Draft Thoughts

Although Billy Knight denied the rumor yesterday, Andy Katz at ESPN is claiming that the deal is already done and the Hawks will take Cling-on Williams as the 5th pick in tonight's draft. He’s only 6-9, and won’t be able to guard centers so the best we can hope for is that he would overachieve and be a Haslem type who rebounds well and plays D. I don’t think he’s Elton Brand by any stretch, but he did perform in big games while at Duke. Williams is Duke's all-time leading rebounder and blocker and finished his career in the top 20 in NCAA history in both categories. He dominated in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 23.0 points, 15.0 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game in Duke's three contests. In addition, he held SEC player of the year Glen Davis to just 3-of-12 shooting and five rebounds in his final collegiate game.

By the way, the Hawks haven’t drafted an All-Star in 22 years. That seems impossible.

The NBA is now a guard dominated league. Most bigs have been demoted to role players who clean up glass and set high screens. Assuming the Hawks re-sign Harrington, I’d like to see the ATL team learn from their mistake last year and take a point guard:
1. Randy Foye
2. Marcus Williams
Personally, I like both of these guys and think they'll be successful in the league. Plus, the Hawks need someone to run this team and throw J. Smooth oops, right? If this means trading down for MARCUS Williams and acquiring some additional talent, cash, or picks, then even better.

All said, my prediction is that the Hawks will draft a mediocre swingman with a below average jump shot. So it looks like Rudy Gay, Thabo Sefolosha, or Rodney Carney.

Don't ask me why...I've just got a feeling.

Krazy Kevin Mitchell

There are a few things I remember about Kevin Mitchell...
1) He once caught a ball with his bare hand.
2) Learned to hit playing whiffle ball.
3) One of only 2 players I know that looked curve and adjusted to cheese.
And...
4) Lopped the head off his girlfriend's cat....allegedly

I hear this story all the time on the Rome show and it honestly gets better every time. I have no idea how true it is, especially cause it came from Mr. Blowcaine himself, Doc Gooden's autobiography. But certainly an enjoyable read.

"Drinking allowed me to commune with Darryl [Strawberry] and Kevin Mitchell, who was a funny, but very wild and sometimes very dangerous guy. I liked Mitch, but I knew better than to ever fuck with him. I'd heard stories about his background in San Diego, some of which included rumors that he'd hurt some people in gang-related violence. I don't know about that, but I got to witness, firsthand, Mitch's temper. I dropped by his house along with Meade Chassky, a card show-and-events entrepreneur with whom I became good friends over the years. Meade and I had had lunch at my house, and we decided to pay Mitch an unannounced visit. That was a mistake. When we got there, I realized Kevin was both drunk and angry, a dangerous combination. He was holding a twelve-inch knife in his hands, having an argument with his live-in girlfriend. Kevin was right in the girl's face, screaming at the top of his lungs. "I told you not to fuck with me, but you don't want to fuckin' listen to me, do you?" Mitch said. I saw this and started to turn around, but then Mitch wheeled on me and Meade. Now that we'd walked in, we were fair game.. "Sit the fuck down, the two of you. You're not going anywhere." He was serious. I could tell. I wouldn't have wanted Mitch mad at me without a knife. With it, all he had to do was say jump, and I'd say, How high? Somehow, Mitch got it in his head that Meade and I were being followed by the cops and they were outside, staking him out. So he told us to barricade the doors. We looked at him like he was crazy, which, at that moment, he was. "You think I'm kidding? Do what I tell you," Mitch shouted. Poor Meade; he was so scared, I swear he peed in his pants. I can't say I blamed him, either, because I was worried about how crazy Mitch might get. His temper was one thing; but that knife in his hand was another. I had no choice but to barricade the front door. We put a couch in front of it, then stacked two chairs on top of the couch. After that, Mitch ordered us to pull the blinds down on all the windows, then he ripped the phone out of the wall. Finally, I tried to plead with him. "Mitch, listen to me. It's okay, there's nobody out there," I said gently. "You calling me a liar, motherfucker?" he shouted. He met my eyes with a glaze so fierce, I had to look away. His girlfriend tried reasoning with Mitch, too. "Kevin, stop acting so crazy, these people are your friends," she said. With that, Mitch turned to her and raised his anger to yet another level. Still holding the knife in his right hand, he grabbed his girlfriend's little cat, who had the misfortune to be walking near his feet at that very moment. In one awful sweep of his hand, Mitch pulled the cat's head back, exposing its throat. "You think I'm kidding when I say don't ever fuck with me?" he shouted. Before the girl could answer, Mitch took the knife to the cat, and cut its head off. Clean. I was horrified by the sight: Mitch was still holding the cat's head in one hand, while the body dropped to the floor, blood pouring out from where the head once was, limbs still twitching. The girl was practically out of control, screaming so loud I'm shocked the cops didn't actually show up. Meade tried to run for the door, but Mitch wasn't about to become reasonable yet. "Sit the fuck down, Meade. You and Doc, sit down on that couch and don't move," he said. Considering he had a severed cat's head and a knife in his hands, he didn't get an argument from either one of us. We sat down. So did the girlfriend. And Mitch sat across from us, shooting darts at us with his eyes. Sort of like a modern-day Mexican standoff. We remained like this for almost two hours, no one saying a word, until Mitch finally started to nod off. He'd start to close his eyes, then open them quickly, almost like he was testing us. Finally, for some reason, the dark cloud over him moved on. Mitch half smiled and said, "You guys can go." We left, in about a half second, of course. The next day at the ballpark, I approached Mitch and asked, "You feeling okay?" Looking straight ahead, he said, "Yesterday never happened." And we never mentioned it again.

