionably a better performer. Ichiro can probably pitch better as well.

PL..G…..AB..R..H.2B.3B.HR.BI.BB..K.avg

JG.079.190.27.41.7…0….7..21.28.66.216

IS..120.307.37.79.3…6….1..20.27.38.257

While Jason Heyward has put together perhaps his best season as a pro, he has predictably done so in the last year of his contract. Whether he will be worth what his next contract will bring is questionable. The Cardinals, Yankees, and other teams with the larger payrolls will drive up Jason’s salary. The Braves were smart to trade him for all-star pitcher Shelby Miller and lock in gold glove rightfielder Nick Markakis for the long term. Hometown boy Markakis was loved in Baltimore, and despite missing offseason training and much of the preseason his out-hitting Heyward by 14 points – while walking more and striking out less. While Jeff Francoeur has put up a respectable 272 average in far fewer games, he strikes out at a rate five times greater than Markakis. Heyward does look good on the cover of last week’s Sports Illustrated. Hope it doesn’t jinx him.

Pl….G….AB..R...H..2B..HR.BI.BB.K..avg.obp.ops

M.125.488.51.147.30.02.48.53.66.301.371.750

JH.121.428.62.123.25.11.46.38.76.287.346.783

JF..093.254.27.069.13.12.39.10.51.272.299.771

Cameron Maybin has outperformed BJ Upton offensive, defensively, and in the clubhouse. In many areas Maybin has kept pace and even outperformed Justin Upton and Martin Prado as well.

PL….G…..AB..R….H…2B.HR.BI..BB...K...avg.obp.slg.ops

CM.116.428.58.118.17.10.52..41.079.276.339.395.734

BJ…056.137.20.032.04..05.13.12.042.234.295.401.697

JU..119.434.68.112.17..22.70.55.128.258.342.459.802

MP.100.393.36.106.17..06.40.24.054.270.316.364.680

Fans marvel at the 22 home runs Evan Gattis has hit in Houston, forgetting The White Bear is now strictly an American League Designated Hitter. Even so, Braves catcher AJ Pierzynski has out-hit Gattis in many departments, batting 50 points higher, walking more, and striking out less. In fact AJ has also out-performed perennial All-Stars Yadier Molina and ex-Brave Brian McCann in many categories as well. And don’t forget youngster Christian Bethancourt hit .327 this summer in Gwinnett.

PL….G….AB...R….H..2B..HR.BI.BB..K..avg.obp.slg.ops

EG..121.453.53.110.16.22.49.20.95.243.276.464.740

AJP.091.331.33.097.21.07.40.18.32.293.334.426.760

BM.104.367.49.090.14.22.75.32.79.245.314.469.783

YM.117.427.32.119.21.04.53.26.50.280.316.367.683

People who still bring up the Mark Teixeira trade can find solace in Freddie Freeman, who despite little protection around him in the lineup has out-hit Teixeira 277 to 255. And those complaining about second-year shortstop Andrelton Simmons’ offense  need to know: Simmons is out-hitting former prospect/current Texas Ranger Elvis Andrus (while walking more and striking out less).  

Fans too dense to see the greatness of the Craig Kimbrel/BJ Upton trade also probably don’t see how the Braves closers have all but kept pace with Kimbrel. When Jason Grilli went down his stats were actually superior to Kimbrel’s. Anthony Vavaro is a perfect 4 of 4 in save opportunities and has a lower ERA, WHIP, and Average Against than Kimbrel.

I'm Yelling Timber

Thursday was the big tree cutting day. Took down two huge trees in the backyard that were hanging over the house. Also the four 25 year old Bradford Pears in the front yard that are leaning out over the street. It was only a matter of time before one or more of them split off and did some damage. Also took out several smaller trees in back to clean things up, and one smaller tree in the front that had recently cracked. Additionally our next door neighbors had the four Bradford Pears lining our driveways cut down. It’s a big needed change that looks great, but will take some getting used to.

Thursday I left work at three and zipped over to M’s school in Alpharetta for a meeting with the principal. Daniel cares deeply for his students, teaching a life lessons class where he can share his story and stay tuned to how and where the kids are. Daniel helped start up Passion City Church, and met Matthew there while working as a youth leader. At Legacy Matthew is in his life class. Through his interactions with Matthew and other students Daniel had spotted some issues he wanted to address, and called Ceil and me in to discuss them. This kind of thing makes Legacy such a great school for Matthew to be at.

After the Legacy meeting we met with the guy from the Little Bear Tree Service, who I heartily recommend. Then C and M went to the grocery. Exhausted from the busy week, I vegged out at the computer. At 5:30 I ate leftovers: pigs in a blanket, a piece of pizza, and a bowl of ice cream. Later Ceil fixed meatballs and salad, but I just tasted both. Later we watched a few episodes of The Middle.

Dock’s dad had a hole in one a week or so ago. It was the 5th or 6th of his career. I think I’ve made one hole in one at Wii golf, which is pretty fun to play. I like the basic 9 hole setup, and the practice stuff is fun as well. My Wii Masters golf game is harder, but the good thing is that it’s the Augusta National course.