Big ups to the guy that bought the sponsorship to Mitchell's Baseball-reference.com page and put:

"DG's Cat sponsor(s) this page.

Steak knives and crack don't mix... I found out the hard way. "

Ball Inside: The Life of Sean Tracey

The real story here is the penetration of homosexuality in professional sports and in particular major league baseball. We've all heard the rumors of players pricking each other's bottoms in the training rooms, but now Sean Tracey has taken the next step. Tracey outted himself in front of thousands of baseball fans everywhere through his actions on the mound on Thursday night. There is no doubt in my mind that Guillen will soon face lawsuits from the ACLU and NGRA for his brash and insensitive treatment of Tracey. The crux of the case: "Is it right for a pitcher to be demoted to the minor leagues just for having a gay on for an opposing batsman?" i.e. Sean and Hank in Brokeback Diamond. This storyline will no doubt upset futball and golf fans as it dominates the headlines this weekend.

Our courageous young athletes are refusing to cry uncle to the "Old School." They give retribution and intimidation two thumbs down, and Queen fans everywhere rejoice.

Note to parents and little league coaches:
Please stop taking the kids out for ice cream when they lose. Don't tell them "nice try, you'll get 'em next time" unless they broke a bone on the play. No more timeouts...Walk It Off, Timmy!

I must be Old School because, frankly, this is all nausiating. In the words of Denis Leary,"Life sucks, get a f'n helmet." In the words of Ozzie Guillen, "Here's your bus ticket to Birmingham! Tell the Barons I said, 'Hola.'"

to Plunk or not to Plunk.....

I am torn on whether Guillen should have asked rookie Sean Tracey to hit Hank Blalock. He knew he'd be tossed and suspended, essentially using Tracey as his sacrificial lamb. But I do know 2 things....

1) If your manager asks you to dot a guy, for God's sake, dot that mofo!!!! It's not like he's an established veteran, he's a rookie getting a cup of coffee in the Bigs.

2) Please don't cry in the dugout. Just don't do it. Moises Alou and Jason Kendall had two of the nastiest injuries I've ever seen, with bones ripping through skin, and they didn't cry. Robin Ventura got pummelled by a old man and he didn't cry. He's really embarrassing himself.

Unless his goal was to lose the trust of his teammates and his manager while looking like a total Vagina. In that case, right on Sean!

Big Ben Update

Roethlisberger was in surgery for SEVEN hours yesterday as doctors worked to rebuild his face; however, the Steelers are already claiming that he'll be ready for camp. At this point, how can the team possibly know if he'll ever be able to play again, much less be in camp this year? I hate to speculate at this point, but you have to wonder if the bones and plates in his head will be strong enough to withstand an NFL hit, especially a blind side crack from a blitzing safety? Not to mention that the main eye witness told the press that Ben had severe damage to his eye in addition to the 9 inch laceration to the back of his head. We hope he has a full and swift recovery, but it just doesn't sound good at this point. Follow this LINK to pictures of the accident.

Roethlisberger in Motorcyle Accident

Big Ben is currently in surgery and his condition has been reported as seriousM but stable at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg after his motorcycle collided with car this morning near downtown. Ignoring advice from his coach, teammaters, and ex-Steeler Terry Bradshaw, Roethlisberger was riding through traffic and NOT wearing a helment when the accident occured. Witnesses told authorities that the QB's head hit the windshield of the car and was bleeding.

Moral of the Story: Maybe sometimes we should heed the advice of our experienced colleagues even if we don't always understand or agree. Especially when it comes in droves.

NASCAR's Newest Sponser

Dianetics, the book written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, is sponsoring a race team, “Ignite Your Potential” that will be on the NASCAR circuit. It is probably the oddest sponser since Boudreaux's Butt Paste, the diaper rash cream. Bodreaux's Butt Paste sponsered a Busch team last year.

Casey Mears to Hendrick?

Casey Mears has announced that he is leaving Ganassi in 2007 and he has his eye on the 25 car. Brian Vickers, the current driver, will leave Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the year.

"The possibility of going there is very, very appealing. I could list a ton of things from top to bottom, including Jeff (Gordon) and Jimmie (Johnson) being really good friends of mine and Rick Hendrick being a good friend of mine." said Mears. Other options include the Yates no. 88 car, which will be vacated by Dale Jarrett following this season, and Toyota. Jarrett will head to Toyota and Michael Waltrip Racing next year.

Hamlin Atop Pocono Pole

Rookie Denny Hamlin gets the pole at Pocono in his first visit. The Complete Field.

Atlanta Hawks

Here are the Atlanta Hawks' retired numbers:

9 Bob Petit, F, 1954-65 (1954-55 Milwaukee, 1955-65 St. Louis)
17 Ted Turner, team owner, 1977-2004
21 Dominique Wilkkins, F, 1983-94
23 Lou Hudson, F, 1966-77 (1966-68 St. Louis, 1968-77 Atlanta)
40 Jason Collier, F/C 2003-05

Personally I'm just glad they retired Ted Turner's 17. No one else would look right in that 17 jersey. He used to really "posterize" the Association with his dunks. But seriously, they retired it because his first station was channel 17. Where is the love for Jon Koncak?

The GT Beesball Team Wins Opener

Georgia Tech defeats C of Charleston 5-0. Blake Wood (6 2/3 inn) and Brad Rulon combined for a shut out. Jeff Kindel and Matt Weiters both cranked towering solo home runs and Mike Trapani goes 2-3. Despite the moon shots, the play of the day came when the injured Kindel threw an absolute strike from left field to nail the C of C baserunner at home plate.

-Blake Wood has not allowed an earned run in the last 13 2/3 innings in super regional play.
-Matt Wieters is 10 for 13 in the NCAA Tournament, with four home runs, eight runs batted in and has reached base safely in 17 of 20 plate appearances.
-Tech snapped Nick Chigges' 11-game winning streak and 25.2 scoreless innings pitched streak.

Regional Grades

CSTV's Eric Sorenson grades performances after the Regional round.

Athens Regional
1- Georgia: B
Nice recovery. It looked bleak there for a while, but the Dogs recover just in time. Studs came through deep in the pitching staff too. Josh Fields came up huge again with save No. 15.

Atlanta Regional

1- Georgia Tech: A

For a team I wasn't terribly impressed with two weeks ago, I'm terribly impressed now. Even facing Vandy's David Price was no prob. Gotta like GT's chances for Omaha.

H.S. Baseball's Top 50

Baseball America's High School Top 50.

With the season over for most schools, this is where the Georgia schools rank:
- 6. Lassiter HS, Marietta, Ga. 32-4
- 14. Starr's Mill HS, Fayetteville, Ga. 38-2
- 44. Greenbrier HS, Augusta, Ga. 35-1

Carson Palmer's Cornhole Classic

Mark your calendars!? On June 17, 2006 Carson Palmer will host the first annual Carson Palmer Cornhole Classic presented by Cincinnati Bell and Huntington Bank to benefit his new charity partner, Lighthouse Youth Services. I know you'll need it so for more information, contact Natalie Schwab with Lighthouse at 513-487-7109.

And for those who would like more information on the rules and etiquette, please consult www.playcornhole.org. According to the experts, the biggest reason to play Cornhole is that Cornhole "can be played anywhere and everyone can play Cornhole. Cornhole can be played anywhere - driveways, parks, backyard, campgrounds, beaches and even in-doors."

Sounds like Carson's got a real winner here.

Redacted Guy

This Grimsley thing reminds me a hell of alot of the Heidi Fleiss trial. I remember how nervous Chuck Sheen and I were when that went down, so I can relate to these players. Some very high profile players are being connected to it on www.deadspin.com and they are your not so surprising Raffy Palmeiro's, and Sammy Sosa's, and Miggy T.'s, but also the MLB home run leader, Albert Pujols. Interesting connection, but kinda a stretch.

Quote of the Day

"..no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. You won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." General George S. Patton

Today's quote of the day is dedicated to those two big, beautiful 500 lb. bombs that found their way into Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's safehouse on Wednesday evening.

World Cup Kicks Off

The month long World Cup gets underway today.
Costa Rica v. Germany: 12:00pm EDT
Ecuador v. Poland: 3:00pm EDT

The U.S. Men will play their first game on Monday (6/12) at 11:55 AM EDT vs. Czech Republic.