Today’s first meeting was a conference call I listened to from my desk.  

I’m looking forward to GT’s first game next week. I need to make my predictions for them, UGA, and Clemson.

Earlier this week at Taco Bell Matthew got one of each of the three spicy grillers: mild, medium, and hot. I tried to get him to start with the hottest one first so I could eat any mild leftovers. M gobbled up the mild and medium grillers and ate half the hot one. He may have finished it later. Two beefy frito burritos are too much for me. I figured those bowls would be mostly rice. Those breakfast bowls at Krystal are probably the same way.

I usually don’t get a soft drink when I go to a fast food place, but I do when I’m eating Mexican or a fancy burger. I’m not crazy about Pepsi products either. Diet Pepsi isn’t great and fast food places usually don’t have diet Mtn Dew. I like Coke Zero better than Diet Coke. Sometimes I mix in a little Cherry Coke with my Diet Coke or Coke Zero. Chickfila has diet Dr. Pepper, which is nice.

I love those new machines where you can mix whatever drink you want. I often get cherry lemonade or cherry PowerAde. Last week at Yeah Burger all the soft drink choices were weird – some healthy brand. I tried the vanilla cola but stayed away from the ginger flavored drink.

The paragraph I wrote for Ceil’s bio: This is Ceil’s first year teaching art at Legacy, and she loves it. Ceil received an architecture degree from Clemson University and helped out on such projects as the Centennial Olympic Stadium, the Georgia Dome, and the Hartsfield Airport Terminal before focusing on home-schooling her three children. She is mom to Legacy student Matthew and UGA students Will and Anna, and wife to husband David. Ceil enjoys sewing, painting, and drawing.

Old stuff: AUG 11: After taking Anna to move in, Ceil, MC, and I ate a late lunch at Five Guys before driving back. I was famished from all the moving so the burger was extra good. Got caught in traffic on the way back. When we got home I had to drive to Cumming to retrieve Matthew. Didn’t get home until 8 pm. 

AUG 12: I was exhausted, and this morning I’m still tired. Left at 1:30 to pick up M and take him to the doctor. (people will ask “when do you ever work? Here’s the answer: 17 hours on Sunday and Monday. Yesterday I monitored emails all day until my phone died, and took a few calls. I’ll be over 40 hours this week easy). 

Tons to do here at work, especially since we moved. I worked straight through to 1:45 then left to pick up M at school. Seemed like I caught every red light. Ate a Moe’s burrito on the way. Took a few work calls on the way and checked emails in line at the school. M was famished so he ate a bunch from Wendy’s on the way to his appointment. C had given me the wrong address and my GPS wasn’t helping, so I drove around the Northside Hospital area for 30 minutes. Arrived on time and C surprised me by showing up. Got finished at 4:25. I needed to go back to work but with traffic it would’ve taken an hour. Stopped by to get a haircut but Denise was off, so I passed.

Got home just as my neighbor was getting a quote to cut down several trees, including the four 25-year old Bradford Pears that separate our driveways. They need to come down. I had him quote on taking out the two huge trees in back that hang over our house. There’s never money for stuff like this, but it needs to be done. After that hour I had a little more work to do. Supper was hot dogs, fries, and slaw. Hopefully soon the meals will get healthier, but Ceil had been gone all day at school, a wedding meeting, and that doctor’s appointment.

Delle Donne is almost as good as Kyle Korver’s mother – who AVERAGED 45 points per game. Donne probably did too. Her secret is making the free throws. Lots of scorers (like Shaq) could add 5 points a game to their average if they’d practice their foul shots. I think Steph Curry averaged 90%, which is almost as good as Mark Price.

I was looking at the video I took of Kyle Korver shooting against his teammate Kent Bazemore that Sunday at Passion City Church. Korver hit 23 shots in a row. That’s hard to do on a little rinky dink goal when the rim and backboard move every time the ball hits it – especially when you’re sitting in a chair. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrjCxDzfByw and here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q1gc1Eo_Hs  When they called Korver to the stage he swished his first practice shot. Then Louie Giglio attempted a shot while trying to make it look easy – and shot an airball.

Monster Shoes

Got another clunky pair of trail running shoes similar to the ones I wore to the Gwinnett game. The 2013 Hoka One One Mafate 3. Very comfortable but really weird looking. Like Herman Munster's running shoes.

Yesterday Ceil had a rough day. She went out to return some things she'd bought and that made it worse. She was gone when I got home so I changed into shorts and put on the trail shoes. Later we were sitting on the couch watching The Middle and she noticed the shoes. She pointed and started laughing so hard she couldn't stop. Made me laugh long and hard as well. I guess they're great for the trail but not just lounging around. They're slightly on the too big side, but hopefully they'll work out.

Still busy at work. Helping others with their work so much that my stuff is beginning to suffer. An hour of meetings today and another 2-1/2 hours of meetings tomorrow will put me even further behind.

AJC: At it Again

As usual it looks like half the AJC articles below are less Atlanta news and more designed to stir up the readers.