Astros 7, Braves 4

Chipper and Francoeur both go yard, but it's not enough as the Astro take the first game of the series in Houston 7-4. After their ninth 9th loss in 11 games, the Braves are now 8 games out of first and only a single game ahead of the Nationals. The only good news is that we could see Brian McCann back in the lineup tonight.

Super Regionals Start Today

Super Regionals are college baseball's version of the sweet sixteen. 16 Teams are involved in a "best of 3" series this weekend and the 8 winners advance to the World Series.

It starts today on ESPN with C of Charleston at GT (#8) @ 12:00.

South Carolina Visits UGA (#7) on Saturday @ 11:00 AM on ESPN2 to kick off their series

Preview from RamblinWreck.com for the GT baseball series.

Most National Seeds (top 8) in Last Four Years:
-Georgia Tech has been awarded four national seeds in the last four years, the most in the nation. Cal State Fullerton and Rice have three national seeds in that stretch, while Stanford, Nebraksa and Miami have earned two national seeds in the last four years.
-The Jackets won regionals in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

This Weekends Schedule with Gametracker to follow the games.

Baseball America previews this weekend's actions.

College Baseball Rewind: A 2001 article on Georgia Tech's Mark Teixeira.

Georgia Tech Tackle Football Preview

CSTV released their 2006 GT football preview Thursday.

GT projection: 10 - 2
UGA projection: 8 - 4

Ron Mexico, Jr.

In case you weren't aware, Nick Saban has actually signed Marcus Vick to a free agent contract with the Dolphins as a "wide receiver/quarterback/specialist," Left out Vick's position assignment were other talents including pistol brandishing, underage alcohol serving, reckless driving, marijuana possessing, statutory raping (allegedly), bird flipping, and defensive lineman leg cleating. No mention of his permanent expulsion from VaTech either. Good luck Dolphins. I'm sure he'll grow out of it real soon. They always do.

Entertainment Report

The world of hip hop was turned upside down as Crunchy Black has decided that it was just too damn hard out here for a pimp and departed from the Oscar Award winning Memphis-based trio, Three Six Mafia. Stay tuned for updates on Juicy J and DJ Paul.

If you are going to do something...

...you might as well be good at it.

The Hawks trail only the Golden State Warriors (12 in a row) in terms of the most consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance with seven in a row.

Two of my favorite quotes recently from the legend in his own mind, Billy Knight:

• “I go to all the practices and all the games, and I know more about it than anybody else knows.” Wow. Here's what I know. 26-56. Still no point gaurd. Still no center. Still nobody in the seats.
• “He’s better than I thought he was.” Again, wow. I know his contract was extended, but is that really the GM's endorsement of his head coach?

*New Feature*

We'll be starting a new feature on the ASB entitled:
If you're going to do something...you might as well be good at it.

Nats 5, Braves 2

Washington halts Atlanta's win streak at 1 game as Smoltz takes his second consecutive loss on Wednesday night. The Braves will embark on a road trip today after a disasterous 2-8 homestand against the Dodgers, Mariners, and the Nationals. The Braves, now in 3rd place in the East, will be looking for a change of fortune to go with the change of scenery as John Thompson (2-5, 4.65) faces Andy Pettite (4-7, 6.03) tonight at 8 p.m.

The Juice is Leaked!!!

According to our Phoenician friends with the Arizona Republic, Jason Grimsley has admitted use of steroids and amphetamines....allegedly. He also was granted his release by the D-Backs when the Feds caught him with packages of HGH at his house.....allegedly. If this is the end of the road to Grimsley's career, at least he'll always be remembered for stealing Albert/Joey Belle's bat back from the umpire room via the ceiling. Most intriguing is that JG turned over for the Feds and started naming names. They are currently blacked out in the affidavit seen here. This leads one to wonder, who is most likely to be behind those blacked out squares?

Former Teammates
5) Lenny Dykstra - Nails was dumb as rocks and was always hurt.
4) Albert/Joey Belle - No one can get that mad naturally.
3) Mitch Williams - Could Wild Thing be that wild without them?
2) Jose Canseco - the softball.
1) Juan Gonzalez - my lock. Never seen a player so rocked up that could launch freaking bombs get hurt so often doing aboslutely nothing.

Just cause they seem Juiced...allegedly
4) Vernon Wells - McGwire-esque complexion and looks like a LB in center.
3) Carlos Lee - Not so sure you can get to El Caballo size with just some free weights and protein shakes.
2) Roger Clemens - Never saw Hershiser throw a sawed off bat back at Piazza, and the Bulldog is intense.
1) Bret KaBoone - Rubber face and learned to jack 40 overnight.

All-Time Atlanta Braves Team

*All stats are only from when the players were in Atlanta.

1st Base came down to four candidates: Chris Chambliss, Gerald Perry, Fred McGriff, and Andres Galarraga. Chambliss and Perry were mainstays during the 80’s but they had lackluster numbers. Chambliss has played the most games at the position and consequently he has the second most total bases and RBI. However, Chris was never an All Star and had average numbers. He had a high of 20 homers in a season. Perry has the 2nd most games played and one All Star appearance, but again his numbers were just average. He hit .300 one full year and had a high of 12 home runs. Fred “Crime Dog” McGriff put up the highest offensive totals, won a ring, and went to 3 All Star games in 5 years but was not the best defensive 1st Baseman. Andres Galarraga had the best averages of the 4, played top-notch “D,” and had two All Star app., but he only played 2 years for Atlanta.

The Pick: Fred McGriff

1B Chris Chambliss 1980-1986
886 Games (G); 80 HR; 366 RBI; 1125 Total Bases (TB);
.345 OBP; .422 SLG; .272 AVG

1B Gerald Perry 1983-1989; 1 All*Star
643 G; 37 HR; 246 RBI; 768 TB
.337 OBP; .376 SLG; .270 AVG

*1B Fred McGriff 1993-97; 3 All*s;
636 G; 130 HR; 446 RBI; 1232 TB;
.369 OBP; .517 SLG; .293 AVG

1B Andres Galarraga 1998,2000; 2 All*s
294 G; 72 HR; 221 RBI; 590 TB;
.384 OBP; .562 SLG; .303 AVG


2nd Base also came down to four Braves: Felix Milan, Glen Hubbard, Mark Lemke, and Marcus Giles. Glenn Hubbard and Mark Lemke each played 10+ years with Atlanta. Glenn is the leader in many categories including total bases, but his .245 AVG hurts his chances. Mark Lemke is considered for two reasons: longevity and clutch performance in the playoffs. A .248 AVG and 0 All Star app. In 10 years leaves the “Lemmer” out of the mix though. Felix “The Cat” Milan on the other hand went to All Star games 3 out of 7 years and had 2 Gold Gloves. Add to that his .281 AVG with Atlanta and his resume is solid. On the downside, he had only a .319 OBP. The final candidate is current 2nd baseman Marcus Giles. His OBP, SLG, and AVG lead all four candidates and has been to one All Star game. He is also a sparkplug who keeps the team energized. He has the shortest tenure of the 4.

The Pick: Marcus Giles

2nd Felix Milan 1966-1972; 2 Gold Gloves (GG); 3 All*s
799 G; 14 HR; 221 RBI; 1086 TB;
.319 OBP; .349 SLG; .281 AVG

2nd Glenn Hubbard 1978-1987; 1 All*
1196 G; 64 HR; 403 RBI; 1411 TB;
.328 OBP; .351 SLG; .245 AVG

2nd Mark Lemke 1988-1997
1038 G; 32 HR; 263 RBI; 1025 TB;
.319 OBP, .327 SLG, .248 AVG

*2nd Marcus Giles 2001-current; 1 All*
589 G; 64 HR; 253 RBI; 992 TB;
.363 OBP; .455 SLG; .287 AVG


3rd Base has three candidates but only one stands out like A.C. Green at a brothel: Chipper Jones. Bob Horner and Terry Pendleton both have good credentials but they aren’t in Larry’s league. Horner played for Atlanta for nine years with a .278 AVG and an All Star appearance. TP was instrumental in the turnaround of the franchise starting in 1991, when he won MVP and he won a GG as a Brave. Chipper Jones also has an MVP (‘99) and he has five All Stars appearances. He played some in the outfield but most of his 12 year career has been on the hot corner. He has superior averages and totals at the position in almost every category.

The pick: Chipper Jones

3rd Chipper Jones 1993, 1995-current; ’99 MVP; 5 All*s
1695 G; 336 HR; 1140 RBI; 3288 TB
.401 OBP; .535 SLG; .303 AVG

3rd Terry Pendleton 1991-1994 1996; 91 MVP; 1 GG; 1 All*
593 G; 71 HR; 322 RBI; 1038 TB;
.327 OBP; .445 SLG; .287 AVG

3rd Bob Horner 1978-1986; 1 All*
960 G; 215 HR; 652 RBI; 1813 TB;
.339 OBP; .508 SLG; .278 AVG


Shortstop comes down to three guys: Rafael Ramirez, Jeff Blauser, and Rafael Furcal. Ramirez was an average player. He went to 1 All Star in his 8 Atlanta years and had over 1200 total bases as a Brave but his average was just that, average (.263). He also lacked power (37 HR). Blauser was another average shortstop. His had more power than Ramirez and while their averages were similar, at least Jeff took some walks (.355 OBP). Then there is Furcal, who offered similar averages to Blauser but he had the added dimension of speed (189 SB). Neither Furcal nor Blauser was an excellent defender, although Furcal has a first class arm.