1. Is it a top headline in Atlanta that a team in Pennsylvania signed an aging backup QB? Would you rather have Vick or Tebow on your team? Vick gets hurt but is a better passer. Tebow isn’t that bad, but based on his record in Denver and Florida he does everything possible to win. In the Eagles second preseason game the analyist was critical of Tebow for running for the goal line when super slow motion showed an open receiver. The analyist didn’t mention how fast that decision had to be made. I’m pretty sure the great RGIII and Super Bowl MVP Russell Wilson would’ve made the same decision.

2. That the DH for Houston hit his 20th home run? Shouldn’t all designated hitters hit 20 home runs? The Braves are in a league that doesn’t use the DH, so Evan Gattis was of little use for them. I doubt the article mentioned how good all the players are doing that the Braves got in return for Gattis – or that Braves catcher AJ is a clubhouse leader, catching every day, and hitting .300 (70 points higher than Gattis) - and Bethancourt is batting .327. I doubt the article made a big deal about Gattis’ low batting average. Is one home run in every 30 at bats really good baseball? Hank and Babe homered once every ten at bats. Jonny Gomes woke up and hit a home run Monday. Did the Boston Globe notice?

3. Should a news article describe a local team as blundering? Shouldn’t that be left to the editorials? Did the article mention that the third-baseman who made the three errors was scheduled to be replaced next week? Whatever happened to good journalism?

Tuesday I didn’t get a single bit of my own work done. Didn’t leave until 7 pm. Picked up another pair of goofy looking trail running shoes and drove to Cumming to retrieve Matthew. Got him Taco Bell, which took entirely too long. While we were waiting (over 5 minutes – 300 seconds - for fast food) the drive in girl actually asked us to fill out the survey. She had no clue how bad the service was. Didn’t get home until 8:30.  

John Pierce, my friend who writes for the Baptist Press, got to join the meeting at home plate between the umpires and managers before Monday night’s Braves game. Season ticket holders get to do that, throw out the first pitch, and holler “Play Ball!’

Good stuff on Jerry Seinfeld: http://www.complex.com/sneakers/jerry-seinfeld-effect-on-sneaker-culture This is at least the third web article I’ve read on the subject of Jerry’s shoes. One article profiled the specific episode Jerry wore each specific Nike sneaker. I never knew he’d wore my all-time favorite Huarache running shoes.  

I had also noticed on Comedians in Cars Drinking Coffee that Jerry still wears the Nikes, but I’m not a fan of many of his current kicks. There are so many good looking Nikes out these days: several of the Nike Frees, the KD’s, the Kobes, but Jerry wears the Shox, which I dislike. Will has been binge watching Seinfeld on Netflix, so we can share the same obscure references. So you have that to look forward to with Beck.

I almost bought a pair of grey pair of low cut Kobes, but the heel was pink and the toe box was too tight.

Photos: Gattis hits 20th home run for Astros Former Braves player goes deep in August 25, 2015 game between the Astros and Yankees. Photos: Georgia Tech players in NFL uniforms Photos of Georgia Tech players in 2015 NFL training camps.

Cover Girl

I was right – Sports Illustrated did profile Elena Delle Donne – in the new August 24 issue (with Jason Heyward on the cover). Also good articles about the Cards, Speith's caddie, Day's PGA win, Randy Johnson, and the Ravens center/mathmetician.

Drove back last night and arrived before 11 pm. Lots of emails and texts and Facebook posts that had my mind clicking, so it was tough to get to sleep.

BUSY today but management is working to make things better. They've already added a fifth Beatle – a vet just back from Afghanistan.

Sold a pair of Sherrys, a pair of expensive clogs that didn't fit Ceil, and the Bo Jackson jersey. More shipping – my favorite thing!

My dad's nurse was the sister-in-law of former Bulldog / current PGA golfer Russell Henley.

Leftover chicken for lunch. Leftovers still at home: spaghetti, a little chili, and Friday's leftover burritos from El Porton. Perhaps tonight will be what we call "restaurant night."

Musings in Macon

Sunday: Did housework then drove down to Macon late Sunday afternoon. Went to bed at 9:45. Good thing, its been a long day today.

Left home at 8:55 and walked into the hospital at 9:30. My dad had some bloodwork done and we all waited around until he was taken back at 1:10. Took the doctor 1:45 to put in 5 stints, and he was back in the room at 3 pm.

He was moved to a regular room just after six, and he's scheduled to be released at 8 am.

I think some people argue so much because they so want to say what they think, to the point of not listening to what the other person is saying. Doesn't help that so many of us are hard of hearing. People voice opinions and ask questions and tell stories that could be completely unrelated - all long after the opportunity to apply said "advice" has passed (and often without bothering to do so in person). If I don't show up I shouldn't expect to have a voice in the decision.

So many people are so focused on themselves that they completely miss what's going on in the world around them. I know that's the case with me. People don't get certain needs met and then over-compensate in other areas. For me it's hoarding 175 bobbleheads. For someone else it might be having to have their own way instead of putting others ahead of themselves, as Jesus told us to do. Wait, that might be me as well.

I do such a poor job loving my neighbor (and family, and my Lord). I have no business posting Bible verses on social media instructing others to do something I'm failing at myself. As much of a hypocrite as I am, that would be even more so.