The Pick: Rafael Furcal


SS Rafael Ramirez 1980-1987; 1 All*
927 G; 37 HR; 301 RBI; 1221 TB; 93 SB
.298 OBP; .345 SLG; .263 AVG


SS Jeff Blauser 1987-1997; 2 All*s
1184 G; 109 HR; 461 RBI; 1644 TB; 37 SB
.355 OBP; .415 SLG; .268 AVG

SS *Rafael Furcal 2000-2005; 1 All*
817 G; 57 HR; 292 RBI; 1331 TB; 189 SB;
.348 OBP; .409 SLG; .284 AVG


The catcher spot has a clear cut choice: Javy Lopez. Javy put up good offensive numbers for a catcher in his 12 seasons with Atlanta and went to three All Star games. The other candidates are Bruce Benedict and Joe Torre. BB also put in 12 years work and he tallied 2 All Star selections. Torre was very productive in his three years with Atlanta, but only playing 3 years counts against him.

The Pick: Javy Lopez

C Joe Torre 1966-1968; 2 All*s
393 G; 66 HR; 678 TB;
C Bruce Benedict 1978-1989; 2 All*s
982 G; 18 HR; 260 RBI; 860 TB;
.320 OBP; .299 SLG; .242 AVG;

C *Javy Lopez 1992-2003; 3 All*s
1156 G; 214 HR; 694 RBI; 2008 TB;
.337 OBP; .502 SLG; .287 AVG


Outfield is the easiest position to fill. Hank Aaron spent 9 of his 23 years in Atlanta. In those 9 years he went to 9 All Star games, making the all-time HR king the easy choice at RF. CF is manned by the 7 time Gold Glove winner, Andruw Jones. Oh yeah, he also can provide plenty of power. He led the league with 51 HRs last year and has been to 4 All Star games. And the 11th year vet is only 29, at least that is the listed age. Left field goes to Dale Murphy, another no-brainer. He brings 2 MVPs, 5 Gold Gloves, and 7 All Star games to the table. Other OFs of note include Ralph Garr, Felipe Alou, Rico Carty, Dave Justce, and Ron Gant.

The Picks: Murphy, Andruw Jones, Aaron


LF *Dale Murphy 1976-1990; 2 MVPs; 5 GGs; 7 All*s
1926 G; 371 HR; 1143 RBI; 3394 TB
.351 OBP; .478 SLG; .268 AVG

CF *Andruw Jones 1996-current 7 GGs; 4 All*s;
1508 G; 315 HR; 947 RBI; 2763 TB
.343 OBP; .504 SLG; .268 AVG

RF *Hank Aaron 1966-1974 9 All*s


With starting pitching there are four guys who are more prominent than everyone else.: Phil Niekro, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Greg “Mad Dog” Maddux. Niekro is in the Hall of Fame and Maddux and Glavine will join him for sure, with Smoltzie having a good chance also. After those four the numbers drop of significantly. John Smoltz gets the Closer spot as well as a starting spot. He holds the club record for saves (154) and was dominant during his 3 year stint in the bullpen. He had a 1.12 ERA in 2003.

The Picks: Starters: Niekro, Glavine, Smoltz, Maddux, Millwood

Closer: John Smoltz


*Phil Niekro RHP 1966-1983 5 GG; no hitter; 4 All*s
316 W – 274 L; 3.20 ERA

*John Smoltz RHP 1988-current 1 Cy 96; 7 All*s
181 W – 131 L; 3.27 ERA

*Greg Maddux RHP 1993-2003; 3 Cy’s; 10 GGs; 7 All*s;
194 W – 88 L; 2.63 ERA

*Tom Glavine LHP 1987-2002; 2 Cy’s 91,98; World Series MVP; 8 All*s
242 W – 143 L; 3.37 ERA

*Kevin Millwood RHP 1997-2002; 1 All*
75 W – 46 L; 3.73 ERA


25 Man Roster

Linup:
1. SS Raffy Furcal
2. 2B Marcus Giles
3. 3B Chipper Jones
4. RF Hank Aaron
5. LF Dale Murphy
6. CF Andruw Jones
7. 1B Fred McGriff
8. C Javy Lopez
9. P Greg Maddux

Bench
C Bruce Benedict
SS Jeff Blauser
2B Felix Milan
OF Dave Justice
OF Ralph Garr

Rotation:
1. RHP Greg Maddux
2. RHP Phil Niekro
3. LHP Tom Glavine
4. RHP John Smoltz
5. RHP Kevin Millwood

Closer: RHP John Smoltz

Bullpen:
RHP Gene Garber
RHP Mark Wholers
LHP Mike Remlinger
RHP Steve Bedrosian
RHP Kerry Ligtenburg
LHP Mike Stanton

Manager: Bobby Cox 1978-1981; 1990-current

Braves 5, Nationals 3

Horacio Ramirez went eight innings allowing the three Nat runs. Langerhans got on three times and scored twice. Andruw provided 2 hits including a solo shot in the 8th. Ken Ray closed the game with a perfect 9th. Losing streak halted at 5.

Also, NL batting leader Brian McCann pinch hit yesterday in Rome. After his first test since the injury, McCann stated that he's not 100% yet and may still be a little shaky sitting back on that right ankle waiting on change ups and breaking balls, but he hopes to rejoin the team in the Houston series.

Stat of the Day

In the NCAA Baseball Regionals this past weekend, Georgia Tech catcher, 1B, DH, and closer Matt Wieters got on base 14 of the 15 times he stepped into the box including 2 home runs on Sunday night in the championship game against Vanderbilt.

"He's like a pro hitter," Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said. "He is not going to chase and when he gets his pitch, he is going to do something with it. ... That kid is a Major Leaguer."

For the season, Wieters has played in all 64* games batting .354 with 13* HRs and 67* RBI while registering 53* walks. He also chalked up 7* saves on the mound.

*leads team

Fact of the Day

Chuck Norris has to maintain a concealed weapon license in all 50 states in order to legally wear pants.

Dumb Jock

There are some dumb athletes out there. Immediately coming to mind is my boy Pedro Guerrero. Now Pete could swing it, a career 300 hitter, but he wasn't exactly Mensa material. He was also the worst slider I've ever seen in my life, never seen a guy nearly shatter his ankle so many times, but I digress. So after he retires, he's looking for something to do so he tries playing pepper with the kids, placing blown bubbles on his wife's head and giving the neighbors "hotfoots", but that gets old, so he does what any sensible person would do, he gets involved in drug trafficing. So being the genius he is, Pete tells an undercover agent that he would guarantee payment for $200K worth of coke. He's screwed right? WRONG! He gets acquitted of drug conspiracy charges, cause his lawyer argues that his IQ is so low he couldn't possible understand he agreed to the deal! We start find out crazy facts like Pete can't make his own bed or write a check. And he's so dumb that his wife has to give him a small weekly allowance. Dude has an IQ of 70...yeah...70!!!!!! Pete for many many years has stood triumphiantly atop my list of dumbest athletes. However the last week or so a couple young bucks have begun to challenge. And they are........

Fred Rouse, former WR, FSU
Guy got kicked off the FSU football team. That should be enough right there, cause thats DAMN hard to do. But he and a buddy decide to break into the house of current Nole Lorenzo Booker to steal a TV and other various knicknacks. He gets caught and arrested, of course, and has ecstasy on him, whoops! And this is the kicker, "among the items investigators found at Booker's home was a wide receivers glove with "1," Rouse's former jersey number, stitched into the inside of it. The glove had been left under a color television that had been thrown onto the floor."

AJ Nicholson, LB, Bengals
So who was Rouse's buddy? None other than AJ, who recently was drafted. You can't afford a TV after you just got drafted??? You are a professional athlete!!! Yikes! AJ has had some other recent brain farts including raping a woman in Miami before the Orange Bowl...allegedly. In college he once had to be subdued by cops with a taser when he was drunk and hiding in the bushes. Thats pretty funny AJ, you and Chris Henry will get along great.

While these 2 contenders are undoubtedly dumb jocks, they are no Pete Guerrero, merely wannabes. But keep up the work Rouse and AJ, don't quit dreaming! Congrats Pete, you are still the man!

Quote of the Day

Roger Clemens on Jose Canseco: "When you're under house arrest & you have ankle bracelets on, you have a lot of time to write a book."

Sports Terminology Dictionary

In response to a recent comment by pre-nut, we'll be introducing a sports terminology dictionary to the site. We're still working on the appropriate formatting for this feature, but let's go ahead and get started via comments on this post.

Happy Costner n. Similar to the "happy ending" except that the customer must perform a sexual act on him or herself while the masseuse watches from a distance. "The ad says $100 for a massage from a hot foreign girl, but for an extra $20 you can give yourself a 'happy Costner' while she watches."

Slump buster n. Defined by Mark Grace as the 'fattest, gnarliest chick you can uncover, & you lay the wood to her.' More traditionally defined as an unattractive woman sought by a man for sexual relations in order to improve his sports-playing abilities or his involuntarily inactive sex life. "If it weren't for that slump buster with the bear claw back in '98, I'd still be playing AA ball."

The Big Siesta n. Knoxville Noise and former Georgia Tech center, Theodis Tarver, also The Big Sleepy or The Big Hookah
"The Big Siesta makes me miss Eddie Electric."

The Postman Delivers His Package in Baltimore

Cal Ripken is at the center of one of the wildest sports conspiracy theories of all time. This one has achieved urban legend status and caused actor Kevin Costner to go on a radio show and discuss it.

As the story goes, Ripken allowed Costner to stay at his house following the wrap of The Postman. On Aug. 14, 1997, he came home to find Costner in bed with Ripken's wife, Kelly. Ripken and Costner fought, leaving Ripken too hurt to play, so he called Baltimore Orioles management and reported that he wouldn't be at that evening's game against Seattle.According to the rumors, management, not wanting to see Ripken's consecutive-game streak broken, concocted an "electrical failure" at Camden Yards that enabled them to postpone the game.Because a lighting problem did cause cancellation of the game that night, the rumor spread, despite denials by all parties involved. Costner even called Fox Sports Radio in June 2001 after hearing several talk show hosts discuss it. He angrily denied it and told the hosts if they continued to talk about it as fact, "I'll take your heads off."Like Costner, not everyone is amused by sports conspiracy theories. In addition, several long-time Orioles fans claim with no equivocation that this story is absolutely true and that Ripken somehow threatened the media with eternal silence if they ran the story.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. That may be the most interesting sports-related conspiracy of all time. You not only have an amazing sex scandal involving an All-star baseball player and an overrated actor, but in case that didn't pique your interest, please toss in a cover up of America's most precious sports record.

Now I absolutely love this story, but I have a few questions.

1. Why would Costner need to stay at Cal’s house? I doubt anyone was fighting over seats at the Waterworld premier, but you'd think he could still afford a hotel room for a night or two just off of Robinhood alone, right? Also, we now know that he enjoys a good hotel massage: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-2151228,00.html
2. I don't think Ray Kinsella could have done something like that. Crash Davis, maybe. If you leave Costner alone with your wife, he will come.
3. If you are Cal Ripken, how do you possibly let a (naked?) Costner hurt you in a fight. It is your house. You know where the weapons are. He is in bed with your wife. You are angry. He is either horny or tired. You should pummel this guy no questions asked. You are supposed to be the iron man of professional sports. By anyone's account, Costner is a cookie-dough eating, ascot wearing wuss. Cal, I dare you to name a softer leading man in Hollywood than Costner? The only conclusion I can draw from this absurd scenario is that Cal got his FEELINGS hurt and didn't want to play baseball that day. This is obviously the only logical answer and I'll consider this piece of the puzzle solved.

To me, there is one key aspect of this conspiracy: the electrical failure. Have you ever in your entire life heard of ANY sports event CANCELLED because of lighting difficulties. I've personally witnessed a significant lighting failure at a college baskeball game. However, the game was merely delayed 20 minutes, illumination was restored, and the game was played. This was a COLLEGE arena and we were playing ball in 20 minutes. Are you telling me that nobody in Baltimore could get the lights back on at Camden Yards for a professional baseball game? Thousands of ticket holders turned away? They would have been better off to just run the Mariners bus off the road on the way to the stadium if they wanted to cancel the game and keep the truth from us. Personally, I'm insulted.

All American (born) White NBA Team

1: Kirk Hinrich, Jason "White Chocolate" Williams
2: Wally Szczerbiak, Luke Ridnour, Mike Dunleavy
3: Matt Harpring, Mike Miller, Luke Walton
4: Troy Murphy, Scott Pollard
5: Brad Miller, Chris Kamaan

Kelly Johnson Out For the Year

Kelly Johnson, 24, had surgery performed on his elbow Thursday and is out for the year. He hit .241 for the Braves last year with 9 HRs. LF is being handled this year by Ryan Langerhans and the red hot Matt Diaz.

Diamondbacks 2, Braves 1

Horacio Rameriez pitches another strong game (7inn; 3H; 2R; 0ER; 5BB; 1K) but the Dbacks take advantage of his fielding error. As a defensive player, Rameriez can make some terriffic plays but on Thursday night his decision to go to second base after bobbling the ball on a bunt proved costly. Both runs for the Dback were unearned. Andruw Jones did his part with three hits including a solo home run in the 9th inning. Former Brave Juan Cruz pitched a gem (7inn.; 5H; 1BB; 0R; 1K) against his former team. Cruz started the year in the pen which is where he worked for the Braves, but has come on strong as a starter with 14 straight scoreless innings. He was traded to Oakland in the Tim Hudsun deal.

-Arizona CF Eric Byrnes (.325) now has a 15 game hitting streak.
-Attendance: 23,376